Choosing a new washing machine

[ThingOne]

I've been looking at which and looking at reliable suppliers such as John Lewis and some local shops. But none of the best buys I've looked at so far seem to be sold by them. Nor have their products been tested by which. Aaargh!

How do you research and decide things like this?

FWIW I have £500.

I just bought a samsung from the co-op website. It is really really good. I asked the local engineer which make to buy as he obviously repairs them all the time - he recommended samsung. Our old one was a hotpoint (never like it but it did last 8 years. It even has a hot air cycle for refreshing pillows and dry clean only things.
It has A energy use and takes 8kg loads.