Compare the Best Washing MachinesSeptember 2019

Washing machines come in 2 different forms - top loading or front loading. While these two forms largely do the same thing, there are some small advantages and differences between them:

Top Loading

These washing machines tend to be older, and don’t have quite as much power, but because of this they are quieter and cheaper. Clothes are loaded into a hatch in the top of the machine - because of this they require less bending to load, which may be a boon for elderly people or those with back problems. The top-loading means that it can’t be stacked under other white goods, since you’ll need access to the top of the machine.

Front Loading

These comprise of the majority of washing machines. Clothes are loaded into a hole in the front of the machine. These machines generally are newer and have more power than top loading machines, though are also more expensive. This extra power comes with increased noise and vibration, which may be detrimental depending on where you’re going to be installing the machine. Finally, some brands of front loading machines can be stacked on top of each other, saving valuable space in flats and smaller utility rooms.

Additionally, some washing machines come as integrated - meaning they are altered to look like a cupboard or part of the work surface. These types of machines generally cost more than a standalone model, but may be worth the expense to gain a more streamlined and design-focussed kitchen.

Spin Speed, Noise & Vibration

Most modern washing machines will have a spin cycle that can run at the end of the wash, to remove excess water and mean the clothes dry faster. Higher spin speeds mean the clothes dry faster and more efficiently, but there is a tradeoff: higher spin speeds mean more noise and vibration from the machine while it is running.

Noise levels for washing machines are measures in Db - most washing machines fall between 60-70Db, which is generally equivalent to the noise of a vacuum cleaner running.

Vibration is harder to measure, but generally speaking the faster the spin speed, the more the machine will move around when you use it. Newer models have special technology to reduce the amount of vibration given off by the spin cycle - look for these machines if you want quieter washing cycles.

Capacity & Size Of Machine

The capacity of the drum in your washing machine will determine how many clothes you can fit in a single wash. Drum capacity is measured in Kg, with a single Kg being equivalent to a single outfit. Bigger washing machines have bigger capacities, which may be necessary for families - single people and couples may find it far cheaper and more energy efficient to buy a smaller machine.

Programs

Modern washing machines come with a variety of different programs to handle different types of clothing, levels of dirt, etc. Most machines will include programs for white and coloured washing, as well as delicates and quick cycles. More advanced machines may also have more specialist programs, with cycles catering specifically to the safe washing of woollen jumpers, pillows, jeans and even shoes. While not all of these programs may be necessary, more programs is generally a good sign of a higher-end and more capable washing machine.

Washing Machine Prices

The price range of washing machines is from £52 to £2,150 and in total we found prices for 786 washing machines. On average, a new washing machine costs £417 and 80% of washing machines are priced between £200 and £729. The Samsung WF16J6500EW is the most expensive washing machine that we found at £2,150, and the Hotpoint RSG723FR is the cheapest at only £52.

Washing Machine Brands - Price Range

The highest average washing machine price out of all brands is Miele washing machines with an average price of £1,016. Miele washing machines start at £480 and their most expensive washing machine costs £1,900.

Maytag washing machines range in price from £699 to £699, and the second highest average washing machine price out of all brands is Maytag washing machines with an average price of £699.

The average price of Siemens washing machines is £641 which is the third highest average price of all washing machine brands. Siemens washing machines range in price from £279 to £1,158.

Washing Machine Brands - Average Ratings

We have checked 118 expert reviews and 35,154 user reviews for washing machines and used these reviews to calculate the average rating for each brand of washing machine. The top three washing machine brands are Bosch, Samsung and Candy. Bosch has an average rating of 93%, Samsung has an average rating of 88% and Candy has an average rating of 87%.

Biggest Washing Machine Retailers

The biggest washing machine retailer by number of products currently for sale is eBay. We found 681 current washing machine offers from eBay. The second biggest retailer is Marks Electrical with 250 offers. That means eBay is more than twice as big as Marks Electrical when it comes to washing machines. AO is the third biggest retailer with 248 current offers.

When Are Most New Washing Machines Released?

We couldn't see any noticeable pattern in the release dates for new washing machines over the last 3 years. In March 2018, 100 new washing machines were released making it the biggest month that year for new washing machine releases. The biggest month in 2017 for new washing machine releases was October, with 174 new washing machines released that month. In 2016 most new washing machines were released in August, with 294 new washing machines released that month.

How Fast Do Washing Machine Prices Drop After Release?

On average, in the first 6 months after release, washing machines drop in price by 3%.

That means a saving of £14 on a typical £417 new washing machine if you wait 6 months before buying.

Drum Capacities

The drum capacity refers to the amount of clothes that the washing machine drum can hold, measured in kilograms.

Comparing all washing machines, the drum capacities range from 1kg to 45kg. The drum capacities of most washing machines range from 5kg to 9kg. The Samsung WF16J6500EW, which currently retails for £2,150.00, has the biggest drum capacity and is a 16kg capacity washing machine. The washing machine with the smallest drum capacity is the Blomberg LWF4114421W, which is a 1kg capacity washing machine and is available at £459.99.

Noise Levels

How much noise the washing machine makes when it's in use, measures in decibels (dB).

Comparing all washing machines, the noise levels range from 39dB to 99dB. The noise levels of most washing machines range from 50dB to 55dB. The washing machine with the loudest noise level is the Maytag 3LMVWC315FW, which is a 99dB noise level washing machine and sells for £699.00. The Bosch WAW287H0GB, which can be purchased for £725.38, has the quietest noise level and is a 39dB noise level washing machine.

Maximum Spin Speeds

The maximum spin speed in the quickest that the washing machine can spin, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Comparing all washing machines, the maximum spin speeds range from 100 RPM to 2,800 RPM. The maximum spin speeds of the majority of washing machines range from 1,400 RPM to 1,500 RPM. The AEG L6FBG862R, which is priced at £429.00, has the fastest maximum spin speed and is a 1,600 RPM maximum spin speed washing machine. The LG F8K5XN3, which can be purchased for £199.00, has the slowest maximum spin speed and is a 700 RPM maximum spin speed washing machine.

Which Are the Cheapest Retailers for Washing Machines?

The chart below helps you decide which retailer is normally cheapest for buying washing machines. For each retailer it shows the total number of washing machines where they currently have a market leading price. The chart below helps you decide which retailer is normally cheapest for buying washing machines. For each retailer we took all of their prices and looked at what proportion of those prices where the cheapest on the market. The cheapest retailer that we found was eBay. 419 of their washing machine prices were the cheapest that could be found anywhere.

Proportion of Washing Machines for Which Each Retailer is Cheapest?

Assessing how cheap each retailer is for washing machines by counting the number of cheapest prices for that retailer, makes the retailers that offer the greatest number of washing machine prices more likely to offer the greatest number of cheapest prices. The chart below considers the proportion of each retailer's washing machine prices that are the cheapest compared to other retailers. The cheapest retailer that we found using this approach was eBay. 61.5% of their washing machine prices were the cheapest that could be found anywhere.