The normal speed for a washing machine is about 1200rpm to 1400rpm. Spin speed: The spin cycle works to remove as much excess water from the load as possible. For large, active families a bigger 10kg drum capacity might work better, being ideal for around six washes a week and allowing you to do less, bigger loads rather than extra, smaller loads – thus saving on energy.

The average washing machine can hold around 7-8kg, but there’s also options for 6kg which are ideal for those washing four times a week or less and want quicker cycles. Overloading your machine can also affect its performance, so be mindful of the capacity of your drum and the size of your load. All washing machines should come with this label, which also shows the KWh usage and how many litres of water it uses per year.ĭrum capacity: If your clothes can’t move around properly, they’re not washed as thoroughly as they should be. So don’t purchase a washing machine based on this rating alone. So, before you start shopping, make sure you know what you’re after.Įnergy efficiency and water use: Check the energy label of the washing machine for its energy efficiency rating, ranging from D to A+++, but do keep in mind this says nothing about its water use. All the washing machines featured in this guide are freestanding, unless specified as integrated.įAQs washing machines Things to consider when buying a washing machineĪ washing machine is a big purchase for most, so we understand you don’t want to dive in unprepared.

Freestanding washers can be placed under a counter or on their own, while integrated washers can be built into your kitchen units. Most washing machines belong to one of two types: freestanding or integrated. The higher a washing machine’s maximum spin speed, the better its drying capability is likely to be. While this capability doesn't offer the same drying that is comparable to the best washer-dryers, it certainly comes in handy when you need to prepare wet laundry for drying indoors on a clothes horse. Before you buy a washing machine, you should always ensure the maximum load (almost always measured in kg) is suitable for the volume of laundry your household gets through.Īnother essential feature of a washing machine we recommend considering is its spin cycle, which partially dries the load while it’s still in the machine, thereby reducing the total drying time. Even more important than newfangled features are a washing machine’s key performance specifications, including its capacity and energy rating.

Washing machine brands to avoid