The best washing machines for fresh clean clothes, recommended by expert buyers
What is the most reliable washing machine brand?
AEG, LG and Miele are three leading brands known for durability, all of which I’ve included above, but any I’ve written about are reliable.
How much water does a washing machine use?
“On average, a household washing machine could use around 50 litres per cycle but this depends on the model type, size and wash setting,” explains Robert Dyas buying manager Louise Lee. “A lot of machines have quick 30-minute settings for clothes that aren’t heavily stained, so this would use significantly less water than a standard long wash. Eco modes will also use less water, as well as a lower temperature.”
What temperature should I wash at?
“For regular washing, 30C will do the job,” says Lee. “Not only will this clean your clothes well but it’s a lot more environmentally friendly and will save you money on your energy bills.”
However, she does recommend 40C if you’re looking to lift stains. For really tough stains, Lee recommends Oxi-Boost Stain Remover (£7.85, Amazon). “It’s eco-
friendly, easy on the wallet, and it’ll also help to prevent limescale from forming, which can
help your machine last longer, so it’s a big winner all round,” she says.
What size drum is right for me?
Neale says: “You’re better off with an 8/9kg drum – for the machines with larger drums, the drum takes up most of the machine and the other components are smaller as a result. Also, the bearings in the drum don’t last as long because they’re under more weight. I would recommend going for an 8kg with a 15 minute quick-wash cycle whatever the size of your family.”
Clark advises a larger 9-10 plus kg drum size for “households who tend to wash bulky items like towels, bathmats, bedding, blankets or even the dog’s bed… to make sure the items are getting a good wash and are able to move around the drum freely.”
One way in which buying a washing machine is easier than another home appliance or piece of furniture (like a fridge-freezer or sofa) is that they’re all standard heights and widths, give or take a few centimetres. The only difference is depth, based on the size of the drum. Drum sizes vary from 6kg to more than 10kg.
Is an integrated or freestanding washing machine better?
“Freestanding washing machines can be placed anywhere in the house and tend to feature in homes that don’t have integrated or built-in kitchens – they’re also easy to pull out to clean behind,” says Clark. “An integrated machine sits behind the cabinet doors so the appliance is hidden out of sight.”
“People like integrated machines because they have a front door that matches the rest of your kitchen, but they’re more expensive and the build quality isn’t as good as freestanding,” says Neale. Integrated washing machines also tend to have a slightly smaller drum.
The third type of washing machine is a top-loading washer, but Neale “hasn’t seen one in about 10 years – you only really find them in America. We don’t use them in this country as they’re much less environmentally friendly,” he adds. That’s why we’ve focused on freestanding models in this review.
What energy rating is best for a washing machine?
The energy efficiency of a washing machine is more important than ever now that prices have skyrocketed. Machines are rated between A and G on a new scale that replaced the confusing system of A+, A++ and A+++, etc. in 2021. Neale says to buy one rated C or above, but even more important is that it has a quick wash cycle to save both time and energy.
What spin speed is best for a washing machine?
“The spin speed is going to determine how dry your clothes come out. Most machines are now 1400 or 1600 – you definitely don’t need more than that,” Neale says. “When I use my machine I put it on 1000 anyway, so I don’t need to iron as much.”