If your washing machine is an energy guzzler that's costing you, and the planet, it may be time to invest in a more energy efficient model. Luckily we're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding energy efficient washing machines, so swapping your older model for a more eco-friendly alternative is an easy task.
Read our buyer's guide below for tips on what to consider when buying an energy efficient washing machine, as well as a selection of the best options on the market.
How to choose an energy efficient washing machine
Energy rating
Checking the washing machine's energy rating is an easy place to start. Since the new energy rating system, an A rating is now regarded as the most energy efficient
Cost
With cost, in general, energy efficient models tend to be pricier and you'll not find many A rated washing machines under £300, but it's important to remember they'll help you to reduce household bills as they consume less energy. You can spend anything from £250 to £1,200 on an energy efficient washing machine, with smart tech and wash programmes effecting cost
Eco tech
The addition of eco tech can help your washing machine run more efficiently. Look out for features such as invertor motors - a quieter motor that consumes less energy - and automatic detergent dispensers that prevent unnecessary waste
Smart tech
You can pay more for more specialised wash programmes, with some washing machines featuring programmes that'll clean clothes in temperatures as low as 20 degrees
While not all energy efficient washing machines feature smart tech, using apps which recommend wash programmes and inform you when your washing is ready can help reduce energy consumption
We've rounded up the best energy efficient washing machines around, for all household sizes and budgets. You'll find popular brands such as Samsung, Beko, Haier and Hotpoint in our list, as well as a range of integrated, free standing and smart tech models.
So take a browse, and find an energy efficient washing machine that works for your laundry routine.
For more options, browse our washing machine buyer's guide.
Best energy efficient washing machines
Hoover H-Wash 500 HW410AMBCB Freestanding Washing Machine
Best for quiet washing
- Capacity 10kg
- Annual energy consumption 143 kWh per year
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1400 RPM
The large 10kg capacity drum makes this energy efficient washing machine a great choice for big households. Get through school uniforms, sports kits and bedding all at once.
This Hoover model has been fitted with an eco-power invertor motor which limits vibrations and electricity consumption, so it shouldn't be too noisy if you're prone to an overnight wash. This device also assesses your washing, taking size of load and softness of clothing into consideration, and selects the best programme accordingly, altering duration, water dosage and rinse feature.
Make use of the app too, and control your wash from the comfort of your sofa. Easy.
Take a look at the best eco kettles for more energy efficient kitchen appliances.
Miele WSG663 WCS Washing Machine
Best for saving time
- Capacity 9kg
- Annual energy consumption 196 kWh per year
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1400 RPM
This A rated Miele washing machine is certainly on the more expensive end of the scale, but it's packed with an array of swanky features.
There's an automatic dosing feature - 'TwinDos' - that saves you the hassle of measuring your detergent. The compartment at the bottom of the washing machine stores the detergent, and automatically dispenses the correct dosage into your wash. Not only is this a handy time-saving feature, but it ensures you're not wasting detergent.
The AddLoad function is also a welcomed function - chuck in all of the forgotten socks you usually pass on the stairs after you've started the cycle. As you'd expect at such a high price, this is a smart model - find out when your wash is finished when you're away from home.
There are a number of special wash features with this design too, so you can care for delicate clothing items such as anoraks, raincoats and woollen jumpers. There's even a quick wash that works in just 20 minutes.
Indesit Innex Freestanding Washing Machine
Best budget washing machine
- Capacity 9kg
- Energy consumption per cycle 0.49 kWh
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1400 RPM
Typically, energy efficient washing machines can be a pricey purchase as they tend be new models filled with desirable tech, so we were pleased to find this well-reviewed, A-rated washing machine on offer for under £350. A solid choice if you're happy to do without the smart tech, this model has lots of programmes to choose from, including eco, duvet and delicates.
You can also delay the wash for up to 24 hours - prep it all before you head out the door. This is a great way of preventing that nasty damp smell that can occur if your washing has been sitting in a wet pile for a long time.
Haier Series 4 HWQ90B416FWB Integrated Washing Machine
Best for reducing ironing time
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- Capacity 9kg
- Energy consumption per cycle 0.494 kWh
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1600 RPM
Integrated washing machines work well if you'd rather keep your washing machine hidden, so they're great for kitchens. This integrated energy efficient washing machine features a decent 9kg drum, making it a top pick for a household of four and there are plenty of specialist programmes such as baby, sport and synthetic. If you're doing a light wash, you can make use of the 14 minute quick wash function - perfect for those last minute washing panics before bed.
What's more, this Haier model should also help cut ironing time as it's designed to reduce creases.
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Looking to upgrade your iron? Browse the best steam generator irons for 2024.
Candy 10kg Freestanding Washing Machine
Best for families
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- Capacity 10kg
- Annual energy consumption 143 kWh per year
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1600 RPM
Black, or slate grey washing machines can look particularly effective in contemporary kitchens thanks to their sleek appearance. This grey Candy design caught our eye, so were pleased to see it had the eco-credentials to match its stylish look. This device weighs your laundry load and then adjusts the length of programme and water consumption accordingly.
With a large, 10kg drum, this energy efficient washing machine can hold a whopping 50 T-shirts, so it's perfect for getting through mounds of washing.
Choose between 16 wash cycles and run diagnostic checks and download additional programmes from your phone on the app.
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Keep cosy whilst working from home with an energy efficient heater.
Hotpoint NM111046WDAUKN 10kg Washing Machine
Best for removing stains
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- Capacity 10kg
- Energy consumption per cycle (eco programme) 0.51 kWh
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1400 RPM
You can remove stubborn stains at just 20 degrees with this Hotpoint washing machine, helping you to cut down on energy bills, and there's a speedy 30 minute programme for quick washing.
If you, or someone in your household has sensitive skin, this energy efficient washing machine boasts an anti-allergen setting to help remove dust mites, left-over detergent and pollen.
We also like the straightforward dial control which makes this device user-friendly and faff-free.
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Keep a close eye on your household's energy consumption with an energy monitor.
SAMSUNG Series 9 QuickDrive Washing Machine
Best for low energy consumption
- Capacity 9kg
- Annual energy consumption 130 kWh per year
- Energy rating A
- Spin speed 1600 RPM
This Samsung energy efficient washing machine has a particularly low energy consumption rate of just 130 kWh per year. This appliance also features Samsung's Eco Bubble technology which allows you to thoroughly wash your clothes in cooler temperatures - a nifty way to cut down on energy bills. Plus, the QuickDrive tech shortens cycles so you can get through your laundry piles at a faster rate.
What really stands out with this washing machine however is the number of wash programmes. There are 23 to choose from, including outdoor, denim, hygiene steam, intense cold and towels, so you can really get specific with your wash.
You've also got the option to manage your washing through your phone on an app. A sleek washing machine that's been designed with efficiency in mind.
Haven't found what you're looking for? If you're after more washing machine recommendations, don't forget to check out our washing machine buyer's guide, and make sure you take a look at our pick of the best smelling fabric softeners too!
