Best large washing machines for families to maximise efficiency and minimise stress

Best family washing machines

by Laura Healy |
Updated on

You don't need a large family, to accumulate large piles of washing. Despite your best intentions, children seem to be attracted to mess and some days they can go through more than one outfit before lunchtime. If you have a new baby it can be hard to find the time for washing baby's clothesbetween naps and visitors and feeding, so a large washing machine to wash your little ones' clothes all at once is a lifesaver and will save you endless washing cycles. A washing machine is an essential household item and for families with young children, it is vital. You can even introduce your little one to household chores as you do the washing.

There are so many choices to make when choosing a washing machine, including whether you get a washer dryer, or separate tumble dryer. You also need to consider energy efficiency, cycles, timers, smart features and even things like a child lock. That is all before deciding what size machine you need. On average, a family should look for an 8kg capacity washing machine, however, bigger families might want to consider investing in one of the best large capacity washing machines (below) starting at 9kg capacity.

There are many benefits to choosing a large washing machine, not just the ability to wash more clothes all at once and stop your laundry basket from overflowing. They are also more eco-friendly because you won't need to run them as often, and they are great for bulky items such as bedding and towels. Because the laundry is not all bunched up together, they are often better at cleaning, too.

Haier i-Pro Series 5
Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert tests the Haier i-Pro Series 5 ©Emily GIlbert

Best large capacity washing machines at a glance:

Best large washing machine with 10kg capacity: Haier washing machine - buy in Curry's
Best washing machine with 12kg capacity: Hisense WFQA1214EVJM washing machine - Buy on Amazon UK
Best washing machine with 18kg capacity: Cater-Wash Heavy Duty washing machine - buy on Amazon UK
Best large combined washer/dryer on a budget: Hotpoint freestanding washer dryer - Buy on Amazon UK
Best large washing machine for water efficiency: Bosch WGG04409GB washing machine - Buy on Amazon UK

Best large washing machines 2024

If you feel like you are constantly running between your washing machine and the laundry pile, it might be time to consider buying a larger machine. If you don't know where to start, we have rounded up some of the best large washing machines for families below.

Best washing machine with 18kg capacity

With an 18kg capacity, this washing machine will be big enough for even the largest or busiest families. It is ideal for large, bulky items and will save you both time and money with its impressive energy efficiency rating.

It also features temperature selection and 12 pre-set wash cycles to suit every load. The vibration control technology reduces the vibration when spinning to protect your laundry. Plus there is an 'add steam' feature to help with stain removal and an extra rinse function.

"My household is very demanding of a washing machine that will take a lot of use and big loads of washing, " said one reviewer. "This machine delivers on EVERY level. it is a BIG and an impressive looking machine with qualities to match."

Indeed, this machine is big enough to wash king sized duvets, saving you trips to the laundromat or drycleaner. It's maximum rotational speed is 800rpm, which is less than some competitors, and do be aware of machine dimensions before purchasing.

Pros

  • Extra large capacity of 18kg
  • Add steam feature useful to target stains
  • 12 wash cycle options
  • Reviews say it's easy to use
  • Great energy efficiency

Cons

  • Takes up quite a lot of space
  • Its maximum rotational speed is less than some other machines
Dimensions: 86.4 x 68.6 x 101 cm
Wash capacity :18kg
Energy efficiency:A+++/D
Warranty:‎1 year parts and labour warranty
  • 18kg capacity
  • Add steam feature
  • Extra rinse feature
  • 12 preset wash cycles
  • Vibration control
  • Temperature selection

Best washing machine with 9kg capacity

A great washing machine with a large 9kg capacity and an A class energy rating to reduce costs, this is perfect for families. It has some useful features too, including steam care which removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, odours and wrinkles, as well as daily washing options and temperature settings, and a silent and efficient motor.

One reviewer liked that it is "very quiet and has an easy to read display. Also, the spin speed can be increased (or decreased) on most programmes via the spin button before starting." The reviewer also commented that it "has all the programmes you need and the only slight criticism is the dark glass door - so no point sitting down to watch the washing go round!"

Perhaps our favourite feature is the add-to-cycle option ... so if you drop a sock and notice it once the cycle has started there's no need to worry because the add garment setting lets you pause the washing cycle to add items. Brilliant!

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • Add garment setting very useful
  • Quick 15 minute and 45 minute cycle options
  • Steam care for extra cleanliness

Cons

  • No 90 degree wash
Dimensions: 49.5 x 59.5 x 85 cm
Capacity: 9kg
Energy rating: A
Warranty:2 years
  • 9kg capacity
  • Steam care feature
  • Add garment feature
  • Silent motor
  • Temperature settings

Best washing machine with 12kg capacity

Great for large households, this washing machine has an impressive capacity of 12kg. Even better, it has a quick wash function to save you time. It will also save you money with an A class energy efficiency. Boasting a quiet and reliable inverter motor and fifteen cycle options - including a super fast 15 minute cycle and a steam clean option - this is a machine for every need.

"Needed a large drum washing machine to replace ours," said one reviewer. "This machine hasn't disappointed. Love the auto-dosing feature. It measure the load and adjusts the time accordingly. Large load area which makes loading and removing clothes less of a hassle. Good choice of programs."

Pros

  • Very quiet
  • Auto dosing feature is useful
  • Steam clean option
  • A class energy efficiency

Cons

  • No hand wash cycle
  • Mixed reviews on the ease of installation doing it yourself
Dimensions: 66 x 60 x 85 cm
Capacity: 12kg
Energy efficiency: A
Warranty: Not stated
  • 12kg capacity
  • Child lock
  • Quiet
  • Energy efficient
  • Quick wash cycle

Best large washing machine with 14kg capacity

This Hoover washing machine has an Eco-Power Inverter Motor, which is the most long-lasting and powerful belt technology on the market. Plus, it is Wi-Fi connected so you can check on your washing cycle with Alexa. It also boasts an Auto-Care feature which self-calculates and auto sets the most suitable programme according to weight, increasing efficiency.

"Bought this to replace an old 8kg machine that had seen better days," said one happy reviewer. "The additional 2kg (10kg) capacity is just the right balance to ensure maximum efficiency by ensuring full loads most of the time and also capable of the odd double duvet wash. The first thing I noticed though was how silent the wash is and even a 1600 spin whilst audible was not obtrusive."

Less than positive reviews of this machine tend to focus on the difficulty in understanding its many programmes and settings - it's not particularly user-friendly so some time reading the instructions is necessary.

Pros

  • Can connect to WiFi and Alexa
  • Auto-care feature to select the most efficient programme
  • 1400rpm maximum spin
  • energy class A

Cons

  • Some reviewers thought the control panel was overly complicated
Dimensions: 72 x 65 x 89 cm
Capacity: 14kg
Energy efficiency: A
Warranty: Not stated
  • 14kg capacity
  • Connects to WiFi
  • Auto-care feature
  • Energy efficient
  • 14 cycles

Best large washing machine with 10kg capacity

Haier washer dryer I-Pro Series 5Haier
Price: £599

www.currys.co.uk

This washing machine can really save you time with a large 10kg capacity. It also operates with incredible efficiency and with very low noise levels due to the Direct Motion motor. On top of that, it has a delay start option and an intuitive weighing system that weighs the load then adjusts the cycle accordingly. There's a steam clean function and a quick refresh option - so all bases are covered.

Our own Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "I have been really impressed with the quality and performance of the Haier washer dryer I-Pro Series 5. I didn’t realise how much difference there was between it and my previous washer-dryer and the benefits really can be felt. My clothes smell extra fresh and I have not had the need to rewash clothes with stains when they didn’t come out the first time around."

Read our full Haier washer dryer I-Pro Series 5 review

Pros

  • Large washing drum
  • Easy to use
  • Quiet and stable
  • Intuitive weighing system
  • Settings for all range of fabrics
  • Can be smart phone controlled
  • Wash only energy rating A

Cons

  • Auditory wash indication can be too quiet
  • Wash and dry energy rating D
  • Ease of use 
    0.0
  • Design
    4.5
  • Features 
    5.0
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Worth the money 
    5.0
Built-in / Freestanding:Freestanding
Capacity cotton (kg) washing:10
Capacity cotton drying (kg):6
Spin speed (rpm):1400
Motor type:Direct Motion
Voltage (V):220-240
Dimensions:85H x 60W x 62D
Net weight (kg):81
Gross weight (kg):88
  • Large capacity drum
  • Professional sanitizing experience
  • Smart Dual Spray
  • Automatic weight detection
  • Wide drum door

Best large capacity washing machine for water efficiency

This 9kg capacity washing machine is packed full of useful features. It will help families not only save time and money on their washing but also ensures the clothes are brilliantly clean and hygienic. Using SpeedPerfect, this machine cleans in up to 65% less time, and it also uses ActiveWater Plus a system that ensures highly efficient use of water.

"It's super quiet," said one reviewer. "Unbelievably we kept checking if it was working before we got used to it being so quiet. So very well made, it’s just a very well designed and built washing machine. Feels premium. Drum is protecting clothes and each program starts with dry weighting of load. Huge variety of programs, most of them can be adjusted in regards of temperature, spinning speed, extra water and you can even make them much quicker with "speed perfect" option. Love the black door as it helps to tie the machine in with things like our darker worktops and accessories. So far it cleans really well and for the first time in years since getting this machine we can actually smell the softener! Highly recommend."

Overall, it's Energy Class A. And with extra rinse functions to ensure suds are washed away, this is clearly a great choice. Even add extra clothes mid-cycle provided the water level is low enough and the temperature of the water is below 50 degrees celsius.

Pros

  • Efficient water use
  • Option to speed up washing
  • Option to add items mid-cycle is useful
  • Automatic weight detection option to control cycle
  • Energy Class A

Cons

  • Cannot connect to WiFi
Dimensions: 58.8 x 59.8 x 63.5 cm
Capacity: 9kg
Energy rating A
Warranty: 5 years
  • SpeedPerfect function
  • ActiveWater Plus function
  • EcoSilence Drive
  • Hygiene Plus
  • Extra rise functions
  • 9kg capacity

Best large capacity washer/dryer on a budget

A large capacity washer dryer will not only help you get through that big laundry pile but dry it too. With back-to-back wash and dry cycles, this is an all-in machine without a hefty price tag... and it will save you space as well as money.

It has ANTISTAIN 40 which eliminates common stains at 40 degrees without the need for pre-treatment. It also has a refresh cycle which refreshes your laundry with steam in just 20 minutes. Alternatively, use the steam refresh cycle with anti virus, where steam is injected directly into the drum at the end of the washing cycle to remove 99.9% of bacteria.

"It is very responsive and the display is nice clear and bright, the wash controls are simple and it is so quiet," said one pleased reviewer. "Loads of settings but the eco one with drying is already our favourite. Very pleased and I am sure it will last years."

However, programming the machine to dry only, and not wash first, isn't simple and will require time spent with the instruction manual according to reviewers.

Pros

  • Good range of cycles
  • Very quiet
  • Steam cycle available
  • Back to back washing and drying cycles
  • Reviewers say it's quiet

Cons

  • The programming for dry-only cycles isn't simple or intuitive
Dimensions: 54 x 59.5 x 85 cm
Capacity: 9kg
Energy rating: B
Warranty: Not stated
  • Washer dryer
  • Great range of cycles
  • Steam refresh cycle
  • ANTISTAIN 40
  • Clear display

FAQs …

What to consider when buying a large washing machine

Capacity: If you are thinking of buying a washing machine to suit the needs of your family, then consider the capacity or load size. On average a household of two people can comfortably use a 7kg capacity washing machine. However, if you have little ones then you will need something larger; typically it is advised a family needs a 8kg machine and for large families 9kg plus.
Energy rating: It is important to be aware of how your new washing machine will use energy. Lots of modern models have eco-friendly features and energy saving features, even water efficiency features, so look out for these. The more energy efficient your washing machine is, the cheaper it will be to run. And if you are doing less washes using a large capacity washing machine, then you will really start to see the savings.
Cycles: Life is busy and sometimes we need quick wash cycles, especially if you urgently need a piece of clothing you forgot to wash. Lots of machines also have stain removal functions which are a lifesaver with little ones who are sure to cover their clothes in grass stains, or chocolate ice cream, paint or pens. Think how you will use your machine - both now and in the future with growing children.
Dimensions: While having a large capacity washing machine is useful to reduce the number of washes you have to do, you must ensure it fits your home! With a larger drum, it does mean the overall dimensions are likely to increase and so check it will fit in the space you have designated for it.
Noise: Read reviews to check what users say about the noise level. There is nothing more annoying than trying to relax or work with your washing machine sounding like it might take off in the background. Many machines now use motors which are ultra quiet, even when spinning, and these are great if your washing machine is kept in an area of the house where you work or might want to watch TV.
Extra features: There are so many additional features to consider such as connection to WiFi, hygiene and steam functions, anti wrinkle functions, auto dispense washing powder function, the ability to add garments mid wash or even delayed start, so you need to decide what is needed for your family. Think about what functions you will use or might come in handy or what annoys you about your current washing machine.
Washer-dryer: You can buy a washing machine with a drying function too. While this is tempting, especially during the winter when it is hard to get clothes dried, check the reviews to see how well the drying function works. Often, the drying function is not as effective as a stand alone tumble dryer, and it might be just as easy to dry your clothes using a heated airer.

What size washing machine is best for a large family?

While there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a washing machine, if you have a large family then the load capacity is important. Anything 9kg or over should be sufficient for a large family, however, you can get larger washing machines which means you have to do fewer washes. This can save money too and be more energy efficient. Large capacity washing machines are also useful for washing big items such as bedding and towels, or even washing soft toys.

What are the advantages of a large capacity washing machine?

A large washing machine will let you condense the amount of washes you need to do. It will mean you can fit more washing in one wash. Not only does this save you time, but also money, because it saves energy and water consumption. A large washing machine is useful for large families, or if you have little ones that frequently need clothes washed.

Are there disadvantages of a large capacity washing machine?

The main disadvantage is size. A larger capacity washing machine will have larger dimensions, so if you're upgrading from a smaller capacity machine be sure that the available space - particularly if it's under a fixed bench top or between cupboards - is large enough to accommodate it. It's also a good idea to look for washing machines that have a function that weighs the load then adjusts the cycle accordingly; this will save you water if you're doing a smaller load in a large capacity machine.

What are the disadvantages of overloading a washing machine?

If you overload your washing machine it can cause quite a lot of problems. Most importantly, your washing will not be washed properly so you might have to re-wash it and it might not tackle stains effectively. Also, water might not drain from the machine properly and it can cause problems for the washing machine too. It can cause damage to the motor of your machine or wear down the tub bearings of the drum. Considering this, choosing the right size washing machine for your family is essential to get the best out of it and ensure it lasts a long time.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.

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