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8 best washing machines, as tested by families
Behind every happy household is a workhorse of a washing machine holding it all together, so finding the right one for you and your family's needs is essential. Here are the best buys for every budget.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Apr 24, 2024
As a daily essential, choosing the best washing machine for your household is very important. When selecting a laundry appliance with the aim of making your life easier, whether it's the best dehumidifier or an efficient tumble dryer, it can be overwhelming with so many different models and types to choose from; you'll want to know exactly what you are looking for. That's why it's worth taking the time to consider your needs, budget, and essential features before starting your research:
Drum size: if you have a large family, the best washing machine for you will have a larger drum of 9 or 10kg. For smaller families, a smaller drum is more cost-efficient.
Energy rating: given the current cost of living crisis, you may want to focus more on energy efficiency as this will have an impact on your bills long-term. In this case, go for a washing machine with an excellent 'A' energy rating.
Features: most modern washing machines have a number of extra features, but they'll vary from one machine to the next. If an anti-allergy steam function, delicates wash or super-speedy quick-wash is on your wishlist, be sure to check.
Budget: like any large appliance, a washing machine is likely to be a big investment for your family. Our round-up aims to balance quality with value, so you can get the very best washing machine for your money.
Whatever your needs, we're all pursuing the same ultimate goal: making that seemingly bottomless pile in your laundry basket a little more manageable.
The washing machines on this page are our pick of the crop for 2024. If you're looking for more of the best integrated washing machines, or our favourite budget washing machines, then we have separate buyers' guides that take more of a deep dive. The same goes for those of you searching for the best washer dryer.
How we tested
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We’ve done over a hundred of hours of research and testing to help make the wonderful world of washing machines a bit more straightforward. Using our triple-check verification process to create an honest, balanced and detailed guide, we:
Collated tried and tested washing machine recommendations from Mumsnet users, the UK's largest network of parents.
Sourced honest consumer reviews from a variety of popular retail sites.
Analysed lab test results from trusted sources, such as consumer champion Which?
Conducted our own in-depth, at-home testing with families to bring you the best washing machines for every need, budget and laundry pile.
You may also want to check out our comprehensive guides to the best laundry detergents, the best laundry detergents for babies, the best steam irons, the best rotary washing lines, and the best clothes pegs - just to make sure you cover all bases.
Best washing machines - editor's pick
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Samsung Series 5+ WW90T554DAN/S1 with AddWash™
Energy efficient
Excellent features and programmes with smart technology
AddWash™ drawer for adding items after a wash has started
StayClean technology to rinse away any detergent build-up
Five-year warranty on parts and labour, built to last
Quiet mark certified
Samsung’s SmartThings app can be difficult to connect the first time you use it
Pricey
Price: £479 | Spin speed: 1400 rpm | Capacity: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Spin performance: B | Number of programs: 22 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: Yes | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.49 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 50 litres
Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Samsung Series 5+ washing machine review
If you're looking for a reliable washing machine for family life, you can't go wrong with the Samsung Series 5+ WW90T554DAN/S1 with AddWash™. Mumsnet users who have tested the brand's machines particularly rate the ecobubble™ range - an efficient feature that combines the perfect amount of water with your best laundry detergent for effective cleaning - and we love its comprehensive five-year warranty, quiet wash cycles and time-saving choice of programmes.
Alongside these standout features, we've chosen this model for our top spot thanks to its impressive 'A' energy efficiency rating. As well as being one of the cheaper and more affordable options in the ecobubble range, this machine is cost-effective to run and a great eco buy, saving you money on your energy bill whilst also being better for the environment than machines with a lower rating.
Tech lovers will also be thrilled to discover the easy-to-use smart controls via Samsung’s SmartThings app, making it an ideal choice if you're looking to schedule washes on the go, although some may find that this function is more of a gimmick rather than a dealbreaker.
Our tester Laura says, "The SmartThings app uses AI to conveniently monitor energy consumption and cost so that I can see exactly what I’m spending. As an example, a 26-minute Quick Wash at 30°C with three rinses and a spin speed of 1,200 rpm used 0.20 kWh of energy and cost me 7p to run. It also emitted 54g of carbon emissions, which is at the lower end of the scale compared to most washing machines."
Families will appreciate the ultra-quiet Digital Inverter Motor that won’t disturb you in an open-plan kitchen and its convenient 15-minute quick wash programme – perfect for when your kids remind you it’s PE tomorrow just as they crawl into bed. There's also a handy 'Hygiene Steam' cycle that removes up to 99.9% of bacteria and other invisible nasties from clothing, perfect to pair with the best laundry detergent for babies for those inevitable messes.
The major highlight though is the handy AddWash™ drawer that allows you to add forgotten items like underwear and socks after a cycle has started.
Related: The best fabric softeners for great-smelling washing
Hisense WFQP9014EVM Freestanding 9 KG Washing Machine
Great price
Super quiet
15-minute quick wash
No delicate or handwash cycle, only cool
C energy rating
Price: £269 | Spin speed: 1400 rpm | Capacity: 9kg | Energy rating: C | Spin performance: B | Number of programs: 15 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: No | Hand wash: No | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.65 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 42 litres
When your washing machine breaks, it's rarely at a convenient time, and sometimes a budget washing machine is in order. This one from Hisense is the best we've found - Mumsnetters rate the brand really highly, and we're impressed with the performance of this basic but high-quality 9kg machine.
Priced at under £300, the Hisense WFQP9014EVM has 15 wash cycles - fewer than others, but it covers most bases. It doesn't have a delicates or handwash option, but it does have a wool cycle and a cool 20 degree wash for any delicate items.
As well as being a bargain, it's also exceptionally quiet, which is a real bonus. With a generous 9kg drum it's big enough for most families, and has plenty of handy extras like a child lock, delay start timer and steam function.
Beko RecycledTub WTK104121 10kg Washing Machine
Tub is made from recycled bottles
Ultra-quick wash cycles
Quiet
Not as energy efficient as 'A' rated models
Fairly basic machine
Price: £328 | Spin speed: 1400rpm | Capacity: 10kg | Energy rating: B | Spin performance: B | Number of programs: 15 | Wool wash: No | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: Yes | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.59kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 52 litres
Despite what some people believe, cheap doesn’t always mean low quality; the Beko WTL94151W washing machine is proof of that. A brand loved by Mumsnet users (they also feature as a pick on our best washer-dryer page) and product review sites for their affordable prices, reliability and a decent range of features, Beko has excelled with this appliance.
Thanks to the practical settings and 15 different programmes, we think it's the best 10kg washing machine to buy, and the fact that it's under £350 is a real bonus. We're impressed with the quick wash that cleans a large load in just 28 minutes, ideal for last-minute school uniform washes on a Sunday night or quick-thinking stain removal.
However, by far, our favourite design feature is that up to 10% of the drum is made from recycled plastic bottles so that you can feel a little smug about your eco-friendly purchase.
That said, with a B energy rating, it isn’t as energy efficient as some models, which you’ll need to factor into your energy bill, although we think it's a pretty decent energy rating for the price. All in all, it is a great low-budget all-rounder for large loads with a big thumbs up from previous customers.
Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BEKO RecycledTub WTK104121 10kg Washing Machine review
Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB
Trusted brand rated by Mumsnet users and reviewers
Quick, quiet and efficient
Has a range of convenient programmes and features
Built to last with the benefit of a five-year warranty
The initial cost is expensive
Less energy efficient than a freestanding model
Price: £799 | Dimensions: H81.8 x W59.6 x D54.4cm | Energy rating: C | Max capacity: 8kg | Max spin speed: 1400RPM | Noise level: 66dB (spin) | Programmes: 14
Bosch usually earn a place our top laundry appliance lists because both Mumsnetters and customer reviewers love Bosch washing machines. They’re a company with an outstanding reputation for well-built, practical and plumber-approved machines, and the Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB is no exception as our best integrated washing machine.
Previous customers across multiple retailers rated it highly as "first class" and "a beautiful washing machine" (high praise indeed!). It has excellent time-saving programmes and features any family will appreciate, like its SpeedPerfect sensor that will make a cycle up to 65% faster, and its SuperQuick 15-minute programme that’ll speed through any last-minute outfit panics. Aside from being extremely practical and family-friendly, it comes with Bosch’s Ecosilence Drive as standard, which means that you should be able to have your washing machine spinning and hold a movie night in your living room without any problems hearing the dialogue.
Other noteworthy features include its 8kg drum capacity, reload function for dropped socks, customisable fabric care settings and VarioDrum that’ll protect even your most delicate pieces of clothing. It's no wonder this machine is on the top of everyone’s wishlist, and maybe that’s why it can sometimes be tricky to get hold of - fortunately, it's currently in stock.
Read next: Best tumble dryer balls for fast and efficient clothes drying
‘A’ energy rating
Eco setting for optimum energy efficiency and performance
Low water consumption per cycle
10-year guarantee on parts
1600rpm spin speed can be loud
Machine will start a wash even if door isn’t closed properly
Price on writing: £379 | Spin speed: 1600 rpm | Capacity: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Spin performance: B | Number of programmes: 14 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: Yes | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.49 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 46 litres
Affordable and energy-efficient, with a large enough drum capacity for a medium-sized family, the Hoover H-Wash 500 is the best mid-range washing machine to buy right now.
Its Eco setting helps to reduce energy consumption and costs, and it uses less water per cycle than most washing machines on the market.
The 1600rpm spin speed successfully cuts down drying times if you don't have heated clothes airer or tumble dryer, however it's louder on this setting than we'd like. Our tester Izzy says, "You wouldn’t be able to have a phone call in the same room while it's spinning at 1600rpm. If the sound could be reduced that would be a great improvement."
Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Hoover H-Wash 500 washing machine review
Affordable mid-budget price
Excellent range of features and programmes
Quiet
It's touch-sensitive
Price on writing: £599 | Spin speed: 1400rpm | Capacity: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Spin performance: B | Number of programmes: 14 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: Yes | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.49 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 48 litres
The Bosch brand has an excellent reputation for creating white goods that are reliable and easy to use, and Mumsnet users who have tested their washing machines agree. We think the Bosch Series 6 is a great all-rounder that is perfect for families.
Available to buy at a fairly reasonable price, it is quiet, efficient, and has an excellent range of programmes and settings. In particular, many reviewers specifically love the anti-vibration and EcoSilence drive which keeps the volume so low, perfect if you have an open-plan living space or don't want to wake your little one in their crib.
Built to withstand the laundry demands of most families, it has a large 9kg VarioDrum that’ll give your clothes a gentle but thorough wash and an anti-stain option which promises to remove even the most stubborn stains from your fabrics. We love the handy reload function too - it lets you add missed clothes during a wash cycle, perfect for things like socks that always seem to escape en route to the machine.
With an 'A' energy rating, the Bosch Series 6 also claims to save the planet and your purse simultaneously, and could save you up to £610 over its lifetime. However, just be aware that this model is touch-sensitive, so selecting the right cycle or programme can be tricky.
Read next: Skip the iron with our pick of the best clothes steamers
Hotpoint NM111046WDAUKN 10kg Washing Machine
Trusted brand
Large drum size
A energy rating
No handwash cycle
Price on writing: £419 | Spin speed: 1400rpm | Capacity: 10kg | Energy rating: A | Spin performance: B | Number of programmes: 15 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: No | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.51 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 52 litres
Another highly-rated and trusted brand, Hotpoint has many fans on the Mumsnet forums. This 10kg model is under £450, has an A energy rating, and can wash a small load in 30 minutes flat.
You can even add stray socks or other forgotten items to the wash once its started, which is always useful. It has a child lock, anti-allergy steam function and anti-stain cycle - all of which come in handy with kids around.
Thanks to it energy-efficient design, it'll save you a whopping £523 in energy bills over its lifetime. At £419 to buy, that means it'll eventually pay for itself when compared to a more energy-hungry washing machine.
Related: The best heated clothes airers, as recommended by Mumsnetters
Express 20 cycle cleans clothes in 20 minutes
Pre-ironing feature to smooth out clothes after washing
Quiet Mark certified with an ‘A’ noise rating
AddLoad function allows you to add items mid-way through a wash
Pricey
Spin rating only at a ‘B’
Detergent drawer is hard to clean
Price: £1,199 | Spin speed: 1400rpm | Capacity: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Spin performance: B | Number of programs: 12 | Wool wash: Yes | Delicate wash: Yes | Hand wash: Yes | Energy consumption per cycle: 0.49 kWh | Water consumption per cycle: 48 litres
Tested in a four-person household, the Miele W1 WSG363 and its large 9kg drum suits families very well. With 12 different programmes, including an Express 20 cycle that washes your clothes in as little as 20 minutes, this washing machine is both versatile and effective.
It cleans, rinses and spins well, getting rid of tough stains after only one wash cycle. Our tester Maaike praised the machine's QuickPowerWash function, which performs a very short, high energy-efficient wash on small loads at either 40 or 60 degrees and left her laundry exceptionally clean.
With an 'A' energy rating, the Miele W1 WSG363 is one of the most energy-efficient washing machines on the market, using just 0.49kWh of energy per cycle. Maaike says, "Energy efficiency was one of the top priorities for me when it came to buying a washing machine, and the Miele does not disappoint."
It's also very quiet thanks to the ProfiEco motor, with a 48dB noise reading for a typical wash cycle - great news if you work from home.
The downsides? The drawer can be tricky to clean due to Miele's CapDosing system, so there can be some detergent build-up. The machine is also expensive, so won't suit you if you're on a budget. However we think the performance alone is worth the hefty price tag.
Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Miele W1 WSG363 washing machine review
Read next: Best tumble dryer balls for fast and efficient clothes drying
More of the best washing machines: tried and tested
We have a new Haier and it is so so quiet. Never known anything like it. It was advertised as the quietest machine on the market and I just thought 'yeah yeah bet it isn't that great", but you barely even notice it is on. Even on full spin.
Haier
HW80-B14979S
£499 from AOI have an LG it's the best washing machine I've had and yes it sings a happy tune 😄
My last machine lasted 20+ years. Until it died, I never spent a penny on maintenance, and it was faultless. It was Miele and I've replaced with same brand.
Miele
WEG665
What should I look for in a washing machine?
Buying a new washing machine is an investment that requires you to weigh your budget against the features you need and want. Here is our list of the primary considerations you will need to think about when choosing the right washing machine for your family.
Budget - Everyone’s personal circumstances are different, and washing machines can vary in price from £200 to £2,000 depending on the brand and the features it includes. You’ll need to know how much you can afford to spend on the machine and your energy bills over a year.
Drum size - Consider how many washes a week you usually do and what kinds of loads you wash. Most families can comfortably get by on a 7kg to 8kg drum washing machine, although larger-capacity machines let you wash more at once, saving time. Larger machines also often include special programmes for bulky items, such as curtains and duvets.
Energy efficiency - Most manufacturers nowadays are conscious of environmental issues and have added features in recent years to reduce the amount of electricity and water their washing machines use. The energy efficiency scale was revised in March 2021, and appliances are now given an energy rating from A to G – A is the most energy efficient.
Noise - If you have an open-plan living space or you want to run your washing at night, then you should consider the noise levels when choosing a machine. Consider the average volume of the machine’s wash and spin cycles, measured in decibels (dB). Anything below 50dB will be quiet enough. For ultra-quiet machines, look out for models with new technology, like brushless or inverter motors and anti-vibration systems.
Maximum spin speed - The higher the spin RPM (rotations per minute), the faster the drum turns and the drier the clothes are at the end of the cycle. This means they will dry faster on your washing line. Most washers have an RPM of either 1200 or 1400, but some go up to 1600. It's worth noting, though, the faster the spin, the noisier it may be.
Display functions - No one wants to spend hours deciphering icons and figuring out what each wash programme means, so we’d recommend going for a machine that’s not too difficult to use. You want to be able to select the right wash cycle for the fabrics, how long it takes, and the temperature.
Freestanding or integrated? - A freestanding washing machine is one you just plug in and use, as long as it's connected to a drain. An integrated washing machine that connects to your kitchen unit can be trickier to install and remove. Freestanding machines are the most common, so when you're looking for a new one, you'll have more choices.
Safety - While all washing machines will follow the same safety directive, there are additional safety features that might be helpful to you, particularly if you have children in your household. Watching a wash go round and round can be more interesting (apparently) than Bing, so child locks on your machine are a must. The good news is lots of machines come with safety features, including overflow and leak prevention which help prevent accidents or floods.
What energy rating should my washing machine be?
Now, more than ever, consumers are concerned about the energy efficiency rating of household appliances, which not only determines how much energy and water they consume but how much they cost to run too.
Since the rating scales were changed, the energy efficiency ratings are much easier to understand. The scale now runs from A - G, with the A being the most energy efficient. The new 'A' rating is quite hard to achieve, so many good machines will still have an energy rating of 'B' and 'C', encouraging brands to work harder towards achieving the gold standard.
It’s worth mentioning that some retailers are still showing the old grading system, so you may see some when shopping that still refer to A++ and A+++ ratings.
Is it worth buying a Wi-Fi-connected machine?
Whilst it’s certainly a luxury rather than an essential feature, Wi-Fi-connected washing machines are growing in popularity. Controllable via a smartphone app, you can remotely set a delayed start on your machine when away from home, allowing the cycle to finish just as you walk through the door after a day at work. You can also be sent notifications that advise when the cycle is finished, which can be convenient and leave you free to get on with your day.
Probably the most helpful part of a Wi-Fi-connected machine is troubleshooting – alerting you instantly if your machine needs a maintenance cycle or if a fault has been discovered.
Which washing machine should I buy?
We think the best washing machine currently available in the UK is the Samsung Series 6 WW90T684DLN. Quiet, energy efficient and with a large size drum capacity, it’ll make quick work of any laundry pile. Other good washing machine brands to invest in are Miele and Bosch.
How to maintain a washing machine
The average washing machine should last a minimum of five years, with many lasting much longer, to around ten years. Ultimately, however, as with any household appliance, the amount of use your washing machine endures will determine its overall lifespan – you may wish to take out extended guarantees if you live in a large household where the machine will run more often than not.
To keep your machine running at its best, there are some basic maintenance tasks you can do:
Run a regular service/cleaning cycle using a high-quality washing machine cleaner to remove any bacteria or mould that may have built up in the machine
Clean the rubber seal to prevent the build-up of dirt or grime
Clean and wipe the detergent draw and compartments
Drain and clean your washing machine filter
Further top tips include:
Leave your washing machine door open when not in use to let it dry out (this helps to avoid mould growth)
Avoid overloading your machine
Measure your laundry detergent (too much can increase build-up, which leads to bad smells)
Is it worth fixing a washing machine?
Well, that depends. We'd recommend asking a plumber or repairman to come out to help you decide. In some cases, the repair could be too costly, or multiple faults could mean your washing machine has officially given up. Other times, it could be something small and easily fixable that extends its lifespan for half of what you would pay for a new one!
How many years should a washing machine last?
Answers vary, but the general consensus is that a washing machine should last you anywhere between five to 10 years. However, some have been known to last 20+ years! To make it last longer, ensure you clean it regularly, balance your loads and have regular maintenance checks.
How we chose the best washing machines
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnetters (sadly) spend a LOT of time tackling the never-ending laundry pile, so they were a great place to start when getting recommendations for the best washing machine. We scoured the forums to find out which brands and ranges they tried, trusted and recommended as the best washing machines.
We also considered any negative reviews, where Mumsnetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, difficult to use or failed to provide quick and efficient wash programmes.
Expert opinions
Then we took our very long list and compared it against the opinion of cleaning experts, consumer champions and product review sites, and other news media. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning, well-regarded products in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best washing machines on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, AO.com, Currys and John Lewis to get broader consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a freelance editor for Mumsnet, with a special focus on home care content. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021 and now specialises in floor care and laundry content, writing buyer’s guides, cleaning tips and testing products herself to help parents and families make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.
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