Battling with a broken washing machine or looking for an upgrade? Whatever the reason you’re shopping for a new one, you need to know your appliance will stand by you, and keep your clothes sparkling and stain-free.
To help with your research, the Good Housekeeping Institute has expertly tested the latest washing machines on the market and shared everything you need to know about shopping for your new kitchen addition.
First up, you need to decide what sort of washing machine you’d like. There are four main types for you to choose from, and your choice will mainly come down to the space you have. Here are the different models available:
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This is the most popular type. A freestanding machine isn’t built into your cupboards but is flexible enough to be used in different locations. The standard dimensions are built to fit under most kitchen worktops.
These machines are designed to be installed within a kitchen unit and hidden behind a door that matches your other cupboards. Integrated options can be pricier and slightly smaller than freestanding machines but they are usually quieter, as the cupboard door can muffle the noise.
These can also cost more than freestanding models. The control panel is visible, while the drum is hidden behind a door. You’ll need a door panel from your kitchen supplier to match your kitchen units.
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Buying both a washing machine and a tumble dryer can be pricey and take up a lot of space. This is where washer-dryers come in handy. These two-in-one models can be a great solution if you’re looking for one machine to do it all.
On test, we’ve found that washer-dryers usually aren’t as good as a separate washing machine and tumble dryer. Furthermore, washer-dryers can have drying capacities that are nowhere near their washing capacity. This means that while you may be able to wash 10kg, you might only be able to dry 4kg in the same machine.
Washing machines are more effective and energy efficient when full, so it's worth thinking about how much washing you'll be doing at one time. Drum capacities range from 3kg up to 12kg, with the weight referring to dry clothes that can fit inside the drum.
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Many machines offer 8kg to 10kg of space. This is a great size for large families or those who like to do all their washing at once. How much you can fit inside will also depend on the program you've selected.
The faster the spin, the more water is removed, meaning clothes needn't be in a tumble dryer or out on a washing line for as long. While speeds are worth considering, any machine with a range between 400 to 1, 400rpm will do the job well. Some top-of-the-range models can spin up to 1, 800rpm on a cotton program, but faster spin speeds can be costlier and are usually noisier too.
To gauge how economical and efficient your new washing machine will be, look at its energy rating. Every machine has one, with newer models generally performing more efficiently than older ones.
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The rating scale now goes from A to G – A being the most energy efficient – but it used to include A+++, A++ and A+. These were taken out to simplify the scale and to reflect increasingly economical technology.
We’ve tested machines with energy ratings that range from A to C. Look for economy settings too, as these should use less water and energy.
As well as the essentials, modern machines come with a range of helpful bonus functionalities. These are the ones worth knowing about:
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All washing machines should offer the same standard programs but some brands will include extra cycles for specific washes. When choosing a program, keep in mind the recommended temperatures and spin speeds for your different fabrics. Here are what some of the most common washes do:
If you’re buying from a reputable retailer that is also delivering the machine, they should be able to install it for you. They should also offer to collect and recycle your old one for free or a small fee.
To put washing machines to the test, we wash an everyday load of bedding, towels and clothes on a quick wash and the cotton and synthetic 40-degree programs.
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To judge the machine’s performance, we weigh the laundry before and after washing to ascertain how effectively it spins and removes water. We time the cycle and measure how much water and energy it uses. We also check whether the clothes have creased.
We add stain strips to the cotton and synthetic washes to measure how well it removes common household stains, from red wine to baby food to foundation. Each cycle is tested twice.
Hannah is our senior homes writer, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
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Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah helps to uncover the best cleaning hacks too, with a focus on easy, natural solutions.
Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
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Simon Cocks is our Technology Ecommerce Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy across a range of titles including Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Digital Spy and more.
Previously, Simon was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team, conducting price comparison research, writing detailed advice guides and editing thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
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The best pan sets for 2023 12 best steam cleaners for 2023 How to choose the right luggage for your holiday 9 best fans to invest in for summer heatwavesimes are tough at the moment and every penny counts, we know that; but that’s no excuse for wandering around wearing clothes with the distinct odour of damp dog.
While it is true that water-churning appliances are by-and-large the most expensive to run. In fact, the average washer/dryer used in the UK eats its insatiable way through 424kWh [kilowatt hours] of electricity per year, according to a recent report from the University of Cambridge. This results in bigger bills and an equally sizable carbon footprint, but you can still keep your togs as fresh as a daisy without it costing the Earth with a well-sourced washer/dryer.
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What we’re talking here is a space-saving combined washing machine and dryer that’s capable of laundering your specifically-sized load with all the energy efficiency of some hybrid water-powered wind-farm, getting clothes clean and dry in the wink of an eye.
So, what do you need to look for in the washer/dryer of your dreams? Well, basically, a thrilling threesome of price, size and power efficiency, so one that fits your both your budget and your home.
Fortunately for you, I’ve been busy comparing and contrasting some of the most wondrous washer/dryers currently available, so grab your tape measure, work out how much space you have free, and come with me as I spin through your options…
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A fresh launch in July 2022 from the South Korean kings of smart stuff, the LG SIGNATURE TWINWash is a last-minute must-include in any self-respecting round-up of washer/dryers.
As you’d expect, this comes heaving with advanced tech, but before we get to that, let’s address the looks… I mean, look at it; it’s stunning. All curves and with a big black glass door complete with LCD circle control display, LG informs that the design concept is “based on a deep, yet softly moonlit sky reflecting on a calm midnight lake” and it’s not my place to comment on such things, so there you have it: a stunning moon/lake thing.
Featuring LG’s ‘Centrum System’ to keep noise to a minimum and keep the machine running for long into the future by reducing shaking stress, ‘AI DD’ can weigh the load and assess fabrics automatically and set the correct cycle, while the TWINWash name means – get this – you can multi-task your laundry, washing two different fabric types or two separate colours at the same time- the final word in washing machine convenience, right there.
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Control via the LCD circle keeps things both slick and simple, while auto dosing detects and selects just the right amount of detergent and softener for each individual load, taking all the guesswork off your hands and ensuring your laundry gets the platinum lounge level of care and attention.
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