Top Five Cheap Washing Machines For 2021

Matt Stevens

In this article

We've found great cheap washing machines from £200 upwards from Beko, Bosch and Zanussi.

The best washing machines at this cheaper price point also tend to be older models. But if you're looking for cheap-as-chips and you don't mind a washing machine that's been around for the last few years, they still do a great job of washing, spinning and rinsing. You can see our top five in the table below.

If you're looking for a newer model that's got all the latest bells and whistles, you'll need to splash out £350+ for the latest cheap washing machines that are great at cleaning. You can find these models listed in our round-up of Best Buy washing machines.

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?.

Best cheap washing machines

77%

£369.00

Reviewed Jun 2016

This Best Buy washing machine does an outstanding job of cleaning clothes, whether on the cottons or synthetics cycles. The spin cycle is effective at removing water from laundry, and you’ll find this washing machine simple to use. It’s worth bearing in mind that the cottons cycle is quite slow and inefficient with energy use, though – which might be key considerations for you.

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77%

£219.99

Reviewed Mar 2020

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

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76%

£349.00

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.

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73%

£299.00

Reviewed Oct 2019

This washing machine does a great job of washing clothes, has some interesting and useful tech, and it does all of this at an attractive price. Even on cleaning alone, it's a worthy Best Buy.

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72%

£329.00

Reviewed Jun 2016

This Best Buy washing machine is brilliant at cleaning clothes, and has an affordable price tag. The spin cycle may be noisy, but it does a good job of removing water from clothes. You’ll find this washing machine easy to use, too – so it’s one to consider.

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Last updated: January 2021

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And here's 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.

Don't Buy washing machines

27%

£199.99

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.

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25%

£230.00

Reviewed Jan 2018

Unfortunately, the price is the only impressive thing about this washing machine. It doesn’t wash well, rinses very badly, and the lengthy programs mean you’ll be kept waiting longer than usual for your clothes. We were so unimpressed that we've made it a Don't Buy.

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24%

£239.98

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.

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Cheap washing machine reviews

Even the cheapest washing machines cost upwards of around £150, 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.

Washing machines you can trust

Tough testing isn't all we do. We think it's important that you can rely on your washing machine to not let you down – that's why we ensure all of our Best Buys come from brands that are proven to be reliable.

We survey thousands of washing machine owners year after year to find out how pleased they are with their machines, and if they've had any faults or issues. Careful analysis of the results means that we can give each washing machine brand a unique reliability rating. We'll only make a washing machine a Best Buy if it tops our tests and gets a good reliability rating, or comes with a free five-year parts and labour warranty.

You can find out how the bestselling brands compare by heading to our guide to the best washing machine brands.

If you already know what type and brand of washing machine is for you, then head straight to our washing machine reviews.