Updated 30 October 2026 · By Go Assist
Top pick: the Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg (HB103WWCAREUK) — class A, 36 kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and 72 dB(A) spin noise (class A) on its UK energy label.
Choosing a washing machine comes down to four things you can actually compare: drum size, energy use, water use and noise. Energy, water, noise and cycle-time figures come from each model’s UK energy label and manufacturer product information sheet. Our picks below cover 7 kg machines for smaller homes up to 11 kg for big families, plus an integrated option for fitted kitchens.
Availability changes; check each linked product page. Prices change too, so check each product page for today’s price rather than relying on a figure in this guide.
How we chose these machines
We have not lab-tested these machines. Instead, we compare the figures manufacturers must declare on the UK energy label: energy per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles, water per cycle, spin noise and cycle length. Where a number is not on the label, we say so rather than guess. Labels measure the Eco 40-60 programme, so quick washes and hotter cycles will use different amounts of energy and time.
These are our picks from selected Hotpoint and Indesit models we stock, not an independent comparison of every brand on the UK market.
Go Assist Appliances is a UK family-owned retailer in Bournemouth, backed by Go Assist Ltd’s network of home appliance engineers. Every appliance comes with the full manufacturer warranty. We offer 14-day free returns if you change your mind or the machine doesn’t fit your space. This doesn’t affect your statutory rights.
Quick picks at a glance
| Pick | Model | Type | Wash kg | Energy | kWh /100 cycles | Water L /cycle | Noise dB(A) | Eco 40-60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick (lowest energy use) | Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg (HB103WWCAREUK) | Freestanding | 10 | A | 36 | 52 | 72 (A) | 3:58 |
| Large capacity option | Indesit Push&Go 11kg (IP 1146) | Freestanding | 11 | A | 53 | 44 | 76 (B) | 3:59 |
| Our 9kg pick | Indesit Push&Go 9kg (IP 946) | Freestanding | 9 | A | 49 | 49 | 75 (B) | 3:48 |
| Smaller household option | Hotpoint Anti Stain 7kg (NSWM 7469) | Freestanding | 7 | A | 45 | 45 | 76 (B) | 3:25 |
| Integrated option | Indesit BI WMIL 71252 | Integrated | 7 | E | 78 | 44 | 71 (A) | 3:25 |
Label figures are for the Eco 40-60 programme. Sources: each model’s UK energy label and manufacturer product information sheet. Spin noise is the declared spin-phase value. See each product page for today’s price and full programme list.
Our picks
Top pick (lowest energy use): Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg (HB103WWCAREUK)
Of the freestanding machines in the table above with verified label data, this one has the lowest declared energy use — 36 kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles — and it is the only freestanding model in the table above with a class-A noise rating (72 dB(A) on spin). A 10 kg drum suits most family loads, and it is a standard 60 cm wide and 58 cm deep (849 × 600 × 580 mm on the product listing). The Eco 40-60 cycle is long at just under four hours; that is typical for label-tested programmes, and quicker cycles are available for everyday washes. Listing spin speed is up to 1400 rpm (label Eco spin 1351 rpm). Spin-drying class on the label is B.
View the Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg · see the product page for today’s price.
Large capacity option: Indesit Push&Go 11kg (IP 1146)
If you regularly wash bedding, towels or sports kit, an 11 kg drum reduces how often you need back-to-back loads. The Indesit IP 1146 is class A, uses 53 kWh per 100 Eco cycles and 44 litres of water per Eco cycle, with spin noise of 76 dB(A) (class B). Eco 40-60 at full load takes 3:59. Dimensions on the product listing are 849 × 600 × 580 mm.
Need even more capacity? We also list the Hotpoint Fabric Care Pro 12kg (AutoDose, 849 × 600 × 630 mm on the listing). Check the product page for its energy label and full declared figures.
View the Indesit Push&Go 11kg.
Our 9kg pick: Indesit Push&Go (IP 946) and the mid-size range
The Push&Go freestanding range gives a clear capacity ladder, all class A on the models we checked:
- IP 846 (8 kg) — 47 kWh /100 cycles, 47 L, 76 dB(A) B, Eco 3:38, depth 546 mm
- IP 946 (9 kg) — 49 kWh /100 cycles, 49 L, 75 dB(A) B, Eco 3:48, depth 546 mm
- IP 1046 (10 kg, white) and IP 1046S (silver) — 51 kWh /100 cycles, 51 L, 75 dB(A) B, Eco 3:48, depth 580 mm
Label spin speed on these Eco programmes is 1351 rpm; spin-drying class is B. Pick capacity for your typical load plus a little headroom, not the biggest drum you can squeeze into the space.
Smaller household option: Hotpoint Anti Stain 7kg (NSWM 7469)
For one or two people, a 7 kg drum avoids half-empty large cycles. The Hotpoint NSWM 7469 is class A, 45 kWh per 100 Eco cycles, 45 L water, 76 dB(A) (class B), Eco duration 3:25. It is one of the shallower freestanding options we list at about 54 cm deep (850 × 595 × 540 mm on the product listing). Listing spin is up to 1400 rpm (label Eco spin 1351 rpm). Spin-drying class on the label is B.
View the Hotpoint Anti Stain 7kg.
Integrated option: Indesit BI WMIL 71252
For a machine behind a cupboard door, the Indesit BI WMIL 71252 is the integrated washer we currently feature with full label data. Be clear about the trade-off: it is E-rated (78 kWh per 100 Eco cycles), with a 7 kg drum, 44 L water, and a quiet 71 dB(A) spin (noise class A). Eco 40-60 takes 3:25; label spin is 1151 rpm. Dimensions on the product listing are 815 × 595 × 545 mm.
For more built-in options, see our best built-in washing machines guide and the integrated collection.
How to choose a washing machine
Capacity
As a rough guide: 7–8 kg for one or two people, 9–10 kg for a family of three or four, and 11 kg+ if you often wash bedding and towels. Manufacturers rate capacity on cotton programmes; mixed and delicate loads need more space in the drum, so leave headroom rather than packing to the rated maximum.
More detail: what size washing machine do I need and standard washing machine dimensions.
Spin speed
A faster spin leaves less water in clothes, so drying is quicker. The label shows spin-drying efficiency as a class (A–G). The freestanding models we checked for this guide are class B on the Eco programme. The figure on the label is the Eco 40-60 spin; many listings also quote a higher maximum (for example 1400 rpm) for other programmes.
See spin speed explained: 1200 vs 1400 vs 1600 rpm.
Energy rating
Ignore old A+++ stickers on leftover stock photos — they are not comparable to the current A–G scale. On the freestanding models we compared for this guide, the picks are class A. The Hotpoint Fabric Care 10kg stands out with the lowest kWh per 100 Eco cycles (36). Use that kWh figure, not just the letter, when you compare running costs. More on labels: energy ratings explained and washing machine cycles explained, plus our washing machine energy label guide.
Noise
Spin noise is what you notice through walls and floors. Class A is quieter than class B. In the freestanding rows of the table above, the Fabric Care 10kg is the only freestanding model in the table above with a class-A noise rating, at 72 dB(A); the others are 75–76 dB(A), class B. The integrated BI WMIL 71252 is also class A at 71 dB(A).
More on noise: quiet washing machines and noise levels explained.
Integrated vs freestanding
Freestanding machines are usually larger, easier to service and, in our current list, better on energy class. Integrated machines suit fitted kitchens where you want the appliance hidden. Compare the two approaches in our freestanding vs integrated guide, or browse freestanding and integrated collections.
