The delay timer is a relatively modern concept for large appliances, but one that can be very helpful.
As more and more homes have electricity tariffs that are cheaper overnight, more people find themselves wanting to run their appliances in the early hours of the day.
In short, a washing machine delay timer is used to start a cycle later in the day. This means you could set the washing machine up in the morning to run before you get home from work, or you could set the machine up in the evening to run overnight.
Read on for our top picks for washing machines with a delay timer.
The Best Washing Machines with a Delay Timer in the UK
1. Samsung Series 5 ecobubble WW90TA046AE 9 kg Washing Machine
Load capacity: 9 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 55 cm
Delay timer: Up to 24 hours
Energy rating: A
Samsung’s ecobubble washing machine is packed with features that the modern household will love.
In addition to the great features, Samsung will even offset the emissions that are produced by your machine during use, making the machine even more eco-friendly.
In terms of unique programmes, this 9 kg Samsung washing machine has a Bubble Soak option that tackles tough stains for thorough cleaning, and a Steam Function for a hygienic finish.
This model is very quiet, making it ideal for use even in open plan homes. During the wash cycle, this machine produces just 53 dB, increasing to 74 dB during a spin cycle.
The unique ecobubble technology creates lots of soapy bubbles early in the cycle, which makes washing on lower temperatures even more effective.
Users love that the machine is very quiet during use, and does a great job of even tough stains, such as grass, sweat, and red wine.
This Samsung washing machine is easy to set up, and the quick wash cycle is ideal for last-minute emergencies.
The washing machine even has a modern style that looks right at home in modern kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
2. Haier HW100-B1439NS8 10Kg Washing Machine
Load capacity: 10 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 59.5 x 60 cm
Delay timer: Up to 24 hours
Energy rating: A
This Haier washing machine in bold graphite has a 10 kg drum that is just what large and busy households need. The washing machine makes light work of everyday stains, and even has a 15-minute quick wash programme for last-minute emergencies.
The washing machine benefits from Haier’s Direct Motion Motor that means this washing machine runs at 53 dB during a wash cycle, and just 67 dB during a spin cycle.
The quiet motor not only gets rid of the background noise from the machine itself, but the gentle spinning produces fewer annoying vibrations.
Haier’s washing machine makes use of an anti-bacterial treatment in the detergent drawer and seal to kill microbes and bacteria. In the long run, this will help keep your machine fresh, and reduce the chances of nasty, stale smells.
Users love the Auto Weight feature of this washing machine because it can save them money in the long term.
When the machine is loaded, it will weigh the laundry and determine how much water should be used and what cycle time is optimal. All in all, this can result in considerable water and resource savings.
However, some people have found that this washing machine does not achieve as good results as others when running a full cycle.
3. Samsung Series 5+ AddWash WW90T554DAW 9Kg Washing Machine
Load capacity: 9 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 63.5 cm
Delay timer: Up to 24 hours
Energy rating: A
Samsung’s AddWash smart washing machine is ideal for busy households. The handy AddWash feature means that you can easily add that stray sock that was missed even after the cycle has started.
The 9 kg capacity is ideal for medium-sized households, and Samsung’s unique Bubble Soak feature can tackle even tough stains, such as red wine or curry.
This washing machine can be connected to Samsung’s SmartThings app, meaning you can check on progress and control the appliance from your phone, smart watch, or tablet. The app will even be able to send you a notification once the cycle has finished.
This Samsung washing machine has a 15-minute quick wash cycle that still achieves great results with small loads, and a 5-year warranty for peace of mind too.
This washing machine might be packed full of modern features that sound complicated; however, users find that it is actually very easy and intuitive to use. The AddWash feature is an absolute lifesaver for busy households and families with children.
The machine even has a smart and modern appearance, making it look right at home in even the most modern properties.
However, some people do find that the beeps when pressing buttons are quite loud and annoying, as is the alert when the cycle finishes.
4. Hotpoint NSWM1043CGGUKN 10Kg Washing Machine
Load capacity: 10 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 59.5 x 60.5 cm
Delay timer: Up to 24 hours
Energy rating: C
This Hotpoint washing machine has a great 10 kg load capacity that is perfect for large households and families with messy kids.
For an added stain removal boost, this washing machine makes use of an extra wash function to deal with stains such as grass, sweat, or food.
For households with sensitive skin, the Steam function gets deeper into fabrics than detergent ever could, and eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens.
To make doing laundry for the family even easier, this washing machine has a dedicated Baby Cycle.
This Hotpoint washing machine is cheaper than some of their competitors, and users love the generous load capacity, and the steam and anti-stain functions make light work of mucky kids’ clothing.
Hotpoint do make use of their brushless magnet inverter motor for quieter operation, however at 75 dB, the machine isn’t as quiet as the Samsung or Haier machines.
5. Hisense WFQY1014EVJMT 10Kg Washing Machine
Load capacity: 10 kg
Dimensions: 84.5 x 59.5 x 61 cm
Energy rating: B
The washing machine from Hisense is easily one of the cheapest models on this list.
The 10 kg drum capacity is ideal for tackling the large quantities of washing produced by large families, and the machine does have a quick wash programme that can tackle 1 kg of washing easily.
Households suffering with allergies can benefit from the dedicated Allergy Care cycle, and the frictionless magnet Invertor Motor and load balancing system reduce unnecessary noise and vibrations.
You might not be familiar with the Hisense name; however, users have found this machine gives good cleaning results alongside being great value for money. The machine is easy to use, and includes a fair variety of wash programmes.
However, some users find that the machine is quite loud, and that many of the wash cycles are very long. Some users have also found that despite the machine itself being relatively easy to use, the instruction manual can be hard to follow.
Why Should I Use a Delay Timer?
Delay timers are used to start the washing later in the day. This could be so the machine runs whilst you are in bed, running errands, or working.
It is essentially used when you want to run a washing machine cycle when you won’t be home to press the buttons yourself.
There are a variety of reasons that people want to use a delay timer on a washing machine, including cheaper electricity rates, not wanting to hear their washing machine trundling away in the background, and setting convenient timings so laundry doesn’t need to sit in the washing machine for a long time.
Electricity tariffs
More and more homes are starting to swap to variable electricity plans where the overnight rates are considerably cheaper than the day rates.
This is especially common in homes without a gas supply that use economy meters.
Well-planned timings
When laundry is left to sit in the washing machine for long periods when the cycle ends, it can easily start to smell stale from sitting in the old water.
By starting the washing machine on a timer, you could have the cycle finish just before you get home from work, for example. This would mean you can unload the washing machine whilst it is still fresh, reducing the risk of ending up with stale clothing.
How to Use a Washing Machine Delay Timer
Many modern washing machines have a delay timer, and this can be anywhere from 4 hours to 24 hours. Fortunately, the process of using the delay timer is simple.
Step 1
Switch on the machine, and load the drum as normal. Add your chosen detergent(s) and fabric softener, and select your chosen programme.
Step 2
Press the time delay button. On many machines this will be a clock icon, but others it might be the word “delay”. If you can’t find this button but know your washing machine has a delay timer, check your manufacturer’s manual.
Step 3
Press the time delay button or up and down buttons repeatedly until you reach your desired delay time.
Step 4
Once you have set the timer, press the start button. The cycle will not begin until the timer has counted down.
Important note
These steps will be similar for every machine with a delay timer; however, the process might be different. If you aren’t sure, consult your manufacturer’s guide.
Make sure that you do not switch off the washing machine. If you do, the timer will cancel and the cycle will not run.
Delay Timer FAQs
What is a delay timer on a washing machine?
A washing machine delay timer allows you to decide when you want the next wash programme to start. This is especially handy if you want to make use of cheaper energy tariffs or want the cycle to finish just before you get home from work.
How do I set my delay timer?
There isn’t a universal method of setting a delay timer, as each manufacturer will likely put a different spin on the function. Typically, however, there will be a timer button and the option to select how long you want the timer for.
If you are having issues starting your delay timer, check the manufacturer’s guide that came with your washing machine.
How do I use a delay timer?
Using a delay timer is simple. Set up the washing machine as you normally would, including adding all your chosen detergents, set the temperature, and choose the cycle.
Instead of pressing the start button once you have closed the door, use the delay timer instead.
Can you stop a delayed start on a washing machine?
If you want to cancel the delay timer on a washing machine, you can often just change the programme dial to a different function and then back again. This isn’t the same on all washing machines, so check the manufacturer’s guide if you are unsure.
Conclusion
If we were to recommend just one washing machine from this list, it would be the Samsung Series 5 ecobubble washing machine. This washing machine is energy efficient, and the 9 kg load capacity is perfect for most households. In addition, features such as Bubble Soak and Hygiene Steam can tackle tough staining whilst also getting rid of bacteria and allergens.
Lover of coffee, painting, and all things cute and fluffy. I’m always on the lookout for easier, more gentle ways to tackle awful household chores.
