Best washing machines 2024: expert picks from independent tests

Our rigorous lab tests have uncovered brilliant washing machines that shift stains from your clothes. 

Read on to find a Best Buy that cleans, rinses and spins like a dream, along with some expert buying advice.

Head to our washing machine reviews to compare all of the models we have tested

Best washing machines for 2024

Here’s our pick of the top Best Buys and Eco Buys, including large-capacity and integrated models, plus the cheapest machine to ace our tests.

Every year, we put a wide range of washing machines through their paces to find the best models, testing everything from quietness and energy efficiency to effectiveness of stain removal. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best washing machines in our table below. Join Which? to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

Washing machine reviews by type

• Freestanding washing machine reviews
• Integrated washing machine reviews
• Large capacity washing machine reviews
• Eco-friendly washing machine reviews

Washing machines by price

• Washing machines under £300
• Washing machines under £500
• Washing machines under £800
• Washing machines under £1,000

Why you can trust our washing machine reviews

We buy every single washing machine we test and refuse to accept any free samples, so you can be sure our reviews are 100% unbiased.

Our in-depth tests simulate the washing needs of an average UK household, so you can be sure our top-rated models won't struggle to remove stubborn spaghetti stains from white shirts, or baked-in mud from football kits.

We put each product through its paces in several areas, including washing, rinsing and spinning, to find the washing machines that are best at cleaning, most economical to run and have the least impact on the environment. 

Head to our washing machine reviews and look out for our Best Buy and Eco Buy labels.

How much does a good washing machine cost?

We've found that several of the best machines were in the £250-£400 price bracket. But we've also found plenty in the same price range that are so bad at the basics we've made them Don't Buys, so it pays to do your research.

A machine with fancy features, such as the Miele AutoDose (which will measure out just the right amount of detergent for your wash from a large tank), will cost at least £800.

Explore our Great Value washing machines to find a model that performs almost as well as Best Buy, but represents great value for money.

Our experts explain how you can cut your laundry costs by £159 this year.

How much does a washing machine cost to run?

Under the July 2024 energy price cap, a washing machine can cost anything from under £22 a year to more than £80. 

Running costs are largely influenced by drum size, and some of the most energy-efficient machines we’ve tested are terrible at cleaning.

Energy label ratings, marked A-G on new models, are meant to help you choose a more efficient model. But the energy rating is calculated mostly on the 60°C cottons program, whereas our energy ratings and costs are based on 40°C washes, which you actually use most often.

Use our running cost tool below to find the model that will cost the most and least over its lifespan. Use the search bar to find a specific model or brand.

For further information, see our guide on energy-efficient washing machines. You can also find out which appliances use the most energy in How much your appliances cost to run

Where to buy a washing machine

Our Best Buy options include those for less than £500, and cheaper washing machines sometimes score better in our tests than machines that cost twice the price.

When shopping, pay attention to the returns policy. If you're replacing an ageing machine, note that some retailers will recycle your old model for you.

Popular online retailers include:

• Currys has washing machines from brands including AEG, Bosch and Hotpoint. If you're shopping for a freestanding model, prices go from less than £200 to well above £1,000 for high-end LG and Miele machines. You can add recycling to your order from £25.
• Argos has freestanding and integrated machines. If you don't want to spend more than £500, you can pick from brands including Beko, Indesit and Samsung. Argos will disconnect and recycle your old integrated machine and install the new one for £140, or deal with a freestanding model for £50.
• John Lewis has a selection of washing machines that you can filter by claimed washing load. The retailer mentions the Bosch WAN28281GB and Hotpoint NSWM 845C WW UK N among its bestselling machines, both retailing for less than £500. If you want a smart machine, note that John Lewis has several sub-£500 models that can be controlled from your smartphone.
• AO has more than 300 washing machines. If you're shopping for a model capable of serving a busy home, you can filter by machines with a wash load of 10-11kg or even 12kg. The retailer's installations cost £25.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our guide on the best home and DIY shops

Freestanding, integrated or top-loading?

Freestanding washing machines

These are the most common type. They can be placed anywhere as long as they’re connected to a drain and a plug socket. They come in a range of sizes from 3kg to 12kg capacity.

• Pros Wider range of drum capacities, features and colours than integrated models
• Cons Do not blend into homes like integrated models do

Integrated washing machines

These are designed to sit behind a cupboard, so you don't see it when the door is closed.

Don't try to use an integrated (built-in) washing machine as a freestanding model. They're generally not as stable, as they're designed to be held in place by your kitchen unit. 

• Pros Tend to be quieter than freestanding, as the extra door on the front buffers the sound slightly
• Cons They cost more to be installed – typically around £80, which is more than twice as much as freestanding models. Some retailers won't install integrated washing machines at all

For more about integrated and semi-integrated models in our integrated washing machine buying guide.

Top-loading washing machines

These are quite rare in the UK. Clothes are added through a lid on the top of the machine. They're narrower than normal machines and the way they open means they can't be kept under a work surface.

When we last tested top-loading models, none were good enough to be Best Buys as they were noisy, awkward to use and vibrated too much.

Washer-dryers

You might consider a washer-dryer combo if you're short on space. But it's hard to find one that does a great job of both washing and drying. And it's worth knowing that the drying capacity is always smaller than the washing capacity. 

Discover the best washer-dryers according to our tests.

Washer-dryer vs washing machine and tumble dryer: find out which is the most cost-effective combination

What size washing machine do I need?

Washing machine drum sizes

Washing machine drum sizes range from 5kg to 12kg. The most popular drum sizes are 9kg and 10kg, but most medium-sized households in the UK will find a 7kg capacity machine perfectly adequate. 

Drum size is based on the number of kilos of dry clothing you can fit into the drum. However, the number quoted usually only refers to the main cottons program. Other programs have smaller capacities – sometimes less than half the drum size. 

You'll find details of the difference in capacities between the cottons and synthetics programs in the tech specs section in each of our washing machine reviews.

5 things to remember about drum size

1. Bigger isn't always better. 
2. Buy a machine with a drum that you won’t struggle to fill. 
3. Washing machines work best when you fill the drum to each program’s set limit. 
4. The bigger the capacity, the more the washing machine will cost to buy and run. 
5. Prefer to wash little and often? Go for a smaller drum size. Like to do all your washing in one go? Go for a bigger drum size.

What is the standard size of a washing machine?

The standard dimensions of a front-loading washing machine are:

• 85cm tall X 59.5-60cm wide.

They're designed to fit into a space 60cm wide, but there can be exceptions, so check the specifications before choosing a model.

Washing machine measurements to check before you install

The depth of a washing machine can vary quite a bit, ranging from 40cm to 70cm. 

Make sure you don't end up with a machine that sticks out from underneath the work surface or takes up valuable space in a smaller kitchen.

Use our washing machine measurements table below as a guide, but always measure before you buy.

Washing machine depth measurements

Source: GFK washing machine data 2016-2018

3 things to note when measuring a washing machine

1. Depth measurements might not include pipe and hoses, so be sure to check.
2. Bulky door surrounds, buttons/controls that stick out and curved front casings are generally not included in dimension figures.
3. Allow for around 7cm extra to the depth of your machine to make sure you can safely accommodate the waste and water inlet pipes.

If you're thinking of moving your washing machine, tumble dryer or washer-dryer into its own space, read our top tips on designing a utility room.

Washing machine spin speeds

The spin cycle removes water from your clothes at the end of the wash program.

• Maximum spin speeds vary from 1,000rpm to 1,800rpm.
• Washing machine spin speeds of 1,200rpm and 1,400rpm are the most common.
• Faster spin speeds can add to the cost of the machine.
• A faster spin speed can be noisier.
• It’s not always worth paying more for a higher spin speed.

A machine with a good spin should remove most water from your laundry, reducing how long it will need to be tumble-dried or hung on a washing line.

Our tests have found you can’t always trust that a machine advertised with a high spin speed will actually be any better than a slower one.

And some fast machines don’t spin at their top speeds for as long as slower models.

The best washing machine brands

We survey thousands of washing-machine owners every year to find out how satisfied they are with the brand they've bought and whether they'd recommend it. 

They should last beyond seven years without any problems, but we've found that for some brands as much as one third need to be repaired or replaced within that time.

There’s a big difference between how reliable the best and the worst brands are. The least reliable are six times more fault-prone than the most reliable.

Browse the top washing machine brands to see which models are your best bet for a long lifespan

Repairs, disposal and second-hand washing machines

All may not be lost just because your washing machine isn't draining or turning on. Many common problems can be fixed – and you might not always need the help of a professional to fix them.

Read our repair guides to see if you can keep your current machine for longer.

• How to fix a loud washing machine
• Washing machine won't turn on or off
• Washing machine won't drain or is leaking
• Washing machine door won't lock or open
• How to clean a smelly washing machine

Any repairs that require dismantling or fiddling with the electrics should be carried out by a professional. Choose a Which? Trusted Trader to ensure you'll be dealing with a qualified repairer you can trust.

How to dispose of a washing machine

If you do need to get rid of your old machine, there are plenty of options. Every item that has a plug, a charger or batteries, or it carries a crossed-out wheelie bin logo, can be recycled. If it's still in working condition, you might want to sell it second-hand (more on that below).

Many retailers offer to remove your current machine when installing a new one, although you will have to pay extra for this – typically at least £20. 

Another option is council pick-up of large items, which is usually free for one item per year. If you've already disposed of something this year and don't want to pay, you can take your machine to a local recycling centre yourself – just check if you need a permit before you set off.

Find your nearest recycling location using Recycle Now.

Buying and selling a second-hand washing machine

When you're buying second-hand, it's worth knowing the difference between key terms.

• Used means it's been in someone's home and hasn't undergone any kind of refurbishment.
• Ex-display or graded means it's come from a store, so will have hardly been used.
• Refurbished means it's been used but has undergone a full check and repair where necessary in order to be as 'like new' as possible.

In general, we recommend buying a new model rather than second-hand, as there is less of a risk of any safety problems. If buying second-hand you need to ask whether a PAT test (Portable Appliance Test) has been carried out to ensure the appliance is safe for your home. Equally, if you're selling, make sure you get the washing machine PAT tested before selling.

Also check whether the seller offers a guarantee, as this will give you more security if something goes wrong. Buyers should also check if a product has been recalled. You can use the Electrical Safety First website for this.

Common washing machine faults – find out the fixes you can do yourself and those that are best left to professionals, plus when it's time to get a new model