Top Five Cheap Washing Machines For 2021

Aaron West

In this article

We've found great cheap washing machines for less than £300 from Beko, Zanussi and more.

If you're looking for a newer model that's got all the latest bells and whistles, you don't need to spend a lot. You can get a great selection of programs and even smart features for as little as £250.

Read on to see our shortlist of the best washing machines for less than £300, or go straight to our washing machine reviews for all our recommendations.

Best washing machines under £300 for May 2021

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, you can get access by joining Which?.

80%

£299.00

Reviewed Nov 2019

Its programs may be slow but the results are well worth waiting for, and we were blown away with how well this washer cleaned our dirty cottons and synthetics.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

77%

£220.00

Reviewed Mar 2020

This cheap washing machine doesn't have many programs or extra features, but impresses where it counts, by cleaning brilliantly.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

76%

£290.00

Reviewed Oct 2014

This large-capacity washer might have notched up its top score for cleaning a few years ago, but it still outshines newer washing machines on performance and price. It's easy to use, and the spin is brilliant at removing water from clothes.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

72%

£249.00

Reviewed Jan 2020

Despite using more energy than others this washing machine cleans so brilliantly we’ve made it a Best Buy. The spin is excellent, too.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

70%

£229.00

Reviewed Nov 2017

This machine is a fantastic cleaner, scoring top marks for both cotton and synthetic loads. It’s also a good rinser and spin dries well, although does take a little longer than some machines. But if you don’t mind waiting around, this is a great-value model.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Last updated: May 2021

Not found what you're looking for? See all our washing machine reviews for all our Best Buys.

Three washing machines to avoid

While the best washing machines we've tested will have your clothes clean in record time, Don't Buy washing machines will try and fail to remove tough stains. Without enlisting the help of our expert reviews, you run the risk of buying a washing machine that lets you down whether you're running a cotton wash or a synthetic wash.

Below, we've rounded up a trio of Don't Buy washing machines that aren't worth your hard-earned cash.

35%

£319.00

Reviewed May 2020

This washing machine is abysmal at cleaning cottons. The eco cotton program (which is the go-to 40°C cottons program) does a terrible job of removing stains. As such, we’ve named it a Don’t Buy.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

27%

£230.00

Reviewed Feb 2019

This washing machine is dreadful at washing, and it's noisy - two things that are likely to put pretty much everyone off buying it. We've made it a Don't Buy to help you steer clear.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

24%

£200.00

Reviewed Mar 2019

Sadly this washing machine isn't the bargain it first appears; not only does it struggle to get clothes clean and bright, but it doesn't rinse well either, leaving plenty of soap behind in the fibres. Add the fact that it's noisier than most and it's clear why we've made this washing machine is a Don't Buy.

First month only £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel any time

Already a member? Log in

Best washing machine deals

Every now and then you might catch a premium washing machine discounted to a fantastic price. But it can be tricky to know if a discount is the 'real deal'.

That's why every month we scour the internet to find you the best washing machines currently on offer, with real savings.

For our top picks head to the best washing machine deals.

Cheap washing machine reviews

Even the cheapest washing machines cost upwards of around £200, and if you're paying a sizeable sum for a new one, we think you deserve the best cleaning power that won't let you down.

That's why we put each machine we review through at least a month's worth of rigorous testing to find out how well they tackle tough stains, how thoroughly they rinse clothes to remove detergent and how good they are at cleaning clothes on the most commonly used programs. We even check how noisy they are, and how efficient they are at using water and energy.

But it's worth bearing in mind that if you're going for a cheap washing machine, you should be prepared for fewer functions and programs. You're also unlikely to find the biggest drum sizes in cheap machines so may need to pay more if you've got a big family or need to wash large loads.

Our rigorous lab tests have revealed many cheap machines that are very poor. Make sure you avoid these by checking out the Don't Buy washing machines.