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.
Our Top Picks
1. Bosch Series 6 WGG254Z1GB (Best overall)
Delay timer details: Called “Finish in”, up to 24 hours
Installation type: Freestanding
Capacity: 10 kg
Noise level (spin): 74 dB
Energy user per cycle: 0.511 kWh
Why we picked it:
The Bosch Series 6 WGG254Z1GB is one of the most highly rated washing machines currently on the market in the UK. It’s not the cheapest model, but it’s reliable, offers a good selection of programmes and features, and a large 10 kg capacity.
What we like:
- Lots of very positive user reviews
- Reliable brand
- Useful 30-minute quick wash cycle
Potential drawbacks:
- Relatively expensive
Check price and reviews:
2. Gorenje WG2P84A32/UK (Budget and energy-efficient model)
Delay timer details: Called “Delay End”, up to 24 hours in 1-hour increments
Installation type: Freestanding
Capacity: 8 kg
Noise level (spin): 72 dB
Energy user per cycle: 0.331 kWh
Why we picked it:
The Gorenje WG2P84A32/UK is both very affordable and very energy efficient, using just 0.331 kWh of energy per cycle (the average for a freestanding machine is 0.417 kWh). The Delay End function lets you time your washing to start up to 24 hours in advance.
What we like:
- Inexpensive to buy and run
- Energy efficient
Potential drawbacks:
- 8 kg capacity is relatively small
Check price and reviews:
3. Hoover HMQD 410CBL9-80 (Quiet)
Delay timer details: Called “Delay”, available in increments of 30 minutes up to 24 hours
Installation type: Freestanding
Capacity: 10 kg
Noise level (spin): 68 dB
Energy user per cycle: 0.333 kWh
Why we picked it:
With a noise level of 68 decibels on the spin cycle, the Hoover HMQD 410CBL9-80 is substantially quieter than the average washing machine, which produces 72 decibels of noise. It’s an unusual washing machine in that it has three drums: a main 10 kg capacity drum and two small drums for washing individual items and very small loads. This can be a useful feature if you want to separate a few items from your main wash.
What we like:
- Quieter than average
- Delay can be set in 30-minute increments (some models only allow 1-hour increments)
- 3-drum design is useful for some people
Potential drawbacks:
- Expensive
- Taller than the average washing machine (107 cm)
Check price and reviews:
4. Candy CBW28D4WM5J-80 (Integrated)
Delay timer details: Called “Delay Start”, up to 24 hours
Installation type: Integrated
Capacity: 8 kg
Noise level (spin): 75 dB
Energy user per cycle: 0.472 kWh
Why we picked it:
The Candy CBW28D4WM5J-80 is one of the most highly rated integrated washing machines with a delay timer on the market in the UK. It could be a good choice if you want something to fit behind a cupboard door.
What we like:
- Relatively cheap
- Highly rated by users
Potential drawbacks:
- 8 kg capacity is smaller than many freestanding alternatives
- Less energy efficient than most freestanding alternatives
Check price and reviews:
Why 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.
Important things to know about delay timer functions
- Start time vs. finish time: On some machines you set the start time, whereas on others you set the finish time and the machine works out when to start based on how long the cycle will last. This calculation can turn out to be a bit inaccurate, so your laundry might not be finished exactly when you programmed it for.
- Powdered detergent or capsules are best: Many manufacturers warn against using liquid detergent with the delay start function. It’s not a good idea to have liquid detergent sitting around in the drawer or drum for so long, as it can harden or stain your laundry.
- Delay timer isn’t always available on every programme: On some machines, the delay timer is only available on certain programmes.
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 detergent and select your chosen programme. Most manufacturers advise against using liquid detergent or pre-wash detergent when using the delay timer as it can harden in the drawer or drum, or pour onto your clothes too early and end up staining them.
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.
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