Choosing a washing machine that's easy to use (view report contents)
Types of washing machine
Your first decision - on the type of machine to consider - will depend both on the space you have available in your home, and how easily you can bend or crouch.
Front loaders
These are the most common type of machine - automatic machines that wash and spin, with a front door that opens to left or right.
All the front loaders assessed were the same height and width, and varied only in depth - by up to 11cm, including the space needed behind for hoses.
Miele Premier Novo: a front loading washing machine with a push button to open the door.
Top loaders
These wash and spin the same amount of washing as front loading machines, but they are up to 20cm narrower. The main door on the top of the machine lifts up, so they cannot be used under a work surface. Of the three top loaders assessed, the Bosch WOK2001 and Whirlpool 1100 AWG 032 machines had wheels, let down by a foot lever, for moving them from under a surface.
Bosch WOK: a top loading washing machine with controls across the front panel.
Apart from the space they save, you can avoid bending down when loading and unloading the washing. You might need tongs to reach the wet laundry at the bottom if bending over is also difficult for you. Our assessments found differences between the models - see in particular the section Loading and unloading below.
Washer driers
These are front loaders the same size as front loader washing machines, but they wash, spin and tumble dry, so take up a lot less space than having a separate drier. On the other hand, they take longer since you cannot wash one load and dry another at the same time.
Zanussi Turbodry: a front loading washer drier, the same size as a front loading washing machine.
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
