Best Washing Machine

Top Loading

As the name suggests, this is a washing machine where you put the clothes in at the top. These are more traditional and are less common in UK households nowadays.

Among the notable qualities of top-loading washing machines is the fact you don’t need to bend down to put clothes in, and in some cases, you can add clothes mid-wash.

Top-loading machines can further be used to distribute fabric softener and collect lint in a better manner than their front-loading counterparts.

Front Loading

An alternative and more commonplace type of washing machine is one that is front-loading. Notably, front-loading washing machines use about half the amount of electricity as top-loading machines.

Also, front-loading washing machines don’t leave clothes quite as wet as their top-loading counterparts. On the other hand, they are less ergonomic and tend to be more expensive to buy upfront.

Examples of subtypes of front-loading washing machines are compact, stackable, integrated, and washer and dryer combos.

Hotpoint WMTF 722H

A standout choice is this appliance from the popular Hotpoint brand. It has a 7kg capacity, a decade-long warranty for its parts, 1200 rpm spin, and an energy efficiency of A++. The WMTF 722H offers three fast cycles, and it is slimline, easy to use, and uses approximately 9,600l of water over a one year period (a relatively small quantity).

Beyond that, it also features handy digital controls, and it’s not very expensive either. However, it could be quieter with a noise output of 76dB, and it comes with no alarm to show that the cycle is over.

Whirlpool TDLR 602010

This high-quality 6KG-capacity top-loading washing machine has a max energy efficiency rating of A+++. It uses just 174 kw/h over a given year on average. Since it has a width of only 40cm, it’s ideal for small spaces. Now, its design is not the best on the eye, but if you’re concerned about performance and value for money, the TDLR 602010 is a great choice.

Among its advantages are that it comes with ‘Sixth Sense’ tech from Whirlpool, which offers the ability to intelligently measure the type and size of loads before adjusting the cycle time and water appropriately.

The TDLR’s Colours 15 programme allows you to wash colour clothes at 15° while achieving the same performance as you’d get with a 40° option. This is both energy- and cost-efficient. Further, this machine comes with a two-year guarantee.

Bosch Serie 4 Freestanding WOT24227

This model is another great buy if you’re after a top-loading washing machine. Aside from offering a 7kg capacity, it only uses 174 kw/h of energy and, like the TDLR 602010, has an A+++ energy efficiency rating. Among its helpful features are its allergy-setting and “ActiveWater” mode (works just like Whirlpool’s Sixth Sense technology).

The Bosch Serie 4 also comes with a two-year services and parts warranty, auto-lock feature to stop household occupants adding clothes when it’s in the middle of a high-temperature wash, as well as a 24-hour delay timer, variable spin speed options, and a fast wash selection.

With a sound output of 59 dB for a low spin and 76 dB for a fast spin, it’s a little on the loud side.

Thompson Twin Tub Washer

This appliance from Thompson is a particularly modern product. It’s also freestanding, so plumbing work is unnecessary. It weighs just 24kg and has a 6kg capacity for suitable washable items.

It has a fast spin speed of 1400 rpm, offers pre-soaking, Quick Cycle Time, and is both light and easy to move. With that said, it has to be close to a sink, and spares aren’t easy to source, unfortunately.

Montpellier MTL6120W

This 6kg capacity washing machine has a slimline depth of 40cm, 1200 rpm, a child lock, and a 24-hour delay timer. It’s also relatively inexpensive for a high-end top-loading product. On the other hand, its energy efficiency rating is only A+, making it the ‘worst of the best’ for such a rating.

However, its value is bumped up by its 30-minute fast wash option, load balance safety feature, and 2-years labour and parts guarantees. Ultimately, it still offers good value for money.

Best Front Loading Washing Machine

Bosch Serie 6 WAU28PH9GB

This mid-priced front loading product from Bosch is a great buy for a variety of reasons. It has a reasonably large 9kg capacity for starters, which works alongside Wi-Fi remote control and its hi-tech i-Dos feature. It’s also pretty quiet, with a 72dB noise output and offers an A+++ energy efficiency rating and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm.

Further, you can use options for wool, silk, and hand wash alike. If you’re not fussed about its advanced features, then it would be on the more expensive side, given its all-around performance.

AEG L9FEC966R

This high-performing washing machine offers a 1,600 rpm spin speed, superlative 160° wash performance, and a very effective quick wash.

It’s a top-notch appliance with an Outdoors programme. However, this AEG washing machine isn’t cheap, and the 40° wash isn’t the best either.

Bosch Serie 4 WAN28281GB

The Serie 4 WAN28281GB is a budget option for those looking to spend less than £500. This washing machine also offers a fantastic performance compared with previous generations of the Bosch Serie 4.

You get a 1,380 rpm, 8kg of capacity, and a decent energy efficiency rating. With that said, you can’t replace its bearings because it employs a sealed tank.

Miele TwinDos Washing Machine

This Wi-Fi-enabled washing machine has a 9kg capacity and a spin speed of 1400 rpm. Its Quick Wash Time is just 20 minutes, it has the highest energy efficiency rating possible, and it allows you to manage your clothes washing with your smartphone!

It’s also praised for having ease of installation. However, the Miele TwinDos isn’t cheap, and it is more suited to medium-sized families rather than particularly large families.

Cacoffay Portable Mini Fully Automatic Washing Machine

Not only is this appliance fully automated, but it’s also energy-efficient. Further, this compact and portable washing machine comes with a barrel air-drying mode, a reasonably sizable load capacity, a humanization design, and no need for instalment. It has a maximum spin speed of 400rpm.

Samsung Twin Tub Top Load Semi Automatic

Also known more specifically as the WT50J8, this Samsung washing machine has a capacity of 5kg. It comes with 220v of power, a 30% to 40% drying range, a rustproof base, a centre jet pulsator, and an air turbo drying system (designed for time efficiency).

However, it only has a spin speed of 600 rpm and lacks the qualities of a fully automatic washing machine.

BLLXMX Semi-Automatic Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine

This cheap 4.8kg capacity portable washing machine from BLLXMX is a compact product with an easy-to-use operation panel, new transparent plastic cover, and a decent design as well as a solid level of energy efficiency.

It has three distinct composite pulsators also. It’s also low-costing.

WTT 200 UK Semi-Automatic Washing Machine

Next, we’ve got this 20kg capacity semi-automatic appliance. The WTT 200 UK is freestanding, has a voltage of 220 to 240 volts, and weighs about 40kg.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find, and there isn’t too much information available online. However, its exceptional capacity makes it a standout product all the same.

Beko WTK62051W 6kg Freestanding Washing Machine

With the WTK62051W, you get a decent load capacity, only a 62dB noise output, and a solid 1200 rpm spin speed. As for its dimensions, it stands at a height of 840mm and a width of 600mm.

It’s also a relatively cheap appliance, especially given its performance and capacity. Not only that, but this Beko washing machine has an A+++ rating for energy efficiency.

Zanussi ZWC1301

This appliance from Zanussi has a height x width of 515mm x 495mm. However, it receives just an A for energy efficiency, falling several ranks behind the WTK62051W and similarly efficient washing machines. The ZWC1301 offers just 3kg of load capacity, but it provides 1300 rpm, 125 kw/h over a year and a total of 15 programs, including a half-hour Quick Wash.

Unfortunately, this Zanussi washing machine comes with just a one-year warranty. A noise output of 73dB, while not too loud, is significantly noisier than that of the Beko appliance reviewed above.

Bosch Serie 2

Another strong product from Bosch is the German brand’s Serie 2. With an energy efficiency rating of A+++, an ability to leave behind 62% of water post-spin (most washers offer around 50-55% at the end of a cycle), and various premium features, the Serie 2 is a fantastic compact machine.

With the Bosch Serie 2, you get a 6kg capacity, two-year warranty, standout build quality and power usage, and a 15 minute Quick Wash program. With that said, it could be quieter, given that in a high spin, it produces as much as 78dB of sound!

Bosch WIW28301GB Serie 6 Integrated Washing Machine

Looking again at the Serie 6, the WIW28301GB is an integrated machine from this family with an 8kg load capacity, A+++ energy efficiency class, and a 1400 rpm spin speed. It also offers features like EcoSilence.

The WIW28301GB Serie 6 has a life expectancy of 20 years, various wash cycle options, and a useful projected progress indicator. Its spin efficiency could be a bit better, though. It’s also a little dear, but given its quality, that’s not a surprise. All in all, though, this is a highly-rated, popular, and respected appliance.

Beko Pro WIX845400 Integrated Washing Machine

The WIX845400 is another 8kg load capacity appliance with an A+++ energy efficiency. Another matching quality between this Beko washing machine and the previous Bosch appliance is its 1400 rpm spin speed.

This washing machine comes with a sizable porthole door, a very fast 28 minute ‘super quick’ cycle, and it is also relatively quiet. However, unlike most of the top washing machines on the market, it doesn’t come with a wool wash.

NEFF W543BX1GB Integrated Washing Machine

Next up is another A+++ energy efficiency rated integrated appliance, also providing 1400 rpm and an 8kg load capacity. Beyond that, the NEFF W543BX1GB offers a fast 15-minute wash, ease of use, and it is very quiet.

It’s great for people who suffer from allergies and for those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, it’s a little slow when it comes to filling up with water.

CASART Full-Automatic Washing Machine

As a compact, built-in washing machine, this fully automatic option from CASART offers good value for money with features such as water & mode control and good spin and wash capacity.

In addition, it’s a user-friendly product that is easy to operate.

It can be used as a washing machine OR dryer, depending on your needs. It also comes with power wire and drain house management.

Neff V6540X2GB Integrated Washer Dryer

This combo appliance has a 7kg wash capacity and 4kg drying capacity. Despite having a low energy efficiency rating, it offers a Quick Wash option, among other advantages.

Its spin speed is 1400 rpm. Notably, however, it is an expensive product, priced at over £1000.

LG Turbo Wash 360

For a hi-tech and energy-efficient combo machine, this 1400 rpm appliance from LG provides a load capacity of 9kg and offers a Quick wash time of just under 40 minutes for a 5kg load.

You can, thanks to its Wi-Fi-enabled capabilities, use your phone to manage the washing. It’s also not as costly as the Neff V6540X2GB, despite some of its advantages.