Washing machines are a workhorse appliance - constantly on the go, cleaning everything from duvets and delicates to jeans and workwear. An essential for busy family life, you’ll want to find a high-quality, reliable model that's the best washing machine for your household’s washing needs and can be used for many years to come.
Whether you’re after a WiFi-enabled smart machine, allergy-friendly features, crease-proof washing or speedy cycles, read on for our guide of the best washing machines that’ll make laundry day less of a chore.
The best washing machines to buy in the UK
Montpellier MW9140P
Best for families
- Capacity 9kg
- Size (cm) 85H x 59.5W x 56.5D
- Energy rating A
- Spin Speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 53dB (wash), 74dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 196kWh
- Annual water consumption 11,880L
- £319.99
For a busy household, you’ll need a washing machine that can keep up! With its large 9kg capacity, the Montpellier MW9140P is ideal for families that frequently need to wash school uniforms, bed sheets, sports kits, work clothes and everything in between – and, priced at £319.99, it’s also a great-value machine. Its inverter motor uses magnets to spin the drum, making it more energy-efficient and quieter than other models with brush motors and so ideal for open-plan spaces.
Samsung ecobubble™ WW80TA046AE
Easiest washing machine to use
- Capacity 8kg
- Size (cm) 85H x 60W x 55D
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 53dB (wash), 74dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 116kWh
- Annual water consumption 8,100L
- £379
If your household lives a rough and tumble life, you'll want a washing machine that's tough on stains. This machine's Bubble Soak setting bathes your laundry in detergent for 30 minutes before the main wash starts, loosening any stubborn marks. Plus, it boasts a steam function to make sure your wash doesn't just look and smell clean - it's also hygienically spotless! It's super-quiet, too, which is great for open-plan living.
BEKO Aquatech WEX94064E0W
Best washing machine for allergies
- Capacity 9kg
- Size (cm) 88H x 65W x 65D
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 53dB (wash), 72dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 173kWh
- Annual water consumption 9,239L
- £339
For allergy or asthma sufferers, look for features that can help to reduce allergens in your washing. Beko’s Anti-Allergy programme, endorsed by Allergy UK, helps reduce the amount of allergens in your laundry, including cat, dog and pollen-derived ones, as well as bacteria and fungi. It also has two useful short programmes (one at 14 minutes for a 2kg load, and a 28-minute daily quick programme) and an interior drum light to make loading easier. Plus, it can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth so you can schedule a wash overnight.
Miele WED 325
Fabric friendly
- Capacity 8kg
- Size (cm) 85H x 59.6W x 63.6D
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 50dB (wash), 74dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 156kWh
- Annual water consumption 10,120L
- £899
Harsh washing cycles can damage fabrics over time, so if you’ve got a variety of different textile types to clean regularly pick a machine with settings designed to care for your clothes. The Miele WED 325 has a range of programmes designed to suit an array of fabrics: MinimumIron to help reduce creasing, ideal for cotton work shirts; a wool setting for delicates; and an Outwear programme to retain textiles’ functionality in any weather. This nifty machine also includes intelligent Automatic Load recognition, ensuring that only a precise amount of water and electricity are used during the wash to save time and money.
Zanussi Z814W85BI
Quietest washing cycle
- Capacity 8kg
- Size (cm) 81.9H x 59.6W x 54D
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 48dB (wash), 69dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 176kWh
- Annual water consumption 10,099L
- £579
Zanussi's Z814W85BI model is one of quietest on the market, at just 48dB for a wash and 69dB for spin cycle. It's an economical option, too - the machine's AutoAdjust technology weighs each load and chooses the necessary wash time, water and energy, so you're only using what you need.
Hotpoint BIWMHG81484
Best built in model
- Capacity 8kg
- Size (cm) 82H x 59.5W x 54.5D
- Energy rating A
- Spin Speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 45dB (wash), 70dB (spin)
- Annual energy consumption 138kWh
- Annual water consumption 11,900L
- £379
Hotpoint's Anti-Stain technology removes the need for pre-treating soiled clothes, carefully controlling detergent release and water temperature to target 20 of the most common everyday stains, including stubborn materials like oil and ink. Plus, it's a great option for washing delicates - the Woolmark has approved the machine's wool cycle for use on woollens with the Hand Wash label.
LG TurboWash 360 with AI DD V9 F4V910BTSE
Best smart machine
- Capacity 10.5kg
- Size (cm) 88.5H x 66W x 65.5D
- Energy rating A+++
- Spin speed 1,400rpm
- Maximum noise level 53dB (wash),
71dB (spin) - Annual energy consumption 143kWh
- Annual water consumption 9,900L
- £749.99
From online shopping to finding new recipes, there’s a bit of tech to help us with pretty much every household chore – now including the washing! This machine is WiFi-enabled, so you can install the LG Smart ThinQ app and start tracking your washing, monitoring energy usage and download specialised wash cycles.
It's super-efficient, with TurboWash technology using a multidirectional jet to wash 5kg of laundry in just 39 minutes. We also love the Pause and Add Items feature, which lets you interrupt a cycle to add in that last sock you found in the bottom of the laundry basket!
How to choose a washing machine
Follow this advice from expert Shalika Hooda, the UK Beko brand manager, on things to look out for when choosing, fitting and using your dream machine. Here's your buyers checklist when considering the best washing machines available:
Washing machine size
Measure the space to determine what size washing machine your kitchen or utility room will be able to accommodate. The standard height for a free-standing washing machine is 84cm, whereas integrated models are 82cm so they can fit into kitchen units. 'Always account for the space the piping will take up behind the washing machine when choosing a model' says Shalika. 'The inlet and waste water pipes are a vital part of the washing machine’s functionality, so make sure there is plenty of room for them.'
Remember, washing machines now go up to 12kg in capacity, but consider your own needs before automatically defaulting to a large capacity machine. 5-6kg models are great for couples and allow you to wash 25-30 shirts in a single cycle. Mid-capacity washing machines (7-8kg) allow you to clean up to 40 shirts in one go, and this increases to 60 with a 12kg model.
Type of washing machine: integrated or free-standing
Decide on whether you prefer free-standing or built-in appliances. Integrated models can offer a smart look, and free-standing ones provide greater capacity and come in a range of colours to match interiors. Free-standing machines do not require fitting to kitchen units, so they can be placed anywhere, as long as there is access to power and drainage.
'Double check that there is a power source within at least one metre of your new washing machine' adds Shalika. 'Make sure you always plug it into the mains too, rather than an extension cord.'
What energy rating should my washing machine be
Choosing the right washing machine is crucial for a sustainable home. Not only do you want a machine that effectively cleans your clothes, but you also want one that is energy efficient, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
When it comes to energy ratings, the most commonly used system is the European Union energy label, which rates appliances on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. In recent years, however, the EU has updated its energy label to introduce a new rating system, with A being split into further categories.
For washing machines, the most energy efficient models are those rated A+++, which use 30% less energy than an A+ rated machine. These models also often have features such as load sensors and variable spin speeds, which adjust the machine's settings according to the size and weight of the load.
It's important to note that the energy rating isn't the only factor to consider when choosing a washing machine. You should also consider the machine's capacity, spin speed, and water usage, as well as any additional features that may be important to you, such as steam cleaning or quick wash cycles.
When shopping for a new washing machine, look for models with high energy ratings and features that meet your specific needs. By doing so, you'll not only save money on your utility bills, but you'll also contribute to a more sustainable home.
Choosing the best washing machine can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available in the market. However, we hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into some of the best washing machines currently available. From the top-loading to front-loading models, the machines we have highlighted offer excellent cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and durability, making them suitable for any household's needs. For more cleaning advice, check out our roundup of the best cleaning products for your home!
Know what you're after now? If you enjoyed our round-up, check out our other Buyer's Guides! We've got guides to the best freezers, best electric ovens, and many more household appliances!
