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Choosing a washing machine that's easy to use (view report contents)

Buying Guide

We 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 loaders

These 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 loaders

The 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.

Front loaders

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 driers

The 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 difficulties

If 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:
Bosch WOK 2001
Servis 100 M3901
Whirlpool 1100 AWG 032

Front loaders in rank order if you have weak grip:
Miele Premier Novo W842
AEG Oko Lavamat 61300
Zanussi Quick’N’Clean FLS1185QW
Hotpoint First Edition 1000 WM52P
Indesit TPG1130
Whirlpool Solutions AWM 321/3
Ocean WMP1100
Hoover Quattro System 1100 AS115

Washer driers in rank order if you have weak grip:
Zanussi Turbodry 1050WDS 1183W
Hotpoint Casatta WD61T
Hoover Quattro System 1300 WS136

Poor sight

If 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:
Bosch WOK 2001
Servis 100 M3901
Whirlpool 1100 AWG 032

Front loaders in rank order if you have poor sight:
Miele Premier Novo W842
AEG OKO Lavamat 61300
Zanussi Quick’N’Clean FLS1185QW
Hotpoint First Edition 1000 WM52P
Whirlpool Solutions AWM 321/3
Indesit TPG1130
Hoover Quattro System 1100 AS115
Ocean WMP1100

Washer driers in rank order if you have poor sight:
Zanussi Turbodry 1050WDS 1183W
Hotpoint Casatta WD61T
Hoover Quattro System 1300 WS136

For supplier contact information, click here, or see the bottom of each summary.

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Report Contents

Introduction
Types of washing machine
Buying Guide
Finding an easy to use washing machine
Test results

Guide to test results
Manufacturers Contact Details