1. Measure your space first
Most UK freestanding washing machines are about 85cm high, 60cm wide and 55-60cm deep. Integrated models are around 82cm high and fit inside a kitchen cabinet. Leave space behind for the water inlet and drain hoses, and check that the door can open fully.
| Type | Typical size (H x W x D) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | 85 x 60 x 55-60cm | Most choice, best prices, larger drums | Visible in the kitchen |
| Integrated | 82 x 60 x 54-57cm | Hidden behind a matching door | Smaller choice, higher cost, fiddly to replace |
| Slim depth | 85 x 60 x 45-50cm | Fits shallow spaces | Smaller drums |
| Top-loading | 85-90 x 40 x 60cm | Narrow | Rare in the UK, cannot go under a worktop |
2. Choose the right drum size
Drums range from 5kg to 12kg. Which? says the most popular sizes are 9kg and 10kg, but most medium-sized households will find 8kg perfectly adequate.
| Household | Suggested drum |
|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 6-8kg |
| 3-4 people | 8-10kg |
| 5+ people or lots of bedding | 10-12kg |
Bigger is not automatically better: a half-empty large drum wastes energy. For families, see our large capacity picks.
3. Spin speed
Spin speed (rpm) decides how much water is left in your clothes. 1400rpm is the UK norm and a good balance. A higher spin means shorter drying times, which matters most if you tumble dry. The energy label also shows a spin-drying efficiency class (A-G).
4. Energy and water use
Since March 2021, labels rate machines from A to G, based on kWh per 100 cycles of the Eco 40-60 programme. They also show water use per cycle, programme duration and noise. Under the October 2026 price cap, running costs range from about £27 to almost £120 a year (Which?). Read energy labels explained for the full picture.
5. Noise
The label gives a spin noise figure in dB and a class from A (quietest) to D. In open-plan homes, look for roughly 72dB or less on spin, inverter or direct-drive motors, and Quiet Mark certification.
6. Features worth having
- Quick wash (15-30 minutes) for lightly worn clothes
- Add-garment / pause-and-add door for forgotten items
- Auto-dosing (e.g. Samsung AutoDose, Bosch i-DOS) to avoid overdosing detergent
- Steam or allergy programmes for bedding and sensitive skin
- Delay start to use cheaper off-peak electricity
- App control for finish alerts and remote start (nice, not essential)
7. Warranty, delivery and installation
Compare manufacturer guarantees: some brands offer 5 or even 10 years on selected models when registered. Check whether delivery, connection and recycling of your old machine are included, as retailers often charge separately for each.
Ready to shortlist?
Go to our best washing machines, compare budget models, or consider a washer dryer if space is tight.
