The best washing machine for large loads, quick washes and good energy ratings

To help you choose a washing machine suitable for your family, we asked our Top Tester's Club which washing machine they have and recommend. We also researched all the different functions and features you can get on your washing machine (it's a lot).

A washing machine is just the start of the laundry process, for more, take a look at our best heated airers, best irons, best ironing boards and the best clothes steamers. Doing laundry can cause for a lot of steam and water vapour, therefore, investing in a dehumidifier may help your clothes dry indoors and stop mould growing in your home. Find the best retractable washing lines and best rotary washing lines to dry your clothes outdoors. Or take a look at the best vacuum storage bags to easily store your clothes.

Best washing machines at a glance

• Best energy efficient washing machine: Samsung Series 5 ecobubble WW90TA046AZ/EU 9kg Washing Machine, £659
• Best washing machine for large loads: Hoover H-wash 500 14kg Washing Machine, £600
• Best washer dryer: Candy CSW 4852DE NFC 8kg Washer Dryer, £439
• Best washing machine for auto-dosing: LG Direct Drive 10.5kg Washing Machine, £659.90
• Best budget washing machine: BUSH WMSAE12W 6kg Washing Machine, £185
• Best slim washing machine: Hotpoint WMTF722UUKN 7kg Freestanding Top Loading Washing Machine, £459
• Best quiet washing machine: Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW80-B14979S 8kg Washing Machine, £579
• Best integrated washing machine: Hotpoint BIWMHG71483 Integrated Washing Machine 7kg, £459
• Best sustainable washing machine: Beko Pro IronFast RecycledTub B3W5942IW Bluetooth 9kg Washing Machine, £349
• Best washing machine for protecting your clothes: AGE Soft Water L9FEC966R 9kg Washing Machine, £1,149

What to look for when choosing a washing machine

Wash load – The wash load size you require is likely to be determined by the size of your household or family. 7kg is suitable for 1-2 people. An average family would need around 8kg and for a slightly larger family it's recommended to get a 9+kg washing machine.

Size – Size is slightly different to wash load. Although washing machines with larger wash loads are likely to be bigger, you can actually get some compact sized washing machines with a large wash load. We strongly advise that you measure all the dimensions of the gap you wish to fill before buying a washing machine. You can also get integrated washing machines to fit behind a cupboard door and sit under a worktop.

Noise level – Depending on where your washing machine is located or whether you work from home, noise may be a huge factor when choosing your washing machine. You don't want a washing machine to be disruptive. To help you see how loud the washing machines are we have listed it in the specifications. For comparison, 50 dB is around the same level of noise as a conversation.

Quick wash –Any washing machines have quick wash cycles available where you can wash a small load very quickly, great for washing emergences. Some have wash times as little as 14 minutes whereas others go up to around 30 minutes.

Energy efficiency – Washing machines are labelled A-G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. We have included energy ratings in the specifications as this can be a really useful way to determine which washing machine is best for your family. Some have clever eco cycles which adjust temperatures and water levels to try and be as energy efficient as possible.

Child lock – This can be a very useful feature to stop children being able to change and alter settings on your washing machine. Most have this feature however some do not so if this is important to you, make sure to check.

Delay timer – This allows you to delay when your wash goes on. If you're on a tariff where it's cheaper to use electricity at night then this is very helpful as you can set the wash for when you're asleep.

Smart features – Washing machines, much like with other technology is getting smarter. There are now so many great features on washing machines. Some you can control from your phone, others can reduce ironing, protect your clothes, clean itself and more. It's important to look at all the different features and see which ones are useful to you.

Warranty – "Always make sure to check the warranty when purchasing a washing machine, especially if you know it will be well used. Standard warranties usually run for the first or second year however I'd recommend getting an extended warranty to last 3 or even 4 years," said Lisa Williams, Executive Housekeeper at The Grand, York.

Our pick of the best washing machines

1. Samsung Series 5 ecobubble WW90TA046AX/EU 9kg Washing Machine, £659

– Best energy efficient washing machine

Wash load: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 72 dB | Dimensions: H90cm x w65cm x D60cm | Quick wash time: 15 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

This clever energy efficient washing machine will help you cut down your electric bills. It uses air, water and detergent to create bubbles which allow you to clean your clothes at lower temperatures. The bubbles don't just save on electricity but they also help get rid of stubborn stains by giving your washing an extra detergent soak.

This washing machine was highly recommended by our top testers with Ruth saying, "It's great for us as a family of 5. There is endless washing to get through so the bigger the drum, the fewer the loads needed! It has lots of good settings including eco options. Our current machine is about 7 years old and is still going strong". Parent tester Nimah agreed with Ruth, "I love the big load capacity, eco clean function and ability to run quick washes".

It's great for if you need clothes washed in a hurry too. It's quick cycle is only 15 minutes, so no need to worry if your child spills their dinner down their school uniform.

The drum clean cycle keeps the drum fresh and ready for your next wash whilst the stay clean drawer sends all the detergent to the drum and has powerful jet to get rid of any build up to ensure your drawer is left clean and free of detergent.

If you or someone in your household has allergies then you will appreciate it's hygiene steam program which helps to reduce allergens like pollen or dust mites.

You get a 5-year guarantee with this washing machine.

Pros: Energy efficient, extra bubbles for stain removing, 15 minute quick cycle, has child lock, has delay timer, hygiene steam setting, drum clean, drawer clean, 5-year guarantee
Cons: Cannot control through an app

Available from: Very, Samsung and John Lewis

2. Hoover H-Wash 500 14kg Washing Machine, £600

– Best for large loads

Wash load: 14kg | Energy rating: A | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 81 dB | Dimensions: H85cm x w60cm x D67cm | Quick wash time: 14 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

If you have a big family or just need to wash big things then this 14kg washing machine is ideal. To go with its size it has an all-in-one program where you can just pop everything into the wash and it will do a general wash to suit all items and fabrics. It even weighs your load to calculate how long the wash needs to be.

You can control the washing machine from your phone. On the hOn app you can check the wash cycle, run smart diagnosis and download new programmes.

If you hate ironing then you'll love the steam function which eliminates wrinkles and allows you to save time ironing.

For such a large washing machine, it still has an energy efficiency rating of A.

Similar to the Samsung ecobubble, if you're in a rush then you can run a quick wash cycle and have your clothes cleaned in 14 minutes.

Parent tester Abi has 2 of these machines for personal and business use, "They're fab! They're quiet, have quick wash cycles and affordable. If you're after a washer with a large drum I would 100% recommend".

Pros: Can take a very large wash load, has A energy rating, 14 minute quick was time, child lock, delay time, can control through an app, all-in-one program, steam function
Cons: May be too large for some households, slightly louder compared to others, no guarantee

Available from: Very, Currys and Argos

3. Candy CSW 4852DE NFC 8kg Washer Dryer, £439

– Best washer dryer

Wash load: 8kg | Energy rating: E | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 61 dB (wash) 62 dB (dry) | Dimensions: H85cm x w60cm x D52cm | Quick wash time: 14 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

If you don't have much room in your house and want both a washing machine and tumble dryer then a washer dryer may be your best option. A washer dryer is a washing machine and tumble dryer in one. They save space, however, you do have to wait for the washing in order to use the tumble dryer so can't use them simultaneously.

It has an 8kg capacity so can wash and dry a good sized load. To make washing and drying even easier you can connect the machine to the Candy Simply-Fi app where you can control it from anywhere in the house, download additional cycles or get smart diagnostics.

For washing and drying in a hurry, it has a rapid mode where you can pick from 14, 30 or 44 minutes depending on the size of load and temperature.

It weighs your load for you and automatically calculates the time and water needed for the wash.

Just because it's a washer dryer, doesn't mean that the tumble dryer aspect isn't as good as a single tumble dryer. It has sensors so can tell when the clothes are dry and stops the cycle when it reaches the level of dryness you choose to save time and electricity.

Pros: Washer and dryer in one, 14 minute quick was time, child lock, delay timer, connects to app, weighs load to dictate cycle, sensor drying
Cons: Low energy rating, have to wait for washing before you can use dryer, no guarantee

Available from: Very, Amazon and Currys

4. LG Direct Drive 10.5kg Washing Machine, £659.90

– Best for auto-dosing

Wash load: 10.5kg | Energy rating: B | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 73 dB | Dimensions: H85cm x w60cm x D56.5cm | Quick wash time: 14 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

This washing machine has some very clever features which can help you and protect your clothes. The AIDD smart technology provides 18% more fabric protection. It weighs your load and detects the softness of the fabrics inside to choose the optimal motion and put release the correct amount of detergent.

Parent tester Pippa likes this feature, "I have to say that auto-dosage is the function I never knew I needed! No need to think about washing powder etc as it does it for you. One less thing to do is good in my book".

Much like most of the other washing machines, this one also has a quick wash cycle and can wash your clothes in 14 minutes.

Ever shut the washing machine door and started the wash only to find a rogue sock that's fallen out? With this washing machine there's no need to wait and put it in the next wash as you can pause the wash cycle and add it in at any time.

You get a 5-year guarantee with this washing machine.

Pros: Auto-dose detergent, protects fabrics, 14 minute quick wash, can add items in during the wash, 5-yeaar guarantee
Cons: Not a great energy rating, louder than other options, cannot control from app

Available from: Currys and Argos

5. BUSH WMSAE612W 6kg Washing Machine, £185

– Best budget buy

Wash load: 6kg | Energy rating: D | Max spin speed: 1,200 RPM | Noise level spin: 78 dB | Dimensions: H84.5cm x w59.7cm x D49.7cm | Quick wash time: 15 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

If you're after a standard budget washing machine that will wash your clothes well and last you for a good while then this Bush 7kg one will do you just fine. If you want something slightly more fancy and with more controls and features then other options on our list may be better for you.

It has a 6kg capacity which is suitable for a small to medium household. Even though it's a budget option, it still has a quick wash cycle and can clean your clothes in as little as 15 minutes.

You can choose the spin speed and temperature for each wash depending on what you're washing.

Parent tester Sarah has this washing machine and said, "It works fantastic and with 5 people's washing I've definitely put it through its paces".

Pros: Affordable, 15 minute quick wash, child lock, delay timer, adjust spin speed and temperature, long-lasting
Cons: Capacity may not be big enough for large households, slower max spin speed, louder than others, not great energy rating, cannot control from app

Available from: Argos

6. Hotpoint WMTF722UUKN 7kg Freestanding Top Loading Washing Machine, 459

– Best slim washing machine

Wash load: 7kg | Energy rating: E | Max spin speed: 1,200 RPM | Noise level spin: 78 dB | Dimensions: H90cm x W40cm x D60cm | Quick wash time: No | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

If you have a thin gap to fit a washing machine then a top loading washing machine such as this Hotpoint one may be your best option. It has a decent 7kg capacity, suitable for medium sized households.

Although it only has E energy rating, there are special programmes to help you save water and energy. There are also settings to take care of delicates and synthetic materials.

All the washing machines in this list so far have been front loading, this one is top loading. This means you don't have to bend down and reach in to load and unload which may make getting the washing in and out of the machine a little easier, especially as it has such a large porthole.

Unfortunately, this washing machine does not have a quick wash cycle. But, you do get a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros: Slim, top loading may make loading and unloading easier, energy saving programmes
Cons: Lower spin speed, louder than others, no quick wash cycle, not great energy rating, cannot control from app

Available from: AO and Amazon

7. Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW80-B14979S 8kg Washing Machine, £579

– Best quiet washing machine

Wash load: 8kg | Energy rating: A | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 54 dB | Dimensions: H85cm x W59cm x D46cm | Quick wash time: 15 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

A washing machine can be quite disruptive, especially if you're working from home or have a baby napping in the room next door. This Haier washing machine is only 54dB (roughly the sound of a conversation), so shouldn't disturb you as it runs in the background.

Not only is it quiet, but it's also great at refreshing your clothes as it uses water-vapour technology to remove odours, dust and allergens. There's also a steam function which helps when it comes to ironing.

If you're in a hurry, similar to other washing machines on this list, you can use the quick wash cycle and get your clothes washing in 15 minutes.

At the end of each cycle, you don't need to worry about cleaning the drum as the Smart Dual Spray system washes the drum automatically at the end of each cycle, ready for a fresh wash next time. The drum has pillow-shaped pads too which helps protect your delicates.

To make your life easier the drum has an interior light to prevent socks or underwear being left in the drum. It also weighs your washing to determine the length and type of cycle.

You get a 5-year guarantee with this washing machine.

Pros: Very quiet, refreshes clothes, steam function, 15 minute quick cycle, drum washes automatically end of each cycle, pillow-shapes pads on drum, interior light, weighs load to determine cycle, child lock, delay timer, good energy rating
Cons: Cannot control from app

Available from: Currys and AO

8. Hotpoint BIWMHG71483 Integrated Washing Machine 7kg, £459

– Best integrated washing machine

Wash load: 7kg | Energy rating: D | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 73 dB | Dimensions: H81.5cm x W59.5cm x D54.5cm | Quick wash time: 30 minutes | Child lock: No| Delay timer: Yes

Integrated washing machines are great if you don't want it to be seen and want it to blend in with all your other cupboards. It can be difficult to find a washing machine to fit in the cupboard space but this Hotpoint one should fit nicely behind a cupboard door. Alternatively, you can just have it freestanding too.

It has automatic load adjustment, weighing your clothes to select the best programme for it. The washing machine also has an anti-stain option to remove tough stains such as red wine, chocolate and grass.

The washing machine is easy to control thanks to its light-up digital display. It does have a quick was cycle, and it is quick, 30 minutes, but being spoilt by the other washing machines that offer 14-15 minutes it is double the time.

For delicates and wool there are specific settings to help protect your clothes.

You get a 2-year guarantee with this washing machine.

Pros: Integrated to fit behind cupboards, delay timer, automatic load adjustment, stain removal, digital display, specific cycles for fabrics, 2-year guarantee
Cons: 30 minute quick wash, louder than others, no child lock, not great energy rating, cannot control from app

Available from: John Lewis, Very and Argos

9. Beko Pro IronFast RecycledTub B3W5942IW Bluetooth 9kg Washing Machine, £349

– Best sustainable option

Wash load: 9kg | Energy rating: B | Max spin speed: 1,400 RPM | Noise level spin: 75 dB | Dimensions: H84cm x W60cm x D58cm | Quick wash time: 14 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

Not many washing machines are made sustainably. So, if you do want a more environmentally-friendly washing machine then this is a good choice. The washing machine's tubs are made from recycled PET bottles to help reduce plastic pollution.

Parent tester Jo has recently replaced her old washing machine with this one, "I absolutely love it, it has a feature that you can add items in to the wash even after you've started it (up until a certain point) which is great for those pesky socks that fall out! It also has a stain remover setting which is great, especially when washing nappies and things with hard to remove stains. I'd definitely recommend it."

It's not just good for the environment though, it's also great if you hate ironing as it reduces creased by up to 50% by optimising water levels, temperature, spin cycles and steam.

Using the washing machine is easy too. You can control it on via Bluetooth and the HomeWhiz app. It also has an anti-allergy programme, brilliant for asthma sufferers.

Much like the other washing machines featured in this list, it as a quick wash option too. You can wash your clothes in just 14 minutes.

Pros: Sustainably made, reduces ironing, can control from phone, 14-minute quick wash, steam feature, anti-allergy programme, child lock, delay timer, stain remover, can add items during cycle
Cons: Louder than others, no guarantee

Available from: AO and Currys

10. AEG Soft Water L9FEC966R 9kg Washing Machine, £1,149

– Best for protecting your clothes

Wash load: 9kg | Energy rating: A | Max spin speed: 1,600 RPM | Noise level spin: 75 dB | Dimensions: H84.7cm x W59.7cm x D63.1cm | Quick wash time: 20 minutes | Child lock: Yes| Delay timer: Yes

This washing machine will take care of your clothes, from silks and wools to brightly coloured cottons and polyesters. You can achieve the same level clean of a 60° was at just 30°, saving you energy and caring for your clothes.

It has an ion-exchange filtering system to remove all the harsh minerals that are naturally in mains water to help softeners and detergents work at their maximum efficiency – even at temperatures a low as 30°. This helps keep your clothes looking fresh and feeling soft.

This washing machine will also weight your load and adjust washing times and water levels accordingly. As well as this, it has a steam function which can massively help reduce your ironing pile.

You can easily control the washing machine from the LogiControl touch panel with LED display.

You get a 2-year guarantee with this washing machine

Pros: Protects your clothes, reduced energy usage, good energy rating, high spin speed, keeps your clothes soft and removes harsh minerals, weighs load and adjusts settings, LED displace, child lock, delay time, 2-year guarantee
Cons: 20-minute quick wash slightly longer than others, louder than others and quite expensive

Available from: John Lewis and Currys

Types of washing machines

We asked Executive Housekeeper of The Grand, York, Lisa Williams to tell us all about the different types of washing machines available to buy:

"There are a few different types of washing machines, in terms of style and function, these are fully automatic, semi-automatic, front load and top load machines. In my opinion, fully automatic washing machines are the most convenient. They feature multiple settings and are a sort of 'press and go' type machine. Fully automatic machines can come as both front or top loading.

Semi-automatic washing machines require you to do some parts of the process manually. You will have to fill up the water tub before use and usually the washing tub is separate to the drying one.

Front load washing machines are essentially washing machines that load from the front of the machine. This style machine is always fully automatic which means they usually provide a better clean. They can be a little pricier, however.

Top Load washing machines allow you to load your washing from the top, perfect for those with less space for a front opening door. Top load machines can come in full or semi-automatic. I personally like that with top load you can add laundry mid cycle, but their cleaning performance tends to not be as great as front load machines".

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