How to choose a new washer or dryer

From auto-dosing technology to quick-wash programmes that will have dirty togs in and out in under 15 minutes, the latest washing machines and washer dryers are packed with futuristic features that will save you time, money and energy. Whether you’re after a whisper-quiet multi-tasker designed to fit into an open-plan living space or an eco-friendly energy saver that can cope with any load your family can throw at it, our expert guide will help you find the perfect one for you.

If you’re buying a washing machine or washer dryer for a small space or open-plan living space, you’ll want it to be (a) discreet and (b) quiet. 

‘Built-in appliances offer all the functionality of freestanding washing machines, but can be neatly hidden within the home,’ explains Partner & Assistant Buyer Simon Bentley. ‘This is super important for open-plan living. We love our own brand appliance, the JLBIWM1404 Integrated Washing Machine, which comes with adjustive technology and an A+++ energy rating.’

Picking an all-in-one washer dryer is another great way to save space. Miele’s quiet but powerful Miele WTD165 Freestanding Washer Dryer uses a quiet but efficient ProfiEco Motor to wash up to 8kg and dry up to 5kg.

‘Miele has a great range of quiet washing machines and washer dryers, and we also stock a number of Quiet Mark awarded appliances,’ Simon adds. ‘Quiet products are becoming more and more important to customers, since they’re often used in open-plan living spaces.’

Samsung’s AddWash range uses a quiet Digital Inverter Motor to minimise disturbance. But that’s not the only trick they've got up their sleeves – AddWash machines have an extra door that you can open to throw in forgotten items – and even extra detergent or fabric softener – at any point during the wash cycle. 

If you live on your own, or with one other person, you can opt for a budget-friendly low-capacity washing machine that takes a 6-7kg load. Models like Bosch’s WAJ28008GB could save you even more money down the line thanks to features like SpeedPerfect, which allows you to reduce cycle times by up to 40%.

And for those times when you just can’t wait? We all have them, but help is at hand. ‘Quick wash is one of the top four things customers consider when buying a washing machine,’ Simon reveals. ‘Miele has a great power wash function that can clean your laundry to a high standard in just 49 minutes!

‘Some of our own brand washing machines also have a quick wash function,’ he adds. ‘If you’re in a rush, you can select a 14-minute quick wash or use the “Reduce time” option, which cuts the time of a programme by up to 50%.’

For larger households, being able to do a (really) big load is a boon. ‘Big families will want large capacity washing machines,’ Simon agrees. ‘This means they can avoid the hassle of having to do multiple washes throughout the week, saving themselves time in the process. Hoover makes a range of 10kg models at keen price points, perfect for families on a budget.’ 

No space for a standalone tumble dryer? Look out for a washer dryer with a dry load capacity of up to 6kg, such as Hoover’s H-Wash 300 H3DS 41065TACE-80. The sensor dry function stops your machine once your clothes are dry, saving you time, as well as money.

‘Smart appliances are becoming more and more popular, as they help to make customers’ lives easier while decoding some of the complexities around washing,’ says Simon.  

‘Auto dosing is a great technology that calculates the optimum amount of detergent for a wash based on the type of clothes you’re washing and how dirty they are. Not only will it save you money on detergent – it will also extend the lifespan of your clothes.’ 

Simon continues: ‘Brands like Samsung and LG are really championing Smart technology. An app lets you start and stop washes remotely and provides instant diagnostics for any issues.’

Samsung’s smart machines machines allow you to check and monitor your laundry cycles from the sofa, the office, or even when out and about. Cycle already started, but you’ve (finally) found that missing sock down the back of the sofa? Just open the AddWash hatch to drop additional items in at any point during the wash (sadly, you can’t yet do this bit remotely).

With sustainability at the top of the agenda for 2020, we’re all looking for ways to do our bit for the environment. Good news for conscious shoppers: choosing a washing machine or washer dryer with a high energy efficiency rating can help you to minimise your environmental impact and save you money. That’s what we call a win-win. 

‘Bosch is a leader in energy efficiency,’ says Simon. ‘Its A+++ ratings are down to years of research and development. Longer wash times at lower temperatures save energy – your clothes are gently soaked and agitated while heat builds slowly in the drum.’

Samsung are also innovators in the field of low-heat washing. Their ecobubble technology mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that allow you to wash your clothes at cooler temperatures.