Beko Aquatech® RecycledTub® B5W5841AW Washing Machine review: we put this affordable family washing machine through its paces

Price on writing: £379 | Buy now from Amazon

How we tested

Our tester Chris put this washing machine through its paces in his family home over the course of a month, tackling daily loads of washing including PPE, uniforms and business shirts. Taking detailed notes on the washing machine's user-friendliness, effectiveness against stains and how well it fit into his family's day-to-day life.

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Our verdict

Mumsnet users highly recommend Beko's budget washing machines, consistently naming them their favourite brand for affordable appliances that won't let you down. This model is no different, and while Beko's £300 RecycledTub WTK104121 is an excellent bargain buy, for an extra £80 this machine has premium features that go the extra mile, like app connectivity, AquaTech and SteamCure to smooth out creases.

The machine's AquaTech design ensures high-performance cleaning even on short washes. With tough stains on PPE and work uniforms to contend with, Chris was impressed with how easily the machine dealt with anything thrown at it. Using the StainExpert feature meant his washing came out clean every time.

The washing machine connects via Bluetooth to the HomeWhiz app, allowing you to set schedules and let AI pick the perfect cycle for your laundry.

It's quiet, too, so scheduling a cycle to start in the early hours isn't an issue, nor will it bother you during the day. With an all-purpose Eco cycle clocking in at just under 2 hours long and a Quick Wash of just 28 minutes, it fits nicely in with family life, coping well with both planned and last-minute laundry.

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How easy is the Beko Aquatech® RecycledTub® B5W5841AW Washing Machine to set up and start using?

Chris installed the washing machine himself in less than 20 minutes. His previous one, a Bosch washing machine, had given up the ghost so once installed, he started using it straight away. The control panel is well laid out and easy to understand - there's a dial for selecting a cycle, and a digital display for adding features like a pre-wash or delay timer.

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What's the Beko Aquatech® RecycledTub® B5W5841AW Washing Machine like to use day-to-day?

A busy household with two adult children, the Beko Aquatech® RecycledTub® B5W5841AW Washing Machine got plenty of use. Chris mostly used the Eco 40-60 cycle, which offers a good balance of time, energy-efficiency and higher temperatures to tackle stains.

For minimising the need to get the ironing board out, Chris liked how effective the FastIron programme was. Using steam to reduce creases, this meant his son could get away with not ironing a work shirt if he was in a hurry.

The handwash and delicates cycles both perform well on fabrics that need a little extra TLC. While the machine lacks a dedicated wool cycle, the delicates cycle means your woollens won't come to any harm, though they might take a bit longer to dry.

The machine is quiet, so it doesn't cause a racket whatever time of day it's running. The HomeWhiz app is useful for controlling it remotely, checking whether a cycle has finished and scheduling a wash for later.

Chris used several types of laundry detergent during testing, all giving excellent results. The one criticism he had of the washing machine was the door, which opens and closes comfortably now, but he worries isn't sturdy enough to withstand heavy use over a number of years. Beko stress test their appliances, opening and closing the door of their washing machines 20,000 times during development, so we're hopeful the door will stand the test of time.

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Does the Beko Aquatech® RecycledTub® B5W5841AW Washing Machine offer good value for money?

If there's one thing Mumsnetters love about Beko, it's the brand's exceptional value for money. While cheaper Beko washing machines are available, this one offers premium features you'd expect to find on a much more expensive machine, and still for under £400.

Reliable, energy-efficient and with all the cycles you could need for family life, this machine is a great all-rounder that won't let you down.

What's more, Beko appliances last much longer than their bargain price tags would lead you to believe. I'll hand over to Mumsnet users who can attest to the longevity of their Beko washing machines:

"We have a cheap and cheerful BEKO 10kg. After the 1st year I got a insurance Cover with D&G, for about £4 per month. Its been fine - we had the same problem as you, our old Bosch went bang and we just didn't have the money to replace it. We wash 'builder' work clothes no problem, it's on everyday. Had no problems so far - 3 years on." - brand recommended by Frogsareflyinginfromthewest

"It's fab. Had it 4 years so far and still going strong." - brand recommended by romany4

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing the products Mumsnetters swear by for 3 years, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.