9 Best Washing Machines For Every Budget 2023 – Under £200, £300, £500

The appliance hunter has been back at it again, wading through the forests of information, cutting down bullshit and searching for the best washing machines available.

Finding a new washing machine, of all home appliances, has to be a careful choice. There are a lot to choose from and the prices vary quite wildly. It can be tough to sort through them and find one to fit your needs.

I’ve put together a range of budgets, with a choice of different features, to suit everyone. Plus I updated this article in 2022 to reflect the current best models you can buy at the best price so you an know you’re k

Top 5 Best Washing Machines UK

• Top Choice – Miele W1 WCA030 7Kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm
• Best Under £800 – BOSCH Serie 6 WGG244F9GB 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Under £400 – HOOVER H-Wash H3W49TGGE NFC 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Under £300 – HOTPOINT NSWR 743U GK UK N 7 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Smart pick – SAMSUNG Series 6 WW90T684DLN/S1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

1. Top Choice – Miele W1 WCA030 7Kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm

Definitely The best thing about this one is that it’s been tested for 20 years of use! You can have peace of mind and know that this machine is darn reliable.

Now that’s not the same as a guarantee but still damn impressive. It’s a little more expensive at over £500 but the length of life definitely makes up for it.

It’s eco-friendly (partly I think because it’s smaller) but also because it detects the size of the load and uses water accordingly. You can also set it to wash at 20 C which is more effective than a cold wash but still really efficient.

The Miele eco washer also has a special honeycomb shaped drum that’s gentle on your laundry. It allows there to always be water underneath your clothes and stops them piling up.

It’s really well built which keeps it in place while it’s running, keeping the noise levels down which is a definite plus.

Overall, it’s a great washing machine a great choice for a the best washing machine available.

2. Best Under £500 – BOSCH Serie 6 WAU28T64GB 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

I really like Bosch appliances, they appear time and time again across this site because they are such amazing value. They aren’t the cheapest around but they are far from the most expensive and the quality you get for the price is unmatched.

It’s got a ton of cool and useful features, such as all the sensors that are built into it. One detects when the drum needs cleaned and lets you know so that you can run the Drum Clean cycle to clear it out. Another detects the load size and adjusts water and detergent amounts saving water and electricity.

And the SpeedPerfect function reduces the length of every cycle so your clothes get cleaned better and faster.

The only places it falls down are, there’s no traditional white cycle which I always use for bedding, it’s to whites & colours which seems to be as effective but still, and the normal 40-degree wash lasts 3 hours! Which is why I always go for the speed perfect setting to save time.

But over all it’s a fantastic washing machine, big enough for families and individuals alike, the only reason it’s not the top choice is it can’t rival Mieles testing for 20 years of use. The Bosch may well last that long but they haven’t tested it so can’t be sure. But it’s cheaper so if you want to save a little money just now you can’t go wrong with this Bosch series 6.

3. Best Under £400 – HOOVER H-Wash 300 H3W49TGGE NFC 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

Hoover are another tried and tested appliance brand, generally a little cheaper than Bosch and still great offering a 10-year guarantee on parts.

This is a great budget model that is technically a smart washer, but it’s a bit of a gimmick in my opinion, basically, you can use your phone as a remote control for it, turning it on and off selected cycles. But you’ll do all that facing the controls anyway.

Luckily its price isn’t what you’d expect a “smart” washer to be so it’s still a great choice, offering a lot of different cycles that run quickly and efficiently getting your clothes clean in good time.

It’s also got a load sensor that weighs how heavy the washing is and adjusts itself accordingly so you save money and power. It’s a little more to run each year than the Bosch but it’s an excellent price so the savings balance out.

You can also buy it as an 8, 9 or 10kg size to match your needs or the size of your family, 10kg can be great for a bigger family but check the dimensions if you’re going to put it under a counter.

Overall a great choice for the under £400 category, quick effective washing with a sleek design.

4. Best Under £300 – HOTPOINT NSWR 743U GK UK N 7 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

If you’re on a tight budget then this Hotpoint is the perfect choice, it’s cheap, cheerful and cleans your clothes for you.

It’s got 16 programs to choose from inluding a final anti alergy steam that removes 99.9% of allergy causing bacteria from your clothes. Which if you suffer from Hay fever is an absolute god send.

It’s also got an anti-stain program which gets rid of a lot of minor stubborn stains without the need for extra detergent. Plus the quick clyce could have your clothes clean in only 45 minutes with a full load.

Considering it’s a cheaper model it’s still quite energy efficient too. Not the absolute cheapest to run but it’s not the most expensive either, and is cheaper to run than a lot of higher end washing machines.

Plus you get a 10 year parts guarantee so it should just keep running, not bad for under £300!

5. Best Smart Pick – SAMSUNG Series 6 WW90T684DLN/S1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

Now this is everything you could want in a smart washing machine, all the right gadgets and tech.

My favorite is the auto dosing feature, where you fill two compartments with your liquid detergent and softener, then the washing maching detects how big the load is and adds the right amount to the wash!

Plus when you fill the compartments they are big enouh to last a month based on 4 loads a week, which is personally a lot more washing than I do. Some people don’t like not having the control but I think this is a really cool feautre.

Next you’ve got the Eco Bubble funtion which uses extra air intake to create more bubbles and give a more effective wash while using less power, saving you money. This is a saving of £10-20 a year which is a lot over the 10-20 year lifetime of a washing machine.

Apart from that it runs quietly, has 22 cycles to chooose from, connects to your phone if you want it to, and generally does a great job of washing your clothes. I’m not a big fan of the jingle it makes when it’s finished a cycle and there’s not option to turn it off but that’s certaily no deal breaker.

Honestly one of the best washing machines available today, and it costs much less than you’d expect it too. A great buy if you like your washing machine efficient and tech savvy.

Washing Machine Buying Guide

The main thing you want from a washing machine is clean clothes right?

I thought so.

Well, all the machines here will do just that (wouldn’t be a great guide otherwise) but there are a couple of details you should look at before taking the plunge and buying a washing machine.

Spin Speed

Spin speed is almost directly connected to how clean your clothes can get. If you have tough stains and stink sportswear, you need a high spin speed.

A higher spin generally means a better clean, and also definitely means your clothes come out drier at the end. Which really saves time hanging them up to dry.

You don’t want to always use a high spin, of course, otherwise your smalls will go in never to be seen again, but it’s good to have the option.

A max spin of 1400 rpm is ideal 1200 is ok but any less than that is pretty low.

Load capacity

Washing machine drum size is also really important. Because if you can get all your clothes washed in 1 load instead of 2, that’s a lot of time you’re saving.

Drum capacities typically vary between 7-9kg but can go as low as 5kg. As for what size is best for you it entirely depends, if you’re a family you’ll want a large capacity of 8-9kg but an individual or a couple will get on fine with 7kg.

I’ve got a section further on for the best washing machines for families; for those who need a larger drum, read on!

Energy Efficiency

This isn’t as big of a deal as it once was, fortunately, now all washing machines are pretty damn efficient.

But on the whole you want a washing machine with an A++ energy efficiency rating at least, preferably A+++.

The difference between them in real terms is about £10 of electricity per year. Which over a 10-year lifespan you’ll save about £100. Not to be sniffed at but not a huge amount either.

Noise

While some have a lovely utility room to keep noisy washing machines in, not everyone is quite so lucky. Many of us who live in a flat have a livingroom-kitchen arrangement. Which leaves you trying to watch TV with a running washing machine in the room.

Kitchen-living rooms don’t need to be a tricky arrangement. You just need to find the quietest washing machine possible.

A brushless motor is the secret to a silent washing machine.

Water Usage

While this might not be the biggest consideration for everyone, keeping water consumption down can be a serious concern for some of us.

Naturally, if your water is metered or if water is simply scarce in your area, you will absolutely want to consider the amount of water your washing machine could be churning through.

Many machines have had this considered in their design and will try to use less water to get the job done just as well. There is usually also a setting for reducing the amount of water your machine uses per washing cycle.

Integrated vs Freestanding Washing Machines

Generally, you have one or the other and changing is quite difficult.

Integrated Washers are great because they tidy away really nicely into a cupboard and make a kitchen look very sleek.

The downside is they are more expensive to install and you have a lot less choice, plus it’s hard to get in behind them should you need to.

Freestanding Washers, however, aren’t as subtle but they tend to be cheaper, easier to install and a lot easier to get in behind should you need any repairs.

If you’re already locked into an integrated washer don’t worry! I’ve got a section just for you on the best integrated washing machines coming right up.

Best Washing Machine Brands

Just wanted to give a rundown of some of the best washing machine brands you can get so you have an idea what to look for if you’re out shopping.

• Bosch
• Miele
• Zanussi
• Hotpoint
• Indesit
• AEG
• Samsung
• Beko
• Whirlpool
• Neff

John Lewis also make good washing machines, as do Hoover and many other brands but these are definitely the main ones.

How To Take Care Of Your Washing machine

Taking proper care of your washing machine is essential to keeping it working for many years to come.

Always read the manual to check for exact care instructions, but here are some general tips.

Keep The Door Open After Use – The drum is full of moist air after you’ve done a load of laundry so it’s important to keep the door open to let this air out. Otherwise, it can start to smell.

Clean Out The Detergent Drawer – The tray can get build up of detergent and softener especially if you use a powder so it’s good to give it a clean every now and again.

Some washing machines, like the Miele TwinDos, gets around this by having removable detergent cartridges instead of detergent drawers all together.

Wipe Down The Inside – Just giving the inside a simple wipe down with a damp cloth can clear away any gunk that might be stuck they’re keeping your clothes cleaner.

F.A.Q on the Best Washing Machines

Which is the best front loading washing machine?

Every machine featured on the list is front loading so it’s up to you! But the first choice is my top choice if you’re stuck.

Which is the best washing machine for pets?

The Hotpoint Large Washer is definitely the best for pets. It has a good size of load capacity and takes out allergens.

Other Washing Machine Reviews

Best Under 200 – Electra W1042CF1W 5Kg Washing Machine with 1000 rpm

Aiming to find a quality washing machine under £200 is tough going. Luckily Electra has got this base covered.

While it does have a lower load capacity and lower spin speed than other, more costly, options; here, you are not compromising on build quality or on energy efficiency. With an A++ energy rating, it’s friendly on your electricity bills as well as the cost of the machine itself.

It has clever sensors that weigh your washing load to optimise your washing cycle for exactly what you’ve put in it. So if you just give it a half load, you will use less energy on the same cycle compared to a full load.

I absolutely love the anti-allergy wash settings on this machine. Every year, I am absolutely floored by hayfever, and this simple wash option makes allergies that much more bearable.

It is ideal for smaller households, especially for one or two people living in a flat.

Best for Hardwater – AEG ProSteam Technology L7FEE965R 9Kg Washing Machine with 1600 rpm

With hard water, your detergent doesn’t sud up as well, and your clothes need an extra hard scrubbing to get that dirt out.

You need a hard-hitting washing machine to combat both your dirty clothes and your hard water.

But there’s no need to compromise on energy efficiency just because you have hard water. With an A+++ energy rating, you’ll be getting the best bang for your buck on your electricity bill.

I absolutely love the AEG ProSteam technology; It’s so simple, yet so effective. At the end of your wash cycle, it will circulate steam to remove wrinkles from your fabrics. I can just hang up my shirts to dry and they’re crease-free, no need for ironing.

Not only does this machine ensure your clothes are crease-free, but it also makes sure that they are as soft as possible too. With AEG’s SoftPlus technology, the washing machine will use more water during the wash cycle, and give an extra rinse at the end of the wash programme, to ensure that all of the detergent and softener has been washed out of your fabrics. Your clothes will be left super soft.

This is a brilliant washing machine for hard water, and for soft water alike. It will easily handle wash loads for medium-large families. Most important of all, it’s a model you can rely on.

Best Washing Machine For Families – Hot Point Large Washer

The biggest load capacity of the list, 9 kg is the same as being able to wash 45 t-shirts in a single load. A lot of washing! You’ll certainly have no trouble even fitting in a full load of the largest duvets you can find.

This machine has also been given the UK allergy seal of approval, ideal for washing kids and baby clothes. It uses high temperatures and extra spin cycles to remove 99.9% of allergens.

But it still has great energy efficiency so running costs get kept down.

Overall, it’s easily the best washing machine for families large and small with its big capacity and great energy efficiency.

Best Integrated Washing Machine – ZANUSSI Z816WT85BI Integrated 8 kg Washer Dryer

The Zanussi Integrated washing machine has a couple of cool settings.

It’s got a rinse hold, which holds the washing in warm water so it doesn’t crinkle if you can’t get to it straight away. You can come home and turn it on to rinse so it finishes the washing and you can hang it up.

It’s also got a denim setting so you can properly wash your jeans and it has a curtain setting which is quite cool.

It’s got a 8kg drum size which is a good size and is very energy efficient so you can get a good load on with each wash.

With a spin speed of 1400 rpm, it is plenty of spin to rinse off your clothes effectively before you dry them.

Overall, it’s easily one of the best integrated washing machines, efficient with some really cool features.

Siemens IQ-700 WM16XGH1GB WiFi Connected 10Kg Washing Machine with 1600 rpm

This is actually really cool because it’s a smart washing machine so you can control it via an app on your phone.

But apart from being the best smart washing machine it also has the best stain removal capabilities. It can detect the stains and knows specifically how to remove 16 of the most stubborn stains.

I tried to find out how it does that but it goes way beyond the head of even the appliance hunter. But I read many testimonials stating it does work so that was good enough for me.

Another really cool feature is that it’s 30% more energy efficient than most other A+++ machines.

Overall, A great washing machine, very cool smart technology, and great stain removal. If you can afford it you will not be disappointed.

Indesit Innex BWD71453WUK 7Kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm

Now if you go under £300 you have the danger of seriously losing out on quality.

But the Indesit is everything you need from a budget washer. It can’t do anything fancy but it’ll wash your clothes and not use a huge amount of power while it does.

It’s got good wash times and can wash down to 30 C and it has a rapid 30-minute cycle for a quick wash.

It can still spin up to 1400 rpm which is great and it’s got a 7kg load capacity. So it’s not the biggest but it can still fit plenty into it.

Overall, If you’re on a seriously tight budget then this is the most practical and affordable choice

Zanussi Lindo300 ZWF81463W 8Kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm

Great price and a great washer. The Zanussi is a solid choice if you’re looking for a washing machine under £300.

It does everything you need it too and has a generous 8kg drum to get all your washing into.

It doesn’t have some of the features the more expensive models have but it does get your washing clean! And isn’t that what we’re all after?

It’s got a nice clear display so you can see how much longer the washing has left to do, and it has a delayed-start timer if you want it to run through the night.

One problem is that the door is either completely open or closed, you can’t just crack it open when not in use to let the air out. The best solution is to leave it open after the wash for as long as possible (preferably about an hour) then close it again when it starts to get in the way.

Overall, a no brainer choice for the best washing machine under £400.

Final Thoughts

Phew, well, after that mad gallop through the world of washing machines I hope that’s cleared the air and you’ve got a better idea of what to look for and what’s available.

The only area of washing machines we’ve not covered in this article is washer dryers, which we’ll dedicate an entire separate article to.

If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, be sure to leave a comment below.

Samsung AddWash™ ecobubble™ WW80K6414QX 8Kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm

This Samsung washing machine has some really cool stuff going on inside of it. First off is the Samsung Ecobubble technology. This combines the soap with water and bubbles to clean even deeper into the fabrics of your clothes. With a good detergent, this makes them smell great.

This is alongside the bubble soak which helps lift up and wash stubborn stains.

The drum has special diamond technology which helps create a layer of water under the clothes at all times. Which keeps them off the edge and makes sure they get completely washed quite evenly.

The control panel is brilliant, absolutely no fuss. Just turn the dial to the wash programme you want and hit go. Easy

This also has the always useful 15-minute wash option great for last-minute washing in the morning.

Overall, A really great washing machine, great for tackling stains and a really great price.

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