Which washing machine brand is the most reliable?

We investigated the performance and reliability of some of the most popular washing machine brands, including Bosch, Hotpoint and Miele.

In our unique large-appliance survey, we ask more than 6,000 Which? members and members of the public if they are happy with their washing machine and whether they’ve experienced problems, so you can see which brands are worth the money.

Already decided on a washing machine brand? Discover the best washing machines to make sure you get a top-scoring model.

Which washing machine brands develop the fewest faults?

This table summarises what we found about how quickly washing machine brands develop faults, based on washing machines bought in the past seven years.

Which? members can log in to view which washing machine brands are the most and least reliable, and which ones our members are most satisfied with. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

To compare all the models we've tested, head to our washing machine reviews – you can filter by brand, drum capacity, Best Buy recommendations and more.

Which washing machine brands do owners recommend?

As well as faults, our survey also revealed which washing machine brands owners feel happy with – and which they would recommend to a friend.

These results are shown as each brand's Customer Score, and are based on washing machines bought in the past seven years.

Which? members can log in to view which washing machine brands last the longest before they need to be replaced. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Read our washing machine reviews and use the Eco Buy filter to find a great replacement for your home.

The three most common washing machine faults

More than 6,000 owners told us about the reliability track record of the washing machines in their homes. 

You've let us in on the problems and niggles that yours have caused over the years, from blocked filters to electrical faults – but here are the three you encountered the most.

1. Drum or drum bearings problem (14% of all faults)

If you hear an unusual, grinding noise while your washing machine's running, it could be that the drum or drum bearings are damaged. If the bearings are no longer keeping the drum stable, it'll move around excessively within the outer tub. Another simple way to test for worn-down bearings is to spin the drum by hand when it's empty. If it makes an unusual amount of noise, they likely need replacing. 

Once you've checked to make sure there aren't any obvious causes for the strange noise – a lost coin, for example, or a bit of bra underwire lodged somewhere it shouldn't be – it's likely time to call in a professional. This isn't a job for DIY novices because you run the risk of exacerbating the damage and turning it into a much pricier fix.

2. Broke down for no obvious reason (12%)

This is another problem that will likely require professional help – 19% of owners with faulty washing machines simply couldn't work out why their model broke down at all. 

If this happens to you, the first thing to do is switch your machine off at the wall before you start investigating further. Have a quick check of the power plug and breaker, look for any obviously broken knobs or controls and test that the door is closing properly. 

If you turn your washing machine on and it tries and fails, it could be that your motor has given up, which isn't something you can repair at home without additional help. If you're within your warranty period, it's always worth contacting your manufacturer and getting them to come and make an assessment before you work out what to do next.

3. Not washing properly (7%)

A washing machine that stops cleaning your clothes is far from ideal, but it happens more often than you might think.

It's often caused by a blocked detergent line or tray, preventing detergent from reaching your clothes and washing them properly. To add to the problem, if a blockage exists anywhere in the machine, then detergent, germs and potentially even mould could begin to build up and transfer to your laundry. Thoroughly clean your detergent drawer and filter to rule this out as the cause.

Your machine may also struggle to wash properly if you're squeezing too many items into one load – this means there's no room for the detergent to disperse and dirt will get trapped between your clothes. Make sure you're selecting the correct wash cycle for the items in the drum, too, as this can make a real difference.

Need some tips on keeping your washing machine spick and span? Head to our guide on how to clean a smelly washing machine.

How easy is it to repair a washing machine?

Some of the most common faults reported by owners in our survey can be solved very easily using a few basic tools or by tinkering with elements of the hardware, saving you from calling in a professional unnecessarily. 

Take a look at our guide to common washing machine faults or check your appliance's instruction manual for a troubleshooting guide.

For more serious issues, you might need to speak to an expert to avoid doing any further damage to your machine. Equally, if you're experiencing recurrent problems, it could be worth assessing whether you need to bite the bullet and invest in a new appliance – check our washing machine reviews to find the right model for you.

If you need professional help, search Which? Trusted Traders to find an approved local trader.

Which washing machine brands offer the best guarantees?

Most washing machines offer product guarantees of one or two years as standard, but there are a handful of brands that offer a more generous length of cover, including:

• Blomberg – three-year guarantee as standard.
• John Lewis – three-year guarantee as standard.
• LG – five-year guarantee on selected laundry products, so check before you buy.
• Siemens – extended 'lifetime' guarantee against water damage caused by a defective AquaStop system, if you buy a machine with AquaStop technology.

A large number of manufacturers also offer extended guarantees on washing machine motors as standard, most often around 10 years. Some will also cover your labour costs for longer than one or two years, but you'll have to fork out for the parts yourself.

You have legal rights if you have a faulty product. Find out how to get a refund, repair or replacement.

How we discover the most reliable washing machine brands

Which? has a wealth of information on Britain's favourite brands. Every year, we ask Which? members to tell us about the home appliances they own – from how likely they would be to recommend a brand, to how reliable the products are once they get them home.

This year, 10,249 Which? Connect Panel members and members of the public told us about more than 33,000 individual products, from washing machines to fridge freezers and vacuum cleaners. We calculate each brand's customer score, fault rate and reliability rating using the results of our annual survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best washing machine to buy.

For more on our tests and what it takes to be a Which? Best Buy, read how we test washing machines.