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The Best Washing Machines in the UK for 2026
A washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in any home, so the gap between a good buy and a regret is measured in years of reliable service and pounds on your energy bill. To find the best washing machine in the UK, we compared the machines that UK households are most likely to shortlist across build quality, wash performance, running costs, features and owner feedback to work out which ones actually earn their price. Prices below are indicative and move constantly, so check the retailer before you buy (checked September 2026).
Our top picks
Bosch Series 6 (WGG244A9GB / WGG24400GB)
Miele W1 WSD323 PowerWash
LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSE
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 15 September 2026
- Updated
- 15 September 2026
- Last verified
- 15 September 2026
- Sources
- 7 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
Written by
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence our rankings or WATTB Scores. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we rank.
How we picked · Our ranking draws on manufacturer specifications and official energy labels, current pricing checked across multiple UK retailers, independent expert reviews (including Which? and Trusted Reviews) and reliability data, plus aggregated public owner feedback, combined with our own editorial assessment. Read our full method →The top 5 Washing Machines in the UK for 2026
- Rank 1Bosch Series 6 (WGG244A9GB / WGG24400GB)WATTB Pick— Best overallWATTB90/100From ~£499 (indicative)
- Rank 2Miele W1 WSD323 PowerWash— Best for longevity and build qualityWATTB90/100From ~£999 (indicative)
- Rank 3LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSE— Best for smart features and steam hygieneWATTB86/100From ~£549 (indicative)
- Rank 4Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI (WF90F09C4SU1)— Best for energy efficiency and smart controlWATTB84/100From ~£1,099 (indicative)
- Rank 5Hisense 3 Series WFQA9014EVJM— Best budget buyWATTB81/100From ~£290 (indicative)
The WATTB Score is our own research-based editorial assessment out of 100 — not a customer-review average.
Compare at a glance
- Best for
- Best overall
- Capacity
- 9kg
- Energy rating
- A
- Price
- From ~£499 (indicative)
- Rank 2Miele W1 WSD323 PowerWashWATTB90/100
- Best for
- Best for longevity and build quality
- Capacity
- 8kg
- Energy rating
- A
- Price
- From ~£999 (indicative)
- Rank 3LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSEWATTB86/100
- Best for
- Best for smart features and steam hygiene
- Capacity
- 9kg
- Energy rating
- B
- Price
- From ~£549 (indicative)
- Best for
- Best for energy efficiency and smart control
- Capacity
- 9kg
- Price
- From ~£1,099 (indicative)
- Rank 5Hisense 3 Series WFQA9014EVJMWATTB81/100
- Best for
- Best budget buy
- Capacity
- 9kg
- Energy rating
- A
- Price
- From ~£290 (indicative)
The picks in depth
Bosch Series 6 (WGG244A9GB / WGG24400GB)
Why it won
The best all-round choice for most UK households: reliable, quiet and well-priced, with no obvious weak spot.
Strong reliability reputation and a long, registration-based motor warranty on the EcoSilence Drive
Quiet in use for a mainstream machine, per owner feedback
Well-balanced 9kg spec at a mid-market price
Trade-off: Not the cheapest way to get a 9kg drum
Why it ranks here
It earns best-overall on balance: a 9kg drum, 1400rpm spin and A rating, a brushless EcoSilence Drive motor with a long registration-based motor warranty, SpeedPerfect and AntiStain/Iron Assist programmes, and a reliability reputation in UK owner surveys that edges the LG's. Owners report it runs quietly for a mainstream machine. At an indicative £499–£599 it costs roughly half the Miele for a larger drum.
Buy it if
- You want one dependable 9kg machine for a family without overthinking the choice
- You'd rather pay mid-market money than a premium for build pedigree or a touchscreen
Skip it if
- You want app control, a touchscreen or auto-dosing — it has fewer smart features than the LG or Samsung
- You're on a tight budget; the Hisense offers a 9kg, A-rated drum for around £200 less
Where it wins
- 9kg drum versus the Miele's 8kg
- Roughly half the indicative price (from ~£499 vs ~£999)
Where it loses
- Miele's reliability reputation and build quality rank higher in the owner and repair data our sources cite
- No honeycomb drum or ~49-minute QuickPowerWash cycle, and no equivalent of Miele's stated 20-year test standard
Closest alternative: Miele W1 WSD323 PowerWash — Choose the Miele instead if you plan to keep the machine for many years and value build quality and fabric care over drum size and price.
Is it worth it? From ~£499 (around £499–£599 by retailer and variant, as of September 2026), indicative — mid-market money for an A-rated 9kg spec with no obvious weak spot.
Miele W1 WSD323 PowerWash
Why we recommend it
The one to buy if you want a machine Miele says could still be running in 20 years, and you'll pay for it.
Miele states a 20-year test lifespan; consistently rated among the most reliable brands in owner and repair data
Strong wash and fabric-care reputation, with a fast ~49-minute QuickPowerWash cycle
Strong owner feedback on cleaning results and build
Trade-off: Expensive for an 8kg machine
Why it ranks here
It ranks second as the build-quality pick: Miele states its machines are tested for the equivalent of 20 years' use, and the brand has a strong reliability reputation in the owner and repair data our sources cite. The WSD323 adds PowerWash, a ~49-minute QuickPowerWash cycle Miele rates for a full clean and a honeycomb drum designed to be gentle on fabrics. It sits below the Bosch because you pay roughly double for a smaller 8kg drum.
Buy it if
- You keep appliances for a decade or more and would rather buy once
- Fabric care and wash results matter more to you than headline specs
Skip it if
- You need a 9kg+ drum for a large household — it's 8kg
- You're value-focused or tend to replace appliances every few years
Where it wins
- Stronger brand reliability reputation in owner and repair data, per the sources
- Honeycomb drum and a ~49-minute QuickPowerWash cycle, per Miele
Where it loses
- 8kg drum versus the Bosch's 9kg
- Roughly double the Bosch's indicative price (from ~£999 vs ~£499), with fewer smart features than cheaper rivals
Closest alternative: Bosch Series 6 (WGG244A9GB / WGG24400GB) — The Bosch gives a larger 9kg drum and an A rating for around half the indicative price; choose the Miele if build quality and Miele's stated test standard justify the premium.
Is it worth it? From ~£999 (around £999–£1,099, as of September 2026), indicative — you pay for build quality and fabric care, not capacity.
LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSE
Why we recommend it
The pick if you want app control, steam hygiene and AI load-sensing without paying premium-brand money.
AI DD load sensing plus Steam for hygiene and fabric protection
WiFi/ThinQ app control and downloadable cycles
Long, registration-based direct-drive motor warranty and quiet running
Trade-off: Energy label B, a step below the A-rated Bosch, Miele, Samsung and Hisense picks
Why it ranks here
It's the mid-priced smart pick: AI DD detects load weight and fabric type to adjust wash motions, Steam targets hygiene and refresh, and WiFi with the ThinQ app lets you start, monitor and download cycles. The direct-drive motor carries a long registration-based warranty. It ranks third because it is rated energy label B, a step below the A-rated picks, and its reliability reputation sits a little behind Bosch's.
Buy it if
- You'll actually use app control, remote start and downloadable cycles
- You want steam and AI load sensing without paying flagship prices
Skip it if
- Running costs are a priority — it's B-rated where four rivals here are A-rated
- You only use a couple of cycles from the dial and won't touch the app
Where it wins
- Around half the Samsung's indicative price (from ~£549 vs ~£1,099)
- Steam programme for hygiene and refresh, per LG
Where it loses
- Energy label B versus the Samsung's advertised A-55% claim
- No large touchscreen or auto-dosing like the Samsung's AI Wash
Closest alternative: Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI (WF90F09C4SU1) — Step up to the Samsung for a 7-inch screen, auto-dosing and a better advertised efficiency figure, if those are worth roughly double the price.
Is it worth it? From ~£549 (around £549–£599 by colour and retailer, as of September 2026), indicative — you pay about £50 over the Bosch for smart features, not efficiency.
Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI (WF90F09C4SU1)
Why we recommend it
The most feature-rich pick: a 7-inch screen and an advertised energy claim beyond a standard A rating, if you'll use them.
Advertised A-55% efficiency claim, beyond a standard A rating (a manufacturer figure)
AI Wash auto-dosing and a 7-inch smart screen with app control
Feature set is the most advanced here
Trade-off: Premium price for a 9kg machine
Why it ranks here
It is the feature-led flagship: AI Wash is designed to adjust water and detergent to load, fabric and soil level, a 7-inch Smart Screen and app handle cycles, and Samsung advertises A-55% efficiency (21.8 kWh per 100 cycles, a manufacturer figure). It ranks fourth because the flagship price is high for a 9kg machine and its reliability reputation trails Bosch and Miele in independent data.
Buy it if
- You want auto-dosing and a touchscreen and will use the automation
- Lower running costs on paper matter to you and you run many loads a week
Skip it if
- You want simple, proven hardware rather than a feature-led flagship
- You'd rather not pay around £1,099 for a 9kg drum the Bosch and Hisense also offer for far less
Where it wins
- Advertised A-55% efficiency claim versus the LG's B energy label
- AI Wash auto-dosing and a 7-inch Smart Screen, which the LG lacks
Where it loses
- Roughly double the LG's indicative price (from ~£1,099 vs ~£549)
- Efficiency figure is an advertised claim, not a guaranteed real-world saving
Closest alternative: LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSE — The LG covers app control, AI load sensing and steam for around half the price; choose the Samsung if auto-dosing, the screen and the efficiency claim justify the premium.
Is it worth it? From ~£1,099 (as of September 2026), indicative — the highest price here; the premium buys automation and an advertised efficiency figure, not extra capacity.
Hisense 3 Series WFQA9014EVJM
Why we recommend it
A lot of machine for the money: a 9kg, A-rated inverter washer at roughly half the price of the mainstream picks.
Excellent value: 9kg, A-rated and 1400rpm at a budget price
Inverter motor for quieter, more efficient running
Positive owner feedback on capacity and noise
Trade-off: Shorter reliability track record than Bosch or Miele
Why it ranks here
It's the budget pick at the lowest indicative price here, around £290–£320: a 9kg drum, 1400rpm spin, A rating, an inverter motor and a Pure Steam programme, with positive owner feedback on capacity and noise. It ranks fifth because it lacks the long-term reliability track record, premium features and longer warranties of the pricier brands.
Buy it if
- You want a 9kg, A-rated drum for the lowest outlay
- It's for a first home, rental, second property or lighter-use household
Skip it if
- You want a proven long-term reliability record for heavy daily family laundry
- You want longer warranties or smart features
Where it wins
- Roughly £200 cheaper than the Bosch at indicative prices (from ~£290 vs ~£499)
- Same 9kg capacity, 1400rpm spin and A rating on paper
Where it loses
- Shorter reliability track record than Bosch, per the sources
- Shorter warranty and no equivalent of Bosch's long registration-based motor cover
Closest alternative: Bosch Series 6 (WGG244A9GB / WGG24400GB) — Step up to the Bosch for a stronger reliability reputation and longer motor warranty cover for around £200 more at indicative prices.
Is it worth it? From ~£290 (around £290–£320, as of September 2026), indicative — the lowest price here; you give up track record and warranty cover, not headline specs.
What matters when you’re choosing
The factors that make the difference here — and how to weigh them.
- Drum size for your householdMatters most
- As a rough guide, 7kg suits one or two people, 8kg a small family and 9kg or more a busy household or anyone washing duvets. Four of the five picks here are 9kg; the Miele is 8kg. A bigger drum can cut energy per item, but only if you fill it — a half-empty 9kg load gains you little over an 8kg one.
- Energy rating & running costsMatters most
- The Bosch, Miele and Hisense carry an A rating on the current UK/EU label, and Samsung advertises its Series 9 as A-55% — a manufacturer claim of around 55% less energy than the Class A minimum, not a guaranteed real-world saving. The LG V5 is a long-running B-rated model. Efficiency matters most if you run several loads a week; for lighter use the upfront price difference may outweigh it.
- Reliability reputation & motor warrantyWorth weighing
- Per the owner surveys, repair data and reviews our sources draw on, Miele and Bosch have stronger brand reliability reputations than the other picks, with LG and Samsung a little behind and Hisense having a shorter track record. Bosch and LG offer long, registration-based motor warranties — that is cover for the motor if it fails, not a promise of how long the machine will last, so check the terms and register after buying.
- Smart features: useful or unused?Worth weighing
- App control (LG ThinQ, Samsung's app), downloadable cycles, AI load sensing and Samsung's auto-dosing are conveniences rather than cleaner clothes. If you run the same couple of cycles from the dial, the Bosch or Hisense covers that for less; the LG and Samsung earn their place only if remote control, steam or auto-dosing fit how you do laundry.
- Price & what the premium buysWorth weighing
- Indicative prices run from around £290 for the Hisense to about £1,099 for the Samsung. Mid-market (£499–£599) gets you the Bosch or LG; above £999 you pay for Miele's build and stated test standard or Samsung's touchscreen and efficiency claim, not for a larger drum or faster spin.
How to choose
Want one dependable family machine?
Start with the Bosch Series 6: 9kg, A-rated and around £499–£599 indicative. Step up to the Miele W1 only if you keep appliances for a decade or more and value build quality over an extra kilo of drum capacity.
Want app control or steam?
The LG AI DD V5 adds WiFi, ThinQ app control, AI load detection and Steam for around £549–£599, at the cost of a B energy rating. The Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI adds a 7-inch screen, auto-dosing and an advertised A-55% efficiency figure, but at around £1,099 indicative.
On a tight budget, or kitting out a rental?
The Hisense 3 Series gives a 9kg drum, 1400rpm spin, A rating and inverter motor for an indicative £290–£320 — roughly half the Bosch's price. You trade away a long reliability track record and premium warranties, so it tends to suit lighter use or a second home better than heavy daily family laundry.
How we ranked this list
Our ranking draws on manufacturer specifications and official energy labels, current pricing checked across multiple UK retailers, independent expert reviews (including Which? and Trusted Reviews) and reliability data, plus aggregated public owner feedback, combined with our own editorial assessment. We have not tested these machines ourselves; every performance and reliability claim reflects published sources rather than first-hand use. Prices are indicative and change, so verify with the retailer (checked September 2026).
Prices and availability last checked September 2026; these change, so confirm current details with the provider before buying.
Read our full ranking methodWhy you can trust WATTB
Independent & unbiased
We rank on merit. Commercial links never change which picks make a guide or where they rank.
In-depth research
Official information, specifications and aggregated expert and user reviews — compared, not guessed.
Clear pros & cons
Every pick gets its real advantages and at least one honest trade-off, so you can weigh it.
Transparent sourcing
We show how we rank and the sources behind each guide, and re-check them as things change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best washing machine in the UK?
For most households we rank the Bosch Series 6 as the best all-rounder: a 9kg, A-rated machine with a quiet, long-warranty EcoSilence Drive motor, a strong reliability reputation and a fair mid-market price, so it has no obvious weak spot. If longevity is your priority instead, the Miele W1 WSD323 is the machine to beat, tested by Miele for the equivalent of 20 years' use, though it costs roughly double for a smaller 8kg drum.
How much should I spend on a washing machine?
Prices are indicative and change, but as a rough guide a capable budget machine like the Hisense 3 Series starts around £290, mainstream mid-market picks such as the Bosch Series 6 and LG AI DD sit around £499-£599, and premium models like the Miele W1 and Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI run from about £999 to £1,099. Spending more mainly buys longevity, quieter running, better warranties and smart features rather than dramatically cleaner clothes. Always check the current price with the retailer (checked September 2026).
What capacity washing machine do I need?
As a rough rule, a 7kg drum suits one or two people, 8kg suits a small family, and 9kg or larger suits busy family households or anyone washing bulky items like duvets. Larger drums let you wash more in one go, which can save energy per item, but only if you fill them. Four of our five picks are 9kg; the Miele is 8kg, which is one reason to weigh it against the others if capacity matters to you.
Are energy ratings on washing machines worth it?
They matter over the life of the machine. Four of our picks (Bosch, Miele, Samsung and Hisense) carry an A energy rating on the current EU/UK scale, while the long-running LG V5 is rated B, so factor running costs into that choice. Samsung advertises its Series 9 Bespoke AI as using around 55% less energy than the Class A minimum (its 'A-55%' claim, a manufacturer figure rather than a guaranteed real-world saving). A more efficient machine costs more upfront but reduces running costs, so it's most worthwhile for heavy users; lighter households may find a well-rated mid-market or budget machine the better overall value.
Do I need a smart or WiFi washing machine?
Only if you'll use it. App control (LG ThinQ or the Samsung app) lets you start and monitor cycles remotely, get end-of-cycle alerts and download extra programmes, and auto-dosing on the Samsung meters detergent for you. These are conveniences rather than better cleaning, so if you run the same couple of cycles from the dial, the Bosch or Hisense will do the job for less. Choose the LG or Samsung mainly if remote control, steam hygiene or auto-dosing genuinely fit how you do laundry.
What the evidence shows
Rankings draw on manufacturer specifications and energy labels (LG, Samsung), retailer listings and indicative UK pricing (John Lewis, Appliances Direct, AO.com), independent reviews and brand reliability context from Which? and Trusted Reviews, and aggregated owner feedback. Capacities, spin speeds, ratings and cycle times are maker- or retailer-stated; we have not personally tested these machines.
Limitations
- Prices are indicative and change often; ranges vary by retailer, colour and variant (checked September 2026). Confirm current specification and availability with the retailer before buying.
- Samsung's A-55% figure and Miele's 20-year test claim are manufacturer statements, not measured by us. Motor warranties are registration-based and describe cover, not expected lifespan.
Sources & further reading
7The information and claims in this guide draw on the references below. We check these when a guide is published or updated.
- Product informationPrimary source
LG AI DD V5 F4V509SSE 9kg Washing Machine (opens in a new tab) — LG UK
Supports: LG F4V509SSE specification: 9kg, 1360rpm, energy label B, AI DD, Steam and WiFi/ThinQ features (no TurboWash on this model)
- Product informationPrimary source
Series 9 Bespoke AI Washing Machine WF90F09C4SU1 (opens in a new tab) — Samsung UK
Supports: Samsung Series 9 Bespoke AI specification, AI Wash, the A-55% energy claim and 7-inch smart screen
- Customer & expert reviews
Best washing machines 2026: our expert picks from independent tests (opens in a new tab) — Which?
Supports: Independent expert testing and brand reliability context
- Pricing
Bosch Series 6 WGG24400GB Freestanding Washing Machine (opens in a new tab) — John Lewis
Supports: Bosch Series 6 9kg/1400rpm/A specification and indicative pricing
- Pricing
Miele WSD323 PowerWash 8kg 1400rpm Washing Machine (opens in a new tab) — Appliances Direct
Supports: Miele W1 WSD323 specification: 8kg, 1400rpm, A rating, PowerWash, ~49-min QuickPowerWash and indicative pricing
- Pricing
Hisense 3 Series WFQA9014EVJM 9kg Washing Machine (opens in a new tab) — AO.com
Supports: Hisense 3 Series specification: 9kg, 1400rpm, A rating, inverter motor, Pure Steam and owner feedback
- Related analysis
Best Washing Machine 2026: Our top picks (opens in a new tab) — Trusted Reviews
Supports: Editorial comparison of leading UK washing machines
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