How to choose a washing machine: 7 things worth looking at

Capacity: by the amount of laundry, not family size

The capacity stated by the manufacturer is the weight of dry cotton laundry loaded for a full program. In practice the drum is rarely full, so a machine that is too large means heating water for half a load every time.

For two people 7 kg is usually enough, a family of four is comfortable with 8–9 kg, and 10 kg or more makes sense only if you regularly wash duvets or workwear.

• 7 kg — for one or two, washing 2–3 times a week
• 8–9 kg — for a family with children, bedding fits without splitting
• 10 kg and more — only if your loads really are that big

Spin speed: when 1400 is too much

Spin speed determines how much moisture stays in the fabric after spinning. The difference between 1000 and 1400 rpm for cotton is roughly a tenth of the remaining moisture — noticeable if you dry on a line, and almost irrelevant if you have a dryer.

Higher speeds also mean more vibration and faster wear of fabrics. If the machine stands on a wooden floor or upstairs, 1200 is often a calmer choice than 1600.

Energy class and real running costs

Since 2021 the washing machine scale runs from A to G, and the old A+++ no longer applies. Today's class A is strict: most good machines fall into B or C, and that is not a poor result.

The most important number on the label is consumption per 100 cycles, not the class letter. The difference between A and C is usually a few dozen kilowatt-hours a year — real, but not big enough to justify double the price.

Noise: the number you will feel every day

Washing noise is around 50 dB and is rarely a problem. Spinning is louder — from 70 to 80 dB, and every three decibels mean double the sound power.

If the machine stands in an open kitchen or behind a bedroom wall, look for spinning up to 73 dB and an inverter motor. It costs more, but it is quieter and usually comes with a longer warranty.

Programs you will actually use

Fourteen programs look impressive, but three or four are used every day: cotton, synthetics, quick wash and one gentle program for wool or delicate fabrics.

Two small features are worth more than the number of programs — delayed start, if you have a night electricity tariff, and automatic load weighing, which shortens the cycle by itself when the drum is not full.

Dimensions and installation

The standard width is 60 cm and the height 85 cm, while the depth varies from 40 to 65 cm — and it is the depth that decides whether the machine fits in a narrow bathroom. Slim machines are a convenient solution, but their capacity rarely exceeds 7 kg.

Before buying, measure not only the niche but also the door opening and the turn of the staircase. Also leave a few centimetres behind the machine for the hoses — otherwise it will stand pushed forward and vibrate more than it should.