The topic notebook

Washing Machines

How we research

A washing machine is a long-term purchase, so the details that matter are drum size, spin speed, noise and the energy label. Choose by how many people you wash for, where the machine will sit and how much you want to spend on running costs. Our research on specific models is listed below.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

How to choose

  • Drum size. Bosch’s buying guide suggests 6 or 7 kg for one or two people, 8 or 9 kg for three or four, and 10 kg for five or more or for bulky items such as duvets [2]. The label lists the maximum load [1].
  • Spin speed. Bosch says a higher spin speed leaves clothes drier and recommends 1,400 or 1,600 rpm to cut the energy needed for drying [2].
  • Noise. If the machine sits in a kitchen or living space, Bosch advises a low-decibel model [2]. The energy label lists spin noise in dB(A) with a noise class [1].
  • Energy class. The label runs from A (most efficient) to G [1][3]. Smart Energy GB says an A-rated machine is usually the best choice when replacing one [3].
  • Water use. The label shows litres per cycle on the Eco 40-60 programme [1]. Compare it between models if you are on a water meter.
  • Warranty. Terms differ by maker and by seller. Check the conditions, and whether you must register the machine, before you buy.

Reading the energy label

Since 1 March 2021 washing machines carry a label on a scale of A to G. The old A+ to A+++ classes were dropped [1]. The label shows [1]:

  • Energy use in kWh per 100 cycles on the Eco 40-60 programme.
  • Water use in litres per cycle, and the programme time.
  • A spin efficiency class and the spin noise in dB(A).
  • The maximum load.
  • A QR code that links to an EU product database with the datasheet.

Bosch says the plus classes were dropped because so many products had reached A+ or better that the label no longer helped buyers choose [1].

Running costs

Smart Energy GB says typical washing machines are rated between 1,000 and 2,400 W [3]. It says washing at 30°C can save up to 60% of the energy used to heat water [3]. It also advises:

  • Wait for a full load rather than running repeated half loads.
  • Use the eco cycle if the machine has one.
  • Do not overload the drum, clean the filter regularly and use descaling solutions to reduce limescale.
  • If you are on a time-of-use tariff, run the machine at the cheaper off-peak times. A smart meter is needed for these tariffs [3].

We do not give a pounds-a-year figure here because it depends on your tariff and how often you wash.

Questions people ask

What size washing machine do I need?

Match the drum to your household and your habits. Bosch suggests 6 or 7 kg for one or two people, 8 or 9 kg for three or four, and 10 kg for larger households [2]. Smart Energy GB advises waiting for a full load rather than running repeated half loads, so do not buy far more drum than you will fill [3].

Is a faster spin speed worth it?

It depends on how you dry. A higher spin leaves clothes drier, which cuts the energy needed for drying and speeds up air drying [2]. Bosch recommends 1,400 or 1,600 rpm for that [2]. The label also lists spin noise in dB(A), so compare that too [1].

Is an A-rated machine always cheaper to run?

Not always. The class is a comparison on the Eco 40-60 programme [1]. How you use the machine matters as much: temperature, load size and how often you run it [3]. Check the kWh per 100 cycles on the label when you compare models.

Can I wash at 30°C?

Smart Energy GB recommends it and says lower temperatures can save up to 60% of the energy used to heat water [3]. For heavily soiled items or hygiene needs, follow the care label and your machine’s instructions.

Recalls and safety

Washing machines run unattended for long periods, so check recalls before you buy and if you already own one. Our product safety and recalls page explains how we check.

The largest recent case is the Hotpoint and Indesit recall announced by GOV.UK on 17 December 2019. The Office for Product Safety and Standards said door locks on an estimated 500,000 machines could overheat and catch fire, and advised owners to unplug the machine and register with Whirlpool for a replacement [4]. Check the maker’s model list if you own an older Hotpoint or Indesit.

We searched the official recalls list for “washing machine” on 19 October 2026 and it returned 182 reports, many of them for unrelated machines. We did not read all of them. The most recent washing machine item on the first page was a safety report for a folding washing machine dated 6 February 2026 [5]. Search the official recalls list for your brand and model. Recalls checked 19 October 2026.

Sources

  1. Energy label information, Bosch Home UK, bosch-home.co.uk. Checked 19 October 2026.
  2. Which washing machine? Buying guide, Bosch (Malta site, as we could not open a UK equivalent), bosch-home.com. Checked 19 October 2026.
  3. Best time to use the washing machine, Smart Energy GB, smartenergygb.org. Page last updated 17 August 2026. Checked 19 October 2026.
  4. Whirlpool to issue washing machine recall following intervention by regulator, GOV.UK, gov.uk. Published 17 December 2019, updated 15 January 2020. Checked 19 October 2026.
  5. Product safety alerts, reports and recalls, Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK. Searched 19 October 2026.

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