The first automatic washing machines were available from around 1950 with the first electronic-control washing machine appearing in 1978. Since then electronics have featured heavily in the design of modern washing machines.

The modern history of automatic washing machines sees the requirement to make the washing machine more efficient whilst increasing the load capacity of the washing machine. Washing machines use energy in heating water, turning the drum and in other ways. Washing machines also use a lot of water and the more modern designs have been created to specifically use less water and wash at lower temperatures.

Energy Ratings:

In the shops you will see energy efficiency ratings for washing machines. Washing machines are rated on a scale from A to G where G is the least efficient and uses more energy than the A rated products. Most washing machines available today are at least A rated, which has lead to the introduction of an A+ and even A++ standard.

Programme Options:

Programme options may include - Half load which enables the washing machine to reduce the amount of water and electricity required to wash the load. A delay timer feature can be used to program the washing machine to start washing late at night when your electricity rate may be lower cost.

Noise performance:

On some washing machines they have been designed in such way to reduce the level of noise produced while in the washing cycle. Noise is measured in dB(A) or decibels. The washing machine specification may show two separate noise figures, one for spin cycle and the other for the washing cycle. If you prefer your washing machine to be quieter then look for one with lower figures for noise performance. Noise performance is usually measured at a specific spin speed, which will be mentioned in the specifications.

Load capacity:

The load capacity is a measure of the weight of the washing, which the washing machine will take as a maximum figure. Most washing machines will operate around 9Kg although some are now available with washing machine load capacity of 10 or 11Kg. Hopefully, the higher the washing machine load capacity, the less washes you will need to do and therefore there may be some cost savings in energy use. Some washing machines have the ability to automatically detect the weight of washing which has been put in the washing machine and therefore to control the required amount of water.

Colours:

For many years automatic washing machines were available in white but more recently we have seen some manufacturers making their products available in other colours including: Black, Silver, Cream and even Pink!

Brands:

There are many companies around the world manufacturing washing machines and leading brands include Bosch, Hotpoint, Miele, Zanussi and Siemens.

Prices:

Automatic washing machine prices start at just under £200 at the lower end of the scale and rise to over £1500 with most washing machines costing somewhere between £250 and £600. Cheaper washing machines tend to be made using lower quality components and the finish may also degrade over time. The washing machine components including drawer and door may be more likely to be broken during use and the washing machine may last only a few years. More expensive washing machines tend to use higher quality components and finish and have been designed and tested to be used for many years. Of course, if a cheap washing machine breaks down you may be able to simply buy a new one compared to the cost of fixing a higher quality machine. Cheaper machines will tend to be more noisy, have fewer features and may take slightly more energy in use.

In conclusion, there's a bewildering range of automatic washing machines on the market to suit your tastes and price point. Automatic washing machines are well developed products and whether you chose a higher cost quality product or lower cost route you will find many products to fit your budget.