Have you been looking at compact washing machines lately? Do you need a small washing machine that won’t cramp up your home space? If you’ve been thinking about this, Slimline Washing Machines will let you save on both space and energy in your homes. These are ideal washing machines for people living along, couples, and small families.
A Slimline Washing Machine is generally measured by its depth, which will usually fall between 40 cm and 55 cm. It is a narrow machine that can hold an average load of 6 kg. However, the choices are many. People also asked questions about what features an ideal compact washing machine should have.
We have answered these questions and more in our buying guide below. You can use our buying guide to judge which of the following three appliances would suit your needs best.
Our Three Best Choices for Slimline Washing Machines Explained
Before you read ahead, we suggest you use a priority list to compare the best features in each of the three machines below. Once you’ve done this, read the descriptions ahead to decide which Slimline Washing Machine best suits your needs.
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How Slimline Washing Machines are Tested
We don’t just rely on specifications. To give you trustworthy recommendations, each washing machine is treated to days of intensive, real-world testing. Everyday use is replicated, washing a variety of loads – from heavily stained children’s clothes to delicate bedding – to ensure our reviews reflect genuine performance.
Ratings are based on each washing machine’s cleaning and freshness performance across various cycles. Testing encompassed intensive, antibacterial, delicates, quick wash, and stain removal programs. Space, weight capacity, energy efficiency, ease of use, special features, and price were all factored into the final assessments.
Pros and Cons of Slimline Machines
Pros:
- For eco-conscious consumers and smaller households, slimline washing machines offer an efficient solution.
- They typically consume less energy and water.
- Their compact design is perfect for those with limited laundry needs.
- Opting for a 7kg slimline over a larger model ensures you’re not wasting space.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: Slimline washing machines may not be suitable for cleaning large items like blankets and duvets due to their smaller load capacities.
- Higher Cost: Slimline models can be more expensive compared to standard-sized washing machines, often due to the smaller market for these appliances.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Slimline Washing Machine
Our buying guide includes all of the questions and considerations that people have asked us about compact washing machines. You may want to keep a book and pen or a list handy. As you read, note down the features that are your top priority while buying a Slimline Washing Machine.
What Width is a Slimline Washing Machine?
While buying a Slimline Washing Machine, the depth of the product is the first feature that you should be mindful of. This is because most of you will buy the product so that it can fit easily into small spaces. The depth can be anywhere between 40 cm to 55 cm, depending on the brand that you pick. Further, it is important to note whether your product can fit under counters and into cupboards.
If you are really short on space, these two considerations should make it easy to identify a Slimline Washing Machine.
Capacity and Drum Size
Choosing the right load capacity for your slimline washing machine depends primarily on your household size and laundry frequency.
- Individuals: If you live alone and do laundry frequently, a 3kg capacity machine can save space, energy, and money.
- Couples/Small Families: A 5kg or 6kg load is usually sufficient for couples and small families.
- Larger Families/Large Items: If you have a larger family or regularly wash bulky items like bedding, opt for a compact model with a larger drum, such as an 8kg capacity, to minimize laundry loads.”
What Functions Should I Pay Attention to?
When choosing a slimline washing machine, prioritise versatility and convenience. Look for:
- Diverse Wash Programs: Ensure the machine offers a range of cycles suitable for various fabrics, including delicate, cotton, anti-allergy, and quick wash options (ideally under 60 minutes, with some as short as 15 minutes).
- Specialised Features: Consider advanced features like automatic load balancing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and delay timers, which add convenience and control, especially for scheduling washes remotely.
- Delicate Care: A dedicated delicate wash cycle is essential for efficiently cleaning fragile fabrics without handwashing.
- Noise Management: If noise is a concern, check for noise reduction features.
Keep in mind that these additional features will generally increase the overall cost of the machine.
Running Costs
When selecting a slimline washing machine, prioritise energy and water efficiency to minimise running costs.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for a high energy rating, ideally A+++, to ensure significant electricity savings. All our reviewed models have a great energy rating.
- Water Consumption: Pay attention to annual water consumption rates to further reduce utility bills.
In addition to these questions, you may want to be mindful of the warranty period, the delay period, and special features like child lock systems. By now, you would have narrowed down the broad priority list for your best buy.
How Quiet Should My Washing Machine Be?
If you’re sensitive to loud noises or tend to wash late at night, you may want to pick the quietest Slimline Washing Machines in the market. A machine that records a sound of 45 dB to 55 dB is your best bet and will make the least amount of noise. Some washing machines only focus on their slim depth and do not make noise levels a priority.
What Should My Spin Speed Be?
As a general rule, higher spin speeds will mean lesser drying time. However, most Slimline Washing Machines have less than 1600 rpm spin speed. A spin speed of 1300 rpm or above is a good bet for short drying time.
This also follows from the previous question on noise levels. A lower spin speed will mean a quieter machine. If quietness trumps drying time in your priority list, you may want to choose a machine with a lower spin speed.
Final Verdict
Compact Slimline Washing Machines are a blessing for any person or family that wants to save up on space, energy, and money. Our buying guide above has included the most popular questions asked and key considerations when buying a compact washing machine. We now know that the depth and capacity of the machine are the most crucial factors when it comes to picking the best machine.
The overall market for these types of washers in the UK are quite slim (pun intended) however that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great product for the right price.
If you need more tips of how to find the best washer. Check out this article from our friends over at Washing Wizard.
