How to Choose a Washing Machine: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
Moving to a new home or renovating existing household appliances requires you to make thoughtful decisions. Choosing a washing machine is one of those decisions that will affect your daily comfort and your wallet for many years to come. In 2025, washing machine technology has made significant advances, offering solutions that meet different needs and preferences.
What to consider when choosing a washing machine?
1. Washing machine capacity
Capacity indicates how much laundry the machine can wash in one cycle and is one of the most important criteria when making the right choice.
The appropriate capacity depends directly on the size of your household:
Single person or couple: A washing machine with 5-6 kg capacity is usually completely sufficient.
Family of 3-4: A washing machine with 7-8 kg capacity allows you to wash larger amounts of laundry.
Large family (5+ people): A washing machine with 9-11 kg capacity significantly reduces the number of washing cycles needed.
Although a larger capacity machine uses proportionally less energy and water per kilogram of laundry when running at full load, there is no point in buying a machine that is too large if it is not regularly used at full capacity.
2. Spin speed
Spin speed indicates how fast the washing machine drum rotates in the final phase to dry the laundry. The faster the rotation, the less moisture remains in the laundry.
1000-1200 rpm: A suitable option if you use a washing machine together with a dryer or have time to air-dry laundry.
1400 rpm: A good universal choice for most households.
1600+ rpm: Ideal if you want your laundry to be as dry as possible or don't have enough space to air-dry laundry.
Higher spin speed often means more noise. If you install the washing machine near a living room or bedroom, you might consider installing soundproof solutions to reduce disruptive noise.
3. Washing programs and functions
In 2025, washing machine program menus are more diverse than ever before. European Union regulation (EU) 2019/2023 requires all washing machines to have a standard 'eco 40-60' cycle and a '20°C' cycle for lightly soiled cotton laundry. In addition, programs named 'normal', 'daily', 'regular' or 'standard' are prohibited.
Useful washing programs you might consider:
Eco programs: For saving water and energy.
Quick programs: 15-30 minutes for lightly soiled laundry.
Allergy-fighting program: High-temperature washing to remove allergens.
Mixed laundry: For washing different materials simultaneously.
Wool and delicate washing: With lower temperatures and gentler cycles.
Dark laundry: To preserve colors.
Stain removal function: For various specific stains.
Newer models also offer smart functions such as preset timing, automatic detergent dosing, or even Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to control the washing cycle from your smartphone.
4. Energy classes and economical use
In 2025, energy efficiency is one of the most important criteria to consider when choosing a washing machine. The European Union energy labeling system follows a clear scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
When buying a washing machine, it's worth paying attention to:
Energy class: A or B class washing machines are the most energy-efficient.
Annual energy consumption: Measured in kWh per year.
Water consumption per wash cycle: Measured in liters.
The energy label is important not only from an environmental perspective, but also for your wallet. Although A-class washing machines may be more expensive initially, the investment pays for itself in the longer term through lower electricity and water bills.
5. Noise level
Noise level is a particularly important criterion if the washing machine is located near a living room or bedroom. Noise level is indicated in decibels (dB) and is measured separately during both washing and spinning.
Washing noise level: A good washing machine noise level is below 50 dB.
Spin noise level: Depending on speed, 65-80 dB. The lower the number, the quieter the machine.
If noise level is a concern, consider placing the washing machine on a special anti-vibration base or use a sound-absorbing mat under the machine. As a comprehensive solution, you can explore the article on improving sound insulation, which offers ideas for reducing noise throughout your home.
6. Dimensions and installation type
Before buying a washing machine, measure the space where you want to place it carefully. Standard washing machines are typically the following dimensions:
Width: 60 cm (45 cm for compact models)
Depth: 50-65 cm
Height: 85 cm
Installation types:
Freestanding washing machine: Can be placed in any suitable location with the necessary connections.
Integrated washing machine: Hidden behind kitchen or bathroom furniture, maintaining a uniform visual appearance of the space.
Washer-dryer combo: A suitable solution for homes with limited space.
If space is limited, you can consider planning a well-thought-out wardrobe in the hallway and bedroom, which helps optimize the entire home's space use, including the laundry area.
7. Durability and warranty
Washing machine durability is of critical importance from a long-term investment perspective. Starting in 2025, the European Union's "Right to Repair" legislation requires manufacturers to provide repair services for washing machines even after the warranty period expires at reasonable prices. The minimum warranty period in the EU is 2 years, plus 1 year if the product breaks during the warranty period.
What to watch for:
Warranty period: Standard is 2 years, but higher-quality brands offer 5-10 years for certain components.
Spare parts availability: The manufacturer must ensure spare parts are available for at least 10 years after the product is withdrawn from the market.
User feedback: Check other users' reviews about the product's durability.
Starting in 2025, France will have a washing machine durability index that provides consumers with standardized information about a product's lifespan, which could be extended to other European countries in the future.
How to choose the right washing machine?
Step 1: Define your needs
Before going to the store or searching online, think carefully through:
How large is your household?
How often and in what quantity do you wash laundry?
What are your main washing needs (sports clothes, children's clothes, work clothes, etc.)?
Where will the washing machine be located and what are the space constraints?
What is your budget in both short-term and long-term perspectives?
Step 2: Compare different models
Create a list of models that meet your needs and compare them based on important features:
Price: New washing machines in Estonia typically fall in the price range of 300-1500 euros.
Energy efficiency: A-class machines are more expensive as an initial investment, but more economical in the long term.
Functions: Do you need special features like delay start, smart control, or special washing programs?
Step 3: Read reviews and research warranty conditions
Before making a final decision:
Read user reviews thoroughly.
Familiarize yourself with warranty conditions (what exactly is covered and for what period).
Check if the manufacturer or seller offers installation and disposal services.
Washing machine maintenance for longer lifespan
With proper maintenance, you can significantly extend your washing machine's lifespan. You can find more detailed advice in our article on washing machine cleaning.
Basic maintenance recommendations:
Clean the filter and rinse aid drawer regularly.
Leave the washing machine door slightly open after use to prevent mold growth.
Once a month, run an empty wash cycle at high temperature to clean the machine's interior.
If you live in a hard water area, use a water softener or limescale remover regularly.
Proper washing machine maintenance also helps prevent mold growth, which is a common problem in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Environmentally friendly choice
Many buyers are paying increasing attention to environmental aspects in 2025. According to the European Union's WEEE directive, old electrical equipment, including washing machines, must be disposed of properly.
To make an environmentally friendly choice:
Prefer A-energy class machines.
Choose a model with low water consumption.
Check if the manufacturer offers old machine pickup and proper disposal.
Consider models with eco programs that allow you to use natural cleaning products.
It's also worth familiarizing yourself with waste sorting principles to reduce your household's overall environmental impact.
Washing machine purchase considerations for different household sizes
When choosing a washing machine, it's also worth considering the family's lifestyle and specific needs:
For a single-person household:
A smaller 5-6 kg machine is sufficient
Compact design to save space
Quick programs for shorter wash cycles
You might consider a washer-dryer combination
For families with small children:
Larger capacity (8+ kg)
Stain removal and disinfection programs
Anti-allergy washing options
Quick programs for emergencies
For active athletes:
Special sports clothing programs
Quick airing and refreshing
Ability to add laundry during the cycle
Quick drying for the next training session
Summary
Choosing a washing machine in 2025 means carefully weighing many factors – from capacity and energy efficiency to washing programs and durability. The right choice depends on your specific needs, household size, and budget constraints.
Invest in a quality and energy-efficient washing machine that meets your family's needs – it will pay off in both daily convenience and long-term savings. After choosing a washing machine, be sure to familiarize yourself with ideas for increasing home comfort to make your new or renovated home even more cozy and functional.
