TOP 10 Best Washing Machines 2025

Washing Machines Buying Guide

A reliable washing machine can save you plenty of every day worries. A stain of coffee, grass or tomato sauce on favourite pants no longer is the end of the world. You can always be sure that garments will come out fresh and fabulous instead of screaming for an extra rinse or having shrunk a few sizes down.

Still, before you sail into the deep waters of clothes washers to catch the best one, there are quite a few things to consider. These appliances can last 8 to 12 years; thus, it is worth understanding your specific laundry needs as well as which features are worth paying extra and which ones can be skipped. Whether you are buying your first laundry machine or need an emergency replacement, our A-to-Z buying guide has got you covered.

Washing Machine Taxonomy

Before we delve deeper into specifications, it is worth noting that quite a few washing machine species exist. You might just prefer a similar model to the recently deceased one; however, an overview of available options can be useful if the final decision is yet to be made.

Top-load washing machines have a traditional look that some people favour. They tend to be narrower and less expensive than front-load competitors and can be easier to load or empty. Besides, you can always pause the cycle to add a forgotten shirt or sock. However, there are a few cons too. Top-load washers with an agitator can be too rough for delicate garments. An agitator is a spindle with fins in the centre of the tub that rubs the clothes to clean them. This wears the fabric and can lead to tangling.

If you prefer top-load washing machines, look for a device with impeller instead. Also called, HE (high-efficiency) washing machines, these appliances have a rotating disc on the bottom of the drum. They clean clothes by tumbling them rather than agitating. Impellers are more compact and gentler on clothes than agitators; however, they use more water and electricity, which makes them more expensive to run.

However, the best high-efficiency washers nowadays are front-loaders. Countless tests have established that they get rid of stains more effectively, and front-load washing machines remain the most benign and economical creatures to be let nearby your clothes. Sure, they aren’t flawless. They usually are heavier and more massive. It can be uncomfortable to bend down every time you want to load or empty the drum. Majority of front-load models will not allow to top up the drum after the cycle has started either. Finally, in case of an accident, your laundry room may turn into a swimming pool. Nevertheless, all top-rated front-load washers have these potential downsides addressed. They are flood-proof, come with flaps for extra items, and have compatible pedestals to be raised at a more comfortable height. Furthermore, while a front-loader might seem bulky at first sight, it is usually possible to get a stacking kit and place a same-sized dryer above it. Thus, if you use both appliances, a front-load model will save more of the precious floor-space.

Most front-loaders are freestanding; however, there are also integrated washing machines that can demurely sit behind a cupboard door in your kitchen. Due to the extra door, they often are less audible; however, the installation will cost more. Never try to leave an integrated washer on its own; they are less stable and designed to be held in place by kitchen units.

If you are hard-pressed for space, a washer-dryer combo undeniably seems a tempting idea. However, plenty of experts advise against them as they tend to break down quicker, operate slower and have limited options in comparison to two separate devices. Consider stacking or just buying a very compact set of washer and dryer before getting a 2-in-1.

Finally, portable clothes washers exist as well. These small-capacity devices will not be such seasoned stain-eliminators as their full-size siblings, but they can be convenient enough for 1 or 2 people. Portable washing machines can be wheeled out the cupboard whenever a need arises; many allow using a faucet as a water source and extracting the water into a sink.

Sizing Up

All washing machines require three things: power, water and a drain; thus, you probably will have limited options for placing one. One of the first things to do is getting out a measurement tape and check what can fit there. The standard dimensions of a front-loading washing machine are 85 x 60 x 60 cm, but these tend to vary from one manufacturer to another, and quite a few compact models exist too.

Optimally, you should allocate ~7 cm behind the machine for pipes and ~90 cm in front for convenient loading and unloading. The general rule is that more clearance is better than less. If you plan to buy a top-loading washing machine, factor in at least 50 cm of clearance above the door. No matter what the type, for stable operation, leave extra 2-3 cm on both sides. Remember to measure any door- or stair aisles along the transportation route – you want your washer to arrive in one piece. Since padding and packaging make washers chunkier, remember to factor in a few extra centimetres to be on the safe side. It is also useful to know the product weight to determine whether you will need help to get it to the laundry room.

Loading Up

Washing machines can range in their capacity from 3 to 12 kilograms, in some cases even more. Remember that you are getting an appliance that will serve for years; thus, it is worth getting philosophical before committing to a new model. Is your family likely to grow? Might children move out soon? Perhaps you plan to get a king-size bed? Depending on the answers, you might discover that a larger (or smaller) washer will serve better than the current one.

One useful way to imagine how big drum you need is to remember that one full outfit (or 5 shirts) equal approximately 1 kg. How full does the basket get before you schedule a laundry day? If you like to do your washing in one go, get a large capacity washing machine, whereas if you prefer washing small portions, look for a compact drum. Remember that the figure stated in specifications refers to cotton programs; other cycles may have considerably smaller capacities. The manual will provide information on this. Resist the temptation to fill the drum to its top; there should be enough of free room to push your hand in. The washer will thank you by serving longer and delivering cleaner garments.
All the aspects above considered, our capacity recommendations are:

• 6-7 kg work perfectly for one or two people;
• 8 kg suit an average family of three to four;
• 9 kg+ are the best washing machines for a large family.

Saving Up

Hunting for affordably priced value items is one of our favourite pastimes. However, when it comes to cheap washing machines, we believe that paying more is worth it in the end. The device itself will have a longer lifetime, and, in case of issues, it will be easier to arrange for a replacement or repair. Pricier models will also have technologies that wash clothes more effectively and gently, meaning that your wardrobe lasts longer. Finally, costlier washers tend to use less electricity and water; thus, by paying more upfront, you might actually save money over time. We talk more about energy efficiency in the next section so you can make estimations yourself.

Energy Label 101

The main objective of energy labels is to cut the energy consumption of electrical devices across the EU; however, they also provide valuable comparison criteria to customers. Manufacturers can theoretically tweak testing procedures to present their products in better light; thus, the uniform standards for all data on the label is an excellent starting point to see where your favourite model stands. At the same time, the way energy label ratings are measured might differ from the way a particular appliance is used in your household. Here’s a breakdown on what each rating means and why it’s relevant.

• Energy Efficiency Class - Currently, all washers are rated from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient); however, a new labelling system from A to G is coming on March 2021. While comparing energy classes is the quickest and most convenient way to find an economical model, there may be quite a difference, especially among A+++ washers. Checking the annual consumption figures provides a broader picture.
  Weighted Annual Energy Consumption – While it is impossible to guess precisely how much your washing machine will add to the bill, don’t dismiss the kWh/year figure on the label. It is based on 220 cycles of a combination of full and partial cotton loads at 40 °C and 60 °C. Respectively, if you wash cotton clothes approximately four times a week, this is what you can expect. If you need your washer only twice per week, halve the figure. And, if you use it approximately 6 times every week, increase the number by 50%. Next, multiply your consumption figure with the cost of electricity per kWh in your area, and you’ll get a handy estimation. Remember, standard cotton cycles are among the longest and use the highest temperatures. If you wear wool, delicates and synthetics a lot and/or prefer the Eco program, the consumption will be lower. On the other hand, if you regularly use, for example, high-temperature cycles for hygiene purposes, the consumption will increase.
• Weighted Annual Water Consumption – this figure is also based on 220 cycles of a combination of full and partial cotton loads at 40 °C and 60 °C. For most models, it will fall between 8 to 12 thousands of litres per year. Again, adjust the figure on the label to your actual laundry habits and multiply it with the cost of a litre of water in your region.
• Rated Capacity – the number on the label represents what you can squeeze in the drum for the standard 60 °C or the standard 40 °C cotton program at full load (whichever is lower). The capacity for other cycles may be smaller; thus, check the manual when testing a program for the first time. If you plan to wash blankets or other sizeable items, compare not only capacity but also drum volume. Two models may have a similar capacity rating for cotton, but a more spacious drum will have an advantage when it comes to other loads.
• Spin-Drying Efficiency – rated from A to G, this class tells you how well the washing machine can remove the moisture during its spin cycle. While spinning faster generally removes more, other criteria such as the design of the drum and the length of the spinning phase also affect the result. We talk more about spinning below; for now, remember that higher spin efficiency means there is less work for your clothesline or electric dryer, and the garments are prêt-a-porter sooner.
• Noise Emissions – the two dB figures on the label are measured during the washing and spinning phases for the standard 60 °C cotton program at full load. If you are looking for an unobtrusive washer, aim for a model that is rated below 50 dB for its washing phase (~40 dB is the noise level in a library). For the spinning phase, the figures are less impressive, but 70-75 dB is a reasonable expectation. Models that have brushless motors and/or anti-vibration design are the most silent and worth the higher cost for those not fond of washing machine concerts.

What About All Those Cycles?

High-end washing machines will offer you countless cycles for all the garment types you can and cannot imagine, from denim to down duvets. At the same time, even the most basic models will have programs for cotton, synthetics and delicates. Where’s the sweet spot? Most people don’t really need more programs than they can count on both hands since you can always adjust a cycle following the instructions on the care tag. Still, depending on your laundry habits and preferred fabrics, a few extra options can be convenient.

• Quick Wash – these programs typically last only 15-30 minutes and can save you on a busy day. However, bear in mind that they will only do for lightly soiled (or refreshment-needing) items. The quick cycles also tend to have slightly higher consumption in comparison to standard and eco programs.
• Heavy Soil – suitable for sturdy items and removing tough stains, these programs typically add soaking to the cycle. This program is also a good fit for bedding, blankets and covers if your washer doesn’t have a separate one. Some high-end washers allow the user to enter the type of stain, for example, grass or wine, and can adjust the program automatically.
• Economy – by reducing the wash temperature, you can save up to 60% of energy. However, the eco cycles typically are considerably longer, so time your laundry days accordingly.
• Hand Wash – some models will have one or more extra gentle cycles for items that are suitable for hand-washing, such as silk and wool. If you own a lot of sheep-based garments, we recommend choosing a washer that has been tested and approved by Woolmark. Since wool clothes are especially sensitive to damage and shrinking, it is best to play it save.
• Anti-crease – these programs are designed to make ironing less a drag. There are a few ways to achieve it. For example, some models withhold more moisture in the clothes; others continue to gently tumble the garments after the cycle has ended similarly to a dryer.
• Extra Rinse – if you have sensitive skin or allergies, adding an extra rinse can help to wash away detergent residue, pet hair, pollen, and other hard-to-remove substances. Cheaper models usually allow adding only one rinse while more expensive models have options to increase the number up to 3 or 5 times.
• Sanitising Cycles – tailored for allergy sufferers or washing baby clothes, these programs use high temperatures, longer cycle times, and several rinses to ensure high hygiene standards. Still, these programs have higher consumption and can be too harsh for delicate fabrics. People with allergies or a compromised immune system will also benefit from using a heat-pump dryer since it can provide an extra level of sanitisation.
• Outdoor/Sports Cycle – designed to care for membranes of waterproof garments, this cycle will be appreciated those who enjoy activities in nature. Low temperatures and gentler tumbling are used to protect the garments.
• Steam – this function can help to sanitise clothes and/or reduce the wrinkles. Depending on the model, steam can be used during the cycle or after it.
• Drum Clean – if your washing machine has this high-temperature cycle, it should be run occasionally to remove bacteria and unpleasant smells from the drum. Some models even use indicator lights to inform the user when the drum needs cleaning.

Spinning Right Round

Washing machine maximum spin speeds can vary from 1000 to 1800 rpm. Cheaper models typically fall between 1000 to 1200 rpm, and more expensive ones are usually capable of 1400 to 1600 rpm. However, it’s not always worth paying more for a higher spin speed. While it can make your clothes dry faster, it is harsher on fabrics, on the machine itself and, often, means higher noise levels.

Furthermore, in comparison tests, some slower models have outperformed rivals capable of 200 or even 400 rpm more. Thus, spinning speed does not equal spinning ability. If you want your clothes to dry as quickly as possible, check the spin-drying class and the residual moisture figure in the specifications. 1600 rpm models (and the best 1400 rpm machines) can get the residual moisture down to 44%. You might not even need a dryer afterwards since even large and bulky items will air-dry quickly. At 1200 to 1400 rpm, the residual moisture will be around 50-53%. Yes, that’s more water; however, your clothes will wear less quickly. Thus, even if you buy a high-speed model, turn it down before spinning brand new clothes to keep their looks.

More than a Washer

Modern washing machines not only wash well, but they also make the process save an effortless. If you have extra budget, you might want a model with one or a few of the features described below.

• Brushless Motor – this type of engine is quieter, more energy-efficient, and you can expect your washer to last for 10 years or more. On the practical side, such a machine can be used for several cycles in turn without risk of overheating.
• Child Lock – this might seem basic but is crucial to point out. If your laundry room can be accessed by children, check if the washer you’ve been eyeing has an option for blocking the control panel. Some locking systems are more complex than others, so check the reviews.
• Automatic Dispenser – Designed to dispense detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the right time, models with this function can hold several months’ worth of detergent. Furthermore, auto-dosing saves energy and water, since adding too much means extra rinsing.
• Delay Start – it is convenient to schedule the cycle finish when you are at home and have time to empty the drum. While nearly all washers nowadays have some timer options, cheaper models often allow offsetting the start for only a few hours while more advanced ones usually have a 24-hour timer.
• Reload Function – do you often find forgotten items after the washing machine has been launched? In that case, you will enjoy a model that allows pausing the cycle for last-minute additions. With top-loaders, this is not a problem; however, only a few front-loaders have the feature. Some models have special flaps for the purpose; yet, the option of opening the door entirely is more convenient.
• Smart Controls – some people prefer to push nice, chunky buttons to start their appliances; others vouch for apps. Thus, many manufacturers follow the trend, and some washers can be voice-controlled, send notifications on how they’re doing while you’re at work, diagnose and troubleshoot the issues or even give laundry tips. At the same time, no app will load or empty the drum on your behalf; thus, the extra benefits may not suffice to justify a higher price tag. Many washer apps still suffer from glitches and connectivity issues or are limited to specific devices. Therefore, some prior research is essential if you want your smart washer to perform as expected.

Installation and Maintenance

Taking care of a washing machine is simple and does not consume much time. Yet, small steps can make a big difference in how long and dutifully the new model will serve. We have listed essential tips here.

• Remove the transport locks. There are 4-5 large screws on the back of the machine that hold the drum in place. Too often, people remember about them only after the first cycle has been started. Don’t follow their example; this can damage your washer. Also, note that some vendors have a polystyrene bit on the bottom of the machine that must be removed manually.
• Make sure the machine is level and use mounting feet if needed. This ensures that the device is stable and vibrates less.
• Before getting the laundry in, run an empty cycle at maximum temperature without clothes and detergent. This is to get rid of the water and bacteria that have been in the machine since it was taken out of production. All washers are tested before leaving the factory. This is the reason why you may notice water in the machine when you open it in its original packaging.
• Use less detergent. Check the recommendations for the load in question and don’t exceed them. It might seem that adding more will lead to better washing results, but it’s not the case. Detergent residue can leave visible marks on some clothes and cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. Adding extra rinses to get off that residue will waste your time, electricity and water.
• Don’t overload the drum. We mentioned this before but going below the maximum capacity for a particular load will extend the machine’s lifespan and lead to better washing results. Sure you can take full advantage of that spacious drum from time to time, but give your washer easy loads too.
• Choose the lowest temperature applicable for a particular load. Washing in lower temperatures is not only better for the environment and your wallet, but it is also gentler on fabrics.
• Once the cycle has finished, leave the door slightly open to ensure ventilation in the drum. If you keep the door shut, there is a higher risk for mould and unpleasant smells.
• Wipe under the folds at least every few weeks. This is another hiding place for bacteria and mould since it is warm and humid. If you use your washer often, it is a good idea to wipe the folds weekly.
• If your machine has a particular drum cleaning cycle, run it according to the instructions. Alternatively, you can run a wash cycle at 70 degrees or above to kill the bacteria every month or two.

Conclusion

Modern laundry machines boast shorter cycle times, lower noise levels and better washing results than ever before. They are also incredibly economical and effortless to maintain. Indeed, it’s a perfect time to dress to impress, whether you’re getting ready for a job interview, throwing a party or want to charm your date.