Best washing machines UK 2026: eight picks with running costs, noise and capacity
Eight freestanding washing machines from Bosch, Samsung, Hisense, Hoover, AEG, Beko and LG, from a budget 9kg to an 11kg family machine, with what each costs to run a year at the current price cap, how loud the spin is and which size suits your household.
Quick picks
- Best overallBosch Series 6 WGJ25400GB 10kg 1400rpm washing machine, whiteCheck price
- Cheapest to run and quietest spinHoover Pro Wash Series 1 HGD 49B10-80 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, whiteCheck price
- Best budgetHisense 1Q Series WF1Q9041BW 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, whiteCheck price
- Best for big familiesSamsung Series 5 AI Energy 11kg 1400rpm washing machine, white (WW11DG5B25TEEU)Check price
- Best for couples and small homesBosch Series 2 WGE03408GB 8kg 1400rpm washing machine, whiteCheck price
- Best for clothes careAEG 7000 ProSteam LFSR73944B 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, whiteCheck price
- Best-value 10kgBeko EnergySpin B3W31041A 10kg 1400rpm washing machine, anthraciteCheck price
- Best with Wi-Fi under 55cm deepLG Series 2 F4X1009NWK 9kg 1400rpm Direct Drive washing machine, whiteCheck price
How we chose: I shortlisted freestanding 60cm washing machines from the brands most UK households buy, across budget, mid-range and premium price levels, and capacities from 8kg to 11kg. For each one I checked the manufacturer's UK product page or energy data sheet for the energy class, the energy used per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, the spin speed, the spin noise in decibels and the dimensions. On 24 October 2026 I reopened every Amazon.co.uk listing with a UK delivery postcode to check it was the same model, in stock, with an add-to-basket button, and noted who sells it. I don't show prices, because they change daily. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October to December 2026. I haven't tested these machines myself. These products have not been tested hands-on; this is a research-based roundup. How the research works.
Most freestanding washing machines sold in the UK now carry an A energy rating, so the label letter alone won't separate them. The more useful figure is the energy used per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, printed on the label and the maker's data sheet. It ranges from 30kWh to 51kWh across the eight machines below, which at today's price cap is the difference between about £20 and £34 a year if you run five washes a week.
Capacity matters more than most people expect. A bigger drum costs more but means fewer loads, and duvets and towels wash better with room to move. As a rough guide, 7-8kg suits one or two people, 9kg suits most families, and 10-11kg suits larger households or anyone who washes bedding at home.
Buying in the sales? Our Black Friday appliance deals page lists washing machines, fridge freezers and dishwashers worth watching, and our best fridge freezers guide compares running costs the same way.
Who this guide is for: Anyone replacing a washing machine, moving into a new home or upgrading to a bigger drum. These are standard 60cm-wide freestanding machines, not integrated ones, so measure your space (including depth for the hoses) before you choose.
Black Friday tip: Washing machines are heavily promoted in November, but the same models are often just as cheap at other times. If yours still works, note today's price, match the full model code and check the price history before you buy. Our Black Friday appliance deals page explains how.
Comparison table
| Pick | Capacity & spin | Energy (Eco 40-60) | Running cost a year* | Spin noise | Size (H × W × D) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Series 6 WGJ25400GBBest overall | 10kg, 1400rpm | A, 51kWh per 100 cycles | about £34 | 72dB (class A) | 84.5 × 59.8 × 59cm | Check price |
| Hoover Pro Wash Series 1 HGD 49B10-80Cheapest to run and quietest spin | 9kg, 1400rpm | A (Hoover: A-40%), 30kWh per 100 cycles | about £20 | 70dB (class A) | 85 × 59.5 × 60.1cm | Check price |
| Hisense 1Q WF1Q9041BWBest budget | 9kg, 1400rpm | A, 44kWh per 100 cycles | about £29 | 75dB (class B) | 84.5 × 59.5 × 51cm | Check price |
| Samsung Series 5 WW11DG5B25TEEUBest for big families | 11kg, 1400rpm | A, 48kWh per 100 cycles | about £32 | 72dB (class A) | 85 × 60 × 60cm | Check price |
| Bosch Series 2 WGE03408GBBest for couples and small homes | 8kg, 1400rpm | A, 46kWh per 100 cycles | about £30 | 72dB (class A) | 84.8 × 59.8 × 58.8cm | Check price |
| AEG 7000 LFSR73944BBest for clothes care | 9kg, 1400rpm | A, 39kWh per 100 cycles | about £26 | 74dB (class B) | 84.7 × 59.6 × 60.2cm | Check price |
| Beko EnergySpin B3W31041ABest-value 10kg | 10kg, 1400rpm | A, 51kWh per 100 cycles | about £34 | 75dB (class B) | 84.5 × 60 × 58cm | Check price |
| LG F4X1009NWKBest with Wi-Fi under 55cm deep | 9kg, 1400rpm | A, 49kWh per 100 cycles | about £32 | 75dB (class B) | 85 × 60 × 55cm | Check price |
Specs are from manufacturer listings as of 24 October 2026; claimed figures (running costs, runtimes) are the maker’s, not ours. Check the Amazon page for the current price and exact variant before you buy.
The picks in detail
Bosch Series 6 WGJ25400GB 10kg 1400rpm washing machine, white
Best for: Families who want a big drum, a quiet spin and app control
- Capacity & spin
- 10kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 51kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £34
- Spin noise
- 72dB (class A)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 84.5 × 59.8 × 59cm
Bosch's data sheet lists the WGJ25400GB as a 10kg, 1400rpm A-rated machine using 51kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and 50 litres a cycle, with a 72dB spin (noise class A, the quietest class). It has Iron Assist, which uses steam to reduce creases, a Super Quick 30 programme and Home Connect Wi-Fi so you can start, monitor and download programmes from your phone. It's sold by Amazon.
A 10kg drum is a sensible step up for a family of four or more, and it's big enough for a double duvet. It costs more than the 9kg machines here, but it's from Bosch's mid-to-upper Series 6 range rather than its entry models.
What owners and reviewers like
- Large 10kg drum
- Quiet class A spin
- Home Connect app and steam Iron Assist
Watch-outs
- Not the cheapest to run here
- Pricier than 9kg machines
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Hoover Pro Wash Series 1 HGD 49B10-80 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, white
Best for: Keeping running costs as low as possible
- Capacity & spin
- 9kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A (Hoover: A-40%), 30kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £20
- Spin noise
- 70dB (class A)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 85 × 59.5 × 60.1cm
This is the most efficient machine on our list by a distance. Hoover's UK page lists 30kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, which Hoover describes as 40% more efficient than the A-class threshold, plus a 70dB spin, the quietest figure here. It has 16 programmes including steam, and quick cycles from 14 minutes. It's sold by Amazon.
It doesn't have Wi-Fi or an app. Hoover sells several similar model codes, so match the full model code when comparing prices.
What owners and reviewers like
- Lowest energy use of the eight
- Quietest spin figure
- Steam and quick cycles
Watch-outs
- No app or Wi-Fi
- Easy to confuse with similar codes
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Hisense 1Q Series WF1Q9041BW 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, white
Best for: A reliable 9kg machine for the least money
- Capacity & spin
- 9kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 44kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £29
- Spin noise
- 75dB (class B)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 84.5 × 59.5 × 51cm
One of the most popular budget washing machines on Amazon.co.uk. Hisense UK lists 44kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, 15 programmes including a 15-minute quick wash, steam and an anti-allergy cycle. At 51cm deep (Hisense's figure, without the door) it's shallower than most 9kg machines. It's sold by Amazon.
The 75dB spin is louder than the Bosch and Hoover picks, so it's less suited to an open-plan kitchen.
What owners and reviewers like
- Low cost to buy and run
- Shallow 51cm body
- Quick 15 and steam
Watch-outs
- Louder 75dB spin
- No app or Wi-Fi
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Samsung Series 5 AI Energy 11kg 1400rpm washing machine, white (WW11DG5B25TEEU)
Best for: Large households and anyone washing bedding at home
- Capacity & spin
- 11kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 48kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £32
- Spin noise
- 72dB (class A)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 85 × 60 × 60cm
Samsung fits an 11kg drum into a standard 60cm body. Its product information sheet lists 48kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, and a 72dB spin (class A). It has ecobubble, which pre-mixes detergent with air and water so it works at lower temperatures, AI Energy Mode and SmartThings Wi-Fi. The Amazon listing mentions a five-year parts and labour warranty and a 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter motor. It's sold by Amazon.
Per kilo of washing it's one of the most efficient machines here, because you run fewer loads.
What owners and reviewers like
- 11kg drum in a standard size
- Quiet class A spin
- Long motor warranty in the listing
Watch-outs
- App features need a Samsung account
- Bigger drum than smaller homes need
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Bosch Series 2 WGE03408GB 8kg 1400rpm washing machine, white
Best for: One or two people who want a quiet, simple machine
- Capacity & spin
- 8kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 46kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £30
- Spin noise
- 72dB (class A)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 84.8 × 59.8 × 58.8cm
Bosch's entry range, but with the same class A spin noise as its Series 6. The data sheet lists 46kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, 47 litres a cycle, Bosch's SilentPowerDrive motor, Anti Vibration sidewalls and Speed Perfect, which Bosch says cuts cycle times by up to 65%. It's sold by Amazon.
There's no Wi-Fi or steam, and 8kg is smaller than most families need. For a couple or a flat it's a straightforward machine from a big name.
What owners and reviewers like
- Quiet class A spin
- Simple controls
- Bosch build at an entry price
Watch-outs
- 8kg only
- No Wi-Fi or steam
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AEG 7000 ProSteam LFSR73944B 9kg 1400rpm washing machine, white
Best for: Refreshing clothes with steam instead of a full wash
- Capacity & spin
- 9kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 39kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £26
- Spin noise
- 74dB (class B)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 84.7 × 59.6 × 60.2cm
AEG's UK page lists the LFSR73944B at 39kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, the second-lowest figure here, with ProSteam, which AEG says refreshes clothes that don't need a full wash using about 2 litres of water. It also has ProSense+ load sensing, TimeSave to shorten cycles and a 69-minute MixLoad cycle at 30°C. AEG says it includes a five-year warranty. It's sold by Amazon, which showed limited stock when I checked.
The spin is a little louder than the class A machines (74dB) and there's no app. It's 60.2cm deep at its maximum, so measure carefully if your space is tight.
What owners and reviewers like
- Low running costs
- Steam refresh cycle
- Five-year warranty (AEG)
Watch-outs
- No app
- Spin louder than class A models
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Beko EnergySpin B3W31041A 10kg 1400rpm washing machine, anthracite
Best for: A big drum on a tighter budget
- Capacity & spin
- 10kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 51kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £34
- Spin noise
- 75dB (class B)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 84.5 × 60 × 58cm
Beko's UK page lists a 10kg drum, 15 programmes including 14-minute and 28-minute quick washes, 51kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and a 75dB spin (class B). The anthracite door trim makes it a little less plain than an all-white machine. On Amazon.co.uk it's sold and delivered by AO, a third-party seller, rather than Amazon.
It uses the same electricity per cycle as the Bosch Series 6 but costs less to buy, with a louder spin and no app.
What owners and reviewers like
- 10kg for a budget price
- 14-minute quick wash
- Lots of programmes
Watch-outs
- Sold by a third party (AO)
- Louder class B spin
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
LG Series 2 F4X1009NWK 9kg 1400rpm Direct Drive washing machine, white
Best for: Shallow spaces and app control
- Capacity & spin
- 9kg, 1400rpm
- Energy (Eco 40-60)
- A, 49kWh per 100 cycles
- Running cost a year*
- about £32
- Spin noise
- 75dB (class B)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 85 × 60 × 55cm
LG's UK page lists an Inverter Direct Drive motor (with a 10-year motor warranty), 6 Motion drum movements, Steam and ThinQ Wi-Fi with remote start, energy monitoring and downloadable cycles. LG gives 49kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and a 75dB spin, and the body is 55cm deep. On Amazon.co.uk it's sold by Hughes Electrical, a third-party retailer, and dispatched by Amazon, with only a few left when I checked.
It's a good fit if you want app control but the Bosch and Samsung machines are too deep for your space. The spin is louder than the class A machines here.
What owners and reviewers like
- 55cm deep
- ThinQ app with remote start
- 10-year motor warranty (LG)
Watch-outs
- Third-party seller
- Louder 75dB spin
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The energy label shows the electricity used per 100 cycles of the Eco 40-60 programme. Divide by 100 and multiply by your unit rate to get the cost per wash. At the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh (October to December 2026, Direct Debit average):
- Hoover HGD 49B10-80 (30kWh per 100 cycles): about 8p a wash, or about £20 a year at 250 washes.
- AEG LFSR73944B (39kWh): about 10p a wash, about £26 a year.
- Hisense WF1Q9041BW (44kWh): about 12p a wash, about £29 a year.
- Bosch WGJ25400GB and Beko B3W31041A (51kWh): about 13p a wash, about £34 a year.
*The yearly figures in the table assume 250 Eco 40-60 washes a year (about five a week). Hotter and longer cycles use much more electricity than Eco 40-60. Ofgem announces the January to March 2027 cap in late November, and I'll update these figures then.
- 7-8kg: one or two people, or a small flat.
- 9kg: most families of three or four.
- 10-11kg: larger families, anyone washing duvets and bedding at home, or households with lots of sports kits.
A bigger drum doesn't cost much more to run per wash, and fewer, fuller loads are cheaper overall. But a machine run half-empty all the time wastes some of that benefit, so don't oversize.
The label shows spin noise in decibels and a class from A (quietest) to D. Across these eight machines it ranges from 70dB (Hoover) and 72dB (Bosch, Samsung) to 75dB (Hisense, Beko, LG). Decibels are logarithmic, so a few dB is a noticeable difference, especially in an open-plan kitchen or a flat. If noise matters, look for class A.
Most machines here spin at 1400rpm, which leaves clothes drier and cuts drying time on an airer or in a dryer. Check depth before you buy: most are 55-60cm deep without hoses, and you need a few centimetres behind for the hoses and plug. Measure doorways too. Delivery, installation and removal of your old machine vary by seller and postcode, so check the options on the listing before you order.
Miele's W1 washing machines are often recommended for long life, and Miele says they're designed to last 20 years. When I checked on 24 October 2026, new Miele washing machines weren't sold on Amazon.co.uk, so they're not in the list above. Miele sells them direct and through specialist appliance retailers.
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FAQs
What's the best washing machine in the UK?
For most families, the Bosch Series 6 WGJ25400GB: a 10kg A-rated machine with a quiet class A spin, steam Iron Assist and app control. If running costs matter most, the Hoover Pro Wash Series 1 HGD 49B10-80 uses the least electricity of the eight.
How much does a washing machine cost to run a year?
At the October to December 2026 price cap of 26.32p per kWh, the machines here cost about £20 to £34 a year for 250 Eco 40-60 washes. Hotter washes cost much more.
What's the quietest washing machine here?
The Hoover HGD 49B10-80, with a 70dB spin. The Bosch and Samsung machines are 72dB, and all three are noise class A.
Is a 9kg or 10kg washing machine better?
9kg suits most families of three or four. Choose 10kg or 11kg if you have a bigger family or wash bedding at home. A bigger drum costs a little more to buy but not much more to run per wash.
Should I buy a washing machine on Black Friday?
Only if the price is genuinely low for that exact model. Which? has found most Black Friday prices are matched or beaten at other times. Our Black Friday appliance deals page explains how to check.
Have you tested these washing machines?
No. This guide is based on manufacturers' UK specifications and energy data, retailer listings and independent advice. I don't own or test the products. See how we research.
Do you get commission?
Yes. If you buy through links on this page, Amazon may pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't affect which machines are included. See the affiliate disclosure.
- Ofgem: energy price cap
- Bosch: WGJ25400GB data sheet
- Bosch: WGE03408GB data sheet
- Hoover UK: Pro Wash Series 1 HGD 49B10-80
- Hisense UK: WF1Q9041BW
- Samsung: WW11DG5B25TE product information sheet
- AEG UK: 7000 ProSteam LFSR73944B
- Beko UK: B3W31041 EnergySpin 10kg
- LG UK: F4X1009NWK
- Which?: most Black Friday deals the same price or cheaper at other times of the year
Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here. Always check the current price, seller and delivery details on Amazon before buying. If anything on this page looks wrong or out of date, let me know.
