Washing machine Buying Advice
We’re here to help you!
We're here to help you buy a new washing machine. We've got advice and information about all the latest washing machines. We discuss the range of models, including different features and specifications you need to look for, and also considering environmental and energy efficiency issues.The technology we use to ease the task of washing our laundry has made great advances in a relatively short space of time, which also means a dizzying array of choice for anyone looking to buy a new washing machine.
To keep pace with new fabrics, advances in washing products and changing attitudes to energy efficiency washing, machine technology has leapt ahead. To ensure you aren't blinded by science, we answer the questions you should be asking before you buy:
- What's my budget?
- How often do I use it?
- What kind of things do I wash? (Programmes)
- Where does it have to fit?
- Worried about the environment/energy efficiency
- How long should it last?
- Washer dryers
What's my budget?
For any major purchase you should always decide how much you want to spend first and stick to it. With washing machines ranging from as little as £170 to more than £1,000 there is something to fit every budget.
The average is around £300 but with your budget set you can seek out the best offers around and look into those extras like the two-year guarantees being offered by some makers.
How often do I use it?
Competition between washing machine manufacturers is now fierce particularly over who has the biggest - drum size that is – or more simply how much washing you can get in the machine in one go.
The newest models tend to have at least a 6kg capacity but with others offering 9kg or even 10kg – simple maths will tell you a larger drum means more clothes can be washed in one go. All well and good for a large family but for a single person or couple it wouldn't be worth paying more for a larger drum.
In fact smaller households could benefit from machines which offer programmes specifically for small loads (see below in what kinds of things do I wash?)
Use this guide to give you an idea of capacities:
- Single person less than 4.9 Kg
- Couple without children 5 kg - 5.4 kg
- Family with 2 children 5.5 kg - 5.9 kg
- Family with 3-4 children 6 kg and more
What kind of things do I wash? (Programmes)
With some models featuring up to 20 different programmes what do all those letters and little dots mean?
Unsurprisingly the number of programmes will vary according to the sophistication of the machine, but broadly they will break down into:
- Cottons (need the most rigorous washing action)
- Synthetics or easy care (need gentler action)
- Delicates (similar to synthetics programme, but gentler)
- Woollens (need lots of water and very little agitation)
For most households these will be enough and you should ask whether it's worth opting for a more expensive model with different programmes which you may just never use.
However the latest machines do have some very handy features and programmes:
- Hand wash programmes: Fairly self explanatory for fabrics such as fine wools or silk, these are actually even gentler and more effective at protecting your clothes than washing by hand.
- Freshen-up programme: Effectively a 'really quick wash' programme, designed to get rid of smells rather than to get rid of stains or dirt. It doesn't really do anything more than run the rinse and spin part of the standard cycle.
- Quick-wash programme: If you're in a rush (and something isn't too dirty) this can be very useful. The average is about 60 minutes, but some are as quick as 45 minutes, while others don't seem to deserve the 'quick' adjective.
- Reduced-ironing programme: A nice idea, but one that seems to make barely any difference in practise. There really is no point in paying extra for this feature.
- Half/mini load: For exactly that and it should also reduce the water and energy used.
- Pre-wash programmes: To remove surface dirt from heavily soiled fabrics before the main wash cycle.
- Variable temperature control: Offers the option of selecting a lower temperature for a load which is perhaps not particularly soiled. It also contains a safety feature to protect against selecting too high a temperature for certain materials.
- Washing at 30C rather than normal temperatures means you use 40% less electricity (for more information see worried about the environment?). Many machines have an economy setting which will automatically reduce the washing temperature.
- Rinse hold: Reduces the risk of creasing if clothes won't be removed straight away.
All machines have the facility to drain out water without spinning for drip dry purposes or emergencies if you need to retrieve something from the machine like a red sock in with your fresh whites! Some machines have an extra rinse facility which is useful in soft water areas or if anyone in the household has particularly sensitive skin.
| Washing symbol | Machine | Hand wash | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
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Wash in cotton cycle | N/A | White cotton and linen articles without special finishes |
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Maximum wash in cotton cycle | Spin or wring | Cotton, linen or viscose without special finishes where colours are fast at 60°C. |
 |
Medium wash in synthetic cycle | Hand hot. Cold rinse, short spin or damp dry. | Polyester/cotton mixtures, nylon, polyester, cotton and viscose with special finishes. |
 |
Maximum wash in cotton cycle | Warm. Spin or hand wring. | Cotton, linen or viscose where colours are fast at 40°C but not at 60°C. |
 |
Medium wash in synthetic cycle | Warm. Cold rinse. Short spin. Do not hand wring. | Acrylics and acetate, including mixtures with wool, polyester/wool blends. |
 |
Minimum wash in wool cycle | Warm. Do not rub. Short spin. Do not hand wring. | Wool, wool mixed with other fibres, silk. |
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Hand wash only | ||
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Do not machine or hand wash | ||
 |
May be chlorine bleached | ||
 |
Do not chlorine bleach | ||
Spin Speeds
Most machines have a minimum of two spin speeds:
- 1000 - 1800 rpm - a higher speed for cottons
- 400 - 800 rpm- a lower speed for synthetics and delicates
Usually a machine will auto select the spin speed based on the programme used, but some will also have a variable spin speed function so you can select it yourself. If you're intending to use a tumble dryer, it's worth choosing a machine with a good high spin speed as it's more economical to extract water from spinning than from tumble drying.
Where does it have to fit?
The size of washing machine you choose will depend on the space available in your kitchen and the amount of laundry you do each week (as discussed in what type of things do I wash?)
Machine Sizes
Compact
If you lack space or have a limited amount of weekly washing, a compact machine that takes a 3-4kg load may suit your needs, although it will have a limited range of programmes compared with a full-size machine. If space is short, stacking a washing machine with a tumble dryer may be an option, or you could consider a washer-dryer.
Full-size
For a normal amount of weekly laundry and a mix of fabrics to wash, a full-size machine that takes a 5-6kg load is most likely to be suitable. Larger capacity 7kg models are also available, giving you room to wash items like curtains or duvets but check for half-load and quick wash options as you probably won't always have a full load.
Large
If you have a large family and use a machine most days, then a large 8-10kg washing machine is worth considering.
Most of the larger washing machines are American and while they were traditionally seen as less sophisticated and less energy efficient than European models, there are now large 8kg washing machines that are top performers.
Front or top loading?
Front-loading washing machinesare now the norm. Originally designed to be integrated easily under a work surface they can also accommodate a separate tumble dryer on top.
Top loading washing machines are now much less common but can still be bought. They are generally more compact but loading capacities are usually less than 5 kg.
Noise Level
If your machine's going to out of the way in the garage or utility room you may not mind how much noise it makes. However, if it's going to be in an open-plan kitchen/family room you may want to opt for a quieter model. Noise levels on washing machines are given in decibels.
Worried about the environment/energy efficiency
All washing machines and washer dryers carry an energy rating graded from A to G for wash performance, energy efficiency and spin-drying efficiency. All ratings are based on standard test results for a 60 C cotton wash cycle.
To work out the running costs of washing machines use the Energy Consumption Rating figures which are shown in kilowatts per hour (KWh) for each machine. Multiply this figure by the cost of your electricity per hour (£/KWh) which is on your bill. Remember though to compare like machines for like to get an accurate picture.
These days washing machines are much more energy efficient, this is because they use a lot less water. This does mean that they wash for much longer though and it is not unusual for a machine to wash for 2 hours. So if you like your clothes in a hurry, check how long the fastest wash takes.
Electricity consumption depends on the temperature of the wash, as well as the type of cycle. Aim to choose a model with low water use, as this also reduces the amount of electricity required to heat the water. It also means you use less detergent. Ideally, look for a model that varies water use depending on load.
Fuzzy Logic (some manufacturers use a different term to describe this feature) means that the machine uses advanced electronic technology to monitor conditions during the wash and make any adjustments required to get optimum cleaning performance using minimum water and energy; it can influence the main wash, water intake, temperature settings, wash time, rinse performance and spin speed. Many machines with Fuzzy Logic earn AA or AAA (more efficient than A) energy efficiency ratings.
How long should it last?
There is a common perception now that washing machines are only built to last five years probably stemming from the ever decreasing gap between the cost of a repair and the cost of purchasing a new budget washing machine.
Fierce competition between washing machine manufacturers and mass production, has created a situation where the very cheap range of new washing machines can cost less than some repairs. Combined with interest free credit, it's not surprising so many people prefer to buy a new washing machine than pay for a repair unless they own a quality washing machine.
Prestige, top quality washing machines are still available. They usually cost between £500 and over £1000 and would be expected to last a good 20 years.
Washer Dryers
Do you also need a tumble dryer? Washer dryers bring together washing and drying functions in the same machine, convenient if you are looking to save space. Their reputation of being a more fragile or less reliable machine is largely untrue. The drying washing machines offer an impressive number of options (automatic programming, delayed start, easy ironing and delicate linen cycle). They are therefore more expensive than the simple models but their price (around £450) only slightly exceeds that of two separate washing machine and a tumble dryer purchases.
However there are a number of drawbacks:
Washer dryers have a reduced drying size so are not suitable for large families who want to use it to do all of the drying. Also while the machine is drying you are not able to start washing the next wash load.
Although suitable for small households if you have the space a separate washing machine and tumble dryer would normally be a better bet.
