If you’re in the market for a small washing machine, this guide is for you! Small washing machines are great if you’re short of space or have a small family.
In the UK, washing machines that are small in size and capacity can be hard to find. Finding a good one can be even trickier. After searching exhaustively for the best options available in the UK, we settled for five top-rated machines with load capacities ranging from 3-6kgs.
To assist you in your choice let’s take a detailed look at what they have to offer and what they may be lacking.
If you’re in a hurry, we recommend you check out the Haden HW1206 – our overall top small washing machine in the UK. You can jump to this section by clicking its entry in the table of contents below.
Table of Contents
What is a small washing machine?
There are several definitions for small washing machines. After all, what I consider small could be big for you, right? At Washing Wizard, we qualify a washing machine to be small if its physical size is smaller than standard and if the load capacity is 3-6kg or smaller.
These machines are designed for small households of 1-3 people. Also, they’re best suited for homes where space is limited given their small frames which allow them to fit in more compact spaces. The 3kg and 5kg capacity machines are the rarest to find. On the other hand, there’s a big pool of 6kg machines to choose from. Indeed, it’s no coincidence that 3 out of 5 of those selected here fall into this category.
If you’re not sure about which size of machine best suits your needs, here’s how to estimate the size of your average load of washing:
1kg of laundry = 5 shirts OR 1 shirt + 1 pair of denim OR 2 bath towels
Using this estimate:
- 3kg washing machines can hold 15 shirts OR 3 shirts + 3 pairs of denim OR 6 bath towels
- 4kg washing machines can wash 20 shirts OR 4 shirts + 4 pairs of denim OR 8 bath towels
- 6kg washing machines can clean 30 shirts OR 6 shirts + 6 pairs of denim OR a dozen bath towels
The physical size and weight of these machines may also differ slightly from each other based on the load capacity. Expect a 6kg to occupy a bit more space and weigh heavier than a 3kg machine. Washing machines with bigger capacities are also likely to have more features and programmes than their smaller siblings.
Why choose a small washing machine?
When space is in short supply and laundry has to be done, a small washing machine can be the perfect solution. Small homes such as condominiums, vacation getaways, and studio apartments often lack a dedicated laundry area or ample space to accommodate full-sized washing machines. This is where their smaller alternatives come in.
The following are five reasons you might want to go for a small washing machine.
1. Space Saving
Most small washing machines are the size of an average dishwasher, which means they can fit in tiny spaces quite seamlessly. This explains why their rising popularity among apartment dwellers and owners of other smaller homes.
2. Affordability
The vast majority of small washing machines are cheaper to buy than traditional washers. They’re also generally more efficient and will help you save a lot of money in utility bills in the long run.
3. Suited to small families
The most common size of households in the UK is two people, while the second most common is one person. Such small homes have less laundry, meaning a small size washing machine is a more pragmatic acquisition for them.
4. Energy saving
Most small washing machines are designed to consume less energy. Even then, be sure to check the energy rating label and only go for those with high ratings – preferably A or B. It will save you money down the road.
5. Stackable
Are you looking for ways to save floor space in your jampacked home? How about stacking your small washing machine on top of other machines like a dryer. However, you’ll need to consider a few factors, including your height, the height of the ceiling and whether your machine is a front or top loader.
The disadvantages of a small washing machine
Like anything else, small washing machines, despite offering multiple benefits as we’ve seen earlier, come with their fair share of downsides.
1. Not suited to large families
Do you have a mid-sized or large household of four or more people? A small washing machine will likely not cut it for you. Chances are you pile up a ton of laundry every week, and this could be more than the recommended capacity the machine can wash.
2. Washing large items
Yours could be a small household of 1-2 people, but if you want to wash large items like bed sheets, blankets and duvets, a small washing machine might not help much. For example, a king-size duvet is best washed in a 9kg-13kg washer, while the smallest washing machine has a capacity of only 3kg.
If you’re reconsidering your decision to buy a small machine, check out our guide on the best integrated washing machines in the UK. These come with bigger capacities whilst still offering you huge savings both in space and energy.
What to look for when buying a small machine?
When buying a small washing machine, you should be guided by several factors to ensure your choice suits your unique needs and preferences. Here are four essential features you can’t afford to ignore.
Front or top loader?
When buying a small washing machine, you can choose between a top loader and a front loader. Front loaders generally consume less energy and water than their top loading equivalents. However, they’re more expensive and have a shorter life span.
On the other hand, top loaders are gentler on fabrics and therefore slow down wear and tear on clothes. The best small size washing machines are top loaders.
Economy
Power bills are every washing machine user’s biggest worry. When shopping for your washer, be sure to look at its energy efficiency class. A is the most energy-efficient while G is the least. A small machine with an A label will be more expensive than its G-rated equivalent. But the energy savings you’ll get with the former in the long run will be worth more than the extra price you paid for it.
Capacity
Yes, you’re buying a small washing machine, but that doesn’t mean it should be too small to do any good. Take some time to ensure that the machine you’re about to buy matches the amount of washing you usually need to wash.
Special features
Just because you’re going for a small washing machine doesn’t mean you should compromise on the performance. Most of these machines pack just as many top of the range features as their bigger siblings including:
- Quick wash – a useful feature that helps you wash your not-so-dirty clothes for between 14-30 minutes.
- Child lock – a safety feature meant for households with small children. It prevents them from opening the drum or changing programmes mid-cycle.
- Load balancing – most advanced small washing machines can automatically detect the size of the load and control the amount of water, detergent and time needed to wash them clean.
No 1: Haden HW1206
Haden HW1206 model details |
|
| Price (£) | 239 |
| Energy rating | A++ |
| Water usage (litres) | Not provided |
| Spin speed (rpm) | 1200 |
| Load Capacity (kg) | 6 |
| Special programmes | Quick 15 minute wash, Delicates, Prewash |
| Dimensions (cm) | H85 x W59.5 x D47 |
No 2: Casart 4.5kg Capacity Washing Machine
Casart model details |
|
| Price (£) | 237.95 |
| Energy rating | Not given |
| Water usage (litres) | 9000 |
| Spin speed (rpm) | Not given |
| Load capacity (kg) | 4.5 |
| Special programmes | Fast, Blanket, Soak&Wash, Rinse&Spin |
| Dimensions (cm) | H85 x W50 x D50 |
No 3: Zanussi ZWC1301
Zanussi ZWC1301 model details |
|
| Price (£) | 459 |
| Energy rating | F |
| Water usage (litres) | 8580 |
| Spin speed (rpm) | 1300 |
| Load Capacity (kg) | 3 |
| Special programmes | Quick Wash, Auto Half Load Function, 24-Hour Delay Timer |
| Dimensions (cm) | H67 x W49.5 x D51.5 |
Best Budget: Amica WME610
Amica WME610 model details |
|
| Price (£) | 199.97 |
| Energy rating | E |
| Water usage (litres) | Not given |
| Spin speed (rpm) | 1000 |
| Load Capacity (kg) | 6 |
| Special programmes | Extra rinse, 15 minute quick wash |
| Dimensions (cm) | H85 x W59.5 x D40 cm |
Conclusion
Finding a small washing machine that suits your available space, budget and laundry needs can be a challenge for anyone. Remember to think carefully about what you need before making your choice. Having a clear idea of what you’re looking for will help you get a great deal and a machine that’ll last for many years to come.