Washing machines: How to buy the best washing machine New washing machines
Looking for a new washing machine? Our tips can help you bag a brand new washing machine bargain, get it installed and delivered, and find out how to dispose of your old machine.
You can get a new Which? Best Buy washing machine from around £280
Compare new washing machines
Which? has tested and reviewed more than 200 washing machines, helping you to sort the Best Buys from the best avoided. You can sort by price, type and performance ratings to tailor your search according to what you're looking for.
Consult the Which washing machine? page in this guide to help you work out what you want from your new washing machine.
Shopping for a new washing machine
Do your research and compare new washing machine prices from different stores to see who's offering the cheapest deals, so you're not missing out on specific shop sales and discounts. Online stores can offer cheaper prices than the high street, especially when you factor in online-only special discounts and online discount codes.
If you can be flexible about the time of year you look for a new washing machine, you could find a good bargain in the January or summer sales. Alternatively, look out for stores offering weekend-long discounts on appliances including new washing machine models over bank holidays.
Online price aggregating tools – such as the compare prices feature in all Which? washing machine reviews – can do the hard work for you. They can trawl the internet to find the cheapest prices on different washing machine models and are a good place to start if you've got a specific washing machine in mind.
Our expert guide to getting discounts on products can also help you find a good deal on a new washing machine.
Installation and delivery
When it's time to replace your machine, you'll want your new washing machine delivered and installed before you run out of clean clothes. Delivery times vary but, if the model is in stock, standard delivery is often free of charge and takes about five working days. Many stores offer an express delivery option too, usually for an additional cost.
Collecting it yourself from the store won't necessarily mean you get it more quickly, as not all models are held in stock. They're heavy, too, so unless you have a helper with a van it may be better to let the store's team do the work.
| Typical delivery and installation costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shops | Standard delivery | Express delivery | Remove old appliance | Installation |
| John Lewis | Free | £19.50 | £9 | n/a |
| Currys | Free (online) or £9.95 (instore) | £19.95 | Free | £14.95 (online) or £15 (instore, Express delivery only) |
| Comet | £19.95 or free if over five working days | Add £5 to specify four hour delivery slot | £8.95 | £15 |
| Argos | £5.95 | £19.99a | £7.50 | £37b |
Table notes
- Included in the price of 'Express' items
- Included in the price of 'Connect and collect' items, includes delivery, removal and installation
Prices correct February 2010 - contact store directly for more information.
Installing your washing machine yourself could reduce costs. The used washing machines page in this guide has some handy DIY installation tips.
Getting rid of your old washing machine
Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Weee) Directive, shops must help customers recycle old washing machines – along with a wide range of other electrical and white goods – either by paying towards washing machine recycling facilities at a council site, or by offering a free instore take-back service.
Retailers including Comet and Currys will take away your old washing machine when they deliver your new one. Retailers aren’t required to offer this service free of charge, so you may have to pay. Before they arrive, you’ll need to disconnect your old washing machine. Use our interactive recycling tool to find out more.
