ricability logo

 

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

Introduction

Loading a washing machine has to be easier than hand washing piles of laundry. How much easier it will be depends on the design of the machine. Ricability has assessed a range of washing machines and washer-driers to see how suitable they are for people with restricted mobility, reduced strength, limited or painful grip or reach, or impaired sight.

If you know what type of machine you want and what sort of price you want to pay, you can go straight to the Buying Guide which recommends models we found generally easy to use. Check on Types of washing machine for more on the pros and cons of front loaders, top loaders and combined washer driers. If you decide to go for a separate washing machine and drier, there’s a separate Ricability guide to Tumble driers too.

Many of the washing machines tested had a mixture of good and bad features. Click here for advice on Finding an easy to use washing machine if you want one which is particularly good for someone with poor sight or poor grip, for example. This should also be useful if you’re looking at other washing machines in the shops.

You can also browse through full test results for each of the washing machines tested, including what convenience features they had, how well they worked and how easy people with disabilities would find them to use.

There are also Ricability ease of use guides on a range of other domestic appliances. Check out our full Household products section. This site also has links to other organisations who may be able to help with buying or using appliances or adapting them for special needs.

Back to top

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