A guide to washing machines: how to choose the best washing machine for you

Key steps:

Before choosing which washing machine is best for you, consider the following:

• How much space you have

• How often the appliance will be used

• What type of features you’re in the market for (e.g. spin cycles, tumble-dry feature)

• How much money you’re willing to spend

From energy saving to front loading, there are a ton of things to consider when deciding what’s the best washing machine brand for your needs. Hopefully, this simple guide to the most common appliance features and their benefits can help simplify the process for you.

Boost the efficiency of your washing machine by using a quality laundry detergent, like Persil Ultimate Liquid, which will tackle even 48-hour dried-in stains.

Which washing machine is best for you?

When you’re choosing the best washing machine to buy, there are plenty of factors you need to take into account: the size of your living space, how many people you’re washing for, if you’re after eco-friendly credentials, and – perhaps most importantly – how much money you’re willing to spend. Here we look at some of those key considerations, so when decision time looms, you’ll be able to make a well-informed one. If you want to look into investing in a smart washing machine, you can read our guide to become more well-acquainted with this piece of cleaning equipment.

Front loader or top loader?

Washing machines break down into two fundamental types, and the one best suited to you will depend largely on your household requirements. Front loading washing machines generally take up less space, are gentler on clothes, use less water, and tend to have higher spin speeds (which means less drying time). Whilst top loading machines are cheaper and have a larger capacity than front loaders, but tend to be bulkier.

Efficiency

When it comes to choosing the best washing machine brand to buy, always check out the water and energy efficiency rating – the higher the rating, the more money you’ll save on your utility bills. Watch out for the Energy Star Rating label, which gives a mark out of 10 for energy consumption. For water, look for the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) label – six stars indicate the highest level of water efficiency. Although more expensive than regular top loading machines, high-efficiency top loaders are growing in popularity, as the speed and performance can often be comparable to a front loading machine.

Features

To get the very best out of your washing machine, it’s wise to have a solid understanding of the appliance’s programs. These days, the best washing machine brands usually feature a range of pre-programmed settings – everything from hand wash, bulky loads, and cycles for specific materials (like wools or silks). Higher-end models may also feature steam cycles, no-iron settings, adjustable spin speeds, and germ-busting cycles for baby clothes and washable diapers.

Budget

The most expensive option isn’t always the best washing machine to buy. If you avoid bright colours and chromes in favour of traditional white models, you might be able to save a few pounds along the way. Though an energy efficient model might be more expensive up front, you could end up saving money in the long run. The latest budget models on the market can offer a similar wash quality to more expensive models – but without some of the pre-programmed settings. It’s a good idea to check through some online user reviews to find out which washing machine performs best.