5 Most Energy Efficient Washing Machines

Here’s good news for your household bills and the planet: the latest washing machines can use up to 50% less water and 30% less electricity than older models. Since many households will do about 400 loads a year (more, if you have kids), then an energy-efficient washing machine will really pay for itself.  

But why is one washing machine more energy-efficient than another? What are some of the best models in the market, and what features should you consider as you choose the best one for your family?  

In this article, let’s take a closer look at the latest washing machine technology, and why it can make your clothes cleaner, and your home become “greener.”

Here’s our list of Best Washing Machines for Energy Efficiency

1. Samsung Series 5 Ecobubble Washing Machine
2. Haier i-Pro Washing Machine Energy A
3. LG TrueSteam™ FH4G1BCS2

1. Samsung Series 5 Ecobubble™ WW90TA046AE

Key specifications:

• Type of washing machine: Front Loading
• Maximum load capacity: 8 kilograms
• Energy efficiency: A+++
• Physical specs: 60 x 85 x 55 cm
• Net weight: 65 kilograms

The Samsung Series 5 Ecobubble is a front-loading washing machine that uses the patented EcoBubble technology, which features a bubble generator that helps detergent dissolve better and injects air to get rich and effective foam.

That technology brings lots of benefits. The cleaning agents are able to penetrate your faster, and need less hot water (and even less detergent) to get a really good clean. Plus, the foam cushions your clothes while they tumble in the wash—so you can add even delicate clothing to your regular wash cycle.

You can select the Super Eco Wash program for even greater energy efficiency. It will set the water temperature at just 15°C, but will achieve the same kind of results you would get with a 40°C wash using a regular machine. Use this for garments that have only been lightly soiled.

And unlike other machines, even when you use the Samsung Series 5’s 40°C settings (like when you’re cleaning very dirty, heavy clothes), the power usage goes up by just  0.26kW. Impressive!

Aside from its energy efficiency, we also liked its ease of use and time-saving features—because you really have better things to do with your day than figuring out your laundry.

The LCD display is very convenient, and with a few taps you can cycle through different programs like Quick Wash (you’re done in 15 minutes!) and Bubble Soak to remove stubborn stains. You can also select anti-allergy settings like the Hygiene Steam, which will kill 99.9% of bacteria and inactivate allergens such as dust mites and pollen.   

The Samsung Series 5 Eco Bubble can also be run with an app, which is handy for checking your laundry, adjusting the settings, or troubleshooting when your machine suddenly won’t run. If this is your first time using a smart or digital-enhanced washing machine, you may need time to figure out its features—but trust us, once you got it, it will be a lifesaver.

Another feature we really loved (and you will too, if you live in a small apartment or have a sleeping baby) is its quietness. A lot of washing machines will grind and grumble through their cycle, especially when drying the clothes.

At its loudest, Samsung Series 5 Eco Bubble is only about 35 to 45 decibels—which is quieter than the refrigerator, and is the average sound level of people whispering in a library.

Related: 5 Most Energy Efficient Tumble Dryers

2. Haier i-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14636N

Key specifications

• Type of washing machine: Front Loading
• Maximum load capacity: 10 kilograms
• Energy efficiency: A
• Physical specs: 60 x 85 x 46 cm
• Low noise direct drive motor
• Net weight: 74 kilograms

The Haier brand may not be as familiar to households as Samsung or Hoover, but this quality brand is fast getting a following because of how it provides premium features at a more affordable price.

Its smartest feature (which also makes it very energy-efficient) is that it uses digital internal scales actually to weigh the current load, and then adjusts the optimum amount of water and the length of the wash cycle.

This is a really good choice if you like to do quick batches of laundry during the week (instead of waiting for it to pile up for one big laundry day), or if you’re the type of household where people do their own laundry themselves.

The Haier i-Pro washing machine also has a Direct Motion Motor—unlike other washing machines, the motor does not require a belt but is connected straight to the drum. It uses less energy during operation and is quieter and less likely to break down. However, its noise level can go up to 67dB, so it’s still slightly noisier than the Samsung.

Busy people will also like its stain removal feature, which uses steam to relax the fabric fibres and lift stubborn dirt and stains (yes, even coffee and ink). The steam also makes it a lot easier to iron your clothes—in most cases, you won’t even have to iron at all.

You can also select from 14 different kinds of programs, which you can access straight from the machine (no need to fiddle with an app). We particularly like the Refresh function, which uses micro-vapours to remove both allergens and odours, and removes creases.  

Do you always forget to clean your washing machine? Now, you don’t even have to: its automatic cleaning system (which it calls Smart Dual Spray)  kicks in at the end of each wash cycle.

3. LG TrueSteam™ FH4G1BCS2

Key specifications

• Type of washing machine: Front Loading
• Maximum load capacity: 12 kilograms
• Energy efficiency: A+++
• Physical specs: 60 x 85 x 65.5 cm
• Net weight: 77 kilograms

The LG TrueSteam is one of the best large-capacity, energy-efficient washing machines. It can manage up to 12 kilograms—perfect for big families. You can do a huge load in one go, which in and of itself can save a lot of energy and water.

But aside from that, LG TrueSteam has a patented TurboWash cycle, which combines a jet spray and filtration system. This shortens the typical wash program down to just 49 minutes and uses up to 17% less water and energy, so you’re saving time, natural resources, and money.

The drum can also move in several directions—stepping, scrubbing, tumbling, rolling, and swinging—based on the type of wash program you choose. Your clothes get better and more efficient clean, and you can pick a cycle that is right for the fabric and the amount of dirt.

Wash programs include cotton, mixed fabric, wool, easy care, allergy care, outdoor, stain care, etc.  The Steam Refresh are particularly useful if you’re laundering many office shirts or dresses: it reduces wrinkles and odour and reduces ironing time. You can also use the Steam Softener for clothes that tend to get stiff by washing them with just pure water.    

We like that the programs are fairly straightforward so that you know exactly what to do without having to read the manual (really useful if you’re not really a tech person, or if you want the kids to help out with the laundry). But if you’re looking for more personalized programs, you can connect via wifi to LG ThinQ to download 20 more.

Another very convenient feature is the Pause; Add Item button, which lets you add items like the perennial stray sock or the jacket you missed—which happens a lot more than we’d like to admit.

But most of all, LG has a really fantastic customer service system, and since it’s been around for decades (the brand dates back to 1969) it’ll be very easy to find a repairman, get parts, or even bring it to a certified dealer for maintenance. LG ThinQ also has a Smart Diagnostics function, so you can search for the problem and troubleshoot.

4. Hoover H-WASH 500 HW411AMC/1

Key specifications

• Type of washing machine: Front Loading
• Maximum load capacity: 11 kilograms
• Energy efficiency: A+++
• Physical specs: 60 x 85 x 62 cm
• Net weight: 68 kilograms

The Hoover H-Wash 500 is another good choice for big families since it can handle up to 11 kilograms at a time. It also has the highest rating for energy efficiency, even reaching the A class in the European Union’s new rating system.

It has all the key features of a premium energy-efficient washing machine: an inverter motor that uses less electricity, and smart programs that set the best amount of water and drum motion for a particular kind of laundry.

And as with many of the new generation washing machines, you can digitally connect to an app. But Hoover did a really good job of making the app extra valid for customers.

Aside from being able to add programs (you can find 40 more—one of the highest among the smart washers), you can even check the status of your laundry remotely, and set notifications, so you never forget laundry day.

The app can also suggest how much detergent to use, which saves money on products and water (since the more detergent you add, the more water you need to rinse it out). Over time, it will track your consumption data for all your cycles, so you can improve your habits for more energy efficiency.

Another feature that Hoover added is the Scan to Care function. Take a picture of the clothing item, upload it to app, and then input the washing instructions. It will then recommend the best wash program and give tips on how to care for it. Brilliant!  

5. Beko Aquatech RecycledTub™ B5W51041AW

Key specifications

• Type of washing machine: Front Loading
• Maximum load capacity: 10 kilograms
• Energy efficiency: A+++
• Physical specs: 60 x 84 x 58 cm
• Net weight: 78 kilograms

The Beko Aquatech RecycledTub™ is an excellent choice for people who want a powerful, energy-efficient washing machine that is a bit easier on the budget.

The Aquatech model has many environmentally-friendly features. Aside from using less water and electricity, it’s actually made of recycled plastic bottles—and that’s really rare! It not only reduces waste because of its washing technology, but actively transforms “trash” into a valuable household item. We wish other brands would follow suit.

There are other innovations, too. The Aquatech technology replaces drum movements (which are noisy and can even do long-term damage to the machine) with a smarter use of water. Unlike other brands, the water and detergent are actually cascaded from the top. This is gentler on your machine and your clothes, leading to 50% faster wash times.

The Ironfast technology prevents wrinkles by choosing the right water level, temperature, steam and spinning cycles and more so that your clothes are cleaned without getting unnecessarily rumpled more than they need to. That saves time, but also energy.

If you’re running late and need to squeeze in a load of laundry before you leave, select the Quick Program to finish a full load in less than 30 minutes. You can even plan your laundry times ahead, using the HomeWhiz app.

What makes a washing machine energy efficient?

Washing machines use agitation (or beating clothes around in a lot of water and detergent). Energy-efficient washing machines uses technology so that this process requires a lot less water, or make the agitation process “smarter.” It can determine the best wash cycle, or combines agitation with steam or air jets and bubbles to loosen the dirt.

Powerful washing machines will also remove more water from the clothes so that it needs less time in the dryer, or reduce wrinkles so that you don’t need to iron—saving time, money, and natural resources.

What is a good energy rating for a washing machine?

Energy ratings rank from A to A+++, with A+++ being the highest.

Aside from the actual score (usually displayed on a sticker on the machine), it’s also important to research the features of the washing machine and how it can save energy in everyday life. For example, can you do bigger loads or need to use less detergent? These can add to its energy efficiency in ways that are not reflected in the label.

What’s the average cost to run a washing machine per load in the UK?

It depends on the size of the load and the kind of machine you are using. However, this report by The Sun estimates that based on the cost of water and electricity in the UK, and how most households will do about 270 loads of laundry a year, you can spend about £56.70 a year.

However, families with two adults and two children will have double that amount of laundry: 468 loads to be exact, or around 1.3 loads every single day.  In that case, running a washing machine will cost £98.28 a year.

How can you make washing clothes more energy efficient?

• Washing with cold water
• Air-drying clothes on sunny days instead of using the dryer, or using dryer balls
• Use the lowest possible dryer setting
• Use the highest possible speed wash setting
• Washing full loads—especially if your machine does not adjust the energy or water based on weight
• Clean the washing machine often to remove lint, etc. so that it runs more efficiently

These tips, along with choosing the best energy-efficient washing machine, can help you conserve water and electricity with every laundry load—saving money, and reducing your family’s carbon footprint.