Best 9kg Washing Machines

A 7kg drum may be the standard size, but a 9kg washing machine is the most popular capacity on the market and the best way to get the most out of your appliance. With some washers rocking a lifespan of up to 10 years, a 9kg drum is the optimal size for large-sized families, frequent washers, and young families and couples looking to futureproof.

Unlike smaller washing machines, a 9kg will be able to keep up with the growing demands of family life with enough space to wash a huge 45 shirts in one wash or even a king-size duvet without the risk of overloading.

But with so many models on the market, which are the best? We've found the best 9kg washing machines with impressive specs, great energy efficiency, and a range of programmes to give your clothes the intense clean with the care they deserve.

Which Spin Speed Is Best For A Washing Machine?

The range of maximum spin speeds in the UK varies between 1000rpm (rotations per minute) and 1600rpm. An increased spin speed will give you dryer clothes at the end of your cycle, less residual water trapped in your garments, and reduce the time clothes need to be in the washing machine with quicker cycles.

However, a faster spin could result in a louder machine due to the vibrations and could impact the amount of energy used to achieve the quick rotations. It's also worth checking your wardrobe materials, synthetics and cotton can handle a fast speed, but wool and delicates will require more specialised care.

The ideal maximum spin speed for a washing machine is 1400rpm as it balances performance, time and cost. However, if you can find a machine that pairs a 1600rpm with an A-class energy rating, low noise, and you have a cotton or synthetic-heavy wardrobe, you're on to a winner.

Our Top Picks:

1. Multiple Settings: Samsung ecoBubbleWW90T554DAE

2. Affordable Pick: LG V3 F4V308WNW AI DD 9kg Freestanding Washing Machine

3. Works Well: Samsung ecoBubbleWW90TA046AH

4. Simple Usage: Haier Series 4 HWQ90B416FWB-UK

5. Low Noise: Bosch WAU28T64GB

Samsung ecoBubbleWW90T554DAE

Pros:

• Varied and helpful features that you can't find in other machines

• Easy to use

• Very energy-efficient

Cons:

• The buttons are very sensitive

Our Thoughts: Programmes include a 15-minute quick wash, delicates, economy wash, extra rinse, and wool, to name a few. Designed to work around you, the accompanying SmartThings app will recommend settings based on what you're washing and lets you choose the time you want your wash to end.

LG V3 F4V308WNW AI DD 9kg Freestanding Washing Machine

Pros:

• Melody alert when finished

• Quick wash cleans well and efficiently

• Easy to use

Cons:

• With the AI, the machine doesn't display a cycle time until the drum has begun to spin to gauge the weight

Our Thoughts: LG's DirectDrive technology helps you to save energy while still delivering great washing results with the AI analysing each load and adjusting the setting to suit. It'll minimise noise and vibration, optimise the washing motion, and offer your clothes intelligent care with reportedly 18 per cent more fabric protection. Alongside this, the washer has 14 specific programmes, including baby care, duvet, a speedy 14-minute cycle, sportswear, and built-in tub clean.

Samsung ecoBubbleWW90TA046AH

Pros:

• Quiet,

• Lots of settings, including efficient short cycles

• Easy-to-use control panel

Cons:

• Only a two-year warranty

Our Thoughts: Whether it's cotton, synthetics, or baby clothes, the Bubble Soak feature will loosen dirt for an extra thorough clean, or you could use the Hygiene Steam cycle to remove up to 99.9% of common bacteria, all while the ecoBubble generator gets detergent right to the fibres without the need for higher temperatures. Not only that, but this machine has A-class energy efficiency and a quiet spin cycle and comes available in white or graphite to match your other kitchen appliances.

Haier Series 4 HWQ90B416FWB-UK

Pros:

• Energy-efficient

• Variable temperature options

• 14 minutes cycle for a quick refresh of clothes

Cons:

• Vibrates quite a lot during a spin cycle

Our Thoughts: Energy-efficient and with a maximum spin speed of 1600rpm, you can expect dryer clothes when unloading, great for a quick laundry turnaround. Despite the fast spin, this machine is still quiet with a max noise level of 76dB. Available programmes include a 14-minute quick wash, a sports programme, a steam programme and an easy-iron function.

Bosch WAU28T64GB

Pros:

• Option to half the time of long-wash programmes

• Quiet

• Easy to clean detergent drawer

Cons:

• Not the most energy-efficient

Our Thoughts: Quiet and reliable, the Serie 6 may not have the highest energy rating, but it is fitted with ActiveWater Plus, that'll calculate how much water is needed for each load to save you energy and money. Some of its fantastic functions include SpeedPerfect to reduce wash cycles by 65 per cent, Reload to add missed clothing into a cycle, and DrumClean, that'll remove bacteria and keep your machine in tip-top condition.

Is A Bigger Washing Machine Better?

If you have a smaller household, you could always look at a washing machine under £300, but if you are still unsure whether it's worth investing in a 9kg machine at this time, here are the pros and cons of a larger washing machine to help you decide:

Pros

• Larger washing machines tend to be more energy-efficient compared to smaller machines.

• You can wash more at once, saving you valuable time and reducing running costs over time.

• You can expect a faster spin speed with larger washing machines tending to have a maximum spin speed of 1400rpm or 1600rpm.

• Washing less frequently, thanks to the larger capacity, will reduce machine wear and tear.

Cons

• A larger washing machine typically has a more expensive initial cost, depending on available features.

• Larger machines tend to be deeper than smaller machines. They can still fit beneath your kitchen counter, but the larger the washer, the more likely it is to protrude.

• Larger machines' wash cycles tend to last longer than smaller machines, though some machines have quick wash programmes and cycle-shortening rapid options to help combat this.

Eleanor Weaver is a Commercial Content Writer for titles such as Yours, A Modern Kitchen and Mother&Baby.