9 Best Washing Machines For Every Budget 2024 – Under £300, £400, £600

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 for all home appliances must be a careful choice. There is a lot to choose from, and the prices vary pretty wildly. It can be challenging 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 2024 to reflect the current best models you can buy at the best price so you know you’re getting the best possible deal on the market.

Top 5 Best Washing Machines UK

• Top Choice – BOSCH Series 6 WGG24400GB 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Under £600 – AEG ProSteam Technology LFR7394B 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Under £400 – HOOVER H-Wash H3W49TGGE NFC 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine
• Best Under £300 – CANDY CS149TW4 9kg Freestanding Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin
• Best Smart pick – SAMSUNG Series 6 WW90DG6U85LBU1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg 1400 Smart Washing Machine

 

1. Top Choice – BOSCH Series 6 WGG24400GB 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

I like Bosch appliances; they appear time and time again across this site because they are such fantastic 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 many cool and useful features, such as all the sensors built into it. One detects when the drum needs to be 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.

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

The only places it falls down are that 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 overall, it’s a fantastic washing machine, big enough for families and individuals alike, and for this reason, it’s my top choice. The Bosch may well last that long, but they haven’t tested it, so I 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.

2. Best under £600 – AEG ProSteam Technology LFR73944B 9Kg Washing Machine with 1400 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 your dirty clothes and hard water.

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

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

This machine not only guarantees that your clothes come out crease-free, but it also ensures they feel exceptionally soft. Thanks to AEG’s SoftPlus technology, the washing machine uses more water during the wash cycle and includes an additional rinse at the end of the program. This process effectively removes all detergent and softener from your fabrics, leaving your clothes incredibly soft.

This is a brilliant washing machine for hard water and 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.

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

Hoover is 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 also has 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 purchase it in 8kg, 9kg, or 10kg sizes to suit your needs or the size of your family. The 10kg option is ideal for larger families, but make sure to check the dimensions if you plan to place it under a counter.

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

4. Best Under £300 – CANDY CS149TW4 Washing Machine Freestanding

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

It’s got 15 programs to choose from including a final anti-allergy steam that removes 99.9% of allergy-causing bacteria from your clothes. If you suffer from Hay fever, it is an absolute godsend.

It also has an anti-stain program that 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; being classified as Class B means it reduces consumption by around 40% and saves energy and the environment.

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

5. Best Smart Pick – SAMSUNG Series 6 WW90DG6U85LBU1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine

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

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

Plus, filling the compartments is big enough to last a month based on four loads a week, which is much more washing than I do. Some people don’t like not having control, but I think this is a cool feature.

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

Apart from that, it runs quietly, has 22 cycles to choose from, connects to your phone if you want, 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 no option to turn it off, but that’s certainly no deal breaker.

Honestly, it is one of the best washing machines available today, and it costs much less than you’d expect it to. It’s 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.

I thought so.

Well, all the machines here will do just that (it 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. You need a high spin speed if you have tough stains and stink sportswear.

A higher spin generally means a better clean, and your clothes come out drier at the end, which saves time when 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, but 1200 is okay. Any less than that is pretty low.

Load Capacity

The drum size of the washing machine is also significant. 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 on the best washing machines for families; read on for those needing a larger drum!

Energy Efficiency

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

But overall, 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. 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 living room-kitchen arrangement. You are trying to watch TV with a running washing machine in the room.

Kitchen-living rooms don’t need to be a tricky arrangement. You 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 most significant consideration for everyone, keeping water consumption down can be a serious concern for some of us.

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

Many machines have considered this 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 water your machine uses per washing cycle.

Integrated vs Freestanding Washing Machines

Generally, you have one or the other; changing it isn’t easy.

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

The downside is they are more expensive to install, and you have much less choice. 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 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

I just wanted to give a rundown of some of the best washing machine brands you can get so you can know what to look for if you’re out shopping.

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

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

How To Take Care Of Your Washing Machine

Properly caring for your washing machine is essential to keep it working for many years.

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 essential to keep the door open to let it out. Otherwise, it can start to smell.

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

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

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, and 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 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 covered this base.

While it has a lower load capacity and spin speed than other, more costly options, here, you are not compromising on build quality or 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 precisely what you’ve put in it. So, if you just give it a half load, you will use less energy on the same cycle than a full load.

I love the anti-allergy wash settings on this machine. I am floored by hay fever every year, and this simple wash option makes allergies much more bearable.

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

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 undoubtedly have no trouble fitting in a load of the largest duvets you can find.

This machine has also been given the UK allergy seal of approval, which is 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 excellent energy efficiency so running costs get kept down.

Overall, it’s easily the best washing machine for families large and small, with its considerable capacity and excellent 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 has a rinse hold, which holds the washing in warm water so it doesn’t crinkle if you can’t get to it immediately. 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 an 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, there are plenty of spins to rinse off your clothes effectively before you dry them.

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

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

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

Apart from being the best innovative washing machine, it also has the best stain-removal capabilities. It can detect stains and knows precisely 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 cool feature is that it’s 30% more energy efficient than most other A+++ machines.

Overall, A great washing machine with 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 tremendous amount of power while it does.

It has good wash times and can wash down to 30 C. 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 to 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 it is 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 gets in the way.

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

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 program 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, it is A really great washing machine, great for tackling stains and at a really great price.

Final Thoughts

Phew, well, after that mad gallop through the world of washing machines, I hope that’s cleared the air and that 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 entirely separate article to.

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

Related Reading

Best 7kg washing machines

Best 9kg washing machines

Best small-capacity washing machines