Choosing a washing machine that's easy to use (view report contents)
Finding an easy to use washing machine
Whether you’re looking at the machines we’ve tested, or others in the shops, this section tells you about design points likely to be helpful for people who have particular difficulties with their mobility, hands or sight. The ease of use features of each washing machine we tested are also described in detail in the full test results. At any stage you can also refer to, or browse through, our test results for each washing machine and then come back to this page. Or you can go straight to our Buying Guide.
If you have difficulty getting around,
bending down or crouching, you might consider a top loader. This is best placed where the lid can be lifted without having to move the machine. But a top loader is unlikely to suit you if you are not very tall. Some machines advise you to clean the filter from time to time; dealing with this will mean reaching down low (or getting someone to do it for you).
If you use a wheelchair
Look for the front loading machines with the widest opening doors. Check that the door it is at the right height for you and the dome in the door does not get in your way. This is something you can check in the shop.
If you have weak or painful hands
A top loader should be avoided because opening the inner door to the metal washing drum can be difficult. On a front loader, the programming and other controls, the door handle or button and the detergent drawer will all be important. All of these should be comfortable to grip and light and easy to use. You can try these in the shop too, especially if you’re looking at other models.
It’s good if the detergent drawer compartments are fairly large, especially if your aim is not very steady. It should also be easy to remove for cleaning. If you have difficulty putting washing powder into the drawer, detergent can now be bought in tablets which you put in the drum with the laundry.
Small fiddly controls are awkward for anyone to grip, and can put pressure on stiff or painful fingers. Look for dials that give you a large surface to grip. A wide, non-recessed bar across the programming dial can be helpful, and so can a textured non-slippery edge. Settings that are well-spaced and which click into position are good, provided the clicks don’t make it too hard to turn. Push buttons too should have a non-slippery surface.
The Buying Guide lists the models tested in order of how easy they were to use for people with weak grip.
If you do not see very well
check that the programme settings and other markings are large and strongly colour contrasted. The illustrations on this page show examples of control panels which are good and bad in this respect. If you need braille or stud marked controls, tell the shop: the Royal National Institute for the Blind produces marked control panels for a local firm to fit. They can also supply self-adhesive raised dots for you to stick on. Again, well-spaced click positions on the dial make it easier to find the right settings.
The Buying Guide lists the models tested in order of how easy they were to use for people with poor sight.
Report Contents
Introduction
Types
of washing machine
Buying
Guide
Finding
an easy to use washing machine
Test
results
- Bosch WOK 2001
- Servis 100 M3901
- Whirlpool 1100 AWG 032
- AEG OKO Lavamat 61300
- Hoover Quattro System 1100 AS115
- Hotpoint First Edition 1000 WM52P
- Indesit TPG 1130
- Miele Premier Novo W842
- Ocean WMP 1100
- Whirlpool Solutions AWM 321/3
- Zanussi Quick 'N' Clean FLS 1185QW
- Hoover Quattro System 1300 WS 136
- Hotpoint Casatta WD61T
- Turbodry 1050 WDS 1183 W
Guide
to test results
Manufacturers
Contact Details
