Published 30th April 2021
A Guide to Washing Machine Technology
The latest washing machines have lots of programmes, ranging from the conventional to the high-tech. When choosing a machine, you’ll need to work out which cycles you’re willing to pay a little bit extra for, and which ones you don’t need. But what about all those technical features?
Washing machine technology is always improving, and there are a whole host of features available on modern models. Exactly what you get varies with the brand and model. Usually, the more expensive and high quality the machine, the more features it will have.
We’ve listed below the technology we think is the most useful for everyday families, so you can make the right choice for your home.
For a more comprehensive guide to buying a new washing machine, please visit our Buyers Guide.
Washing machine technology is always improving, and there are a whole host of features available on modern models. Exactly what you get varies with the brand and model. Usually, the more expensive and high quality the machine, the more features it will have.
We’ve listed below the technology we think is the most useful for everyday families, so you can make the right choice for your home.
For a more comprehensive guide to buying a new washing machine, please visit our Buyers Guide.
Smart Technology
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, & NFC Connection
Many things in the home are smart, and your washing machine can be no exception. Connected over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Near Field Communication (NFC), you can remotely monitor and control your washing machine using an app on your smartphone. Start, stop, and pause cycles, or receive alerts when your load has finished, all at the touch of a screen. Some apps can detect issues with your appliance and troubleshoot any solutions without having to call out an engineer. What’s more, you can download additional cycles to suit your family’s needs.
Although this technology is relatively new, models with this feature are becoming more common. Hoover machines include NFC Connection using the Hoover Wizard app, while Beko and Blomberg offer functionality via the HomeWhizz app and Bluetooth. Other brands including Bosch and Samsung also feature smart connection technology, so it’s worth exploring what’s around.
If you like the sound of smart technology for your next washing machine, take a look at the following models:
Many things in the home are smart, and your washing machine can be no exception. Connected over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Near Field Communication (NFC), you can remotely monitor and control your washing machine using an app on your smartphone. Start, stop, and pause cycles, or receive alerts when your load has finished, all at the touch of a screen. Some apps can detect issues with your appliance and troubleshoot any solutions without having to call out an engineer. What’s more, you can download additional cycles to suit your family’s needs.
Although this technology is relatively new, models with this feature are becoming more common. Hoover machines include NFC Connection using the Hoover Wizard app, while Beko and Blomberg offer functionality via the HomeWhizz app and Bluetooth. Other brands including Bosch and Samsung also feature smart connection technology, so it’s worth exploring what’s around.
If you like the sound of smart technology for your next washing machine, take a look at the following models:
- Hoover 7kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with One Touch – H3W47TE
- Beko 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with HomeWhizz – WEC84P64E2W
- Blomberg 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with HomeWhizz – LWF184410W
- Samsung 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with Smart Control + - WW90T634DLH
- Bosch 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with Home Connect – WAU28PH9GB
Eco Technology
Automatic Dosing, Weight, & Water Detection
LG’s next generation DD motor makes intelligent-based laundry a reality by interpreting data to recognise fabric softness and then applying the optimal wash pattern. Even in cotton, each item of clothing has different characteristics - AI DD detects the difference and decides the suitable washing pattern, leading to 18%* more fabric protection.
LG’s next generation DD motor makes intelligent-based laundry a reality by interpreting data to recognise fabric softness and then applying the optimal wash pattern. Even in cotton, each item of clothing has different characteristics - AI DD detects the difference and decides the suitable washing pattern, leading to 18%* more fabric protection.
- LG 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with AI DD - F4V308WNW
- Bosch 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with i-DOS – WAU28PH9GB
- Bosch 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with SpeedPerfect – WAN28281GB
Bubbles
Samsung’s EcoBubble™ feature mixes air and the perfect amount of water with your detergent to create powerful bubbles before the cycle starts. This clever function lifts dirt from your clothes quickly and effectively, so you can wash at lower temperatures without compromising on performance.
Samsung’s EcoBubble™ feature mixes air and the perfect amount of water with your detergent to create powerful bubbles before the cycle starts. This clever function lifts dirt from your clothes quickly and effectively, so you can wash at lower temperatures without compromising on performance.
- Samsung 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with EcoBubble - WW90T634DLH
Drum Technology
Some machines have specially designed drums, created to move your laundry items around evenly during a wash. This helps to ensure that every piece is thoroughly cleaned and washed.
Keep clothes fresh and clean with LG’s unique ‘6 Motion Direct Drive’. This technology moves the wash drum in multiple directions, caring for fabrics while getting clothes ultra clean. For powerful washing use Stepping, Filtration, and Scrubbing, while Tumble, Rolling, and Swing help take care of delicate items.
Some machines have specially designed drums, created to move your laundry items around evenly during a wash. This helps to ensure that every piece is thoroughly cleaned and washed.
Keep clothes fresh and clean with LG’s unique ‘6 Motion Direct Drive’. This technology moves the wash drum in multiple directions, caring for fabrics while getting clothes ultra clean. For powerful washing use Stepping, Filtration, and Scrubbing, while Tumble, Rolling, and Swing help take care of delicate items.
- LG 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with 6 Motion Direct Drive - F4V308WNW
Powerful Water Jets
Blomberg’s RapidJet technology cascades mixed water and detergent from the top of the drum, replacing harsh drum movements with jets of water. The result is up to 50% quicker washes which are up to 50% more gentle on your clothes.
Blomberg’s RapidJet technology cascades mixed water and detergent from the top of the drum, replacing harsh drum movements with jets of water. The result is up to 50% quicker washes which are up to 50% more gentle on your clothes.
- Blomberg 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with RapidJet - LWF194520QW
- Beko 8kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with AquaTech - WEC84P64E2W
Brushless Motors
Modern brushless inverter motors reduce high frequency noise for quieter, shorter and more efficient wash programmes. Plus, the machine walls can be designed to absorb more of the sound and reduce the vibrations.
Siemens and Bosch have equipped their models with EcoSilence Drive™ which generates a noise level as low as 47 decibels, which is quieter than the noise of the sea! EcoSilence Drive™ still produces maximum efficiency, economy and performance while operating at an exceptionally quiet noise level.
For models with EcoSilence Drive™, have a look at the following washing machines:
Modern brushless inverter motors reduce high frequency noise for quieter, shorter and more efficient wash programmes. Plus, the machine walls can be designed to absorb more of the sound and reduce the vibrations.
Siemens and Bosch have equipped their models with EcoSilence Drive™ which generates a noise level as low as 47 decibels, which is quieter than the noise of the sea! EcoSilence Drive™ still produces maximum efficiency, economy and performance while operating at an exceptionally quiet noise level.
For models with EcoSilence Drive™, have a look at the following washing machines:
- Bosch 7kg 1200 Spin Washing Machine – WAJ24006GB
- Siemens 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine – WM14UT93GB
General Technology
Adding to the Wash
It’s a common occurrence, you add a load of laundry to the machine, add your detergent, and start the cycle – only to find you’ve dropped about three socks on the way there! Annoying! Recently, brands have included port holes with mini doors which allow you to add items to the wash once it has started. Whereas, some models include a Pause/Add/Reload button, giving you the option to pause the cycle up to a certain point and add items to the wash.
It’s a common occurrence, you add a load of laundry to the machine, add your detergent, and start the cycle – only to find you’ve dropped about three socks on the way there! Annoying! Recently, brands have included port holes with mini doors which allow you to add items to the wash once it has started. Whereas, some models include a Pause/Add/Reload button, giving you the option to pause the cycle up to a certain point and add items to the wash.
- Bosch 7kg 1200 Spin Washing Machine with Reload - WAJ24006GB
- Samsung 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with AddWash - WW90T554DAX
Stain Removal
Modern families often find their clothes go through a lot of activity in their life, which makes stain removal even more important. Thanks to ActiveCare technology, a combination of water and detergent penetrates deeply into fibres, enhancing the stain removal process. Get rid of over 100 of the most stubborn stains at just 20°C, ensuring your clothes emerge pristine, yet protected throughout the cleaning process.
Modern families often find their clothes go through a lot of activity in their life, which makes stain removal even more important. Thanks to ActiveCare technology, a combination of water and detergent penetrates deeply into fibres, enhancing the stain removal process. Get rid of over 100 of the most stubborn stains at just 20°C, ensuring your clothes emerge pristine, yet protected throughout the cleaning process.
- Hoover 9kg 1500 Spin Washing Machine with ActiveCare - HWB59AMC
- Hotpoint 9kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with ActiveCare - NM11945WSAUKN
