Compare the Best Washing MachinesMay 2018

Washing machines come in 2 different forms - top loading or front loading. While these two forms largely do the same thing, there are some small advantages and differences between them:

Top Loading

These washing machines tend to be older, and don’t have quite as much power, but because of this they are quieter and cheaper. Clothes are loaded into a hatch in the top of the machine - because of this they require less bending to load, which may be a boon for elderly people or those with back problems. The top-loading means that it can’t be stacked under other white goods, since you’ll need access to the top of the machine.

Front Loading

These comprise of the majority of washing machines. Clothes are loaded into a hole in the front of the machine. These machines generally are newer and have more power than top loading machines, though are also more expensive. This extra power comes with increased noise and vibration, which may be detrimental depending on where you’re going to be installing the machine. Finally, some brands of front loading machines can be stacked on top of each other, saving valuable space in flats and smaller utility rooms.

Additionally, some washing machines come as integrated - meaning they are altered to look like a cupboard or part of the work surface. These types of machines generally cost more than a standalone model, but may be worth the expense to gain a more streamlined and design-focussed kitchen.

Spin Speed, Noise & Vibration

Most modern washing machines will have a spin cycle that can run at the end of the wash, to remove excess water and mean the clothes dry faster. Higher spin speeds mean the clothes dry faster and more efficiently, but there is a tradeoff: higher spin speeds mean more noise and vibration from the machine while it is running.

Noise levels for washing machines are measures in Db - most washing machines fall between 60-70Db, which is generally equivalent to the noise of a vacuum cleaner running.

Vibration is harder to measure, but generally speaking the faster the spin speed, the more the machine will move around when you use it. Newer models have special technology to reduce the amount of vibration given off by the spin cycle - look for these machines if you want quieter washing cycles.

Capacity & Size Of Machine

The capacity of the drum in your washing machine will determine how many clothes you can fit in a single wash. Drum capacity is measured in Kg, with a single Kg being equivalent to a single outfit. Bigger washing machines have bigger capacities, which may be necessary for families - single people and couples may find it far cheaper and more energy efficient to buy a smaller machine.

Programs

Modern washing machines come with a variety of different programs to handle different types of clothing, levels of dirt, etc. Most machines will include programs for white and coloured washing, as well as delicates and quick cycles. More advanced machines may also have more specialist programs, with cycles catering specifically to the safe washing of woollen jumpers, pillows, jeans and even shoes. While not all of these programs may be necessary, more programs is generally a good sign of a higher-end and more capable washing machine.

Washing Machine Prices

We currently list 64 washing machines ranging from $441 to $1,796. The average price of a new washing machine is $875 and the 80% of washing machines are priced between $508 and $1,222. The cheapest washing machine that we found is the Gorenje W6543-S at only $441, and the most expensive is the LG WM9500HKA at $1,795.

Washing Machine Brands - Price Range

The average price of LG washing machines is $994 which is the highest average price of all washing machine brands. LG washing machines range in price from $475 to $1,795.

Bosch washing machines start at $649 and their most expensive washing machine costs $1,261. The average price of Bosch washing machines is $956 which is the second highest average price of all washing machine brands.

The third highest average washing machine price out of all brands is Siemens washing machines with an average price of $936. Siemens washing machines start at $588 and their most expensive washing machine costs $1,198.

Washing Machine Brands - Average Ratings

We have checked 70 expert reviews and 10,963 user reviews for washing machines and used these reviews to evaluate the average rating for each brand of washing machine. The top three washing machine brands are Candy, Beko and Hotpoint. Candy has an average rating of 92%, Beko has an average rating of 91% and Hotpoint has an average rating of 91%.

Biggest Washing Machine Retailers

We found 49 current offers for washing machines from eBay making it the biggest washing machine retailer. That is the same as the second biggest retailer, Cameo Kitchens for whom we found 49 current offers for washing machines. The third biggest retailer is Appliances Connection with 18 current washing machine offers.

When Are Most New Washing Machines Released?

The most common period for new washing machines to be released in is between August and October. If you want the latest washing machine technology you may want to think about waiting until August 2018. Also the price of the current washing machines may drop off just before the latest models are released in August. 172 new washing machines were released in October 2017 making it the biggest month that year for new washing machine releases. August was the biggest month in 2016 for new washing machines, with 321 new washing machines released that month. In 2015 most new washing machines were released in July, with 243 new washing machines released that month.

How Fast Do Washing Machine Prices Drop After Release?

In the first 6 months after release, washing machines drop in price by 8% on average. That means a saving of $68 on a typical $875 new washing machine if you wait 6 months before buying.

Drum Capacities

The amount of clothes that the washing machine drum can hold, measured in kilograms.

The drum capacities of washing machines range from 1.5kg to 18kg. The drum capacities of the majority of washing machines range from 8kg to 9kg. The Samsung WA52J8700, which can be purchased for $719.00, has the biggest drum capacity and is a 12kg capacity washing machine. The Haier HLPW028AXW, which is on sale for $544.99, has the smallest drum capacity and is a 5kg capacity washing machine.

Noise Levels

This denotes how much noise the washing machine makes when it's in use, measures in decibels (dB).

Across the range of washing machines, the noise levels range from 41dB to 86dB. The noise levels of the majority of washing machines range from 50dB to 56dB. The AEG L7FE76684, which is priced at $1,263.01, has the loudest noise level and is a 79dB noise level washing machine. The washing machine with the quietest noise level is the Siemens WM14E22A, which is a 41dB noise level washing machine and can be purchased for $609.90.

Maximum Spin Speeds

The quickest that the washing machine can spin, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Comparing all washing machines, the maximum spin speeds range from 100 RPM to 2,800 RPM. The maximum spin speeds of the majority of washing machines range from 1,400 RPM to 1,500 RPM. The washing machine with the fastest maximum spin speed is the AEG L7FE76684, which is a 1,600 RPM maximum spin speed washing machine and currently retails for $1,263.01. The LG LUWD1CW, which sells for $799.00, has the slowest maximum spin speed and is a 700 RPM maximum spin speed washing machine.

Which Are the Cheapest Retailers for Washing Machines?

The chart below helps you decide which retailer is normally cheapest for buying washing machines. For each retailer it shows the total number of washing machines where they currently have a market leading price. The chart below helps you decide which retailer is normally cheapest for buying washing machines. For each retailer we took all of their prices and looked at what proportion of those prices where the cheapest on the market. The cheapest retailer that we found was eBay. 44 of their washing machine prices were the cheapest that could be found anywhere.

Proportion of Washing Machines for Which Each Retailer is Cheapest?

Assessing how cheap each retailer is for washing machines by counting the number of cheapest prices for that retailer, makes the retailers that offer the greatest number of washing machine prices more likely to offer the greatest number of cheapest prices. The chart below considers the proportion of each retailer's washing machine prices that are the cheapest compared to other retailers. The cheapest retailer that we found using this approach was eBay. 89.8% of their washing machine prices were the cheapest that could be found anywhere.