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 7,000 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? Head to our washing machine reviews to find the model that suits your needs and budget.

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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.

Looking for a washing machine with low running costs? Discover our top-rated energy-efficient washing machines

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 is 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.

Take a look at our roundup of the best washing machines to help decide which model is right for you

The three most common washing machine faults

Almost 8,000 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 (22% of all faults reported)

You'll usually find out that your washing machine's drum or drum bearings are damaged if you start to hear an unusual, grinding noise while it's being used. This is an indication that the bearings are no longer keeping the drum stable and it is moving 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 and you run the risk of exacerbating the damage and turning this into a much pricier fix.

2. Broke down for no obvious reason (18%)

This is another problem that will likely require professional help – 18% 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. Door (such as locks, handle, hinge or seal) broken (11%)

11% of our survey respondents who experienced problems with their washing machines said that door issues were to blame. Thankfully, these can be quite easy to solve yourself at home.

If the door won't open, this could be because the drum isn't draining properly and it won't unlock. If you can visibly see water left in the drum at the end of the wash, then it's likely you have a blockage in your machine, so you'll need to lay down some towels and inspect both the pump filter and drain hose.

If you have a door that won't close, it's most likely due to a faulty interlock. This can usually be repaired at home, but double-check the instruction manual as the process is different for each model.

Washing machine seals are relatively easy to purchase online and fit yourself, so if you've given yours a good clean and it still doesn't look right, simply switch it out for a new one and your clothes should come out good as new.

For safety reasons, a washing machine door will not open until a cycle has completed. If you encounter an issue that means you need to open the door quickly, most models have an emergency drain or unlock feature that you can use – even in the event of a power cut.

Need some tips on keeping your washing machine spick and span? Head to our guide on how to clean a smelly washing machine. If you need a professional, search Which? Trusted Traders to find an approved local trader.

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 on common washing machine faults or, if you're even a little unsure, 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, more eco-friendly washing machine.

Appliance truly beyond repair? Find out how to dispose of electrical items in the correct way

Which washing machine brands offer the best guarantees?

Most washing machines offer product guarantees of 1-2 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 1-2 years but you'll have to fork out for the parts yourself.

Faulty washing machine? 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, 14,481 Which? Connect Panel members and members of the public told us about more than 39,000 individual products. 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