If there’s one home appliance we can’t live without, it’s the washing machine. Not only do they make a dull job easier, a washing machine can also get your clothes cleaner than by doing the job by hand, as well as making it cheaper and more efficient.
Although we all need a washing machine, most of us won’t upgrade until there’s a reason to do so: the old model breaks, we move house or have a kitchen redone. In all likelihood, it means that most of us will keep the same washing machine for at least five years, if not longer. Buying a new machine may be a bit more complex than you first imagined, then, as new technology will have come along since you last bought a machine.
That’s where we come in. At Trusted Reviews we actually get washing machines in and test them for stain removal, ease of use and energy and water consumption. This means that you can rely on us to help you find the best product for your needs. We’ve reviewed hundreds of washing machines and have a dedicated lab used to test more, constantly updating this list with the current best buys.
High-end washing machines can cost upwards of £1000, which sounds like a lot of money. With these kinds of machines, you’ll typically find the best stain removal, smart features and the lowest running costs. While reduced running costs will take a long time to pay-off compared to buying a cheaper machine, you’re doing your bit for the environment. You’ll usually get a greater range of programmes, designed specifically for certain loads.
Mid-range washing machines are around £500 to £700. Here, you’ll still get decent results and good running costs, but you may find that these machines are a little noisier and don’t have the same range of programmes as their more expensive competition.
Budget washing machines are much more basic, and typically have smaller drums than their higher-end counterparts. Expect fewer wash programmes, higher running costs and more noise. However, if you need something basic and don’t want to spend a fortune, these are a good choice. We’ve reviewed a wide range of products at different prices to help you find the right choices.
Best washing machine at a glance
How we test
Every washing machine that we review goes through a series of uniform tests, designed to help us spot the quality products from the not so good. We examine build quality, ease of use, wash quality and running costs.
We use a series of real-world tests, using a set of dedicated washing per machine, so that we can accurately compare results between products. All of our tests take place at our dedicated home appliance test lab.
We install and level each washing machine in much the same way that you would at home, so that we’ll get similar results to you. You can see a more detailed breakdown of our testing methodology in our how we test washing machines guide.
Samsung WW11DB8B95GB
The best overall washing machine
Pros
- Low running costs
- Smart control
- Excellent stain removal
The Samsung WW11DB8B95GB is a well-designed and powerful washing machine that uses AI to determine the best possible cycle for your clothes. Sporting an A-rating for energy efficiency, this is the cheapest washing machine to run that we have ever tested.
As one of Samsung’s SpaceMax appliances, the WW11DB8B95GB features a massive 11kg drum housed inside a standard-sized chassis which means it can fit seamlessly into your home while still boasting space for mammoth loads.
You can also pre-load the washing machine with liquid detergent and fabric softener for automatic dosing of the perfect amount during each wash cycle.
All the expected washing cycles can be found on the washing machine, alongside some Samsung-exclusive functions including AI Wash which uses AI to measure the size of the load and how dirty your clothes are to determine how much detergent and water is needed.
You’ll also find a super speedy 15-minute wash for freshening up fabrics, a more intense but still fast 39-minute mode and an Intense Cold wash to help reduce energy consumption.
Controlling the WW11DB8B95GB can be done either via the dial on the front which allows you to scroll through and learn more about each of the wash cycles or the SmartThings app. The latter is especially useful as it offers additional wash modes such as the Less Microfibre cycle which reduces the number of microfibres produced from synthetic clothes.
During our time with the Samsung WW11DB8B95GB, we were impressed by not only its performance and efficiency but also how inexpensive most cycles were. The Eco 40-60 cycle for example, not only tackled tough stains admirably but it cost just 18p to run.
Although the AI Wash cycle was pricier at 36p each go, we did find that the performance was slightly better than the Eco cycle for dried-on stains. We then tested the Cotton 30°C cycle which although it was cheap at 21p, we were left disappointed with its stain removal efficiency, especially in comparison to the other cycles.
Another option with the Samsung WW11DB8B95GB is its Steam wash which keeps clothes free from bacteria and allergens. Although it performed well, it’s worth noting that this is a costly cycle at 70p each time, so we’d recommend using this sparingly.
Overall, thanks to its sleek design, low running costs and AI-infused cycles, it’s easy to see why the Samsung WW11DB8B95GB has earned its place as the best overall washing machine.
Full review: Samsung WW11DB8B95GB
Reviewer: David Ludlow
Hisense WF5S1045BW
Best smart washing machine
Pros
- Low running costs
- Large drum
- Good stain removal on the Eco 40-60 wash
Not only is the Hisense WF5S1045BW packed with clever features and extra mode cycles but it is also impressively cheap to run and boasts a large 10.5kg drum.
In fact the 10.5kg drum is one of the largest we’ve seen on a washing machine, only slightly beaten by the 11kg drum on the Samsung WW11BGA046AE, which means the WF5S1045BW can handle pretty much anything from large loads to thick duvets.
As a smart washing machine, the Hisense WF5S1045BW can be controlled either by the main cycle dial on the front or via the ConnectLife iOS and Android smartphone apps. Although fiddly to set up, the app offers remote control access over the WF5S1045BW’s wash cycle and settings.
ConnectLife gives you additional special-purpose cycles too including Timing which shows users the cheapest time to run their washing machine.
You can even pair your WF5S1045BW to a compatible Hisense smart tumble dryer via the app and receive recommended drying cycles based on what you’ve just washed.
Otherwise the main cycle dial is clear and intuitive to understand. You’ll find all the standard wash cycles you’d expect plus extras including a rapid 49-minute wash, a wool cycle so you’ll never shrink a beloved jumper again, and a baby care cycle that uses steam to gently refresh items.
We found that running the machine was inexpensive too, making it an ideal investment for busy households. Firstly we tested the standard Cotton wash at 30°C which cost just 44p to run and added just over 44% of water weight.
We then tested the Eco 40-60 cycle which dropped the price significantly to just 25p and added just shy of 43% in water weight.
Finally we tried the 49-minute quick wash which cost just 26p to run. Although the load did come out substantially heavier, with 66.8% weight added through water retention, this is perhaps unsurprising from a quick wash.
Overall we found the Hisense WF5S1045BW to be an impressively smart and feature-packed washing machine that can handle anything busy family life can throw at it. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to properly set up the app.
Reviewer: David Ludlow
Full review: Hisense WF5S1045BW
Indesit BWE 111496X WV UK
The best large washing machine
Pros
- Low cost
- Large drum
- Excellent wash performance
Cons
- Slightly confusing interface
With a mammoth 11kg drum, low running costs and impressive performance, the Indesit BWE 111496X WV UK is a great choice for larger households.
The machine is controlled via the dial on its front, with all its available cycles listed on the front drawer too. Alongside standard cycles, such as Eco 40-60 and Cottons, you’ll find Indesit’s special modes for duvets, fast washes and steam modes.
There’s also the Push and Go button, which can be found on other Indesit appliances, and allows you to start a 30°C cycle by pressing and holding it down. Whether this is really useful is debatable, as we’d argue it’s easier to just select your own cycle.
For each wash you have the option to adjust the temperature and spin speeds, plus there’s a button that allows you to select a stain type, upon which the cycle will then adjust to specifically target that kind of mess.
Although this sounds like a clever idea in theory, this stain setting is only compatible with the White cycle, yet the only way to know that is through process of elimination as the manual doesn’t mention this.
Aside from these quirks, the Indesit BWE 111496X WV UK is otherwise easy and intuitive to use.
To begin our tests, we ran the Eco 40-60 cycle which costs an inexpensive 29p to run. Here we found washing performance to be good, although tough stains did struggle to come out. However when we moved to the 20°C wash, not only did running costs drop to just 14p but stain removal was excellent too.
Although the aforementioned White wash at 60°C, with the stain setting enabled, cost a pricier 59p, it’s worth noting that we found it excellent for removing deep, engrained stains with ease.
There’s even a dedicated Ariel Pod setting, which runs at 30°C and costs 35p. Although using pods is convenient, we found stain removal to be a mixed bag, so we wouldn’t recommend opting for this cycle.
Although slightly fiddly to use at first, if you need a large washing machine that performs well and doesn’t have high running costs then the Indesit BWE 111496X WV UK is a fantastic choice for most households.
Full review: Indesit BWE 111496X WV UK
Reviewer: David Ludlow
Beko BM3WT3941
The best for low running costs
Pros
- Very low running costs
- StainExpert delivers brilliant stain removal
- Excellent value
Although a more entry-level option, what the Beko BM3WT3941 lacks in smart features it makes up for in performance and even boasts some of the lowest running costs we’ve seen from a washing machine.
With a 9kg drum, the Beko BM3WT3941 should suffice for most washes, however we did find it to be shallow and quick to fill up. If you need more room or want to wash large items then we’d recommend the mighty 11kg Indesit BWE 111496X WV.
In lieu of a smart app or an advanced control panel, the BM3WT3941 has an easy-to-understand cycle dial at the front where you’ll find common wash cycles alongside Beko’s special StainExpert Mode, all clearly labelled.
Once you select a cycle, the LCD will show you the estimated run time and allow you to override the temperature setting and spin speed if needed.
We began our tests with the standard Eco 40-60 wash, which resulted in the lowest running cost we’ve ever seen at just 13p per cycle.
We did find that stain removal is only average with this cycle, so if you have heavier soiled garments then you should use the StainExpert mode instead. Although this cycle costs a pricier 60p, stain removal is incredible and on par with the much more expensive Samsung WW11DB8B95GB.
Otherwise the 20°C and Cotton 30°C washes were both equally low in running costs, at 27p and 30p respectively, which puts them in line with other A-rated models.
If you’re on a tight budget then you’d be hard pressed to find a better washing machine than the Beko BM3WT3941. Not only is it affordable, but it boasts some of the lowest running costs we’ve seen yet, all while prioritising performance and efficiency.
Full review: Beko BM3WT3941
Reviewer: David Ludlow
Indesit BWE 101638X W UK N
The best standard washing machine
Pros
- Simple to use
- Good selection of programmes
- Excellent stain removal on Eco programme
Although it isn’t the cheapest washing machine to run, its mid-range price point and simplicity makes the Indesit BWE 101638X W UK N an ideal choice for most households. What it lacks in extra features it more than makes up for in performance, capacity and stain removal.
Unlike some more fancy washing machines, the Indesit BWE goes back to basics with its design and sports a white plastic exterior with all its washing programmes clearly labelled on the front.
It’s not just the front of the machine that packs clear instructions – open the detergent drawer and you’ll find each compartment is labelled too, negating any potential doubt over where to put your washing powder and fabric conditioner.
There aren’t any smart features accompanying this machine, such as a smartphone app, however most programmes allow you to override the preset temperature and spin cycle.
To begin our testing, we started with the standard Cotton 30°C cycle and found most tough stains were removed, with just the notoriously difficult red wine spill remaining. We then worked out that the water usage was fairly high at 68.4-litres, although power consumption was just 0.176kWh.
We then moved on to the Eco 40-60 cycle and found stain removal was “among the best” we’ve seen from a washing machine, with the stains all basically gone. It’s still worth noting that power consumption with this cycle did rise up to 0.795kWh although the water consumption dropped to 55.6-litres.
If you’re looking for a simple washing machine that includes all the programmes you need with no extra frills then the Indesit BWE 101638X W UK N is the perfect choice. Although it may look unassuming and doesn’t have any smart compatibility, it is a perfectly capable cleaner that boasts some of the best stain removal we’ve seen.
Full review: Indesit BWE 101638X W UK N review
Reviewer: David Ludlow
FAQs
Washing machines have different drum sizes. These are measured in kg, and tell you the maximum weight of dry washing that you can put in. The bigger the number, the larger the drum and the more washing that you can do in one load. Larger drum sizes are also useful if you want to wash more generously sized items, such as duvets. Typically, most households will find that a minimum of a 6kg drum will do for weekly washing; go for 8kg or larger if you have a lot of washing.
Spin speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), tell you how fast the drum spins. The faster a drum spins, the more water can be expelled from your clothes, leaving them drier when the cycle is complete. This cuts down the time that your clothes have to be hung up for, and can reduce the time needed in a tumble drier. Budget machines tend to spin slower. If you want the best performance, look for a machine rated at 1400rpm or 1600rpm.
All electrical appliances have an energy certificate that tells you how efficient they are, with A+++ at the top and A at the bottom. The more efficient the machine, the lower the running costs. We work out the running costs of each machine, based on typical usage, so you can compare total running costs.
All washing machines have a variety of temperature settings from which to choose. Our reviews demonstrate how well each mode performs, but there are some general tips:
Washing at the cold setting (20ºC or below) is great for lightly soiled items and reduces running costs.
Most normal clothing can be cleaned at 30ºC or 40ºC. A higher 60ºC wash is useful for very soiled items or to reduce bacteria, such as on towels or underwear.
Some machines even have a 90ºC wash, which you shouldn’t need very often, but could be handy to run as an empty cycle to keep the inside of your machine in tip-top, bacteria-free condition.
All washing machines will give you basic wash modes for cottons and synthetics, plus half load or eco options. If you want to clean a wider variety of clothes, look for the wash modes to match.
Woolmark certification is essential if you want to wash woollen items; a silk wash is useful; and a handwash mode can save the drudgery of washing delicate items.
Comparison Specifications
UK RRP
Manufacturer
Size (Dimensions)
Weight
Release Date
First Reviewed Date
Model Number
Model Variants
Rated Efficiency
Annual water consumption
Annual electricity consumption
Drum Capacity
Spin speed
Special wash modes
Countdown timer
Delay timer
App Control
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Trusted Reviews test data
Energy consumption 30C wash
Water consumption 30C wash
Percentage water remaining 30C wash
Energy consumption 40C wash
Water consumption 40C wash
Percentage water remaining 40C wash
Yearly running cost low use (washing machine)
Yearly running cost med use (washing machine)
Yearly running cost high use (washing machine)
Sound (spin)
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