It started when I rolled out of bed, stumbled over to my most reliable washing machine with the stray clothes I’d picked up on my way over and then saw something I never wanted to see. After I threw my load in and switched it on, the washer started knocking about from side to side, “walking” after me!
Worse still, it started leaking water all over my floor like a possessed appliance straight out of the gates of Hell. I unplugged it straight away and faced the sad fact: It was time to buy a new one, but which one?
After doing some research with my friends, I thought I would share it publicly to help any of you out there struggling to pick a new, hopefully, “unpossessed,” washing machine. Here’s what we came up with:
Bestsellers:
most reliable washing machine at affordable price
LG V9 F6V909BTSA 9kg Freestanding Washing Machine
This washing machine is ideal for small families since it can handle up to 9 kilos of clothes at once. This kind of washer understands you don’t typically have much time to do laundry; that’s why it has a time-saver button to speed up a wash cycle when you’re running late. This washer also helps you save water without thinking about it with a built-in “half-load” detector that automatically minimizes the water and power used for your smaller loads.
Pros
- Large capacity: A 9kg capacity means you can wash larger loads of laundry, reducing the number of wash cycles required.
- Freestanding: Freestanding washing machines are easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your laundry room or kitchen.
- LG brand reputation: LG is a well-known brand with a good reputation for producing quality appliances.
- Energy-efficient options: Many modern LG washing machines are designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on utility bills.
- Various wash programs: LG washing machines often come with multiple wash programs for different fabric types and soil levels.
Cons
- Availability: If this is a new model, it might not be widely available, which could make finding spare parts or service more challenging.
- Complexity: With advanced features, the controls and options may become more complex, requiring some time to understand and use effectively.
- LG EZDispense will sense weight of your laundry load automatically and dispense the precise amount of detergent. The hybrid drawer allowing up to 35* doses. Enjoy more precise care for your clothes.
- Spend less time on laundry and more time on you with LG's TurboWash 360. A multi-directional pressure jet sprays water directly onto clothes, cutting the wash time to just 39 minutes.
- With allergy and baby care programs, steam technology sanitises your clothes with pure water. Awarded the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval, clothes are noticeably softer on your skin.
- Prevent fabric damage with AI DD, LG’s 3rd gen beltless Direct Drive. Using the brilliance of artificial intelligence to analyse load weight & softness to automatically adjust movement during a wash. LG are so confident they give a 10 year warranty on their Direct Drive motor.
- Get a washing machine that fits without compromising on laundry load. LG washing machines secure laundry drums in place for minimised movement, meaning less space is needed inside the washing machine
Best Washing Machines under £500
Whirlpool F162448 Freestanding Washing Machine
This family friendly washing machine will be great news for you if anyone in your home has allergies because it has special features to eliminate 99.9 percent of all allergens and bacteria from your clothing. It has a reasonable price point, and the energy-efficient design can reduce your utility bills by 20 percent too.
Pros
- Freestanding Design: Freestanding washing machines are easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your home without the need for special fittings.
- Brand Reputation: Whirlpool is a well-established brand with a history of producing durable and reliable home appliances.
- Multiple Wash Programs: Many Whirlpool washing machines come with various wash programs designed to cater to different fabric types and levels of soiling, allowing for flexibility in your laundry routine.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern Whirlpool washing machines are designed to be energy-efficient, which can help you save on your electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact.
- Large Capacity: Depending on the model, Whirlpool washing machines often offer a generous load capacity, allowing you to wash larger loads at once.
Cons
- Repair and Maintenance: While Whirlpool appliances are generally reliable, any repairs or maintenance required can be more costly if the warranty has expired.
- Availability: Depending on your location and the specific model, Whirlpool washing machines may not be as widely available as some other brands.
- Direct Drive
- Water Save
- Steam 3.0
- Auto Dose
- Dimensions (cm) - H84.5 x W59.9 x D64.3
Best Washing Machines Above £1000
ASKO W2086C_W_UK 8kg 1600 Spin Washing Machine
Families of more than four people will love this washer for special features like its pause-and-reload option, which lets you throw that one extra piece of clothing you missed into the wash without having to wait until the next cycle. Plus, it’s a “smart washer” that even saves you up to 30 percent on your electricity and water bills.
Pros
- Adequate Capacity: An 8kg capacity is suitable for medium-sized households and allows you to wash larger loads at once, saving time and energy.
- High Spin Speed: A spin speed of 1600 RPM helps to extract more water from your clothes during the spin cycle, resulting in shorter drying times and potentially lower energy consumption.
- Energy Efficiency: Many modern washing machines, including ASKO models, are designed to be energy-efficient, which can help reduce your electricity bills and environmental impact.
- Multiple Wash Programs: Washing machines with various wash programs cater to different fabrics and types of soiling, offering versatility in your laundry routine.
- Build Quality: ASKO is known for producing high-quality appliances, and their washing machines are often built to last.
- Noise Level: ASKO washing machines tend to be engineered for quiet operation, which is especially beneficial if your laundry area is close to living spaces.
Cons
- Price: ASKO appliances are typically positioned in the premium segment, which means they might be more expensive compared to some other brands with similar specifications.
- Availability: ASKO products may not be as widely available in all regions, which could affect access to service, spare parts, or purchase options.
- ASKO W2086C_W_UK 8kg 1600 Spin Washing Machine - White
What makes these washing machines the best ones?
I selected each of these washers because they’re all very energy-efficient and have good overall performance, but guess which one I picked to buy?
Based on the above comparisons of energy ratings and other facts, the Whirlpool F162448 Ultima washing machine is the one that satisfied me most, delivering the greatest value for the money and the best performance for its size.
The Whirlpool F162448 Ultima with an 8-kilo drum simply makes clothes cleaner and does it better than any other washer I’ve had. It’s dependable with a 10-year warranty covering the parts, 16 wash programs, minimal energy usage — and it’s therefore really worth every pound.