The best justification for choosing a premium washing machine is reliability. Nobody wants to buy a new machine every few years. And while there are duds to avoid, spending more on the right model, means superior results, near-silent operation, energy efficiency and genuine build quality.
Wash & spin performance must be exceptional. The right programmes & top-notch controls need to be standard. Plus, a premium washing machine must be whisper quiet.
The four standout machines, detailed below, cannot be described as cheap, but they are all excellent value for money.
Premium Washing Machines
- Miele 7Kg – Affordable Miele quality
- AEG OKO 9Kg – Best washing machine under £1000
- Siemens 10Kg – Large Family size washing machine
- Miele 9Kg – The Best Washing Machine
Choosing a Premium Washing Machine
Researching which washing machine to buy can be very time-consuming. Especially at the premium end of the market where manufacturers are keen to wow you with the latest features & technology. There are 100s of models costing in excess of £500 & a good number priced over double that.
ALSO CONSIDER:
Best Washing Machines under £600
The recommended models, detailed below, are top-rated for cleaning & drying. Good results are a given, but to find the right model for your family, drum size is important.
Do think about drum size. Many dealers will tell you that big is better, but for a couple or single person, a 7kg drum is perfect. For most families think about an 8kg or 9kg drum. Beyond actual results & drum size, we also scrutinise programmes, efficiency, noise levels & much more. Below you’ll find the ultimate washing machines available in the UK, starting from around £600…
1. Affordable Miele Washing Machine
Miele W1 WSA023
This budget Miele is perfect for a couple or a smaller household looking for Miele quality at an affordable price. It’s perhaps lacking the bells & whistles of more expensive models, but if you want the highest quality washing machine at a budget price, the Miele WSA023 is a great choice.
Whisper Quiet
One benefit of spending more on a high-end model is that they’re quieter. Much quieter. Loudness or sound intensity is measured in decibels and this Miele measures 50dB for the wash cycle & 74dB for a spin.
As a guide, many cheaper machines spin at over 80dB – this is approximately twice as loud as the Miele WSA023. So regardless of whether your new washing machine is going in an open plan kitchen or utility room, expect a near-silent wash and a comparatively quiet spin.
Budget Miele Washing Machine
This model may be the cheapest Miele on the market, but there are no compromises on quality. The ‘tested for the equivalent of 20 years use’ Miele brand promise, holds true. Clearly, this machine is designed to last. Built like a tank, it weighs approaching 100kg – that’s around a third heavier than most washing machines. Expect robust materials rather than flimsy plastic.
The right sized drum
It’s easy to be swayed into buying a washing machine with a huge drum, but in reality, for couples and smaller families, the 7kg Miele drum is a good choice. This model does everything well. And while it’s at the budget end of the Miele range, you get all the quality and robust design of a washing machine costing well over £1000. If this is your first Miele, you’ll soon be a convert. And if it’s replacing an old Miele, you won’t be disappointed.
DRUM SIZE 7kg | DEPTH 64cm | ENERGY RATING (NEW B) A+++ | SPIN 1400 | WASH RATING A | SPIN RATING B | NOISE WASH/SPIN 50dB/74dB | QUICK WASH 20 mins | WARRANTY 2 Year
Miele 7Kg | Verdict price £699
See Best Price at AO.com
2. Best Washing Machine under £1000
AEG OKO L8FEE965R
This AEG model is efficient, quiet & packed with useful technology. The large-sized 9kg drum is good for most households and with a long warranty, AEG clearly knows that this washing machine is designed & built to last.
Standout features
This AEG machine has two principal, standout features. The first is that detergents & softeners are mixed with water before the cycle starts. This gives an even distribution of detergents which aids a better wash and it’s kinder to fabrics. Plus, there’s a steam function which is useful for freshening up clothes you’ve worn once. Equally, it works well at the end of a wash to reduce creases & cut ironing.
The wash cycle compared to most other washing machines is near silent. This model is a great choice for open plan living or anyone who’d rather not hear their washing machine! The fast 1600 spin is effective at getting moisture out of your clothes, although there’s a small trade-off, in that the spinning cycle is a little louder than other washing machines in this price bracket. However, it’s almost a given that this AEG will be quieter (wash & spin), compared to your old machine.
Buy this AEG & you’ll get a great washing machine. In addition to impressive results, it’s energy-efficient, quiet and built to last.
DRUM SIZE 9kg | DEPTH 66cm | ENERGY RATING (NEW B) A+++ | SPIN 1600 | WASH RATING A | SPIN RATING B | NOISE: 76dB | QUICK WASH 59 mins | WARRANTY 5 Year
AEG OKO | Verdict price £799
See Best Price at Appliance Direct
3. Large Family Washing Machine
Siemens IQ700 – 10kg Drum
The Siemens IQ700 justifies the price with exceptional performance and zero compromises. This model does everything brilliantly. Great results, every time.
Massive Drum
A tightly packed drum doesn’t allow your laundry to move around. This means (as with any machine) that the washing doesn’t come out clean. As a general rule, the drum on any washing machine should only be filled to three-quarter capacity – this gives the best results. If you wash clothes for a big family, a big drum can be life-changing!
The IQ700 has a huge 10kg drum. It’s probably significantly bigger than your old machine. Larger loads usually mean that you’ll get the washing done quicker. Plus, everything comes out super clean. Also of note, is that this Siemens model has an A-rated 1600 spin cycle meaning your laundry will also come out comparatively dry, reducing time on the line or in the tumble dryer.
Near Silent Washing Machine
The Siemens IQ700 is one of the quietest washing machines available. It compares favourably to, pretty much, every other model on both wash and spin cycles. It will almost certainly be noticeably quieter than your old machine.
The IQ700 machine can be controlled via an App on your phone or with Alexa. The App gives you all the information you want and total control of timings. However, until there’s a time when Alexa can sort the washing and hang it out, we remain unconvinced on the benefit of Smart controls!
The Siemens IQ700 is the complete package
Aside from the big 10kg drum, A-rated drying and quiet operation, this model comes with numerous additional features. All the standard programmes are included, along with the opportunity to adjust and tweak. Wool hand wash, extra rinse, less ironing, soaking, auto stain, night wash, rinse hold, waterPlus… the list goes on.
The controls are easy to use and additional details such as an internal drum light, do make a difference. Siemens and Bosch are both part of the BSH group. This means they share some components and benefit from associated technology. Especially at the premium end of the range.
The Siemens IQ700 is an excellent 10 kg drum washing machine. It does everything quickly, quietly and incredibly well.
DRUM SIZE 10kg | DEPTH 59cm | ENERGY RATING (NEW C) A+++ | SPIN 1600 | WASH RATING A | SPIN RATING A | NOISE WASH/SPIN 47db/72db | QUICK WASH 15 mins | WARRANTY 5 Year
Siemens IQ-700 | Verdict price £1300
See Best Price at Appliance Direct
4. Best Miele Washing Machine
Miele W1 WSI863
If you simply want the best washing machine, choose the Miele W1 WSI863. Tested for the equivalent of 20 years’ use, this washing machine is built to last. Every detail & feature screams quality.
The large 9kg drum is perfect for most families. And in addition to the first-rate washing & spinning credentials, it’s near silent. Yes, there are cheaper options available, but this Miele, over time, is worth every penny.
Perfect results – every time
This Miele model works hard. Not only does it get your laundry spotless but it also does everything possible to make your life a little easier. The Miele TwinDos system combines two different detergent types to deliver the perfect mix & soap concentration for each & every wash. This is a far better system than calculating or guessing how much powder to add to each wash.
Use less detergent to keep colours bright & blacks, black
With the TwinDos system, In most cases, you’ll end up using less detergent. This is better for your clothes, the environment & your credit card. Your new machine will come with Miele TwinDos detergents and a voucher for six months’ supply. Beyond this, refills can be purchased easily online or should you prefer a supermarket brand, then simply fill the containers with your own detergent.
In addition to the TwinDos system, CapDosing can be used for a variety of specialist fabrics. Add the appropriate capsule, matched to the fabric type and you’re guaranteed the best possible results. Silk, wool and even rainwear will all last longer when cleaned and cared for with the right Miele detergent & programme selection.
Energy efficient & near silent washing machine
This machine is A-rated energy-efficient and near-silent. Plus, you can control & monitor this washing machine from your phone. Miele has thought of everything. As an example, the Add Load feature means you can add the forgotten sock after the cycle has started. Or alternatively, remove something that’s found its way into the wrong wash! And while the quick wash takes a little longer than some, it gets clothes cleaner. Achieving an A-rated wash in 49 minutes.
What is the best Miele washing machine to buy?
This Miele washing machine is a great investment. The robust build quality & tested for 20-years’ use assurance give you the security that you won’t be looking for a new washing machine for at least a decade – although double this timeframe is realistic. Plus, it will take extra care of your laundry, meaning clothes will look new for longer.
If only the best will do, choose this outstanding & reliable Miele – Click the link below to check availability…
DRUM SIZE 9kg | DEPTH 60cm | ENERGY RATING (NEW A) A+++ | SPIN 1600 | WASH RATING A | SPIN RATING A | NOISE WASH/SPIN 47db/72db | QUICK WASH 49 mins | WARRANTY 2 Years
Miele W1 WSI863 | Verdict price £1500
See Best Price at Appliance Direct
How Long Should a Washing Machine Last?
Spending double on an appliance that lasts twice as long is a good investment. For your money, you get a far superior washing machine that will wash whiter, spin dryer and operate without the rumpus associated with cheaper machines. Plus, it’s better for the environment.
Which washing machine brand is the best?
Miele is the standout brand at the top end of the market. They state that their appliances are tested for the equivalent of 20 years of use. This is backed up by numerous Miele owners. Many of them only consider a new Miele to replace their old Miele. Often referencing how the old machine worked beautifully for 20-something years.
Historically, Miele offered a 10-year warranty on high-end appliances but has now shifted to 2 years. Bosch tends to offer 10 years on the motor but only 2 years on everything else. Also worthy of consideration are Siemens & AEG, where a 5-year full warranty is standard on premium models.
How to keep black clothes from fading?
Another benefit of choosing a high-end washing machine is that a greater emphasis is placed on looking after your laundry. There are three elements here, detergent, programme & physical design. Choose a premium model and all three are taken care of. You can expect your whites to be whiter, colours brighter & blacks to stay black for longer.
A long warranty is important
No manufacturer wants customers to return their purchase or report a problem. Product failure represents a significant financial cost & damage to the company’s reputation. This is especially so when the product is under warranty. What’s interesting is that each manufacturer knows their own return levels and with this data can calculate the business cost of offering an extended warranty.
When a company offers a long warranty, it does so knowing that the number of returns will be tiny. Essentially, a manufacturer warranty coupled with real-world owner experience is an excellent guide to how long a washing machine will last.
Best Buys 2022
BEST BUDGET BUY
Miele 7Kg | Verdict price £699
See price at AO.com
BEST BUY
Miele 9Kg | Verdict price £1500
See price at Appliance Direct
UK Verdict
The 7kg Miele stands out for affordable quality – it’s a great choice for smaller households. If you’re after a bigger machine, the choice is a little harder. The 9Kg AEG is good for families vs. the Siemens 10Kg which will handle huge loads.
If you’re simply after the best washing machine, choose the Miele W1 WSI863. The 9Kg drum, built-in technology, quiet operation & Miele reliability make this model the UK 2022 top choice.
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Best Washing Machine under £600
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