Washing machine buying guide

By Ruislip Appliances, independent kitchen and laundry appliance specialist in Ruislip since 1958. Updated October 2026.

A washing machine is used several times a week for ten years or more, so it pays to get the size, running costs and fit right. This guide covers what matters, in the order we would ask you in the showroom.

1. Drum size (kg)

• 7kg: one or two people, or a second machine.
• 8–9kg: most families of three or four. The most popular size.
• 10kg and over: large families, or washing duvets and bedding at home.

A bigger drum lets you run fewer, fuller loads, which saves water and energy. Very large drums still fit the standard 60cm space, but are often a little deeper, so check the depth.

2. Spin speed

1200–1400rpm suits most homes. A faster spin leaves clothes drier, which helps if you line-dry or use a tumble dryer, but makes little difference to delicates, which use slower spins anyway.

3. The energy label

Since 2021 washing machines carry the rescaled A–G label. It shows energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, the capacity and the spin noise class. A and B machines cost noticeably less to run over ten years than D or E machines of the same size.

4. Freestanding or integrated

• Freestanding machines are about 85cm high, 60cm wide and 55–65cm deep, and slide under a worktop.
• Integrated machines sit behind a kitchen door and are slightly lower (about 82cm). They cost a little more and the choice of models is smaller, but the kitchen looks seamless. Check your kitchen has the right door fixing.

5. Features worth paying for

• Quick washes of 15–30 minutes for lightly worn clothes.
• Auto-dosing that measures detergent for you, saving detergent and rinsing.
• Steam programmes that refresh clothes and reduce creasing.
• Quiet motors: worth it if the machine is in an open-plan kitchen.
• App control to start or check a wash remotely, if you will use it.

Before delivery

• Measure the space (height, width and depth) and the route in, including doors and stairs.
• Check you have a cold water supply and a waste pipe or standpipe within reach.
• Let us know if you would like your old machine taken away. We recycle it.

Graded washing machines

We often have graded washing machines: new machines with cosmetic marks, fully working, with the manufacturer's warranty for function, at a discount. See graded washing machines.

Popular and in stock now

Shop all Washing Machines Graded Washing Machines