Best Washing Machine UK 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

In the market for a new washing machine? Choosing a new model can feel frankly bewildering – they all come with a huge range of functions and features, from drum sizes to technology to help protect your clothing and even Smart control nowadays. How are we ever supposed to work them all out?

We’ve reviewed a selection of the best washing machines, including the most modern offerings from Bosch, Samsung, Hotpoint and Beko. Whether you’re on a budget and looking for the best option under £300, or you can afford to splash out on something with a few more features such as WiFi and multiple settings, we’ve reviewed the best here.

If you are stuck on space, budget or want something to wash smaller items/for use in a caravan, you may be interested in our reviews of the best portable washing machines as well.

But back to the big models, should you get a big drum or a small one? A freestanding one or an integrated one? Bosch or Hotpoint? A+ or A+++? Let’s find out.

The Best Washing Machines – Our Top Picks

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 55 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 79 dB/Wash 62 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Year
  • Capacity: 8kg
Click for Best Price
  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 52 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1600 RPM
  • Noise Level: 79 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 8 kg
Click for Best Price
  • Dimensions: 82 x 59.5 x 54.5cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: 73 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++-10%
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year Labour
  • Capacity: 7 kg
Click for Best Price

Best Freestanding Washing Machines

All of the below are freestanding models, which is the most popular option in homes around the UK. They can easily be slotted under a kitchen or utility counter, left standing on their own in a washing room or bathroom, or stacked with a tumble dryer.

Many modern machines have a huge range of features, generous capacities and really look after your clothes when they are in the drum.

Samsung ecobubble WW80J5555FX/EU

The name ‘ecobubble’ would suggest this machine performs perfectly at economical settings. After our review, we can safely say that Samsung did a fab job naming it.

The technology the machine is named after perfectly mixes air, water and detergent for powerful cleaning performance, even at low temperatures. During wash cycles, you don’t only use water and electricity for the machine to work but also energy to heat up the water. Thanks to low-temperature ability, significantly less energy will be consumed.

Think this means those heavily stained garments won’t even emerge from the drum any differently? Think again. Bubble soak ability works with any programme and mixes the bubbled detergent into the clothes for a tougher clean. Football kits and grimy oven mitts have never been so cared for.

The quick wash ability will clean 2 kg of clothing in just 15 minutes, which is ideal if you need to freshen up school uniforms at the last minute or have realised you have no fresh bedding for tonight.

It is nice and quiet when spinning, there is a large number of varying cycles to choose from, and it even plays a little jingle when the wash is done, automatically turning off, so you don’t have to rush there to do it yourself. We would all like someone to do our washing on our behalf, but if you can’t afford that luxury, this is the next best thing. Washing clothes has never been such a pleasure.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 55 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 79 dB/Wash 62 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Year
  • Capacity: 8kg

+ Downloads

SAMSUNG ecobubble WW80J5555FX/EU User Manual

Download

We like

  • Relatively quiet
  • Tunes to let you know when wash is done/door isn’t closed
  • Range of cycles

We dislike

  • Would be nice if there was a time between 15 and 102 mins

Final Verdict

Samsung has lived up to high expectations again. Perfect for those homes with messy kids and mucky pups

Hotpoint WMFUG742G Smart Washing Machine

With the innovative smart features that are packed into this machine, superior wash results will be delivered using less energy and water.

Auto+ will detect the weight and size of a load, adjusting the water used and drum action in response. Because of this intelligence, you won’t suffer from any mishaps or be bringing out clothing which is less than sparkling.

A lot of the excess residue is removed at the end of the wash, so your clothes will emerge clean yet not absolutely wringing wet. Perfect if you don’t have a tumble dryer or want to air dry in the sun.

Sometimes, clothes don’t need a wash but just a refresh. A Fast Wash 30 function gets them smelling beautiful in 30 minutes. There are tons of other settings which care for your clothes too, such as Woolmark Platinum Care, Ultra Delicates and Baby, Bed & Bath.

Every wash has anti-stain and anti-allergy technology as standard. Choose from three drum capacities and two colours – white and silver/grey – for an added personalised touch to suit your home and lifestyle.

Some of the cycles take quite a while to complete, but this isn’t a rare occurrence so certainly not something to mark it down on. The detergent drawer is a little flimsy, but apart from this, it is an outstanding piece of kit.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 89 x 64.5 x 59 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 73 dB/Wash 46 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 7kg

+ Downloads

HOTPOINT WMFUG742G Smart Washing Machine User Manual

Download

We like

  • Digital display
  • Large door opening for easy loading
  • Very clear start instructions
  • Delay start option

We dislike

  • No silk programme

Final Verdict

We didn’t expect as much as this for the price, and the flexibility across the range makes it fabulous to cater right to your needs

Zanussi Lindo300 ZWF01483WR

With everything you need to get through the biggest of laundry piles, this Zanussi 10KG is an ideal model for the busiest of families where the washing machine always needs to be on.

It works hard to get your clothes clean, using Aquafall technology to properly focus the water and soak your items with the water and detergent, which means not a drop of either is wasted. Fabrics are thoroughly soaked, so even if there are grass stains, they will be out by the time you bring them out of the drum.

If you sometimes also need a quick wash function for gym kits or work shirts at the last minute, the right cycle can have them done in 30 seconds. The brushless inverter motor is so quiet, so even if your house is open plan, you won’t be annoyed by the noise. There is a nice large porthole so you can push your bed sheets in altogether without separating them all and spending ages loading it.

Fuzzy Logic technology assesses the load before the cycle starts, adjusting the water used, spin speed, water temperature and wash time to suit. This will save you time and money, as well as protecting your clothes in case you don’t know the best settings for every material.

In terms of keeping you, your family and your home safe, there is anti flood technology so it will stop and drain itself if it runs into an issue, which will prevent your kitchen floor getting soaked. Child lock will keep all of the settings as you left them when the washing machine is working, and the touch control is easy to navigate.

It is one of the most popular freestanding washing machines on the market at the moment, and the fact that pretty much every single review is glowing shows it is worth the money. Not that it will set you back a lot – it is incredibly budget friendly for what you get.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 66cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 78 dB/Wash 54dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 10kg

We like

  • Price
  • Fuzzy Logic technology
  • Incredibly quiet
  • Good 10kg capacity

We dislike

  • Some of the programmes take ages

Final Verdict

An incredible price for what you get, which is user-friendly and family-friendly

Bosch Serie 8 WAW325H0GB

This ultra-efficient offering from Bosch is one of the quietest models that we came across. With a maximum noise level of 71 dB (on a spin cycle) it compares only to much more expensive models in terms of sound, so if you’re looking for quiet and great value for money, this could be the best option for you.

The Serie 8 WAW325H0GB achieves this by using a brushless EcoSilence Drive motor to reduce sound and improve durability. It will only ever use the exact level of water required for the amount of washing you put in, so there’s less wastage and it will keep your water bill low. There is no ‘half-load’ option because with this in-built feature, it isn’t needed.

Another great selling point is the ability to control it all from your phone, so you can check on the progress even when you’re at work. Just enter details such as clothes colours, materials and degree of soiling into the app and it will pick the perfect setting on your behalf. You’ll also be able to see how much energy it is using.

We love how many different useful functions this has, and how effective it is on stains while still managing to keep quiet. The only time it makes a noise is when a cycle is completed – the alarm can be a bit annoying, but it does stop you forgetting about it.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 84.8 x 59.8 x 59cm
  • Spin Speed: 1600 RPM
  • Noise Level: Wash 47 dB/Spin 73 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Years
  • Capacity: 9 kg

+ Downloads

BOSCH Serie 8 WAW325H0GB User Manual

Download

We like

  • Very quiet
  • Wi-Fi connection
  • Great wash results
  • Large load capacity

We dislike

  • Can be complicated to use at first

Final Verdict

A super-silent, ultra-efficient offering for a quiet household and it'll bring you right up to the modern day appliance world

Samsung QuickDrive™ WW90M645OPO

With QuickDrive technology, you will spend less time on the washing and more time doing the things you love, without having to compromise on quality.

The drum and backplate spin in opposite directions, so clothes remain more central in the machine and are spun faster. Stains are still broken down, yet it is notably quicker to complete each cycle.

A big game changer which Samsung has developed in the past few years is the AddWash™  door. How many times have you brought a bundle of washing downstairs to realise that you’ve dropped a sock on the way, or that the t-shirt you are currently wearing could have gone in with it? Simply pause the programme at any point to add them to the drum. It is safe to say this is a feature which makes the QuickDrive™ WW90M645OPO one of the best Samsung washing machines on the market.

This is also a useful feature if you’d like to add a bit of extra fabric conditioner (we all love a strong fragrant smell), or for popping in delicate clothing which just needs a bit of a freshening in the last ten minutes.

Then there is the ecobubble™  technology. It will get your clothes cleaner at lower temperatures, so you save some money on running costs. You can also control every load from your phone. Just pop all the items in the washer before you go to bed, and when you’re at work press a button to tell it to start. It can be finished just before you get home, so it reduces the amount of time it sits in the drum getting creased.

If you don’t know which setting is best to do the job, just enter everything you’re putting in and the app will decide on your behalf.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 60cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 73 dB/Wash 49 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Year
  • Capacity: 9 kg

+ Downloads

Samsung QuickDrive™ WW90M645OPO User Manual

Download

We like

  • Price for what you get
  • Wide opening door
  • Heaps of technology to help you out

We dislike

  • Very heavy - could make installation tricky

Final Verdict

It is a clever little machine, and to say it is packed with some of the latest technology, the price is very generous. It retails for the same price as some which aren’t anywhere near as advanced, so if you want something that will last over time, here it is

Hoover Dynamic Link DHL 1482D3

If you don’t have a budget big enough for one of the more expensive machines but don’t want to compromise on quality and great features, this Hoover model could be the one for you.

Boasting an 8kg capacity drum, you will have no problems making sure your weekly wash is done quickly and efficiently, and with the unique KG mode, this machine calculates the size of your wash making sure that the right amount of water is used. No more worrying about it being a waste to put a small wash in!

There are 12 washing settings to ensure that no matter how dirty or delicate the wash there is a program to suit it, while the touch screen display shows all the information you need, including time remaining.

The Hoover DHL 1482D3 also boasts an impressive A+++ energy rating, perfect for if you want to reduce your energy and water use.

All these great features are available for under £300, making this the best budget option on the list.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 52 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1600 RPM
  • Noise Level: 79 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 8 kg

+ Downloads

HOOVER DHL 1482D3 User Manual

Download

We like

  • Affordable price
  • A+++ Energy Rating
  • Lots of different settings

We dislike

  • Smaller drum than other models

Final Verdict

The perfect budget choice for anyone who doesn’t want to pay over and above but also doesn’t want to sacrifice features or quality.

Best Integrated Washing Machines

No washing machine is the prettiest appliance in the world, and if you prefer to have everything tucked away, then an integrated model which is hidden when not in use is ideal. They are a lot more advanced than they used to be, and many still look great even when not covered up.

Hoover HBWM814DC

Built-in models are great if you want the clean, sleek look. This model from Hoover is great for medium-sized households, with an 8kg drum and plenty of functions to suit any clothing types or materials.

Clever KG technology will assess your load, using a sensor to measure weight and adjusting water volumes, temperatures and times. This makes it economical and cheaper to run. There is also an ActivECO programme which lets you wash different colours and fabrics together at 20 degrees, but you will still get great results.

Other programmes include the Baby setting, and a stain level option, so if you have a heavy grass or Bolognese stain, ramp the level up and it will be out by the time you bring it out. When fast speeds are the main aim, you can select from 14, 30 or 44 minute quick washes to get it done. Clothes will still come out spotless, and they can be dried by the morning.

Other features which may appeal include the 23 hour delay timer, childproof lock and large porthole for loading. It will display the time which is left over for the cycle, so you can plan your day around the wash. Around 44% of water will be left in the fabric after the wash, so they can be air dried then ironed with ease without being overly creased.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 82 x 59.6 x 55cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Spin 82 dB/Wash 60dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 8kg

We like

  • Plenty of programmes
  • Economical to run
  • Programmes work well

We dislike

  • Rotary dial doesn't 'click', so you may find it hard to get the exact setting

Final Verdict

Easy to use, quiet to run, a number of cycles and good value running costs - brilliant for the price

Hotpoint BIWMHG71484

Using a combination of spin drum movement and temperature perfection, this Hotpoint integrated washing machine is proven to remove 100 of the most common stains at just 40 degrees, which is perfect if you find yourself with clothes piles which are impossible to clean.

Furthermore, the Antistain Quick technology can remove 40 of the most common stains in just 45 minutes on a quick wash. So to get this luxury, you don’t have yo wait around all day. It even treats gentler fabrics well, with dedicated programmes such as woolmark to keep them in top condition.

And we have to mention the energy rating. Washing machines are usually good on this front, but this one trumps them all. A +++-10% rating means that it performs 10% more efficiently than the A+++ rated models out there. So you can save on your bills while saving the planet.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 82 x 59.5 x 54.5cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: 73 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++-10%
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year Labour
  • Capacity: 7 kg

We like

  • Price
  • Very quiet even on spin
  • Easy to select programmes

We dislike

  • Doesn't work at 1400rpm with every setting

Final Verdict

For an integrated model, we are very impressed. It is one of the best washing machines out there, and definitely a no-brainer in our minds.

NEFF W543BX0GB Integrated Washing Machine

If you desperately need a washing machine which is quiet in operation, then the EcoSilence Drive found in this model will keep noise to a minimum.

It doesn’t only keep things quiet but also improves the life of the machine. When it is spinning, the action will be a bit less abrupt, so it can protect the mechanisms. If that isn’t peace of mind enough, you also get a ten-year warranty. Should anything go wrong, you are protected.

However, the durability is not an issue, as every aspect from the door to the drum to the detergent drawer. There is an intelligent water system too, so you don’t have to fine-tune the wash before you turn it on. It will adjust it automatically, depending on the load.

This will save you water, as well as money off your bills. Plus, it is A+++ energy rated, so you can also save electricity bill money. There is also FlexPerfect technology which allows you to choose between washing either extra fast or extra efficient, so your main priority is always tackled.

When you are in a hurry, the 15-minute quick wash programme could be a saviour. It will wash, spin and rinse in this time. So, the next time the kids ask where their PE kit is before they head off to bed, you don’t have to work yourself into a tizz.

If this hasn’t all impressed you, then the fact you can set a timer to 24 hours in advance, it is very easy to use, and it is very quiet, should do the trick. It also works out the balance itself, so if you’re one to pile everything in, then you won’t come home to a machine which turned itself off.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 81.8 x 59.6 x 57.4cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Wash 41 dB/Spin 67 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Year
  • Capacity: 8 kg

+ Downloads

NEFF W543BX0GB Integrated 8 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine User Manual

Download

We like

  • Nice amount of settings
  • Technology which keeps worry at bay
  • Quiet

We dislike

  • Maybe a bit pricey for a non-smart washer

Final Verdict

Packed with handy features which can help out the busiest of families. The perfect investment

Logik LIW714W15 Integrated Washing Machine

Thanks to an energy efficient rating of A+++ and wash rating A, this machine is more than capable of cleaning your clothes.

A quick wash can have the contents of the drum ready in just 15 minutes, which is great for smaller loads such as everyone’s work uniforms or towels. There are plenty of other programmes too, such as Delicate, Baby care, Sports and Synthetics. No matter what you throw at it, the washer is capable.

This is before we have even mentioned the functions – why not pause or delay your wash? Make the most of lower energy costs in off-peak times or stop it temporarily until the dog has finished his dinner. The ability to adjust temperature and spin speed is the icing on the cake.

Overall, it takes things a little back to basics but without leaving you short. There’s nothing complicated about it; it just does the job and gets on without a fuss. Fab price to say it is both integrated and from a well-loved brand.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 82.5 x 59.5 x 54 cm
  • Spin Speed: 1400 RPM
  • Noise Level: Wash 57 dB/Spin 76 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year
  • Capacity: 7kg

+ Downloads

LOGIK LIW714W15 Integrated Washing Machine User Manual

Download

We like

  • Flexibility over a lot of settings
  • Short wash ability
  • Reasonably quiet

We dislike

  • Won’t spin if the load is too small

Final Verdict

Easy to use, plenty of programmes and it tells you how long the wash will be so you can plan ahead. All that any busy homes and people need

Beko WIY72545

Perfect for those busy families where the washing machine never seems to be off, this integrated Beko model is not only affordable to purchase, but is also incredibly low-cost to run, and quiet enough to not disturb both your household and the neighbours.

The quick wash setting will have your load completed in under 28 minutes, which is great if you have a busy weekend of chores. There is also a 19-hour delay function if you want to plan ahead.

With 15 wash settings to choose from, you can take care of everything from sportswear to baby clothes and delicates. Don’t worry about the drum becoming unhygienic over time, as the clean drum function will keep everything in order and will ensure your clothes come out smelling as they should.

Even though the quick wash time is great, some of the standard wash cycle times are quite long for what they are. Almost three hours for a dark wash could be a bit too excessive for some busier lifestyles.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 82 x 60 x 55cm
  • Spin Speed: 1200 RPM
  • Noise Level: Wash 56 dB/Spin 73 dB
  • Energy Rating: A+++
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Years
  • Capacity: 7kg

We like

  • Unbalanced load control
  • Pre-wash function

We dislike

  • Some wash options take a lot of time

Final Verdict

Affordable and with a generous capacity, it is a perfect option for families who rely on their washing machine as much as any other appliance

Washing Machine Buying Guide

Which Is The Best Washing Machine?

There are many varieties of washing machine to suit an individual’s needs. Large families may benefit from a huge drum, whereas someone living on their own might shop for energy efficiency or a smart washing machine which they can turn on when they’re at work.

Our reviews aim to present the ‘best of the best’, but here are some of the attributes we look at when considering which appliances are the winners:

Capacity

Washing machine capacity refers to the size of the drum and determines how much washing your model can handle per load.

Standard washing machines tend to fall between 5kg and 12kg capacitis as the max. load. Ideally, you want to aim for a washing machine with a drum that you’re not going to struggle to fill up – otherwise you will have to wait longer between washes. Yet, a larger drum could mean you wash more at once, saving energy.

As a rule of thumb, 5 t-shirts needs around 1 kg, and this should also fit one outfit. A 5 kg machine will wash 25 t-shirts, while 10 kg can accommodate up to 50 t-shirts. So if you live in a household of just 2 people, it is unlikely you will need a huge 12kg machine to meet your laundry requirements. However, a big family or house of sharers would probably benefit from larger machines.

You should never cram a machine so it’s completely full, otherwise your clothes will not be properly washed and your machine will struggle.

Spin Speed

Most have a spin speed of between 1000 to 1600 rpm – that’s revolutions per minute. So the higher the spin speed, the faster your clothes will spin. You can usually reduce the spin speed if you are cleaning delicate or woollen items.

The spin cycle is designed to remove excess water so your clothes aren’t sopping wet when you take them out, so a fast spin cycle will help to reduce drying time if you like to hang your washing out to dry. 1600 rpm is very powerful, great for heavy items like denim. For everyday laundry, a medium speed such as 1400 rpm is usually sufficient.

Noise Level

Noise can be a real pain and should be a deal-breaker. It is usually the spin cycle that is the loudest, as your clothes are whipped round to remove excess liquid. Anything around 70-72 dB is on the quieter side for a spin cycle, and for a quiet wash cycle look for something that is 50 dB or under. Noise level is usually of more significance if you like to put your run loads overnight or when you’re having some quiet time in the house.

Energy Rating

Choosing an energy-efficient washing machine is a good investment when it comes to save you money on your water and electricity bills. It’s also better for the environment. The most highly rated energy-efficient washing machines are those that are A+++. Be sure to check the annual consumption guide of the washing machine that you choose to get an idea of how much it will cost to run.

Freestanding vs. Integrated

Freestanding washing machines are what most of us would think of when asked to picture a washing machine. They are the most common type of washing machine and can be placed anywhere that connects to a drain and electricity supply. They offer a much wider range of capacity and come in various colours and styles.

An integrated washing machine is one that is designed to blend into your kitchen or laundry room by being built-in behind a cupboard door (usually). This means that the washing machine is not on display for the majority of the time, and it give the room a seamless look. They are often a little bit quieter due to being tucked away, but the installation costs are higher and there are fewer of them around, so choice is more limited.

Tell Us What You Think:

Leave a reply

Appliance Reviewer
Logo