Washing machines. Loud, clunky. Expensive. But what if I told you that they didn’t have to be? We don’t all have a small fortune to spend on the latest high-tech machine, but what we do all need is something to wash our clothes.
Today we’ll be tackling cheap washing machines. Low in price, not on quality, we’ll be bringing you the best washing machines under £300 for those on a tight budget, or in need of an emergency replacement.
The best part? Every machine we’ve chosen is under £500 to ensure that you find something that fits your budget.
Accompanying each are detailed reviews, helping you to determine which one is going to be right for your home. Are you ready for your new and affordable washing machine? Let’s take a look and see what’s on offer.
With our rundown of the key functions complete, join us below for each of our chosen machines and the reviews that come with them. Your latest addition could be among them.
1. Editors Pick
Best Budget Washing Machine
2. Budget Pick
Best Washing Machine Under £200
The Best Budget Washing Machine (in order)
1. Best Washing Machine Under £300 – Beko
SPECIFICATIONS
- Spin Speed: 1400RPM
- Washing Load Capacity: 8kg
- Noise Level: 74dB (max)
- Weight: 72kg
- Overall Size: 84x60x59cm
Our first entry is for the £300 price point. The Beko’s WTG841B2W is a very competitive machine, and offers a gold standard for cheap washing machines. It’s a reliable little powerhouse, and might just be what you’ve been searching for.
The Good
At 1400 RPM, the WTG84 offers good power in its class, rating well against its competitors, though isn’t a powerhouse in this department.
However, it more than makes up for this with its energy efficiency rating of A+++, costing only £30 to run per year, and an 8kg capacity.
The washer has many additional features: Quick wash is included, with an additional option for Xpress Super Short wash for loads under 2kg – one quarter of the washer’s maximum load – taking just 14 minutes.
It has a host of other features, such as child lock, delay timer, fuzzy logic, variable spin and temperature controls. These options make the WTG84 a very attractive option, especially in regard to its low price point.
One of the more desirable features is the drum cleaning setting, preventing odours from building up and helping the machine to last longer.
The Not So Good
So, where does this machine fall short? Unfortunately, it does have some drawbacks. The spin and wash cycles are 74 and 61 Decibels respectively, a little louder than a normal conversation.
This isn’t a problem for those who can store the washing machine in a room away from the conversation, however.
Our View
Beko’s WTG84 immediately strikes us as a really strong contender. At a competitive price even by the standard of cheap washers, this may be the best value washing machine on offer.
The additional features on top of a good RPM and exceptional energy-efficiency not too mention the 8KG capacity, make this almost too good to pass up on. The drawbacks can widely be ignored, only coming into play in very select circumstances.
Overall, the WTG84 is a great washing machine. For those with all but the tightest budget, this machine is highly recommended.
2. Best Washing Machine Under £200 – Beko
SPECIFICATIONS
- Spin Speed: 1000RPM
- Washing Load Capacity: 5kg
- Noise Level: 77dB (max)
- Weight: 55kg
- Overall Size: 84x60x41.5cm
Our second option, and Beko’s second offering, is the WTG50M1S. It offers the best long-term cost in class, and the price is superb. Take a little peek below and see if it ticks any of your boxes.
The Good
Made for the individual user, the WTG5 initially seems to be the weakest offering on the list. With a decent spin cycle of 1000RPM and 5kg load, you could be forgiven for dismissing this washer out of hand.
However, it bears several marks of a greater machine that are easy to miss at first glance. It is made for efficiency. The yearly cost of £22 to run make it a very cheap washing machine over time.
It is also lighter than any most other machines, and keeps several key functions that other models do not: quick clean programming, drum clean, variable spin, temperature and fuzzy logic are all retained, meaning the WTG5 remains competitive against other reasonably washing machines.
Even with its slower spin speeds, it still managed to impress and keep clothes looking great.
The Not So Good
The WTG5 does suffer from some loss in versatility with its lower spin cycle. If you want something with a larger capacity and a faster spin speed, you might want to try the Beko WIR7 below.
Our View
It would have been criminal to leave this option off the list. Of its competitors, only one stood out as being a contender against it.
Though uninspiring at first glance, a more in-depth look at its functions reveals a better package for the right person.
Though there are better options for those looking for larger loads, or with a larger budget, the WTG5 certainly fills a niche that few other machines even get close to. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
3. Under £300 – Beko WIR76540f1
SPECIFICATIONS
- Spin Speed: 1700RPM
- Washing Load Capacity: 7kg
- Noise Level: 72dB (max)
- Weight: 71kg
- Overall Size: 82x60x56cm
Another model from Beko, somewhat of a leader in this field, is the WIR76540f1. A model designed with versatility and the environment in mind.
If you are feeling more conscious about your environmental impact, this is the washing machine you should be taking a look at.
The Good
It doesn’t take much to recognise the strengths the WIR7 offers: 1700RPM, a 7kg load and an A+++ energy rating makes this a very good option for the household.
It also means that it is kinder to the environment because it is using less energy, but will also make a difference to your bills. So, you can spend less for a lot more. At a low price, this is a very good machine on a relatively low budget.
A full suite of features is included as standard, seeing the return of features such as variable spin, temperature, fuzzy logic to allow smart adaptation during use, delay timer, daily quick and Xpress Super Short wash cycles.
The machine also has integration options for kitchen suites, meaning it can seamlessly blend into an already established bespoke kitchen design.
The Not So Good
It’s definitely one of the more expensive models here, and that is its only real downside. Compared to similarly priced machines, the WIR7 comes out leagues ahead due to its functions.
Our View
This is a machine opposite to the WTG5. It is designed for those looking to do big loads frequently, and would fit much better in a family environment than in most others.
The capacity is fantastic, and will help you get through those piles of laundry a little bit faster. We can say with great certainty that this is one of the most powerful machines on the list, which offers a versatility none other can match.
Read Here : Best Beko Washing Machines
4. Best Budget Washing Machine: – Electra
SPECIFICATIONS
- Spin Speed: 1200RPM
- Washing Load Capacity: 6kg
- Noise Level: 78dB (max)
- Weight: 57kg
- Overall Size: 84.5×59.7×49.7cm
Our editor’s pick for this guide comes from Electra, and it is the W1244CF2W, a smaller-load machine built for efficiency and affordability. It’s a really solid machine, and one that will certainly give you a reliable way to wash your clothes.
The Good
Even more so than Beko’s WTG84, Electra’s W12 is very wallet friendly. In raw numbers, it is cheaper in outlay and long-term cost: only costing £26 to run per year.
The initial savings seem obvious, and pricing is certainly a key draw for this machine. You’ll find few cheaper, and of those none of higher quality. It’s a good size as well, with a reasonable capacity that should keep most homes happy.
The W12 is built for efficiency: with an A++ energy efficiency rating, its environmental impact is small, while offering a good power solution with a 1200 RPM.
The W12 offers a range of additional features: Child lock and delay timer, as well as variable temperature and fuzzy logic are included, though observant readers may notice it lacks some of the options other, more expensive models include.
If you want something that is really packed with features, why not try out the Beko WTG in this guide?
The Not So Good
It can be a little noisy, and it doesn’t have as many features as some of the other washing machines that have been listed in this guide. It’s also really loud, and if noise is an issue for you, you might want to consider the quieter Beko WIR7.
Our View
The W12 was the favourite in the office. Though lacking in size, the focus on having as low a budget as possible while still insisting on quality meant the Electra beat out all other competition.
The Electra is great for those who only need small loads, and for whom the lowest price is an absolute must. In the end, it’s a simple case of economics: the W12 offers the best quality for the lowest price.
It costs less than any other washing machine to run for its average load. In all, these qualities make it stand out
Further Models of Cheap Washing Machine
We took a look at several other machines for under £300, and you’ll find our favourite out of all of them below.
5. Under £300 – Hotpoint BIWMHG71484
SPECIFICATIONS
- Spin Speed: 1400RPM
- Washing Load Capacity: 7kg
- Noise Level: 73dB (max)
- Weight: 64.4kg
- Overall Size: 82×59.5×54.5cm
Finally, the Hotpoint BIWMHG71484 rounds out our guide. At less than £350, it is a fairly cheap washing machine, and it could be considered almost as excellent as the Beko WIR7 earlier in this guide.
With a similar RPM of 1400, and comparable drum size, it is certainly a contender, and certain aspects may be more desirable to other users.
The duvet and white cycles certainly have appeal, and the Woolmark blue certification means it is as gentle as handwashing. For those not swayed by the WIR7 at the same price point, this is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
Time breeds innovation. This means that the market today is flooded with a vast array of washing machines, ranging from simple units with few features, to premium machines boasting a whole suite of options.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the options presented to you, so we’ve made a short buyer’s guide to inform you on the best options available and how to sort the good from the bad. You’re here for the washing machine with the best value for you; it is our aim to see that you find it.
Why not head over to our guide on how to make your own washing powder to save you more money on your washing.
How Much is a Cheap Washing Machine?
Washing machines, like most household appliances, can vary wildly in price. Even cheap machines range from as low as £80 to over £1500! It really helps to find a happy medium in this range.
We can eliminate any overly low prices, as these machines are often deeply flawed and quickly develop faults.
We also eliminate any over-priced washing machines; while they may be well priced for their functions, they are still too expensive to really be considered as cheap washing machines.
In our research, we found that a good washing machine deal tended around the £300 mark, with an upper ceiling of £400. We wouldn’t advise most machines below £200, as these are likely to fall victim to mechanical issues, setting you back more in the long run.
We’ll be looking at several machines, and have highlighted the best value washing machines under £200 and £300. This gives you a look at the lower and higher price ranges within the affordable line.
Why not take a look at our guide on the washing machine insurance cover including break down and repair to save you money in the long run for those unexpected breaks.
Features
In general, the more features a washing machine has, the more expensive it is. Good washing machine deals will tend towards a competitive price for several features – but be aware of deals that look too good to be true.
Programs and Settings
Programs and settings dictate how the washer will clean your clothes. Only the most basic machines come without this in the modern era, though some do, utilising basic timers to operate.
Washers will often come with basic programming for standard washes, with fast, economy and delicates options. Many offer more than this, though tend towards the higher price points.
Quick Wash
Quick wash is an option on some washing machines, which features a shorter spin cycle, only taking up to an hour (and usually closer to half that) to finish the wash cycle.
Machines with this setting are ideal for those with small, frequent loads or those that have busy lifestyles. Quick wash settings struggle with large loads, however, and often don’t reach the same temperatures as other wash cycles.
This means the feature is less useful for those who do large, infrequent washes.
Energy Ratings
A washing machine’s energy rating indicates how “green” the machine is – or, how environmentally friendly it is to operate. An energy rating of “A” means it is good, while “D” and “E” mean it is bad.
This will reflect on your wallet over time, as lower rated machines do cost more to run. Typically, cheap machines will cost more to use in the long term, while paying a little more initially could save you a lot more in the long run.
For the financially conscious, a good energy rating should be a top priority.
Drum Size
The drum size indicates how much washing you can fit into the machine at once. As most machines require roughly 25% of the drum to remain empty for a proper wash cycle, the drum size can be a little misleading.
However, larger machines tend to cost more. Inversely to the Quick Wash option, this is a key priority for those who do large loads infrequently.
Quietness
How quiet a washing machine is depends on how much it moves. A washing machine with loose fittings, construction or inferior parts will make more noise than a better-quality model.
Unfortunately, this is where many cheaper options fall down. A noisy machine doesn’t necessarily have anything wrong with it – it just uses more rudimentary parts to achieve the same effect.
Quietness usually isn’t an issue when the machine can operate in a separate washroom, kitchen or other closed-off space.
Spin Speed
A washing machine’s spin speed refers to how many full rotations the drum performs per minute. This is measured in RPM, or “revolutions per minute”.
For instance, a machine with 1000 RPM would have its drum complete 1000 full turns every minute. Spin speed is used for different clothes (usually to protect delicate clothing) and to drain water at the end of a wash cycle.
A variety of spin speeds is important for those with particularly delicate clothes, though most users don’t need to worry about this too much.
Read Here: Best Washing Machine Reviews
To Conclude
If you’re looking for a washing machine on a budget, this should be your first and last stop. A definitive guide to the best washing machines under £300, and even under £200. It is not impossible to find high quality for low prices after all.
Each of the models listed in this guide has been chosen because it meets our very specific budgeting requirements, so you should have no problem finding one that fits in with your needs.
There are loads of pros and a few cons to each washing machine, but I do have a favourite. The Electra is a great balance between the high-end and the lower end products, sporting some great additional features at a very reasonable price. It’s an all-rounder, and one that really stands out.
What did you think of our affordable washing machine guide? Did you find something that you like the look of, or are you still left wanting more? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to help you out
Last Updated on January 17, 2022 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
