How to choose a washing machine to suit your needs and budget

We give the latest models a spin — from the tech, to price and performance

Youíre not sure if you should go up in size? A 6kg machine will manage a single duvet, a 7kg a double, whereas a 9kg machine will take a medium-weight king-size duvet in one gulp. A full load should still allow your hand to sit side-on on the top of the pile. Bosch Series 4 from €499.99 excluding discounts.

Washing machines. Without a doubt, the most self-defeating thing you can do when shopping for a 60cm wide box of gears and electronics is to drive straight to the shop floor for a casual wander. 

Seized by largely useless aesthetics, hypnotised by deals, scanning QR codes, and eyeballing your phone screen while corralling the kids? Do the research before you put that pedal to the metal.