Unlike in the US, the vast majority of washing machines in the UK are front loading. However, you can still find top loading washing machines if you know where to look.
Front loading machines are more popular in the UK as we tend to put our washing machines in the kitchen or laundry room underneath a countertop.
When choosing a top loading machine, bear in mind that the dimensions will be quite different to those of a front loading machine. Top loaders are taller and narrower, so they are a good choice for narrow spaces.
Since there aren’t many top loading washing machines on the market in the UK, there isn’t so much choice when it comes to load capacity.
Most top loaders in the UK only have a load capacity of 6 or 7 kg, whereas with a front loader you can easily find load capacities of 8 kg and above.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best top loading washing machines in the UK.
Best Top Loading Washing Machine in the UK
1. electriQ eiQWMTL75C
Load capacity: 7 kg
Dimensions: 87.5 cm high x 40 cm wide x 61 cm deep
Spin speed: 1200 rpm
Energy rating: C
This top loader from electricQ offers a choice of 15 washing programmes including a cycle for baby clothes as well as a 15-minute quick wash cycles
This washer will fit in a 40 cm gap, making it a great choice if you’re short on space. The 7 kg capacity is ideal for couples and smaller households.
The eiQWMTL75C can be quite noisy, but it’s compact and cleans clothes well. One downside is that there is no 30 °C setting, so if you want a cool wash you either need to use 20 or 40 °C.
2. Hotpoint WMTF722UUKN
Load capacity: 7 kg
Dimensions: 90 cm high x 40 cm wide x 60 cm deep
Spin speed: 1200 rpm
Energy rating: E
The Hotpoint Aquarius WMTF 722H is one of the most popular top loading washers on the market in the UK.
It’s just 40 centimetres wide, so it’s great if you need something for a narrow space. You can also fill and empty the machine easily without having to bend down, so it’s a good choice if you have back problems.
The Hotpoint Aquarius WMTF 722H is one of the best top loading washing machines you can buy in the UK.
It’s ideal if you need something narrow that you can use without bending down. It has some good short cycles that get clothes cleaned effectively.
3. Cater-Wash CK8575
Load capacity: 7.5 kg
Dimensions: 87.5 cm high x 40 cm wide x 60 cm deep
Spin speed: 1200 rpm
Energy rating: C
Designed by Cater-Kwik, this top-loading washing machine makes doing laundry a breeze. It’s easy to use without having to bend down.
It has a slim design, measuring just 40 cm wide, so it could be a good choice if you need something that will fit into a smaller space.
One nice function is the “My Cycle” feature, which lets you create and save a custom washing cycle by choosing the temperature, soil level and spin speed.
In summary this is a great machine to take care of medium-sized washing loads, for those with less household room for installation.
Pros and Cons of Top Loading Washing Machines
Top loading washing machines have both advantages and disadvantages when compared to front loading machines.
Advantages of top loading machines
- Faster cycle times
- You don’t need to bend down so much—good if you have back problems
- You can often add washing mid-cycle
Downsides of top loading machines
- Tend to be less energy efficient
- Spin speed tends to be slower, so washing requires more drying
- Less gentle than front loaders, so they’re not as good for delicates
Top Loading Washing Machine FAQs
Can you get top loading washing machines in UK?
Yes, there are a few top-loading washing machines in the UK. However, we could only find a handful for sale, which is why we have only listed three of the best options here.
At the time of writing, we could only find one top loading washing machine on AO.com, one on AppliancesDirect.co.uk and none on Currys.co.uk.
You can find some second-hand top loading washing machines on eBay.co.uk, some of which are American models that have been imported.
Do top loading washing machines use more water?
On average, top loading washing machines use more water than front loaders. According to the New York Times, front loaders use 5 gallons (22.73 litres) less water per cycle compared to top loaders.
However, sometimes top loaders use less water than equivalent front loading machines.
For example, the Hotpoint WMTF722UUKN is a 7 kg top loading machine which is estimated to use 8,900 litres of water per year.
The Hotpoint BIWMHG71483UKN is a 7 kg front loading machine which is estimated to use 10,840 litres of water per year.
Are top loading washing machines less energy efficient?
Yes, top-loading washing machines tend to be less energy efficient than front-loading washing machines.
Why are front-loading washing machines more popular in UK?
Manufacturers in the UK only seem to manufacture machines with a front-facing door which seems pretty logical considering so many people have their washing machines under a bench.
This stems from the fact that a lot of us struggle for space in the kitchen and not everyone has a room they can dedicate to laundry.
Many new builds now include a smaller room with the purpose to house a washer and dryer, so top-loading washing machines are becoming a little more sought after.
Conclusion
If we had to pick just one top loading washing machines to recommend it would be the electriQ eiQWMTL75.
It’s very slim at just 40 cm wide, so it’s perfect if you need something to fit into a small gap. It’s easy to use and will save your back as you won’t have to bend down. Be aware though that it can be quite noisy.
If you’re not sure about top loading machines and would like to get a front loading machine instead, check out our roundup of the top 10 best washing machines in the UK.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
