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Choosing a washing machine that's easy to use (view report contents)Buying GuideWe tell you first which models of each type were generally easy to use overall, and then list the models tested in order of preference if you have a particular difficulty with weak grip or poor sight. Top loadersThese are worth considering if you have difficulty bending or crouching down in front of a normal front loading machine. Don’t have a top loader under a work surface unless you can move it. The Bosch WOK 2001 (£550) and Whirlpool 1100AWG032 (£500) had wheels for moving. The top loaders all washed and spun well but the Bosch WOK 2001 had the edge for rinsing. But none of them is likely to suit you if you have weak hands or arms. Front loadersThe Miele Premier Novo W842 (£700) was very easy to load and unload, even for wheelchair users because its door opened flat back. Its controls were easy to use, giving reasonable grip and needing little strength, and the labelling was easy to read. It also did well in Which? tests, but it is expensive.
The AEG dials protrude well for easy gripping and the labelling was easy to see. The cheaper AEG OKO Lavamat 61300 (£450) also had good controls that were easy to use and very well labelled. It was reasonably easy to load and unload, and washed and spun well in the Which? tests. Washer driersThe three machines assessed generally did less well than the front loaders in Which? performance tests, so it’s best to buy a separate washer and tumble drier if you have the space. None of them obviously stood out in our ease of use assessments either. Particular difficultiesIf you have a particular difficulty with weak grip or painful hands, consider the models near the top of each list below, which should be easiest for you to use: Top loaders in rank order if you have weak grip: Washer driers in rank order if you have weak grip: Poor sightIf you have a particular problem with poor sight, consider models near the top of each list below, which should be easiest for you to use: Top loaders in rank order if you have poor sight: Front loaders in rank order if you have poor sight:
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