Washing machine reviews: FAQs
What do washing machine energy ratings mean?
Energy ratings on washing machines are meant to help you choose a more energy-efficient model. They go from A+++ (the most efficient) to D, though in reality you're unlikely to find a washing machine rated lower than C. you can find out more about the EU labelling scheme in our online guide, and more information about buying a machine that's cheap to run on our washing machine energy efficiency page.
In the past, Which? has often found the energy-label ratings on washing machines are inaccurate. We use a different method from the energy labels to calculate energy efficiency in our tests.
Our method better reflects the way people actually use their washing machines – we look at the annual cost of energy and water on the 40oC cotton and easy-care programs.
What temperature should I wash at?
Many people use 40ºC wash programmes almost exclusively these days, and the current trend is to use even lower temperatures to save energy. Some detergents are designed to work best at lower temperatures, so you can get good cleaning results in cooler water.
But while clothes may come out lovely and clean, washing at lower temperatures - including 40ºC - won't kill off germs that may be in your laundry. For this you need to wash your clothes at a minimum of 60ºC.
Washing at low temperatures all the time can also lead to a build up of grease or black mould on your washing machine's door seal or inside the washing machine's detergent drawer. Some people have also told us about musty smells caused by low-temperature washes.
For most people this isn't a problem because they'll occasionally use a 60ºC wash for cleaning towels, sheets and linen. This removes bacteria, dust mites, and cat and dog allergens from items, and unwanted mould spores which might have built up.
Manufacturers advise doing at least one high temperature wash, at 60°C or above, each month to maintain and clean out a washing machine. Removing and cleaning the detergent drawer and wiping round the rubber ring with light bleach cleaners or sprays will also reduce problems.
Is a washer-dryer a good idea?
The best washer-dryers are good as washing machines for cleaning power but they're not as good at drying as a Best Buy tumble dryer. They're more awkward to use, too, since the drying capacity doesn't always match the washing capacity.
You may have to dry a load of washing in two (or more) separate goes. However, they do save space and - in most cases - money.
Can I stack a tumble dryer on top of my washing machine?
If both your appliances are made by the same manufacturer, you should be able to buy a stacking kit to fix your dryer on top of your washing machine. These kits can be bought from manufacturers or department stores, and are another alternative if you're short for space: you get the function of two appliances with the footprint of one.
You can also buy universal stacking kits if you have a washer and dryer from two different brands. These kits are designed to fix any dryer on top of any front-loading washer - though a brand-specific kit may fix them more firmly.
It's not advisable to simply place a tumble dryer on top of your washer. Any jolts or the vibration of a high spin could dislodge the tumble dryer and cause damage.
The Which? washing machine repair tool diagnoses problems with your washer
If my washing machine breaks down, is it worth repairing it?
Whether it's worth worth repairing rather than replacing your machine will depend on its age and cost. It may be worth repairing a pricey model from a reliable brand, but could work out cheaper to replace a less expensive model.
Our washing machine reliability survey results show that the most common problems with washing machines relate to the detergent drawer, filling and emptying of water, and the door seal.
There are some problems you can fix yourself without calling a repairer. Our washing machine repair tool enables you to diagnose the problem and advises you how to fix it or if you need to call in a professional.
If you're looking for a good repairer, visit Which? Local where you can search for traders in your area that have been recommended by Which? members.
Should I get a hot-fill washing machine?
Heating water in your boiler is more efficient than heating it in a washing machine, so plumbing a hot water supply into a washing machine usually makes it cheaper to run. But the difference will only really be significant on high-temperature (60°C or 90°C) washing programs.
Manufacturers have all but stopped making hot-fill machines, so buying a used machine is probably the best way to get your hands on one.
Are top-loading washing machines any good?
Top-loading washing machines are about two-thirds the width of front-loading washing machines. They can be positioned beneath a worktop, but you have to wheel them out to use them, which can be quite an effort.
The spring-loaded inner doors are awkward. The force of the spring makes them hard to open, and the doors don't automatically line up with the outer door when the wash finishes, so you have to turn the drum to get the washing out.
The majority of the machines we test are front-load washing machines. The last time we tested top-loading washing machines, none were good enough to be a Which? Best Buy. They were noisy, awkward to use and vibrated too much.
Is it OK to leave the washing machine on overnight or while you're at work?
If you're worried about burst pipes, look for a washing machine that's fitted with an Aquastop device. This will cut the water supply to the washing machine and stop flooding if it breaks down.
Recycle or reuse your old washing machine
How do I recycle an old washing machine?
Our guide to recycling electricals tells you everything you need to know about getting rid of old appliances in a responsible way - and includes our appliance recycling tool.
You can get rid of an unwanted washing machine through the retailer supplying your new model or via your local council. When you buy, check if a retailer will take away an old washing machine when delivering a replacement.
Alternatively, contact your council to find your nearest appliance recycling site, or to arrange for your old washing machine to be collected. Some councils offer free collection; others charge up to £30. If you can take the washing machine to your local civic amenity yourself, there should be no charge.
Or, if your washing machine still works, use a community recycling scheme such as Freecycle to offer it to someone else.
What are the current trends in washing machines?
Most manufacturers now offer larger-capacity washing machines – washers with bigger drums so you can wash more at once - that don't take up any extra space in your kitchen.
Increasingly, manufacturers, including brands such as AEG-Electrolux, Samsung, and Beko, are also developing 'eco' models designed to save on energy and water.
Some Whirlpool, Samsung and LG washing machines now include steam or air refresh programs to boost cleaning or freshen clothes.
Colourful washing appliances are becoming more desirable – many Hotpoint washing machines are available in white, aluminium and graphite shades. Some Zanussi, Hoover and Bosch washing machines available in both silver and white. Smeg offers a rainbow of colourful washing machines.
If you're looking for a black washing machine, these are also becoming more widely available from the likes of Bosch, LG and Hotpoint You can use our compare features and prices tool to view washing machines available in your preferred colour.
