How to Choose a Washing Machine: Your Complete Buying Guide

What Size Washing Machine Do You Need?

Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms of dry laundry. Bigger isn't automatically better: a large drum that's regularly half empty wastes water and energy, while one that's too small means extra loads. As a general guide:

Spin Speed: 1200 vs 1400 rpm

Spin speed is how fast the drum turns at the end of the wash. A higher speed removes more water, so your clothes come out drier and take less time to dry. That matters if you use an airer or a tumble dryer, because every bit of water the washing machine removes is energy you don't need to spend drying.

A 1400 spin washing machine is the most popular choice, and a 1200 spin is perfectly fine if you mostly line dry. Whichever you pick, check that you can lower the spin speed for delicates, as faster spins can crease clothes and are harder on fragile fabrics.

Freestanding or Integrated Washing Machines?

Freestanding washing machines are the most common choice. They're usually around 60cm wide and 85cm high, so they slot into a gap or under a worktop, and there's a huge choice of capacities and features. Browse all freestanding washing machines, or narrow it down to front loading washing machines.

Integrated washing machines hide behind a matching cabinet door, which keeps a fitted kitchen looking seamless. They need a door fixing that suits your cabinets, and the choice is smaller, so it's worth checking capacity and fitting details carefully. See our integrated washing machines, or pop in and we'll help you check what will fit.

Understanding the Energy Label

Washing machines carry an energy label rated from A to G. The scale was reset in recent years, and the aim of the reset was to leave room at the top for future improvements, according to the UK Home Appliance Association. That means you shouldn't expect every machine to score an A, so compare models against each other on the same scale. The rating is based on the Eco 40-60 programme, so you'll get the best real-world results by using it for your everyday loads.

For more ways to keep running costs down, read our guides on choosing an energy-efficient appliance and lowering your energy bills this season.

Motor Type, Noise and Reliability

Look for a washing machine with an inverter motor (sometimes called a direct drive or BLDC motor). These motors don't use carbon brushes, which makes them quieter, more efficient and longer lasting than older designs. They're now common on machines at every price, including the two models in our picks below.

If your machine will sit in an open-plan kitchen or next to the living room, check the noise rating in decibels (dB) for the wash and spin. The lower the number, the quieter the machine, which is what you want if you're looking for a quiet washing machine.

Features Worth Looking For

• Quick wash programmes — a 15 or 30 minute cycle is ideal for a small, lightly soiled load when you're short on time
• Steam function — helps refresh clothes and reduce creasing, so there's less ironing
• Anti-stain programmes — tackle common stains such as grass, wine and sauces without a separate pre-treatment
• Allergy or hygiene programmes — use a higher temperature and extra rinsing, handy for bedding and towels
• Delay timer — start your wash overnight or when it suits you
• Child lock and out-of-balance protection — safer and gentler on the machine

Our Picks for Most Households

Here are two machines from our range that suit a lot of homes. Both are rated A on the energy label, have a 1400 rpm spin and an inverter-type motor:

• Sensis WMF01814AW 8kg 1400 spin — a great-value 8kg washing machine with a rapid 15-minute cycle, an Allergy Safe programme and a 3-year manufacturer guarantee
• Bosch WGG24400GB 9kg 1400 spin — a larger 9kg washing machine for families, with a steam function, anti-stain system and a wide choice of programmes

We stock a wide range from brands including Bosch, Hotpoint, Hoover, Sensis, Blomberg, Beko, Miele and AEG, so there's something for every budget.

Measure Before You Buy

A few minutes with a tape measure can save a lot of hassle on delivery day:

• Width, height and depth of the space, plus a little extra at the back for hoses and cables
• Depth with the door open — one of the 9kg machines in our range is under 60cm deep, but needs around 105cm in front of it once the door is open
• Doorways, hallways and stairs the machine needs to travel through
• Water and waste connections within reach of where the machine will sit

Washing Machine, Washer Dryer or Machine Plus Dryer?

If space is tight, a washer dryer does both jobs in one machine, and you can choose from freestanding, integrated or tower models. They typically dry a smaller load than they wash, though, so if you dry a lot of laundry, a separate heat pump tumble dryer is usually the better partner. Condenser and vented dryers are being phased out for new sale from January 2027, and our guide explains what the change means for you.

Looking After Your Washing Machine

A little regular care keeps your machine working well and smelling fresh. Wipe the door seal after use, leave the door and detergent drawer ajar between washes so air can circulate, avoid overloading the drum, and run a hot maintenance wash with a washing machine cleaner every month or so. Our guide to kitchen appliance care has more tips, and if your machine is struggling, read when to upgrade your appliances to help you decide between repair and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size washing machine do I need for a family of four?
A 9kg or 10kg machine is the usual choice for a family of four. It's large enough for bedding, towels and school kit without you running the machine constantly, and it still works well for smaller loads on the right programme.

Is a 1400 spin washing machine worth it?
For most households, yes. A faster spin removes more water, so clothes dry quicker on the line, airer or in the tumble dryer. If you mostly wash delicates, make sure the machine lets you reduce the spin speed.

What's the difference between a freestanding and an integrated washing machine?
A freestanding machine stands on its own and can be placed in a gap or under a worktop. An integrated machine is hidden behind a cabinet door in a fitted kitchen, so it needs a compatible door fixing and a little more planning.

Are inverter motors better?
Generally, yes. They have fewer parts that wear out, run more quietly and are more efficient than older brushed motors, which is why they're now so common.

What does the energy rating on a washing machine mean?
It's a rating from A to G that compares how efficiently models use energy, measured on the Eco 40-60 programme. Compare machines of a similar size on the same scale to find a model that suits your budget and running costs.

Should I buy a washer dryer instead of a separate washing machine?
A washer dryer is a good space-saver for a small kitchen or flat. If you regularly dry large loads, a separate washing machine and heat pump tumble dryer usually gives you more capacity and faster results.

Do you deliver and install washing machines?
Yes. We offer local delivery and installation and removal of your old appliance. Get in touch or pop into one of our stores for details.

What should I do with my old washing machine?
Never send it to landfill. We can arrange removal when we deliver your new one, and our guide to disposing of your old electrical appliances explains your options.

Find the Right Washing Machine at Barlows

Not sure which machine suits your home? Our teams at our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores are happy to talk you through the options. You can browse our full range of washing machines online, or pop in and see them for yourself.

We deliver across Shropshire and the surrounding area, including Oswestry, Wem, Market Drayton, Nantwich and Chester. You can also use click & collect, and our price match guarantee means you can buy with confidence. If you're kitting out a whole kitchen, our dishwasher buying guide and fridge freezer buying guide are a good next read.