Your guide to buying a washing machine 

How to clean up by checking the selection of essential features available before you splash out on that purchase

The Miele TwinDos range includes machines with detergent bottles set inside the machine. 

LOOKING for a new washing machine. If it’s about brand, then Miele, Bosch (Series 6 up), AEG and Neff gleam have squeaky clean credentials for build quality. However, that’s not the full load on guarantee, longevity or energy performance. Many €200–€275 machines include a ten-year parts guarantee, and every washer you consider will be A++ or A+++ rated (with an A or B spin cycle), Look for an annual running cost for an 8kg model of 176 kWh–217kWh per year, based on 220 standard washing cycles (check the Energy Label). Overflow, leak prevention and overheating sensors should be standard.

CAPACITY: GETTING IT RIGHT