Buying Guide for Washing Machines 2026

The most common type of washing machine is freestanding. It’s not built into your kitchen units, so it can be placed anywhere if it’s connected to a drain and electrical socket.

This flexibility is useful if you don’t have much space in your kitchen or if you have a laundry room. And, if you move house often, a freestanding design may be more suitable as it’s easier to remove and transport.

If you have a gap in your kitchen where your old washing machine was, you can easily slot this style into the space. However, you’ll need to make sure there’s plenty of space on all sides. Freestanding models aren’t fixed as securely in place as built-in versions, so vibrations can transfer into the surrounding area. This could then damage your kitchen units and any nearby appliances.

As freestanding models are the most common, you’ll get the largest choice of drum capacities, spin speeds, and colours.

If you’re looking for a washing machine that blends in with your kitchen, you should consider an integrated model. Sometimes behind a cupboard door as part of a kitchen unit. Hiding the machine helps to maintain the look and flow of the room.

The integrated design aids in reducing vibration noises too, as it’s fitted securely. Plus, the cupboard door helps to muffle any sound that’s produced. This style often features a lower spin speed to reduce the machine’s movement and vibration.

Integrated machines can be more difficult to install and remove than freestanding models. This is because the cupboard door must be lined up correctly and drill holes made. The machine also needs to be well levelled and secured into place properly.

It’s possible to install a built-in machine yourself, but you’ll probably want to ask your retailer about installation costs.

Most washing machines in the UK are front loading, in that the door faces forward. This style has several benefits over American top-loading models.

These machines can be stacked with another washing machine or a tumble dryer as the doors won’t be blocked. If you have limited floor space or have a large family, then this is a helpful feature, although you may need a kit to ensure the machines are secure.

Research shows that front loaders give better cleaning results compared to top-loader models. They are also more energy efficient as they use less water in a wash cycle. Many front-loading machines have features that adjust the water level to the exact needs of the wash, so water isn’t wasted.

Front-loaders often have high spin speeds which extract more of the water from your laundry, so drying times are shorter. Several models also have a large capacity, so you can do fewer washes and can easily fit in bulky items like towels, bed sheets or duvets.

All modern washing machines in the UK are cold fill. This means they heat the water inside the machine rather than using hot water from your boiler.

Manufacturers prefer cold fill machines as they are cheaper to make, which then reduces the price.

The main advantage of cold fill machines is their efficiency. Instead of using large amounts of pre-heated water from a boiler, these machines only use the exact amount of water needed for a wash and heat it within the drum.

This type of washing machine is easy to install and cheap to maintain.

A washing machine’s drum capacity is the weight of dry clothing you can safely wash in one cycle. This is usually a bit less than the amount you could physically fit into the drum.

Most machines range in size from 6 kg to 12 kg. It’s recommended to buy a drum size you won’t struggle to fill.

When choosing a drum size, consider your washing habits and needs. How large is your household? How many washes a week do you typically do? What types of fabric and clothing do you wash?

In most cases, a 7-8 kg drum will comfortably serve a medium-sized household in the UK. Machines in this size category will have enough space for standard washes and include programmes tailored for smaller loads too.

If you have a larger household that does several washes a week, with large or heavily soiled loads, a bigger drum capacity may suit you better. Equally, if you are a smaller family who only does a few washes, a smaller capacity might be more suitable.

The exact amount you can fit into the machine will vary depending on the style and fabric of your clothes. However, as a rule, a standard 7 kg machine can wash 35 cotton t-shirts or a double duvet in a single load.

An 8 kg machine can wash 40 t-shirts, a 10 kg machine can wash 50 t-shirts, and a 12 kg machine will clean 60 t-shirts. For larger households or those who want to wash bigger duvets, larger capacity washing machines can be useful.

Many people assume that getting the biggest and often most expensive washing machine will give them a better cleaning performance and value for money. Larger capacity machines do have advantages, but there are negatives too.

The main advantage is that a larger capacity machine can hold more items, so you can clean the same amount of clothing in fewer washes than with a smaller model. Fewer but larger washes are more economical and efficient than smaller washes and can lower your water and electricity costs.

Larger capacity machines often include extra washing programmes for bulkier items such as duvets, towels, or curtains.

However, larger machines are usually more expensive to buy due to the extra capacity and programmes. Plus, if you run half-full cycles, they can be more expensive to use as they require more water and electricity for each cycle.

It can be tempting to wash those last few items to save yourself running another load, but this can lead to performance issues.

If you overfill your drum, the items can clump and rotate together in one large ball. This stops the detergent from spreading evenly or getting rinsed out properly.

Clumping also means clothes get very tangled and creased. They won’t have enough room to move around and wash away any dirt either.

As most people don’t weigh their laundry every time they use the washing machine, you can follow the general rule of only filling the drum 80% of the way up.

A drum’s maximum capacity usually only refers to the main cotton programme, so bear in mind that other cycles may only take smaller loads. Silks, delicates, or woollens need smaller load sizes, so they don’t become damaged. This means you may not use the entire capacity on every wash. 

Underloading your machine wastes a lot of water and energy. This is because most machines are unlikely to sense the weight of the load, so they will use the same amount of water as a full load.

Having a smaller load can also cause issues with the detergent. Some detergents won’t work properly or will produce excessive foam if you don’t use the standard measurements.

As most kitchens are designed to include a washing machine, choosing a model that’s too wide isn’t usually a problem, but it’s important to measure up first. If there are several gaps near the water supply and outlet pipe, you may have a choice as to where you can position the machine.

Very few models have a considerably smaller width other than top loaders or compact machines, both of which are not popular styles in the UK. If width is an issue in your kitchen, you might have to consider installing the washing machine in a utility room or altering the layout slightly.

Height is the easiest dimension to change on most models. Most brands offer a height reduction kit. This allows you to remove the lid and replace it with a flatter version, helping to save a few millimetres. Adjustable feet can also help to lower the machine, or you can search for models of a specific height online.

The depth is the most variable dimension for washing machines, ranging from 42 cm to 65 cm. But it’s not the most important measurement – if the machine is a little too big, it will just stick out slightly.

Bear in mind that a shallower machine may be easier to install when you’re connecting the pipes at the back.

Something else to consider is if you have kitchen drawers, cupboard doors, main doors, or anything else opening across the machine. Washing machine doors often bulge outwards and could get in the way. Control dials and knobs can also get caught too. Some machines do have reversible doors, which allows you to choose which way the door opens out.

It’s well known that most washing machines are white. It’s a colour that fits in with any décor and looks clean and fresh. But there are also other options available.

Shades of silver and grey are popular and give a sophisticated, high-tech finish. Graphite is another colour to look for, as it’s a term often used by manufacturers.

A range of other colours are also available, although for some more unusual options you may have to pick a lesser known or more expensive brand. Black, red and cream can sometimes be found as an alternative colour.

Many of the washing machines on sale today look fantastic. As a rule, the most attractive machines are typically more expensive, but it isn’t always the case.

Large porthole doors are a great design feature that allows you to get your washing in and out more easily, and they also look stunning. Some models use dark or blue glass to create a dramatic effect too.

Several brands also feature lights in the interior of the machine which gives you better visibility when loading and unloading.

Selected models even have contrasting door trims in black or chrome, shiny displays, or exceptionally well-designed control panels.

Whether the colour and style of your washing machine is worth considering is mainly affected by where you plan to put it.

If you want a functional machine for a utility or laundry room, the look of the appliance probably isn’t that important. However, if you want it to be the centrepiece of your new kitchen, choosing a stylish model is more essential.

Most washing machines have cycles for cleaning common materials such as cotton, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and viscose. The synthetics programme is sometimes known as Easy Care.

Fragile garments such as lace underwear and silk shirts can be given extra care by selecting a programme designed for delicates. Cycles developed for woollens are also great for keeping your cardigans and jumpers clean. Some exceptionally gentle wool programmes have even been given the Woolmark seal of approval.

Several washing machines also boast programmes for bulkier items such as sheets and blankets.

Advanced models often offer laundry care programmes for more specialist materials. If you lead an active lifestyle or have kids, a washing machine with a Sportswear or Outerwear cycle would be ideal.

Wi-Fi-enabled machines sometimes allow you to download new cycles to use.

Some brands, such as Siemens, offer a cycle that applies a waterproof treatment to breathable fabrics when you use the compatible detergent.

It’s important to sort your laundry into whites and colours and wash them separately to prevent any colour transfer. Some washing machines even have programmes designed specifically for dark items, to help them retain their colour for longer.

Brands like Bosch have even designed a Mixed Load cycle, which allows you to wash different types of fabric and colours together. This is a great feature to save you time and energy. 

The programmes you’ll need also depend on whether you and your family usually wash heavily soiled items or not.

If you wash items like sports kits or outdoor gear regularly, selecting a machine with an Intensive cycle is a great choice.

Sometimes you may only have a few almost-clean items in your washing basket. You can freshen these up with a quick programme.

Pre-wash cycles are ideal for loosening up dried-on marks before the main cycle, to ensure your clothes come out in good condition again.

Many washing machines offer flexibility when it comes to cycle times, which is great if you don’t have much time on your hands.

Quick wash cycles clean clothes in around 14 to 30 minutes. You can save time by using these programmes to freshen up smaller loads.

Many brands have eco-friendly programmes, designed to reduce your electricity and water bills and help protect the planet.

If you have some items you’ve washed by hand, you can select a spin-only cycle to remove most of the water from the material and reduce drying times. 

Although reduced ironing programmes don’t eliminate ironing completely, they are designed to make it quicker and easier. This is thanks to reduced crease technology and slower spin speeds.

Allergen removal programmes are great if you have an allergy sufferer in the family. Extra rinse cycles also mean those sensitive to detergents won’t have to deal with irritated skin.

Some washing machines offer special cycles created for garments with a ‘hand wash only’ label. These protect your clothes with a gentle wash, while still giving them a thorough clean.

Baby cycles are perfect if you have a little one at home. Items such as bibs and baby grows are cleaned intensively to remove food stains and dirt. 

Washing clothes at the right temperature is important. A higher temperature kills germs, but the heat can damage certain types of fabric. Low temperatures save electricity but may not get your clothes as clean.

The wash temperature not only affects the lifespan of your clothes but also the performance of the detergent and the level of creasing.

Following clothing label instructions is the best way to ensure that your items retain their colour, shape, and condition for as long as possible. 

Hot water settings tend to work best for white clothing that’s made from hard-wearing materials such as cotton. Items like bedding and towels should also be washed at high temperatures so that they remain hygienic.

Pros
• Produces better overall cleaning results
• Dissolves detergent more effectively
• Removes allergens from clothing
• Sanitises and removes germs effectively

Cons
• Can cause shrinking, fading, and wrinkling
• Can set some types of stains
• Not as energy efficient

Warm temperatures are a good all-round choice for moderately soiled items. Most washing machine models tend to offer 30°, 40°, or 60° cycles.

Pros
• More energy efficient than using hot water
• Effective at dissolving powder detergents
• Great for cleaning man-made fabrics

Cons
• Can fade some colours
• Does not sanitise fabrics as effectively as hot water
• Cannot remove some heavy soils and stains

Cold water cycles are great for lowering energy use and protecting colours. Advances in washing machines and detergents mean you can wash effectively at low temperatures.

Pros
• More energy efficient compared to warm and hot cycles
• Less likely to fade and shrink clothes
• Acceptable to use for most fabrics
• Rinsing in cold water can reduce creasing

Cons
• Not as effective at removing stains
• Will not sanitise clothes

Spin speed is measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and refers to the speed at which the drum rotates during a spin cycle. These speeds commonly range between 400 and 1800 RPM.

The faster the spin, the more water is squeezed out of your laundry and the quicker it will dry.

Some models allow you to alter the spin speed to suit the type of load better. Lowering the spin speed can also help to reduce creasing.

As well as stating the spin speed, washing machines also get a spin performance rating from A to G. Most models sold score at least a C, so the RPM is often a better measurement to compare.

The washing performance rating is based on how well the washing machine cleans the load during a cycle.

These theoretically range from A to G, although in recent years all machines are required to have an A rating. This is also only measured on the 60°C wash, which you may not use most often. 

Washing machine ratings are based on the kilowatt hours used annually for full and partial 60°C cotton loads and a 40°C partial cotton load.

Keep in mind the label may not reflect real usage if you mainly use different cycles.

The EU energy rating doesn’t consider water usage, only electricity. The water consumption is shown on the label but doesn’t contribute to the overall rating.

Water usage per kilogram ranges between 6-14 litres in the average machine.

If you have young children, want to run your machine at night, or enjoy a peaceful home, how loud the washing machine is can be a big factor. Quiet models are also great for open-plan spaces.

Noise ratings vary depending on the quality of the washing machine. Higher-end models may include brushless or inverter motors and anti-vibration designs to reduce noise.

Where you put the machine also matters. Make sure it’s the right size so it won’t vibrate against nearby units or appliances.

Most washing machines average between 40-80 dB, with anything below 50 dB considered particularly quiet.

As a comparison, vacuum cleaning is about 70 dB, someone talking is typically 50-60 dB, and a quiet library is about 40 dB.

Before you go into a store, do as much research as you can. Technology and features are always being updated, so it helps to have an idea of what you’re after.

Research the average prices for the type of machine you’re interested in, so you know roughly how much you’ll be paying.

Figure out what your priorities are based on your washing needs. If you have a large household, a bigger drum and specific programmes may be more important.

Decide on a rough budget and stick to it. If you only have the money for a basic design, don’t look at high-end models.

Ask what the delivery and installation policy is. Will they take away your old machine? Is delivery free? Do weekend deliveries cost more?

In-store, measure the appliance, check the door swing, look at the drum size, and inspect the controls. Don’t buy the first model you look at — compare a few.

Online reviews and ratings can be very helpful. Some sites even allow you to ask questions to owners of a particular model.

Read the online specification carefully. You’ll typically find full details on sizes, features, programmes, and energy ratings.

Website filters make it easier to find the exact qualities you want. You can usually filter by type, brand, spin speed, capacity, colour, and energy rating.

Buying online can be cheaper during sales. Payments are generally secure with reputable retailers, and paying by credit card can add extra protection.

Check delivery and installation details before you order, and consider retailer reviews. If you’re unsure, you can research online before visiting a store.

Washing machines range from around £200 for a basic model, up to £800 or more for something with additional features.

There are also some machines that cost less than £200 – with many offering good value for money. Remember that price is only one factor; brand reliability and warranty matter too.

Several factors affect the price of a washing machine, but in general, a more expensive machine will have at least one of the following:

• A larger drum
• A faster spin speed
• More features (sometimes including Wi-Fi connectivity)
• More programme options
• Better energy efficiency
• Improved water efficiency
• Quieter running noises
• Attractive appearance
• Touch controls

The quality and reputation of the brand, place of manufacture, and overall design also affect the price.

If your old washing machine has broken down, you may not be able to wait for a better price, but it’s worth checking what offers are available.

Most retailers run promotions all year round. As well as money-off deals, look out for cashback and trade-ins.

The price of the appliance isn’t the only thing you should consider. A longer warranty can save money long-term, and better efficiency can lower running costs.

Remember to factor in delivery, installation, and removal of your old machine when comparing prices.