Can a washing machine make laundry feel like less of a weekday battle? Spoiler: yes — if it has Wi‑Fi, brains and a soft spot for your favourite jumper.
Laundry doesn’t have to eat your week. Modern smart washers save time, energy and the occasional ruined sweater.
We tested models with Wi‑Fi, AutoDose, steam and AI energy modes. We’ll tell you which ones keep clothes looking great, cut bills and actually make family life easier.
Top Picks
AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare Softwater Washer
This model stands out for fabric protection with its softwater AbsoluteCare system, delivering excellent colour preservation and gentle cleaning. It’s a premium choice for families who prioritise garment longevity and advanced care technology.
What sets this AEG apart
We view the AEG 9000 as a specialist machine targeted at people who want to protect their clothing investment. The integrated softwater and AbsoluteCare systems aim to reduce colour fading and shape loss, which can be particularly valuable in hard-water areas or for wardrobes with delicate textiles.
Standout features
Practical considerations and real-world use
In our experience the machine is well-suited to households that value fabric care over absolute capacity. If you regularly wash delicate or high-value garments, the protective benefits can extend clothing life and keep colours brighter over time. The trade-offs are a higher purchase cost and the fact that the softwater advantage is most perceptible in hard-water regions; customers on soft water may notice less dramatic gains. Still, as a long-term investment in garment care, it’s one of the strongest options here.
Samsung Series 5 11kg AI Energy Washer
An intelligent, well-rounded machine that shines on energy efficiency and durability thanks to AI Energy mode and a long motor warranty. It blends generous drum space with proven Samsung features for dependable daily use.
What this washer is for
We find this Samsung ideal for households wanting modern features that reduce running costs and fuss. AI Energy mode and SpaceMax drum design mean you get a large load capacity while keeping consumption and external dimensions sensible. The long-term motor warranty gives extra reassurance for buyers who expect their appliance to last.
Notable features and benefits
Practical notes and usage tips
We recommend measuring your installation space carefully — a few reviewers flagged depth discrepancies between spec sheets and actual units, so allow extra clearance. The machine is very quiet and performs well on a range of programmes; however, some householders find child access to the add-in feature a nuisance. For energy-conscious families who want strong washing performance and a model built to last, this Series 5 strikes an excellent balance.
Samsung Series 7 11kg AI Washer Dryer
This washer-dryer combines large 11kg drum capacity with smart AI-driven cycles and strong ecobubble cleaning for efficient, fabric-friendly washes. It’s a premium all-in-one solution that’s ideal for tech-savvy households.
Who it’s for and why we like it
We think the Series 7 suits buyers who want a high-capacity, tech-forward washer-dryer that reduces manual tuning. The AI systems learn from each load to adjust detergent, water and cycle time, delivering efficient cleaning while protecting fabrics. SpaceMax engineering gives an 11kg drum without increasing external dimensions, which is helpful when space is at a premium.
Core features that influence daily laundry
Practical considerations and usage guidance
In real homes this model consistently provides excellent wash results and is well-suited to larger families. The main compromise is that combined wash-and-dry programmes can take a long time for larger loads — if you rely on frequent drying, a separate condenser or vented dryer will be faster. Some users have flagged long-term reliability concerns around door seals; we suggest checking warranty options and ensuring professional installation to minimise potential issues. Overall, it’s a powerful, user-friendly option for a modern laundry space.
AEG 6000 ProSense 9kg AutoDose Washer
A well-rounded washer that excels at efficiency: ProSense tailoring and AutoDose reduce waste and energy use without fuss. It’s quiet, economical and a great pick for everyday family laundry.
Why choose the AEG 6000
We consider the AEG 6000 a smart choice for families who want to reduce running costs and simplify laundry decisions. ProSense and AutoDose automate the small decisions that add up — less wasted detergent, water and energy — while maintaining excellent cleaning performance across a variety of fabrics.
Features that matter in daily life
Practical observations and trade-offs
In everyday use we found the machine intuitive and reliable, with consistently good wash results even on quick cycles. It is competitively efficient and has a generous 9kg drum for typical family loads. A few buyers reported minor delivery hiccups, but the appliance itself performs well and tends to be cheaper to run than older models — a good balance of convenience, efficiency and value.
Hisense 12kg WiFi Front-Load Washer
A family-friendly machine that balances large 12kg capacity with smart auto-dose and quiet inverter performance. It’s practical for busy households and saves energy without sacrificing cleaning power.
Purpose and overall impression
We see this Hisense as an excellent all-rounder for busy homes that need capacity without a premium price tag. The 12kg drum means fewer loads each week, while the inverter motor keeps operation quieter and more reliable than many budget models. Auto Dose and app-driven suggestions make it easy to run efficient washes without guesswork.
Key features at a glance
Practical benefits and considerations
We like how the machine suits large households: one reviewer noted it handled heavy weekly loads and even king-size bedding with ease. The app support is genuinely useful for remote control and cycle recommendations, though some users treat it as a convenience rather than a must-have. On the downside, certain fabrics still come out quite wet despite the 1400 rpm spin, so a short extra spin or a tumble dry may be needed after some cycles. Overall, for families who prioritise capacity, sensible smart features and low running costs, this is a compelling option.
Samsung Series 5 8kg/5kg Washer Dryer
A compact washer-dryer that delivers good cleaning and convenient wash-and-dry cycles for smaller households. Ecobubble helps low-temperature cleaning, but drying performance and long cycle times are trade-offs to consider.
Who this serves best
We see this Samsung washer-dryer as a solid choice for flats, couples or small families who need a single appliance that can wash and dry in one footprint. It’s especially convenient when space is tight and you value technologies that work well at lower temperatures.
Features and practical benefits
Real-life trade-offs
While the all-in-one design saves space, drying small loads is where it performs best — larger wet loads take longer or may come out damp. A few owners have reported seal issues and lengthy cycles for combined programmes, so if you plan to use drying frequently for full-size washes, a separate dryer may be preferable. For occasional wash-and-dry convenience and strong washing performance, it remains a practical option.
Hisense 9kg PureJet WiFi Washing Machine
A sensible mid-range machine that targets stain removal with PureJet jets and useful smart features like Pause & Add and steam. It’s a reliable everyday washer, though installation and service experiences can vary.
Purpose and positioning
We recommend this Hisense as a practical, value-led option for households that want strong stain-lifting performance without premium pricing. PureJet’s targeted water jets and the steam finish mean you can tackle muddy sports kit or soiled workwear effectively, and the 9kg drum size suits most family laundry requirements.
Key features and advantages
Practical tips and limitations
In use we like how straightforward the controls are and how effectively it handles everyday stains. A few reviewers noted issues with installation or initial setup — if you’re unable to fit the unit yourself, choosing a professional delivery and install package is worth considering. Noise-wise it’s acceptable for its class, though premium models can be quieter during spin. Overall, it’s a dependable, family-oriented machine with useful cleaning-focused features.
Midea 10kg Smart Wash with Steam
A well-priced machine that offers a generous 10kg capacity, turbo wash time savings and steam hygiene programmes. It delivers strong cleaning for the money, although aftersales support has mixed feedback.
Who should consider this model
We recommend the Midea for budget-conscious families or couples who still want modern conveniences like app control, steam cleaning and fast cycles. It packs a surprising range of features into a competitive price and performs well on everyday loads.
Key features and what they do
Practical insight and limitations
In daily use we find the machine easy to operate and quiet, with excellent spin extraction that leaves clothes nearly dry. A few users have reported issues with drainage or the need to supply extra inlet hose length at installation, and customer support experiences are mixed — bear that in mind if you want heavily localised aftercare. For the price, it’s a strong offering provided you’re comfortable with a less-established service network.
Final Thoughts
For families who treat clothes as an investment and want the best care for colours and delicate fabrics, we recommend the AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare Softwater Washer (9.4/10). Its AbsoluteCare softwater system and fabric‑specific programmes are ideal for preserving garments, school uniforms and cherished knitwear. If your priority is large loads with top energy efficiency and long‑term reliability, pick the Samsung Series 5 11kg AI Energy Washer (9.2/10). Its AI Energy mode, roomy 11kg drum and robust motor make it our top choice for energy‑conscious busy households that need big, dependable washes.
If you live in a compact home and want the convenience of doing both washing and drying in one machine, consider the Samsung Series 7 11kg AI Washer Dryer (9.0/10) as a strong all‑in‑one alternative — great for flats or families who value space and smart automation.
FAQs
Yes — but only when you use them. Wi‑Fi lets us start cycles remotely, get cycle alerts and download specialty programmes, which cuts hands‑on time. AI energy modes and AutoDose tune water, time and detergent so we don’t have to guess settings. They won’t fold clothes, but they do shave off fiddly steps.
Many will. Models like the Samsung Series 5 with AI Energy and the AEG 6000 ProSense with AutoDose optimise water and cycle length, which reduces electricity and detergent waste. Savings depend on household size and usage, but we typically see better efficiency than older, non‑smart machines.
We recommend a washer‑dryer (e.g., Samsung Series 7) if space is tight and you need occasional drying. For frequent drying or fastest turnaround, separate units are still better. Washer‑dryers trade drying speed and capacity for convenience.
Softwater reduces mineral build‑up and lets detergents work more gently. That means brighter colours, softer fibres and less wear over time — great for school uniforms, woollies and special outfits we want to last.
For a family of 3–5, 9–12kg is our sweet spot. Hisense 12kg and Samsung 11kg models handle big bedding and bulkier loads so we can do fewer, fuller cycles. Smaller households can make do with 8–9kg machines to save space and water.
Yes, if you want core smart features without a big price tag. The Midea 10kg gives good capacity and steam hygiene at a lower cost. Be aware aftersales and service experiences can vary, so check local support before buying.
Use targeted programmes: machines with steam (Midea, some Hisense and Samsung models) loosen set‑in marks. Pre‑treat with a stain remover, use a higher temperature wash when fabric allows, and try intensive or PureJet/eco bubble options for extra mechanical action. Always check care labels first.
We suggest a monthly maintenance wash (empty machine at 60°C or a specialist drum clean cycle) and wiping the door seal after wet loads. Auto‑clean functions on smart machines help, but a quick regular check prevents smells and blockages.