Buying a Washing Machine: A Practical Guide for Every Household

Choosing a new washing machine can quickly become overwhelming given the sheer number of models, technical specs, and features available. From drum size and energy efficiency to smart capabilities, the right choice depends heavily on the individual needs of your household. This guide serves as an objective resource to simplify your selection process and help you find an appliance that fits your lifestyle, space, and budget.

What to Look for When Buying a Washing Machine

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to understand a few core criteria. The following points highlight the most important aspects to consider when selecting a new washing machine.

Capacity and Dimensions: The Right Size for Your Needs

The load capacity, specified in kilograms (kg), is one of the first features to consider. A washing machine for families with a high volume of laundry will benefit from a large drum. For example, a 12 kg washing machine can handle large items like duvets or an entire week's worth of clothes in fewer cycles. For single or two-person households, models with a 6 to 8 kg capacity are often perfectly adequate.

The external dimensions of the appliance are just as important. Measure the available space carefully. Space is often limited in many city apartments. Special solutions are available for this, such as a slimline washing machine that is only 45 cm deep. These so-called slimline models are front-loaders but can also fit into smaller niches or bathrooms without sacrificing functionality.

Energy Efficiency and Noise Level: Save Money and Enjoy Peace and Quiet

The running costs of a washing machine add up over the years. A look at the EU energy label is therefore essential. A Class A energy-efficient washing machine is among the most economical appliances on the market. The label provides information on electricity consumption per 100 wash cycles and water consumption per cycle, helping you to estimate long-term costs.

Another factor, especially in open-plan living spaces or if you run laundry at night, is the noise level. A quiet inverter motor (often called a brushless or BLDC motor) significantly reduces vibrations and operating noise. The noise emission during the spin cycle is specified in decibels (dB) and classified from A to D, with A representing the quietest operation.

Useful Extra Features: Convenience for Your Daily Laundry

Modern washing machines offer a range of technologies that make everyday life easier:

• A smart washing machine with Wi-Fi can be controlled via an app. You can start the wash cycle on the go, check its status, or receive notifications when the laundry is done.
• A washing machine with a steam function offers two key benefits: it can reduce wrinkles in clothes, making ironing easier. The hot steam also helps to remove bacteria and allergens from textiles, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers and families with babies.
• Automatic dosing systems take the guesswork out of measuring the right amount of detergent and fabric softener for each load. The machine automatically dispenses based on the load size and soil level, which saves detergent and ensures optimal results.

Our Top Washing Machine Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a few models for different needs.

Hisense WF7S1247BW 12 kg Washing Machine

Why it stands out: This model combines a very large capacity with a comprehensive suite of modern technologies. It is aimed at households that want to combine efficiency, convenience, and hygiene in one appliance.

Benefits:

• Large 12 kg capacity, ideal for families.
• Auto Dose system for automatic and precise detergent dispensing.
• Steam function for wrinkle reduction and deep cleaning.
• App control thanks to being a smart washing machine with Wi--Fi (ConnectLife).
• Quiet inverter motor with a Class A noise emission rating for the spin cycle.
• High Class A energy efficiency.

Who is it for?: Large families or households with a very high laundry volume who value technological convenience, low running costs, and hygienic cleanliness.

View Product: Hisense WF7S1247BW

TCL FF1006WB0 Slimline Washing Machine, 6 kg

Why it stands out: The TCL FF1006WB0 is a problem-solver for anyone living in a small apartment. With a depth of just 45 cm, it fits into niches where standard appliances won't, without having to compromise on important features like steam cleaning.

Benefits:

• Extremely space-saving with a depth of only 45 cm.
• Steam wash programme for the hygienic removal of bacteria. According to an SGS report, it removes 99.99% of certain bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli).
• Durable and quiet BLDC inverter motor.
• Practical features like the Add Garment function and a 15-minute quick wash.
• Automatic weight detection to adjust water and energy consumption.

Who is it for?: Singles, couples, or small families with limited space who are looking for a compact yet well-equipped washing machine.

View Product: TCL FF1006WB0

Tip for Optimal Washing Results: The Right Detergent

The performance of a new washing machine also depends on the detergent used. To fully leverage the efficiency of modern appliances, it is advisable to use a detergent that cleans powerfully even at low temperatures.

Why it stands out: Persil Universal Power Gel with Deep Clean Technology is designed to remove stubborn stains even at low temperatures from 20°C. This supports energy-saving washing with a Class A energy-efficient machine while also contributing to the hygienic freshness of both the laundry and the machine itself.

Benefits:

• Deep-cleaned laundry and hygienic freshness for the machine.
• Effective from just 20°C, ideal for energy-saving programmes.
• Removes stubborn stains and ensures brilliant laundry.
• The bottle is made of 100% recyclable plastic.

Who is it for?: For anyone who wants to maximise the cleaning performance of their new washing machine while washing in an energy-efficient way.

View Product: Persil Universal Power Gel

Haven't Found the Right Model Yet?

The range of washing machines is vast, and everyone's requirements are different. If the models presented here don't exactly match your needs, you might find the perfect solution for your household in our broader selection.

Discover more models in our Deep-Clean Washing Machine category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Washing Machine

What does energy efficiency class A mean for a washing machine?

Energy efficiency class A is the highest level on the EU energy label scale (A to G), which has been in effect since March 2021. Appliances in this class consume significantly less electricity (measured in kWh per 100 cycles) and often less water compared to lower-rated models. Buying a washing machine with energy efficiency class A therefore leads to noticeably lower running costs over the entire lifespan of the appliance.

Is a washing machine with a steam function worth it?

A steam function can be worthwhile for two reasons. Firstly, it enhances hygiene, as the hot steam can effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and allergens from the laundry. Secondly, the steam reduces wrinkles in textiles, which can significantly decrease the subsequent ironing effort. This feature is particularly recommended for allergy sufferers, families with small children, or anyone who values easy-care clothing.

How do I find the right drum size for my household?

As a rule of thumb for choosing the right drum size (load capacity), you can use your household size as a guide:

• 1–2 people: A capacity of 6–7 kg is generally sufficient.
• 3–4 people: Models with 8–9 kg offer enough space for the weekly laundry volume.
• 5+ people or households with a lot of laundry: A capacity of 10 kg or more is recommended, as with a 12 kg washing machine, to reduce the number of wash cycles.