Kitchen Buying Guides

Washing Machine Buying Guide

Whether you are in a small home or have a busy family life, it is important to choose the right laundry equipment to cope with the demands of your household. In this washing machine guide, we run through what devices are available, what features to look out for, and considerations you and your trade professional need to make before buying and installing a model.

What are the different types?

Freestanding

Freestanding devices can be installed anywhere there is water and drainage connections. This makes them easy to fit in existing spaces, and it is also simple to disconnect if you decide to renovate or move home.

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Integrated

This fitting type is tucked away behind a cupboard door as part of a fitted layout. With these models kept out of sight, it gives a room a sleek and coordinated look throughout, for an interior with less visual clutter.

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Washer dryer

Combining washing and drying features in a single unit, these devices are a great space-saving option for smaller rooms. It helps speed up chores as it removes the need to unload and load into a second unit.

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What are the different drum sizes?

<6kg small

With a smaller capacity, these compact machines are a great option for smaller households with just one or two people. A 6kg capacity can accommodate five pairs of trousers and t-shirts, or a single load of bedding with each cycle.

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Lamona integrated 1400rpm washing machine

6-8kg medium

Offering the optimum amount of space for busy homes or smaller families, medium-sized models are very versatile and a great all-rounder. This size can hold, on average, one double duvet or seven pairs of trousers and t-shirts per load.

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Miele 9kg 1600rpm Washing machine WCG360XL in situ

>9kg large

These machines provide a large capacity that is well suited for big families or HMO properties. Machines of 9kg or more, usually hold 10 pairs of trousers and t-shirts, or a king-sized duvet, with plenty of room for clothes, towels, bedding, and other linen too.

Choose large washing machines

Planning considerations

Spin Speed

Speeds start at around 1000 to 1400 rpm, which is the number of times per minute the drum spins. Higher speeds will extract water quickly, cutting down on drying time, and best suited to synthetic materials. Slower settings should be used for delicate fabrics, like wool and natural materials.

Energy efficiency

Based on the amount of electricity consumed when in use, a machine will get a rating, normally A+ or above, to determine how efficient it is to run. Equipment needs to meet certain energy standards, particularly for rental properties, so it is important to note this before buying.

Wall depth

When measuring the area for a new device, your trade professional needs to consider the space required for water and drainage hoses that sit behind the device. If a standard size is not suitable, which may occur in a small room, then slimline designs may be a better choice.

Noise levels

Noise is rated in decibels and the lower the rating, the quieter the machine. Around 45dB or lower are our quietest devices, which are a great choice for open-plan spaces or homes with young children. Louder machines are best positioned in a separate utility room, if available, to reduce noise in the home.

Installation

When planning a washing device within a layout, there must be access to a cold-water feed, a waste-out connection, and a main plug socket to ensure the smooth running of your equipment. These all need to be within 1.5m of where you want the machine installed.

Miele 8kg 1400rpm Washing machine WCD120 Door Seal

Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent grime and limescale build-up, which will ultimately avoid devices breaking down over time. Clean the door seal and detergent drawer regularly with soap. A high-temperature wash also keeps internal components free from bacteria.

Features to look out for

Miele 9kg 1600rpm Washing machine WCG360XL Internal Wash View

Quick wash

Rapid wash settings help get clothes and linen clean faster, offering shorter spins that are great for small loads in a hurry. This setting also uses less power and water than a full cycle.

Eco programme

Eco settings usually adjust spin speed, water temperature, and running time to minimise energy without compromising the washing cycle. This makes it a sustainable choice, that saves on household bills.

Load detection

A modern and high-tech solution, automated detection means that only the right amount of water and the correct cycle time is used for each wash based on the load amount.

Start delay

This function means you can time washing to suit your schedule, such as setting cycles for when you know you will be home. It can also be useful to set laundry to start at times of the day when energy costs are lower.

Miele 9kg 1600rpm Washing machine WCG360XL Drawer

Fabric cycles

Not all types of fabric should be washed the same way. Dedicated fabric cycles ensure the right temperature, spin duration, and spin speed are selected for certain materials, like cooler and slower settings for delicates.

Miele 8kg 1400rpm Washing machine WCD120 Open Door

Half-load

If you regularly keep on top of your laundry, or are in a single household and often wash smaller amounts, then a half-load function can be very useful. This cycle runs for a shorter time and uses less water.

Miele 8kg 1400rpm Washing machine WCD120 Internal View

Extra rinse

An extra rinse feature gives clothes and linen another quick wash through, without detergent. This is a great way to combat allergies or for those with sensitive skin, as it can remove excess detergent or softener.

Add wash

A modern addition found with high-end machines, this function allows you to add items after a cycle has started. This means you can include stray items forgotten at the bottom of your basket.

Brands to explore

Lamona

Lamona machines are supplied exclusively by our Howdens depots. Our collection includes a large variety of innovative features, integrated and freestanding options, and a choice of sizes.

Choose Lamona washing machines

Miele

Miele are a premium choice for any home, with a range of drum sizes, features, and speeds. This makes it easy to find the right fit for your home, while ensuring your device includes cutting-edge features.

View Miele washing machines

Bosch

Bosch are one the most recognised and trusted brands when it comes to cleaning equipment. Their machines offer versatility, with a wide range of features to suit all types of washing.

Browse Bosch washing machines

Beko

With a highly energy-efficient design and choice of compact models, Beko machines are an affordable choice. There are also freestanding options that make for a quick and fuss-free installation.

Explore Beko washing machines