Washing machines: Washing machine energy costs

It’s not just the initial cost of buying a washing machine that has an impact on your bank balance, the energy it uses to wash your clothes adds to your electricity bill during its lifetime too. Choosing an efficient washing machine could save you up to around £37 per year on your electricity bills.

Which? measures the running costs of washing machines as well as their ability to get your whites bright and your washing spotless. Use the tool below to find out which are the most energy-efficient washing machines to help cut your electricity bills. Then use our washing machine comparison tool to find the best model for you.

Washing machine energy running costs

 

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Energy saving washing machines

Which? has tested hundreds of washing machines and scores each one on its energy and water use during a normal washing cycle. Each model is awarded a star rating of one to five for energy and water use. Look out for efficiency ratings of four stars or more when using our washing machine comparison tool.

All washing machines are given an official EU energy efficiency rating, from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). Most washing machines are generally rated A or above but the ratings don’t reveal how much each model costs to run. There isn’t a huge difference between the annual running costs of different washing machines but some cheap models can cost more than their initial purchase price to run for 10 years.

What's more, our energy use tests are based on the laundry habits of Which? members in the UK, so we think our energy use ratings will give you a more accurate take on washing machine energy efficiency than standardised EU energy labels. We test on a 40ºC cottons programme – the most often used setting in the UK - and award Best Buy models which are also in the top 20% for energy efficiency the Which? Energy Saver Logo. Official EU ratings are based on hotter 60ºC washes typically preferred by consumers elsewhere in Europe.

As well as energy, it’s also worth considering how much water your washing machine uses – look for machines with at least a four star rating for water use when you compare features and prices.

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