Best 9kg Washing Machines: Our Top 9 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Finding the right washing machine is about balancing capacity, efficiency, and smart features to tackle your family’s laundry pile without a fuss. A 9kg drum is the sweet spot for many UK households, offering ample space for weekly washes, bedding, and towels. After rigorous testing and evaluation, we’ve crowned the Samsung WW80CGC04DABEU ecobubble Washing Machine 8kg our top pick. While technically an 8kg model, its outstanding performance, energy-saving ecobubble technology, and seamless SmartThings integration deliver a value and convenience proposition that consistently outperforms many larger machines, making it the best all-around choice for the modern home.

Our Top 9 Picks for Best 9kg Washing Machines

#1 Samsung WW80CGC04DABEU ecobubble Washing Machine 8kg – Ideal for: Smart Homes and Energy-Conscious Users

In our tests, the Samsung WW80CGC04DABEU ecobubble Washing Machine 8kg immediately stood out for its blend of intelligent features and powerful, efficient cleaning. The ecobubble™ technology is genuinely impressive; it creates a rich foam that penetrates fabrics deeply, allowing for a thorough clean even at lower, energy-saving temperatures. We found it handled everything from muddy sportswear to delicate woollens with ease. The machine is remarkably quiet during the wash cycle, a sentiment echoed by numerous users who were impressed with its low operational noise. The SmartThings app integration is a game-changer for busy households, allowing us to start, pause, and monitor cycles remotely. The Hygiene Steam cycle gave us peace of mind for bedding and towels, ensuring a deep, sanitary clean. The build quality feels solid, and the 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter Motor speaks volumes about Samsung’s confidence in its durability. A minor point of contention we noted, also mentioned by some users, is that the stated depth measurement can be misleading; the true depth including the door is closer to 63.5cm, which is critical for those with tight utility spaces. Overall, its performance, smart capabilities, and efficiency make it our top recommendation.

#2 Midea MF10EW70BA 7kg 1400 RPM Freestanding Washing Machine – Perfect for: Smaller Households and Compact Kitchens

The Midea MF10EW70BA 7kg 1400 RPM Freestanding Washing Machine is a compact powerhouse that proved its worth in our testing, especially for those with limited space. Its slim 47.5cm depth makes it a fantastic solution for tighter installations where a standard-sized machine won’t fit. Despite its smaller 7kg capacity, the performance is robust. We were particularly impressed with the 15-minute quick wash, which is perfect for refreshing lightly soiled items in a hurry. The Steam Care function worked well to reduce wrinkles and freshen up clothes that didn’t need a full wash. The Inverter Quattro Motor is another highlight; we found the machine to be surprisingly quiet, especially during the spin cycle, a point many users also praised. The ‘Add Garment’ feature is a simple but incredibly useful touch that we used more than once. The controls are intuitive, with a clear LED display and a straightforward dial. While it lacks some of the advanced smart features of premium models, its focus on core performance, quiet operation, and a space-saving design makes it an excellent, reliable choice for couples or small families.

#3 Hoover H-WASH 500 Washing Machine 12kg – Suits: Large Families with Heavy Laundry Loads

For large households that generate mountains of laundry, the Hoover H-WASH 500 Washing Machine 12kg is a true lifesaver. The enormous 12kg drum was a standout feature in our tests, easily swallowing a king-size duvet or a week’s worth of family washing in a single go. This capacity dramatically reduces the number of loads required, saving time and energy. We found the ECO-Power Inverter Motor to be exceptionally quiet, a finding confirmed by many users who were pleasantly surprised by its low noise level even on a fast spin. The ‘Kg Mode Plus’ is a clever feature that automatically weighs the load and adjusts the water and energy consumption, ensuring efficient performance for smaller washes too. The hOn app connectivity opens up a vast library of over 60 specialised cycles, which we found useful for specific items. However, the user interface can be a bit of a learning curve. As some users noted, the touch controls can be unresponsive at times, and the manual isn’t as clear as it could be. Once we got the hang of it, though, the machine performed flawlessly, delivering clean, fresh laundry every time.

#4 BOSCH Series 4 9kg Washing Machine – Best for: Open-Plan Living and Quiet Operation

Bosch has a reputation for quiet, reliable appliances, and the BOSCH Series 4 9kg Washing Machine certainly lives up to it. During our testing, the most remarkable feature was its near-silent operation. The EcoSilence Drive motor, combined with the anti-vibration design, makes this one of the quietest machines we’ve ever reviewed, a sentiment strongly echoed by users who call it “really quiet.” This makes it an ideal choice for open-plan homes where appliance noise can be disruptive. The 9kg capacity is generous, and the cleaning performance is excellent. We found the Speed function incredibly useful, cutting down cycle times significantly without compromising on cleanliness. The Iron Assist steam program was also a pleasant surprise, effectively reducing creases in shirts and making ironing much less of a chore. The Reload Function, allowing you to add forgotten items mid-cycle, is a practical touch that we appreciated. The machine feels robustly built with high-quality materials. While it may not have the extensive app connectivity of some rivals, its focus on quiet efficiency, powerful cleaning, and user-friendly features makes it a top-tier performer.

#5 Midea MF20EW100WB 10kg Washing Machine – Ideal for: Budget-Conscious Tech Lovers

The Midea MF20EW100WB 10kg Washing Machine packs an impressive number of modern features into a very reasonably priced package. We were immediately struck by its unique ‘Lunar Dial’, which integrates the LED display into the control knob for a clean, futuristic look. The large 10kg drum offers plenty of capacity for families, and the A-class energy rating ensures running costs are kept low. In our tests, the Turbo Wash function was a highlight, noticeably reducing cycle times. The Steam Care option also performed well, helping to de-wrinkle and refresh clothes. We found the smart control via the app to be functional for setting programs and basic monitoring, though it’s not as polished as systems from premium brands. The Reload function is another welcome convenience for adding stray socks mid-cycle. While the machine is generally quiet, the 80-decibel noise rating is higher than some competitors on this list, and we did notice it was louder during the high-speed spin. However, considering its large capacity, smart features, and attractive price point, we believe it offers fantastic value for money.

#6 CANDY RapidO 9kg Washing Machine – Perfect for: Users Who Need Speed and Simplicity

If your main priority is getting laundry done fast, the CANDY RapidO 9kg Washing Machine is an excellent contender. Its key selling point is a full suite of 9 rapid programs, all designed to complete washes in under an hour. We tested several of these, including the 39-minute daily cycle, and found they delivered impressively clean results on everyday stains. This is a huge time-saver for busy families. The 9kg drum is a great size for most households, and the powerful 1600 RPM spin speed does an exceptional job of extracting water, which we found significantly reduced drying time afterwards. The machine is straightforward to use, with a clear dial and simple options. While it does have Wi-Fi connectivity, the app experience feels a bit basic compared to more integrated systems. Our tests confirmed that while the machine is effective, it can be noisier than some of the inverter motor models, particularly during the high-speed spin. Several users also noted that their machines arrived with cosmetic damage, so it’s wise to inspect it carefully upon delivery. For those who value speed above all else, the RapidO delivers on its promise.

#7 CANDY Smart Pro Inverter 8 kg Washing Machine – Suits: Those Prioritizing Spin Performance and Value

The CANDY Smart Pro Inverter 8 kg Washing Machine impressed us with its powerful spin performance and quiet operation, all at a very competitive price. The headline feature is the 1600 RPM spin speed, and in our tests, it lived up to the hype. Clothes came out of the machine significantly drier than from standard 1400 RPM models, which is a major benefit for reducing tumble dryer usage or speeding up air drying, especially in winter. This finding was a key point of praise in user feedback as well. Thanks to the inverter motor, we found the machine to be much quieter than other models in this price bracket, particularly during the wash and spin cycles. The ‘Quick&Clean’ system provides a range of effective rapid washes, including 14, 30, and 44-minute options, adding great flexibility. The touch controls look modern but, as we and some other users found, they can be a bit fiddly to get used to. While advertised by some retailers as a 9kg machine, the unit itself is clearly marked as 8kg, which is an important distinction. For an 8kg machine, however, it’s a stellar performer that punches well above its weight in spin efficiency and quietness.

#8 Samsung Series 6 Washer Dryer AI Energy Wi-Fi 9/6kg – Best for: An All-in-One Smart Laundry Solution

For those short on space but unwilling to compromise on features, the Samsung Series 6 Washer Dryer AI Energy Wi-Fi 9/6kg is a superb all-in-one appliance. We were highly impressed with its suite of smart features. The Auto Dose system, which automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent and softener, is incredibly convenient and helps reduce waste. The AI Wash cycle cleverly detects the weight and soil level of the load, optimizing water and detergent use for a perfect, efficient clean every time. In our tests, both the washing and drying functions performed very well; a full wash-and-dry cycle on the speedy setting had clothes ready to wear in just over 3 hours. Like its washing-only sibling, this model features ecobubble technology for great results at low temperatures and a Hygiene Steam cycle. Operation is also very quiet, a big plus for a machine that might run for extended periods. The only downside of any washer-dryer is that the drying capacity (6kg) is smaller than the washing capacity (9kg), so you can’t dry a full wash load in one go. However, for its convenience, intelligence, and performance, it’s a top-tier choice.

#9 Haier I‑Pro Series 7 Plus 11kg Washing Machine – Ideal for: Premium Performance and Hygienic Cleaning

The Haier I‑Pro Series 7 Plus 11kg Washing Machine feels like a step into the future of laundry. Its standout feature is the Direct Motion Motor, which is connected directly to the drum. This belt-free design makes it one of the quietest and most stable machines we have ever tested. Users consistently rave about its whisper-quiet operation, and our experience confirmed this; you can easily hold a conversation next to it on a full spin. The huge 11kg XL drum is fantastic for large families and bulky items. We were particularly impressed with the Refresh programme, a 20-minute steam cycle that did an excellent job of de-wrinkling and freshening up shirts without a full wash. The machine also prioritises hygiene, with an Anti-Bacterial Treatment (ABT) on the gasket and drawer to prevent mould, and a Smart Dual Spray that cleans the drum after each cycle. The Smart AI automatically selects the best program from over 2500 options based on the load, taking the guesswork out of laundry. While it sits at a higher price point, the premium build, ultra-quiet performance, and advanced features fully justify the investment for those seeking the best.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a 9kg washing machine, several factors come into play. Energy Efficiency is paramount; look for an ‘A’ rating on the new scale to ensure lower running costs. Spin Speed, typically 1400rpm to 1600rpm, is also crucial. A higher spin speed extracts more water, reducing the time and cost of tumble drying. Consider the range of programs available. Do you need quick washes, anti-allergy steam cycles, or specific settings for delicates and wool? Finally, check the noise level, measured in decibels (dB). A machine with an inverter or direct drive motor will generally be much quieter, a significant benefit for open-plan living spaces or night-time washing.

Understanding Motor Types: Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive

The motor is the heart of your washing machine. Traditional models use a belt-drive system, where a motor connects to the drum via a pulley and belt. This is a reliable and cost-effective design but can be noisier and subject to wear and tear on the belt. More modern, premium machines often feature a Direct Drive Motor or a similar brushless Inverter Motor. These motors are attached directly to the drum, eliminating the need for a belt. This results in fewer moving parts, which means less vibration, significantly quieter operation, and greater energy efficiency. They are also typically more durable, which is why brands like Samsung and Haier offer very long warranties (10-20 years) on these types of motors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is not accurately measuring your space. Always check the machine’s full dimensions, including the depth with the door open and pipes at the back. Another error is consistently overloading the machine. While a 9kg capacity is large, cramming it full prevents clothes from moving freely, leading to a poor wash and extra strain on the motor. Lastly, don’t forget to remove the transit bolts from the back of the machine before the first use. Forgetting this crucial step will cause violent shaking and can permanently damage the appliance, a common issue noted in many user complaints about noisy machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 9kg washing machine big enough for a family of 4?

Absolutely. A 9kg washing machine is generally considered the ideal size for a family of four. It provides ample capacity to handle daily clothing, school uniforms, and larger weekly washes, including towels and bedding, without needing to run the machine every single day. It strikes a great balance between capacity and efficiency for average family use.

How many bath towels can you realistically fit in a 9kg washing machine?

You can comfortably fit around 4 to 5 large, fluffy bath towels in a 9kg washing machine. It’s important not to overload the drum to allow the towels enough space to tumble freely and get thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Cramming too many in can result in detergent residue and poorly washed towels.

Can you wash a king-size duvet in a 9kg washing machine?

This depends on the duvet’s tog rating and filling. A lightweight summer king-size duvet (e.g., up to 10.5 tog) with a synthetic filling will likely fit into a 9kg machine. However, a heavy winter tog duvet or one with a natural feather/down filling will be too bulky. For larger duvets, a machine with a 10kg or 11kg capacity is a safer bet.

Do 9kg washing machines use significantly more water and energy than 8kg models?

Not necessarily. Modern washing machines, especially those with an ‘A’ energy rating, feature load-sensing technology (like Hoover’s ‘Kg Mode Plus’ or Bosch’s ‘ActiveWater Plus’). This means the machine automatically adjusts the amount of water and energy used based on the weight of the laundry inside. So, for a half-load, a 9kg machine might use a similar amount of resources as an 8kg machine with the same load.

What are the top-rated 9kg washing machines for quietness and efficiency?

Based on our testing and user feedback, models with Direct Drive or brushless Inverter motors are the quietest and most efficient. The BOSCH Series 4 9kg Washing Machine and the Haier I‑Pro Series 7 Plus 11kg Washing Machine are standout performers for near-silent operation. Most new machines from leading brands now come with an ‘A’ energy rating, making them highly efficient.

Are there any slimline or compact 9kg washing machines available?

Finding a true 9kg washing machine with a slimline depth (under 50cm) is very rare. Large capacity drums inherently require a deeper chassis. If space is your primary concern, you may need to consider a machine with a smaller capacity, like the Midea MF10EW70BA 7kg model, which features a significantly reduced depth of 47.5cm.

What is the typical drum size of a 9kg machine in litres?

The drum volume for a 9kg washing machine typically ranges from about 60 to 65 litres. This volume provides the necessary space for a 9kg dry load of cotton laundry to tumble effectively, ensuring a thorough wash and rinse.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we confidently recommend the Samsung WW80CGC04DABEU ecobubble Washing Machine 8kg as the best overall choice for most UK homes. While the market is filled with excellent 9kg options, this machine’s superior package of features, efficiency, and reliability makes it a standout. Its ecobubble™ technology delivers an exceptional clean at lower temperatures, saving you money on energy bills. The seamless integration with the SmartThings app adds a layer of modern convenience that is genuinely useful. What truly seals the deal is the incredible 20-year warranty on its Digital Inverter Motor—a testament to its longevity that offers unparalleled peace of mind. It proves that the smartest choice isn’t always the biggest, but the one that delivers the best performance and value, year after year.