Which washing machines to avoid
Buying a washing machine that turns out to be unreliable, poorly built, or – surprisingly – incapable of washing clothes properly is a costly mistake. Here is what independent testing and decades of industry experience tell us about the warning signs to look for, and how to make a genuinely good choice.
Washing machines to avoid fall into two main categories: those that are poorly built and fail prematurely, and those that perform badly at their core job – washing and rinsing clothes. Independent consumer testing has found a small but real number of models that score so poorly on wash performance that they earn formal “Don’t Buy” warnings. The most reliable protection is checking independent test results, prioritising build quality and reliability over price alone, and avoiding unknown or ultra-budget brands.
The Two Types of Washing Machine to Avoid
Most consumers focus on reliability – will the machine break down? – but independent testing reveals a second, less obvious problem: some washing machines simply do not wash or rinse clothes effectively, regardless of how long they last.
Machines that fail prematurely, require expensive repairs, or are designed with components that cannot be economically replaced. These waste money through repair costs, early replacement, and the inconvenience of breakdowns. This is the most common concern – and the one most consumers think of first.
Machines that fail at their primary purpose – cleaning and rinsing laundry. Independent testing has found models scoring as low as 25-30% on wash performance, removing significantly less soiling than equivalent machines and leaving detergent residue on clothes after rinsing. This is a less commonly discussed problem but a very real one.
A machine can be reliable – lasting many years without breaking down – and still wash poorly. These are independent problems. A thorough pre-purchase check should cover both dimensions, not just one.
Signs of Poor Wash and Rinse Performance
Independent consumer testing has documented specific performance failures in some machines on the market. The warning signs reported include:
- ⚠️Cotton programme removes significantly less soiling than equivalent models at the same price – sometimes 30% or more less effective than a Best Buy machine
- ⚠️Rinsing so poor that detergent residue remains visible on clothes after a full cycle – causing skin irritation and leaving fabric stiff
- ⚠️Synthetic and delicate programmes underperforming compared to independently verified benchmarks for the category
- ⚠️Washer-dryers with poor drying performance – leaving laundry damp or requiring multiple cycles to dry adequately
It is worth noting that poor rinsing is actually a widespread issue across many machines – not just the very worst performers. Modern cold-fill machines use less water than older models, and this affects rinsing ability across the board. Read our detailed analysis: why modern washing machines rinse poorly.
What Makes a Washing Machine Worth Avoiding?
Unknown or ultra-budget brands
Machines from little-known brands – often sold exclusively through discount retailers or online marketplaces – typically lack the engineering investment, quality control, and spare parts support of established manufacturers. Reliability data is limited or absent, and when they fail, parts and repair expertise are often unavailable. Saving £100 upfront on a machine that fails in two years is not a saving at all.
Very cheap machines from established brands
Even well-known manufacturers produce entry-level models at very low price points. These often use lower-quality components, have limited drum capacity, and are designed with less durable bearings and seals. The brand name provides some reassurance – but the entry-level product may not reflect the reliability of the brand’s mid-range range. Always check reviews specific to the model, not just the brand.
Machines with poor independent test results
Independent consumer organisations test washing machines rigorously on wash performance, rinse performance, spin efficiency, energy use, noise, and ease of use. A small number of machines in each testing cycle receive “Don’t Buy” recommendations – meaning they fail to meet the basic standard expected of a product in their category. These machines should be avoided regardless of their price or marketing claims.
Models with poor spare parts availability
A machine that cannot be economically repaired when something goes wrong is effectively disposable – and its real cost of ownership includes an early replacement. Before buying, it is worth checking whether spare parts for the model are readily available and reasonably priced. Some manufacturers restrict parts supply to inflate service costs. Read our guide on right to repair and appliance lifespan for context on this issue.
Washer-dryers with poor drying performance
Washer-dryers are convenient but have inherent design limitations – particularly on drying performance and drying capacity relative to wash capacity. Independent testing has found specific models that perform so poorly on the drying function that they are not fit for purpose as a combined appliance. If a washer-dryer is important to you, check drying performance specifically, not just washing performance. Read our guide: washer-dryer or separate machines?
What to Look For Instead
Rather than focusing only on what to avoid, it is more useful to understand the positive criteria that distinguish a good washing machine from a poor one.
The most important factor. Some brands have consistently stronger long-term reliability than others. This is best assessed through independent consumer surveys tracking real-world failure rates – not manufacturer marketing claims. Read our guide: which is the best washing machine to buy?
Independently verified wash and rinse scores from consumer testing organisations. A machine must at minimum clean and rinse clothes effectively – this should be non-negotiable regardless of price. Poor rinsing is particularly common. Read: why do modern washing machines rinse poorly?
A genuine consideration – but only after reliability and wash performance are confirmed. A highly efficient machine that breaks down early or cleans poorly offers no real saving. Read: energy saving washing machines – what really matters.
A machine that can be repaired when it eventually develops a fault is significantly cheaper to own over its lifetime. Check whether spare parts are available at reasonable cost before buying. See our spare parts guide.
A drum that is too small for your household means more cycles, more energy, and more wear. One that is too large wastes water and energy on partial loads. Match capacity to realistic usage. Read: washing machine drum capacities explained.
Purchase price is only one component of cost. Include expected lifespan, typical repair costs, and running costs in your evaluation. A machine costing £150 more that lasts four years longer is considerably better value. Read: does more expensive mean better?
How to Research Before You Buy
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Check independent test results. Consumer testing organisations test washing machines rigorously and publish both “Best Buy” recommendations and “Don’t Buy” warnings. Their washing and rinsing performance scores are particularly valuable – these are things that cannot be assessed from the appliance itself in a shop. Access typically requires a subscription, but it is well worth the cost before a major purchase.
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Look up reliability data by brand. Some organisations track real-world reliability rates by manufacturer – what percentage of machines from each brand develop a fault within a given number of years. This is more useful than testing a single model in isolation. Our guide covers what is known: which is the best washing machine to buy?
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Read owner reviews – critically. User reviews on retailer websites are useful but should be read with caution. Very recent reviews may not reflect long-term reliability. Look for patterns in negative reviews – repeated mentions of specific faults after one to two years are more meaningful than isolated complaints. Ignore reviews that comment only on delivery or packaging.
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Check spare parts availability. Search for the model number on spare parts websites. If parts are readily available at reasonable prices, the machine is more economically repairable. If parts are scarce or very expensive, factor that into your decision. See our spare parts guide.
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Avoid buying on price alone. The cheapest machine in a category is often cheap for a reason. Equally, the most expensive is not automatically the most reliable or best performing. Focus on the specific model’s test results and reliability record – not the brand name or price tag in isolation. Read: does more expensive mean better?
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Consider how long the machine needs to last. A machine bought for a rented property may have different requirements from one bought for a family home. Factor in realistic lifespan expectations and the cost of repair or early replacement when evaluating total cost. Read: how long should a washing machine last?
Red Flags When Buying Any Washing Machine
If a model has not been independently tested by a consumer organisation, there is no objective performance data. This is common with very new models, budget brands, and some own-brand retailer products. Proceed with caution.
Some brands have consistently weaker reliability records than others across multiple years of consumer surveys. If a brand frequently appears in “brands to avoid” lists based on failure rate data, pay attention to that pattern.
Search for the model number on major spare parts sites before buying. If parts are absent or listed but perpetually “out of stock”, repair after a fault may be impossible or very expensive.
A machine significantly cheaper than comparable models from established brands usually has lower-quality components, fewer programme options, or both. The true cost includes the likely repair or replacement cost within a few years.
Exclusive retailer own-brand or white-label machines are often made by lesser-known manufacturers with limited quality control and no independent reliability track record. Research carefully before buying.
A page of five-star reviews commenting only on “easy delivery” and “looks great” without substantive feedback on washing performance after several months of use is not useful evidence of a reliable machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which washing machines to avoid?
The most reliable source is independent consumer testing, which rigorously assesses washing performance, rinsing, spin efficiency, energy use, and noise – and issues formal “Don’t Buy” warnings for machines that fail to meet acceptable standards. Access to full test results typically requires a subscription, but it represents excellent value before making a major purchase. Whitegoods Help also covers brand reliability, repairability, and performance issues across many articles – see our washing machine buying guide.
Can a washing machine really fail to wash clothes properly?
Yes – and it is more common than most consumers realise. Independent testing has found machines scoring as low as 25-30% on cotton wash performance, removing significantly less soiling than equivalent Best Buy machines. Some machines also rinse so poorly that detergent residue remains on clothes after a full cycle. These are not obscure budget brands – some have been named models from recognised manufacturers. Always check wash and rinse performance scores before buying.
Are cheap washing machines worth buying?
It depends on the specific machine. Some budget machines from established brands offer reasonable performance and adequate reliability for lighter use. Others are genuinely poor – cutting corners on components that affect longevity and wash performance. The purchase price is only part of the cost – a cheap machine that needs replacing in three years costs more overall than a reliable mid-range machine lasting ten. Read our analysis: does more expensive mean better?
What is the most reliable washing machine brand?
Reliability varies not just by brand but by model and price range within a brand. Some manufacturers – particularly premium European brands – have consistently stronger reliability records, but even these produce models that underperform. Long-term reliability data from consumer surveys is the most useful guide. Our independent analysis of brand reliability covers what is known: which is the best washing machine to buy?
What should I prioritise when choosing a washing machine?
In order of importance: (1) reliability and build quality – the single biggest driver of long-term cost; (2) wash and rinse performance – the machine must do its basic job properly; (3) value across the full expected lifespan – not just purchase price; (4) energy efficiency – useful as a tiebreaker between otherwise comparable machines; (5) drum capacity matched to your actual usage. See our full guide: washing machine buying guide.
Is a washer-dryer a good alternative to separate machines?
Washer-dryers offer convenience where space is limited, but they have real limitations – drying capacity is typically half the wash capacity, drying times are longer than a dedicated dryer, and some models perform poorly on the drying function. Independent testing has found specific models where the drying performance was so poor the machine was not fit for purpose as a combined unit. Read our full comparison: washer-dryer or separate machines?
Our independent buying guides cover reliability, performance, energy efficiency, and value – everything you need to make a confident decision.
I found a similar issue with washing machines Sector-9. I’ve seen badged washing machines that are identical apart from name and cosmetics get very different reviews in Which?
Years ago I worked for a UK laptop manufacturer (well, assembly plant -everything is made in China to begin with) and asked the MD why we didn’t send them to magazines to review. He said they tried it once, and the magazine compared it against a HP-badged laptop of the same chassis (both made by Arima in Taiwan, both identical model numbers but badged either for us or for HP), yet in all the subjective (i.e. not measurable and verifiable) areas the HP came out on top. Things like it “having a much more pleasant keyboard to type on” despite the fact this chassis only came with one type of keyboard and only the key layout changed depending on the language of the intended market (the UK keyboard in the HP would have been exactly the same as the one in ours because Arima simply didn’t offer any other styles or types to buy). He concluded that the HP won, not because it was a better machine, but because HP pay for full-page adverts in the magazine and we didn’t. As the cover price of a magazine nowhere near covers the true cost of an issue (most of their income is from advertising) and quite sensibly the magazine didn’t want to risk the ire of a large source of that – biting the hand that feeds as it would have been – they awarded the HP version the higher score even though in reality they were identical machines.
Hi Frank. Thanks for having a look. Yes I’m an affiliate of Which? and recommend them a lot though ultimately some articles may be written by people who essentially research like journalists do rather than by people who have a lot of direct experience in the subject. That’s why I hope my site offers something different but equally valid because I write from direct experience.
I too have disagreed with some of the stuff which I have great knowledge about and various other things, but ultimately there is a lot of extremely useful advice and resources there and no one has more respect than Which?
I think the big (and important) difference between the ones you mention and Which? is that Which? is a registered charity and a not for profit organisation. I don’t think most people realise this and I only realised myself relatively recently. Profits are ploughed back into consumer interests and services for members. As such they are one of the most trustworthy sources of consumer information because they are completely independent. There are no shareholders or owners behind them focusing on profits and the only people they have to please are their members. However, they do still need to make profits to survive.
I agree totally that any scheme recommending traders where the traders pay to join is fatally flawed, but Which?’s Find a local repairman service is completely free for members to use and traders pay nothing. A trader can only be listed if a member personally recommends them. So as far as I can see it beats any other such service because there’s no vested interest other than to offer a good service for members.
Likewise even their switch energy suppliers system is the best because despite having some financial agreements in place with many of the energy companies they return the cheapest supplier for members even if they have no financial arrangement whereas as far as I know all the other switch services only tell you about the ones they get commission for.
They won’t be perfect but I do have high confidence in them :)
Hello there,
I just heard about your website on Radio 4 (12pm 12thMay2014) so I thought I’d have a look. The first thing I notice is that your recommending ‘Which’. Which has always been a great idea but like ‘Checkatrades’ and latterly ‘Rate it’ they appear to be in the business to make money more than provide genuinely good information.
I guess that reading Which is better than nothing IF you have absolutely no knowledge of the specific items BUT take it with a large pinch of salt as I remember reading something in a Which magazine, about which I was quite knowledgeable. What I read was absolute rubbish and nonsense…..so beware; all these groups are obviously in the business to make money. They are NOT altruistic groups and have other agendas.
regards,
Frank
PS ‘Other opinions are available’