Laundry never really ends. Between school uniforms, gym kit, sheets and towels, a washing machine is one of the hardest-working things in your home. So, a good one is worth getting right.
Washing machines have come a long way, with models that can spot stubborn stains, adjust the wash to suit your load, save energy and even let you start a cycle from your phone. The tricky part is choosing between them to find the right freestanding washing machine or integrated washing machine for your home.
We'll walk you through what to look out for and recommend washing machines to suit different homes, budgets and routines.
Key factors to consider when buying a washing machine
Some of the latest washing machines do a lot more than just clean your clothes. Here are a few of the features you’ll want to look out for in 2026:
AI-powered sensors: Smart sensors will detect the fabric type, size of the load and how mucky your shirt is. They’ll then tweak how much water, detergent and energy are used so you don’t use too much of any.
Energy efficiency: Look for A-rated models that use less electricity and water. It’ll help to keep your bills down a bit over time.
Water-saving technology: Modern appliances can weigh each load and only use the amount of water they need to get rid of those big stains.
Microplastic reduction cycle: Some machines now come with special programmes that reduce the amount of microfibres released into our waterways. Clever, right?
Quiet inverter motors: With lower vibration and less noise, you can still do some late-night laundry when the kids have gone to bed. Shhhh!
Best washing machine overall
The Bosch Series 6 AntiStain 9kg Washing Machine is our best overall washing machine, and it's easy to see why. Whether you live in a sporty household where grass stains are a regular occurrence, or a household filled with messy eaters, its AntiStain programme is a gamechanger. It can tackle everyday marks like grease, sauces and grass, so you don't have to pre-treat every stain. The 9kg drum has plenty of space for a busy household, and your clothes will come out drier thanks to its 1400 spin speed. Bosch's EcoSilence Drive motor keeps noise low, so you can run a wash in the evening without drowning out the TV or waking the kids.
Best washing machine under €300
If you're on a tight budget, the Candy Quick Pro 8kg Washing Machine is a great pick. You get a generous 8kg drum and a 1400 spin speed, so it handles the weekly family wash without fuss. As the name suggests, it also has quick wash options for when you need a fresh top in a hurry, cleaning 1kg in under 15 minutes. It’s packed with features like Smart Spray to clean your drum post-wash, Smart Wash to pick the best 40° cycle for your fabrics and a hygiene programme to give your clothes a deep clean to remove dirt and bacteria. It's simple, dependable and proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great machine.
Best washing machine under €500
Got a little more budget? The Bosch Series 2 8kg Washing Machine is a smart buy. It brings Bosch's reputation for reliability and quiet running to a more affordable price. The 8kg drum is perfect for couples, small families and anyone who wants a straightforward machine that gets the job done. It has Speed Perfect to cut wash time by 65% and ActiveWater Plus to optimise water usage based on your cycle. Not to mention, its EcoSilence Drive and Anti-Vibration Design ensure the cycle is as stable and quiet as possible.
Best integrated washing machine
Want your laundry out of sight? The Beko Pro Integrated 9kg Washing Machine hides away behind a matching cabinet door, keeping your kitchen looking sleek. Despite being hidden, it doesn't skimp on capacity, with a 9kg drum that's ready for big loads. It has great programs like IronFast to reduce creases and Anti-Allergy to remove allergens, and it has a child lock so little fingers can’t mess with your wash! It's also Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can control and monitor your washes from your phone – handy if you're out and about and want to know when the cycle has finished.
Best freestanding washing machine
The Hisense KitchenFit 5i Series 9kg Washing Machine is a stylish freestanding option that comes in two colours: black or white. Its 9kg drum handles family-sized loads with ease and can wash the full 9kg in just 59 minutes. Or if you’re in a rush, its QuickBoost reduces wash times on selected cycles. It has a 3.5” touch colour display that makes choosing a cycle easy, while its Wi-Fi connectivity means you can manage your washes through your phone.
Best 10kg washing machine
Big household? Lots of bedding? The LG Series 4 10kg Washing Machine gives you extra space to play with. Its AI Direct Drive technology senses the weight and fabric type of your load and adjusts the wash motion accordingly, so delicates are treated gently, and tougher fabrics get a thorough clean. It has a brilliant Steam function to steam-clean your clothes to remove 99.99% of allergens. With a 10kg drum, you'll get through the laundry pile in fewer loads, which means fewer trips to the machine. Learn more about how much you can fit in a 10kg washing machine in our washing machine capacity guide.
Best energy-efficient washing machine
Want to keep costs down? The Samsung Series 5 AI 9kg Washing Machine is built with your energy bills in mind. Its AI Energy mode helps to cut electricity use during a wash, without you having to think about it. It's Wi-Fi-enabled too, so you can start, stop and check on cycles from your phone. Add in the 9kg drum, its ecobubble technology and programs like Hygiene Steam and Intense Cold, and you've got a smart, capable machine that's kind to your wallet.
Need more advice?
Not quite ready to press start? Our washing machine buying guide answers all your questions about washing machines, from choosing the right drum size to picking the right features for your home.
FAQs
What is the best washing machine to buy?
The best washing machine is the one that suits your home and how you actually use it. For most people, that means a good-sized drum, reliable performance and programmes you'll actually use, whether that's a quick wash or a proper stain-fighting cycle.
What size washing machine do I need?
It depends on your household. A 7-8kg machine is usually enough for one or two people, while a 9-10kg drum is better for families or anyone who washes a lot of bedding and towels.
Which is the best brand of washing machine?
The best washing machine brand depends on what you’re looking for. Samsung, Bosch, Haier and Beko all make highly rated appliances. Some focus on smart technology, others on energy efficiency. Some will even let you wash your runners!
Is a higher spin speed better?
A higher spin speed, like 1400, removes more water from your clothes at the end of the cycle. That means they'll dry faster on the line or in the dryer. But a high spin speed wouldn’t suit delicate fabrics like silk, lace or wool, as it can damage the fabric.
?fmt=auto)
