New washing machine uses '70% less' energyEnergy-saving washer makes big cleaning claims
03 September 2010
The Samsung Eco Bubble washing machine is available in white and silver
Samsung has launched a new washing machine that it claims ‘redefines’ eco-friendly washing by making bubbles that better dissolve laundry detergent into cold water.
The Korean manufacturer says its new Eco Bubble washing machine uses 70% less energy by washing with cool water, while still achieving the same cleaning performance as a 40°C wash.
Which? washing machine expert Vivienne Fitzroy said: 'We’ve seen other machines that save energy on cold wash programs, such as the AEG-Electrolux L645850LE Super Eco. But these usually have limited cleaning power and often need special detergents, so aren’t always a practical choice for everyday washing.'
‘If the Eco Bubble machine lives up to its claims we’d certainly be impressed. To find out, we’ll be putting it to the test in our expert lab in the coming months and will post full test results to our washing machines review.
Until then, our online video guide shows you what to look for when buying a new washing machine.
Eco Bubble washing machine
The Eco Bubble washing machine promises ‘bubble generating’ technology helps it achieve the same cleaning results in cold water as a conventional 40°C wash.
The bubble generator dissolves detergent into the water and injects air into the drum to create foam from the beginning of the cycle.
Samsung claims that the bubble technology allows detergent to penetrate ‘deeper into clothes up to 40 times faster than conventional washers’ and offers added protection for delicate fabrics.
Buying an energy-saving washer
There will be two Eco Bubble machines available in the UK later this year - the 7kg WF0704W7 and the 8kg WF0804W8. Prices are unknown as yet, but we wouldn’t expect this to be cheap.
To find an energy-efficient machine that suits your budget use our compare washing machine features and prices tool, where we recommend Best Buy washing machines priced from £250.
Samsung washing machine claims
Samsung claims that the Eco Bubble machine is 30% more energy efficient that an A rated machine.
As well as promising to combine energy saving and effective washing, the Eco Bubble washers use a ‘quiet drive motor’ designed to reduce vibration and noise.
They also come with an LED display and a wide port hole door, which Samsung claims will make loading easier.
Which? tests all washing machines for noise, ease of use, cleaning performance and energy efficiency. You can see how more than 200 washing machines have fared in our rigorous lab tests in our washing machine review.
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