Washing machine close up

Most Energy-Efficient Washing Machines (UK)

In the past few years, energy prices in the UK have hit record highs. Many of us are reduce our energy bills by choosing more energy efficient appliances.

We’ve researched the market to find the most energy-efficient washing machines on the market in the UK. To do this, we looked at the energy usage per cycle and annual energy usage cited on retailer websites like AO.com and Currys.co.uk. On these websites, the annual energy usage is based on the assumption that you will run 220 cycles a year.

 

The Most Energy Efficient Washing Machines in the UK

1. Beko Aquatech RecycledTub B5W51041AW

Energy usage per cycle: 0.459 kWh
Annual energy usage: 100.98 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 10 kg

The modern-looking Beko B5W51041AW is a high-tech washing machine with a large 10 kg capacity, making it a good choice for bigger families.

Beko’s Aquatech technology works a bit like a shower, spraying your laundry with a mix of laundry detergent and water from the top of the drum, helping to distribute the detergent evenly and clean them more effectively.

Not only is this washing machine incredibly energy efficient, it is helpful to the environment in other ways too. The drum is made using recycled plastic bottles, hence the ‘RecycledTub’ in the name.

The Beko B5W51041AW has a good choice of washing programmes including an anti-allergy programme and a quick wash option which can clean a small load of laundry in just 14 minutes.

Despite being the most energy efficient washing machine we could find on the market, it is reasonably priced, so it will start paying for itself in energy savings quickly.

 

2. Bosch Series 4 WGG04409GB

Bosch Series 4 WGG04409GB washing machine

Energy usage per cycle: 0.46 kWh
Annual energy usage: 101.2 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 9 kg

The Bosch Series 4 WGG04409GB is a good choice for people who don’t have the patience for modern washing machines’ three-hour washing cycles! The SpeedPerfect setting on this machine can speed up washing cycles by up to 65%, letting you wash a full load of laundry in just an hour.

As well as being able to clean your clothes quickly, the Bosch Series 4 WGG04409GB is also incredibly energy efficient. It’s relatively expensive but could be a good investment since it will lower your bills.

This machine won’t just save you money on electricity bills, it will also reduce your water bill as well. The Active Water Plus uses sensors to work out exactly how much water each wash cycle needs, to make sure no water is wasted.

The 9 kg drum capacity makes it a good size for families or households of 3-4 people.

The washing programmes on offer include a Hygiene Plus cycle, which removes germs and dust mites to relieve allergy symptoms.

 

3. Bosch Serie 6 WGG2449RGB

Bosch Serie 6 WGG2449RGB washing machine

Energy usage per cycle: 0.464 kWh
Annual energy usage: 102.08 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 9 kg

The Bosch Serie 6 WGG2449RGB is a relatively expensive, high-end washing machine with a 9 kg capacity.

It has a good choice of washing programmes including a 15-minute quick wash setting, a hygiene programme for allergy sufferers and a wool programme to safely wash woollen items.

There’s also an AntiStain option that can help tackle tough stains like grass and red wine.

One nice feature is the Reload function, which lets you open the door after the cycle has started to add any clothes you forgot to put in.

Producing just 71 decibels of noise on the spin cycle, this washing machine is relatively quiet, so it’s a good choice if you find washing machines to generally be too noisy.

 

4. Beko IronFast RecycledTub B3W5841IW

Beko IronFast RecycledTub B3W5841IW Washing Machine

Energy usage per cycle: 0.468 kWh
Annual energy usage: 102.96kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 8 kg

With the Beko B3W5841IW’s modest price tag and straightforward-looking design, you wouldn’t guess that it’s one of the most energy-efficient washing machines on the market.

It’s environmentally friendly in other ways too—the drum is made from recycled plastic bottles.

This washing machine also features some clever technology, such as Bluetooth, allowing you to control the machine from your phone. You could use this to schedule an overnight or early morning wash to take advantage of lower energy prices if you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff.

The machine also features Beko’s IronFast feature that helps reduce creasing, so you can spend less time ironing.

The spin cycle produces 72 decibels of noise, so it’s relatively quiet.

Some of the programmes on offer include the ultra-fast Super Quick cycle, which can wash a small load of laundry in just 14 minutes. There’s also an Anti-Allergy programme to tackle pollen, pet hair and other allergens.

 

5. Miele WWG 360

Miele WWG 360 Washing Machine

Energy usage per cycle: 0.49 kWh
Annual energy usage: 107.8 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 9 kg

This washing machine from Miele is very expensive, but also very energy efficient and well made.

The WWG 360 features 12 washing programmes including QuickPowerWash, which is an eco-friendly quick wash programme that can clean your clothes in just 49 minutes.

This machine is a good choice for tech-savvy people, but not ideal for people who just want a straightforward press-and-go washing machine as it can be a bit complicated to use.

The Miele@mobile app lets you control the washing machine from your phone and keep an eye on how each wash is going remotely.

According to Miele, this appliance has been designed to withstand 20 years of use, which makes the high price tag seem like a better deal!

 

6. Hotpoint Gentlepower H8 W946WB

Hotpoint Gentlepower H8 W946WB

Energy usage per cycle: 0.49 kWh
Annual energy usage: 107.8 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 9 kg

The Hotpoint Gentlepower H8 W946WB is relatively expensive, but it’s very easy to use and energy efficient.

As well as saving electricity, it also uses water efficiently thanks to Hotpoint’s GentlePower technology, which sprays water onto clothes without any waste.

It also features a clever Auto Dose feature, which measures out the correct amount of detergent for you. All you need to do is load up the detergent, and it will decide how much to use. This helps prevent the white marks on clothes that appear when you use too much detergent.

The spin cycle generates 71 decibels of noise, so it’s fairly quiet compared to the average washing machine.

The quick wash can wash an impressive 5.5 kg of laundry in just 30 minutes, which is very convenient when you’re in a hurry.

While this washing machine is quite expensive, it does come with a generous 5-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind.

 

7. Samsung Series 9 QuickDrive WW90T986DSX

Samsung Series 9 QuickDrive WW90T986DSX

Energy usage per cycle: 0.49 kWh
Annual energy usage: 107.8 kWh
Energy rating: A
Capacity: 9 kg

This washing machine from Samsung is expensive, but it’s very highly rated and energy efficient.

As well as saving you money on electricity bills, the Samsung Series 9 QuickDrive WW90T986DSX could also save you money on laundry detergent thanks to the AI Optimal Wash mode that uses sensors to work out how much detergent is needed.

This washing machine has a good choice of programmes including a quick wash cycle that can clean 2 kg of laundry in just 15 minutes, and a hygiene programme for removing pollen and other allergens.

You can control this washing machine from your phone using the SmartThings app, which lets you schedule when to start a cycle and also receive a notification when it’s done.

Another nice feature is that the detergent drawer is self-cleaning, so you won’t have to keep cleaning detergent build-up yourself.

This is also a pretty quiet machine, producing just 75 decibels of noise on the spin cycle.

 

Do Washing Machines Use a Lot of Electricity Compared to Other Appliances?

The exact amount of energy an appliance will use over the course of a year will depend on not only the type of appliance, but the energy rating, how much power it uses and how often you use it.

For most people, running a washing machine will cost less in electricity bills than running a tumble dryer, dishwasher or oven.

Average washing machine energy usage

Based on an A-rated washing machine, you can expect to use 130 kWh of electricity over the course of 220 cycles. This works out to an annual cost of £44.20, and a cost per cycle of just 20 pence.

 

Average tumble dryer energy usage

Exactly how much a tumble dryer will cost to run will depend on the type of dryer that you are using. The types of tumble dryer are condenser, vented and heat pump.

Condenser

The average condenser tumble dryer uses 4.8 kWh of electricity to run a full-load cotton cycle. This would cost £1.63 per cycle.

Vented

The average vented tumble dryer uses roughly 5 kWh to run a cotton cycle with a full load. This would cost £1.70.

Heat pump

By comparison, the average heat pump tumble dryer uses just 1.87 kWh for a full-load cotton cycle, costing £0.64 at current prices.

 

Average dishwasher energy usage

A typical dishwasher with a C energy rating uses approximately 0.75 kWh of energy per cycle, totalling 161.25 kWh of electricity over the course of a year (average of 215 cycles per year). This totals an annual energy cost of £54.83, and an average cost of 26 pence per cycle.

 

Average oven energy usage

The running cost of an oven will depend on the fuel source it uses, the size, and a whole host of other factors. Based on an A-rated electric oven, you can expect to use around 0.79 kWh per hour, which works out to be around 27 pence.

Over the course of a year, your oven could easily use 328 kWh of electricity (based on eight hours of usage a week), totalling £111.52.

 

How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine

Choosing a new washing machine with the aim of saving money on your energy bills doesn’t need to be a complicated process. You can make a good choice by carefully checking the appliance’s energy label, the drum size, and the spin speed.

Energy rating

Checking the energy efficiency label is a sure-fire way to quickly compare how energy efficient a washing machine is compared to its competitors. The system changed in March 2021 and got rid of all the pluses, opting instead for a simpler G (least efficient) through to A (most efficient) rating system.

A washing machine with an A rating will use much less energy than a comparable washing machine of the same size and with similar specifications that has a D rating.

 

Size

When it comes to choosing a new machine, it is crucial that you seriously consider the size of the drum.

If you purchase an 11 kg washing machine but typically only wash 7 kg loads and can’t reasonably fill an 11 kg machine, this will end up costing you more in the long run.

Most small households will be absolutely fine with a washing machine with a drum smaller than 6 kg, medium households will benefit from a 7 to 9 kg drum, and larger households should look at 10 kg and over.

 

Spin speed

When it comes to drying clothing, choosing a washing machine with a higher spin speed can save you money. As this will drain more of the water out of the laundry, it will not cost you as much to dry the clothes in a tumble dryer after.

 

What’s the Difference Between A and B Energy Ratings on a Washing Machine?

The energy rating scale runs from A to G, with A being the most efficient, and G being the least efficient. This means that in short, a washing machine with an A energy rating is more efficient than a comparable washing machine with a B energy rating.

How is a washing machine’s energy rating calculated?

As different types of appliances work differently, the method for calculating an energy rating will vary. For washing machines, this is calculated as being the amount of energy that the machine would use, in kilowatt hours, across 100 cycles.

The energy usage is calculated on energy consumption during what is known as an Eco 40-60 Wash. This wash cycle is the most efficient in terms of water and energy usage, and is perfect for cleaning regularly soiled fabrics like linen, cotton or mixed fibres.

 

Running costs

The average A rated 9 kg washing machine will use about 0.59 kWh of electricity per cycle. By comparison, the average B rated 9 kg washing machine will use around 0.89 kWh of electricity per cycle.

Based on the current average electricity price of 30 pence per kWh, this works out that an A rated machine would cost you 18 pence per cycle, and the B rated washing machine would cost you 27 pence per cycle.

Over the course of a year, most households will use the washing machine approximately 220 times, which works out as an average of four or five times a week.

In a year, the A rated machine would cost £38.94 to run, and a B rated machine would cost about £58.74 to run, meaning the A rated machine could save you £19.80 a year on your energy bills.

 

Purchase costs

The extra energy efficiency of an A rated washing machine does come at a cost. If you are looking to purchase an A rated washing machine, you can expect to pay £350 for a basic machine, or as much as £1,500 for a top-of-the-range, fancy washing machine. The average price typically works out to be around £475.

B rated washing machines are considerably cheaper than their A-rated equivalents, with prices starting from £250 for basic models, and going up to £1000 for top-of-the-range models. The average price you should expect to pay for a B-rated washing machine is about £400.

This means that an A-rated washing machine will (on average) set you back around £75 more than a B-rated machine would. Based on an energy saving of £19.80 a year, you could look to see a return on your investment within four years.

 

How to Save Energy When Using Your Washing Machine

Whilst the energy efficiency label and figures will give you a pretty good indication of how much a new washing machine will cost, there are always steps that you can take to boost the efficiency of an appliance in normal use.

1. Choose shorter cycles where possible

Where possible, try to use shorter wash cycles. This one is especially helpful if you are on a water meter, and this is a great way to reduce the amount of water that your washing machine is using in the average cycle.

 

2. Wash at lower temperatures

Stick to cooler temperatures when washing clothing or fabrics that are only lightly soiled. Where possible, try to only use higher temperatures when you are washing articles that are particularly dirty or stained.

Make sure that you do run a higher temperature wash cycle every now and again though, as this will stop bacteria and nasty smells building up in your washing machine.

 

3. Use the right load size

Instead of running multiple small washing machine cycles, try to gather up a full load of washing instead, but don’t overfill the machine. This will bring great savings to both your electricity and water usage.

 

4. Use stain remover

Stubborn stains can sometimes require multiple washing machine cycles to shift but investing in a good stain remover can stop this from being a necessity. Apply a good stain remover before putting the clothing through the wash, and then you can run the cycle on your normal setting, rather than turning the temperature up or re-running the wash.

 

5. Soak before you wash

If a stain remover isn’t an option, soak heavily soiled items before putting them in the washing machine. Rub at the stains with household soap so you don’t have to rerun a wash.

 

6. Use high spin speeds to cut tumble dryer usage

Where you can, use a high spin speed. This will mean that your clothing comes out of the washing machine almost dry, and therefore won’t need the greatest amount of time in a tumble dryer. Be aware, however, that this is not to be recommended for truly delicate items of clothing.

 

7. Use off-peak hours (depending on your tariff)

Check your energy tariff – some suppliers and plans have off-peak hours, during which energy prices are cheaper. If you can, try to run your washing machine cycles during these hours to save on the energy costs!

 

Conclusion

Hopefully you now have more of an idea about which energy-efficient washing machine will suit your lifestyle, pocket and household the best.

The most energy-efficicent washing machine we could find is the Beko Aquatech RecycledTub B5W51041AW, with an energy usage per cycle of just 0.459 kWh. This would cost about 14p per cycle at current prices of 30p per kWh, or £30.29 a year assuming you use it 220 times.

Reducing the energy consumption of your washing machine is not only good to save you money on bills, but it’s great for reducing the environmental impact of excessive energy usage. Have fun saving money with your new washing machine!

Leave a Comment