Research by the sustainability charity WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) found that buyers expect a new washing machine to last them six years before it needs replacing, so it’s worth doing some research before you buy.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested a wide range of models and brands to help you make the right choice.
While we haven't tested washing machines recently, our experts have looked at what's available now and would recommend these models:
Top washing machines we recommend
Samsung WW10M86DQOO/EU
Samsung WW80J6410CW
Bosch WAN28201GB Serie 4
How we test washing machines
To put washing machines to the test, we wash an everyday load of clothes, bedding and towels on the cotton and synthetic programs. We then score the results, judging the machine on the weight of the laundry before and after washing, taking into account the spin efficiency, how long it took, and how much water and energy it used. We also check how much clothes have creased.
We use a pH meter to check the alkaline level of the water and the dilution of the detergent. We also add stain strips to each wash to measure how well it removes stains on both the cotton and synthetic programs. Throughout the test, we assess the design and ease of use too.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Simon Cocks is Good Housekeeping UK’s Technology Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy for the title. He previously also worked across other titles including Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, e-book readers and smartphones. He's reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and money-saving advice guides and edited thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
