A guide to energy-efficiency ratings on washing machines
If you’re looking for a washing machine that’s kinder to both the planet and your energy bills, understanding energy efficiency ratings is key. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best option:
What do the ratings mean?
Washing machines are rated on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. The new system replaced the old A+++, A++, and A+ ratings to make things clearer.
What else should you look for?
Annual energy consumption – Shown in kWh, this tells you how much energy the machine typically uses in a year. Lower is better. Often, manufacturers display price per 100 washes. We’ve doubled that in this article, assuming your washing machine is used more than twice per week.
Water usage – Look for machines that use less water per cycle.
Eco modes – Many machines have settings designed to wash efficiently at lower temperatures.
Load sensors – These adjust water and energy use based on the size of your load, stopping waste.
Read next: Best laundry sheets
Do energy-efficient washing machines make a difference to your bills?
Washing machines are responsible for a significant portion of household energy and water use, so selecting an efficient model can save you money.
Machines with a higher energy rating (like A or B) use less electricity and water per wash, meaning lower running costs. They might cost a bit more initially, but when the savings add up over time, the differences can be significant.
An A-rated machine, for example, could use as much as 30% less energy than a lower-rated model, saving £50 or more a year on electricity alone. Take into account water savings and the benefits are larger still. In this guide, we’ve calculated the cost per year based on electricity charged at 25p per kWH, but fuel prices are known to fluctuate so your savings will change in line with Ofgem’s energy price cap.
Many energy-efficient washing machines also offer eco modes and load sensors, which help preserve waste by altering water and energy consumption according to the size of the load. Washing at lower temperatures (like 30C instead of 40C or 60C) can also make a big difference without compromising on cleanliness.
So, although the reduction might not appear very significant for each load, over a year - or the life of the machine - an energy-efficient washer could pay for itself in lower bills while being better for the environment, as well.
Are energy-efficient washing machines good for the environment?
Energy-efficient washing machines are beneficial for the environment due to their reduced energy and water consumption. These appliances can use up to 30% less energy compared to traditional models, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation.
Additionally, many energy-efficient machines, particularly front-loaders, consume less water per load. They often require less detergent, minimising chemical runoff into local waterways and reducing packaging waste.
Their durability typically leads to longer lifespans, resulting in fewer appliances ending up in landfills.
Do energy-efficient washing machines perform well?
Energy-efficient washing machines can perform just as well - if not better - than standard models.
In the design process, manufacturers have investigated and evaluated new technologies, such as eco modes and load sensors, to improve efficiency without compromising on results. Many of the latest machines have been extensively researched, tested, and vetted before they go on sale to ensure they deliver a powerful clean while using less electricity and water.
What’s the best energy-efficient washing machine to buy?
The Samsung Series 5 WW80CGC04DABEU ecobubble with SmartThings Washing Machine, 8kg 1400rpm is highly regarded among Mumsnet readers for its exceptional energy efficiency and performance. This model uses innovative EcoBubble technology, which generates bubbles that help detergent penetrate fabrics more effectively, ensuring a thorough clean even in cold water. This not only saves energy but also protects your clothes
If you’re on a lower budget, the best inexpensive energy-efficient washing machine to buy is the Beko EnergySpin™ BM3WT3941W 9kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm. Beko machines tend to last a long time, making them excellent value per spin. This one also has several quick-wash programs, including one that takes just 28 minutes.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
To begin our search for the best energy-efficient washing machine, we turned to the Mumsnet forums to tap into the experiences of our 10 million Mumsnetters. We know that energy efficiency is a key concern for families looking to cut down on bills while reducing their environmental impact. By reviewing discussions on the forums, we identified the washing machines that parents found to be genuinely cost-effective, high-quality, long-lasting, and efficient in their water and electricity usage.
We also scrutinised any negative feedback, where Mumsnet users reported machines that fell short on efficiency claims, had high running costs, or failed to clean clothes properly. These machines were excluded from our final vetted recommendations.
Expert opinions
Next, we extensively researched and considered trusted industry experts to ensure that the products we recommend meet high standards of energy efficiency. We researched washing machines on the Energy Savings Trust website to find out about water usage and running costs. Additionally, we investigated recommendations from consumer organisations like Which? to confirm that our picks offer superior performance while using less power and water.
Verified customer reviews
To provide a well-rounded perspective, we also analysed and weighed up verified customer reviews from leading retailers such as Amazon, Argos, and Currys. By assessing real, honest user feedback, we could determine whether the washing machines performed efficiently in everyday use, lived up to their energy-saving claims, and were durable over time
Why you should trust us
We’ve worked hard to make Mumsnet a place where parents can come together and share what makes their lives easier. Since 2000, we’ve tested, reviewed, and recommended thousands of products, always with real parents in mind.
We don’t just go with the hype. We spend hours scrolling through Mumsnet forums, checking bestseller lists, and digging into expert opinions to find products that genuinely work. If a washing machine, pushchair, or gadget gets the thumbs-up from our users, you know it’s worth considering.
We’re always upfront about where our recommendations come from. If we wouldn’t recommend it to our own friends, we won’t suggest it to you. And while we sometimes earn a small commission if you buy through our links, we don’t make a penny if you return it. We’ll always be completely honest, sharing what we don’t like about a product as well as the features that impress us and other Mumsnetters.
About the author
Zoe Griffin is a mum of four and content writer at Mumsnet, specialising in home essentials and appliances. She’s been a journalist for 15 years and has written for The Daily Telegraph, Mail Online, Sunday Mirror and The Independent. Originally a showbiz journalist and an original 3am gossip column girl, Zoe made the switch to parenting and lifestyle content when she had her first son in 2016.
On a mission to simplify household chores so she can spend more time doing things she enjoys, Zoe loves to test household products that make life easier (and laundry piles smaller). When she’s not writing, she’s practicing karate with her seven year old daughter, cheering on Brentford FC, or squeezing in an early morning run or gym session.