You don't need a large family, to accumulate large piles of washing. Despite your best intentions, children seem to be attracted to mess and some days they can go through more than one outfit before lunchtime. If you have a new baby it can be hard to find the time for washing baby's clothesbetween naps and visitors and feeding, so a large washing machine to wash your little ones' clothes all at once is a lifesaver. That is why the best large washing machines are great for families and will save you endless washing cycles. A washing machine is an essential household item and for families with young children, it is vital. You can even introduce your little one to household choresas you do the washing.
There are so many choices to make when choosing a washing machine, including whether you get a washer dryer, or separate tumble dryer. You also need to consider energy efficiency, cycles, timers, smart features and even things like a child lock. That is all before deciding what size machine you need. On average, a family should look for an 8kg capacity washing machine, however, larger families might want to consider one of the best large capacity washing machines below at over 9kg.
There are many benefits to choosing a large washing machine, not just the ability to wash more clothes all at once and stop your laundry basketfrom overflowing. They are also more eco-friendly because you won't need to run them as often, and they are great for larger items such as bedding and towels and because the laundry is not all bunched up together, they are often better at cleaning.
Best large capacity washing machines at a glance:
•Best large washing machine with 10kg capacity: Haier washing machine
•Best washing machine with 18kg capacity: Cater-Wash Heavy Duty washing machine
•Best large capacity washer dryer: Hotpoint freestanding washer dryer
If you feel like you are constantly running between your washing machine and the laundry pile, it might be time to consider buying a larger machine. If you don't know where to start, we have rounded up some of the best large washing machines for families below.
Best washing machine with 18kg capacity
With an 18kg capacity, this washing machine will be big enough for even the largest or busiest families. It is ideal for large, bulky items and will save you both time and money. It also features temperature selection and 12 pre-set wash cycles to suit every load. The vibration control technology reduces the vibration when spinning to protect your laundry. Plus there is an 'add steam' feature to help with stain removal and an extra rinse function.
One reviewer commented: "My household is very demanding of a washing machine that will take a lot of use and big loads of washing. This machine delivers on EVERY level. it is a BIG and an impressive looking machine with qualities to match."
Pros
- Extra large capacity of 18kg
- Add steam feature useful to target stains
Cons
- Takes up quite a lot of space
Best washing machine with 9kg capacity
A great washing machine with a large 9kg capacity and an A class energy rating to reduce costs, this is perfect for families. It has some useful features too, including steam care which removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, odours and wrinkles, as well as daily washing options and temperature settings, and a silent and efficient motor. Plus, if you drop a sock and notice it once the cycle has started there's no need to worry because the add garment setting lets you pause the washing cycle to add items.
One reviewer said: "Very quiet and easy to read display. Also, the spin speed can be increased (or decreased) on most programmes via the spin button before starting. Has all the programmes you need and the only slight criticism is the dark glass door - so no point sitting down to watch the washing go round!"
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Add garment setting very useful
Cons
- No 90 degree wash
Best washing machine with 12kg capacity
Great for large households, this washing machine has an impressive capacity of 12kg. Even better it also has a quick wash function to save you more time. It will also save you money with an A class energy efficiency. Plus it has a quiet and reliable inverter motor and is designed to remove tough stains.
A reviewer said: "Needed a large drum washing machine to replace ours. This machine hasn't disappointed. Love the auto dosing feature. It measure the load and adjusts the time accordingly. Large load area which makes loading and removing clothes less of a hassle. Good choice of programs."
Pros
- Very quiet
- Auto dosing feature is useful
Cons
- No hand wash cycle
Best large washing machine with 14kg capacity
This Hoover washing machine has an Eco-Power Inverter Motor, which is the most long-lasting and powerful belt technology on the market. Plus, it is Wi-Fi connected so you can check on your washing cycle with Alexa. It also boasts an Auto-Care feature which uses an advanced algorithm to calculate and auto set the most suitable programme, increasing its efficiency.
One reviewer said: "Bought this to replace an old 8kg machine that had seen better days. The additional 2kg (10kg) capacity is just the right balance to ensure maximum efficiency by ensuring full loads most of the time and also capable of the odd double duvet wash. The first thing I noticed though was how silent the wash is and even a 1600 spin whilst audible was not obtrusive."
Pros
- Can connect to WiFi
- Auto-care feature to select the most efficient programme
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the control panel was overly complicated
Best large washing machine with 10kg capacity
Haierwww.currys.co.uk
This washing machine can really save you time with a large 10kg capacity. It also operates with incredible efficiency and with very low noise levels due to the Direct Motion motor. On top of that, it also has a 15 minute quick wash cycle, delay start option and an Intuitive weighing system.
Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert says: "I have been really impressed with the quality and performance of the Haier washer dryer I-Pro Series 5. I didn’t realise how much difference there was between it and my previous washer-dryer and the benefits really can be felt. My clothes smell extra fresh and I have not had the need to rewash clothes with stains when they didn’t come out the first time around."
Read our full Haier washer dryer I-Pro Series 5 review
Pros
- Large washing drum
- Easy to use
- Quiet and stable
- Intuitive weighing system
- Settings for all range of fabrics
- Can be smart phone controlled
Cons
- Auditory wash indication can be too quiet
Best large capacity washing machine for water efficiency
This 9kg capacity washing machine is packed full of useful features. It will help families not only save time and money on their washing but also ensures the clothes are brilliantly clean and hygienic. Using SpeedPerfect, this machine cleans in up to 65% less time, and it also uses ActiveWater Plus for highly efficient use of water. Plus it also has an EcoSilence Drive, Hygiene Plus and extra rinse functions.
One reviewer, Rob, said: "It's super quiet. Unbelievably we kept checking if it was working before we got used to it being so quiet. So very well made, it’s just a very well designed and built washing machine. Feels premium. Drum is protecting clothes and each program starts with dry weighting of load. Huge variety of programs, most of them can be adjusted in regards of temperature, spinning speed, extra water and you can even make them much quicker with "speed perfect" option. Love the black door as it helps to tie the machine in with things like our darker worktops and accessories. So far it cleans really well and for the first time in years since getting this machine we can actually smell the softener! Highly recommend."
Pros
- Efficient water use
- Option to speed up washing
Cons
- Cannot connect to WiFi
Best large capacity washer dryer
A large capacity washer dryer will not only help you get through that big laundry pile but dry it too. This machine has ANTISTAIN 40 which quickly eliminates common stains without the need for pre-treatment. It also has a steam refresh cycle which refreshes your laundry without washing in just 20 minutes, alternatively you can use the steam refresh cycle with anti virus, where steam is injected directly into the drum at the end of the washing cycle to remove 99.9% of bacteria. Plus it has continuous wash and dry cycles including, XS Rapid, XL Bed & Bath and Wash & Dry Mixed.
Reviewer, David, said: "It is very responsive and the display is nice clear and bright, the controls are simple and it is so quiet. Loads of settings but the eco one with drying is already our favourite. Very pleased and I am sure it will last years."
Pros
- Great range of cycles
- Very quiet
Cons
- Drying not always efficient
Things to consider when buying a large washing machine?
Capacity: If you are thinking of buying a washing machine to suit the needs of your family, then consider the capacity or load size. On average a household of two people can comfortably use a 7kg capacity washing machine. However, if you have little ones then you will need something larger, and typically it is advised a family needs a 8kg machine and for large families look at 9kg plus.
Energy rating: It is important to be aware of how your new washing machine will use energy. Lots of modern models have eco-friendly features, and energy saving features, even water efficiency features, so these are all something to consider. Most importantly though, the more energy efficient your washing machine is, the cheaper it will be to run. And if you are doing less washes using a large capacity washing machine, then you will really start to see the savings.
Cycles: Life is busy and sometimes we need quick wash cycles, especially if you urgently need a piece of clothing you forgot to wash. Lots of machines also have stain removal functions which are a lifesaver with little ones who are sure to cover their clothes in grass stains, or chocolate ice cream, paint or pens.
Dimensions: While having a large capacity washing machine is useful to reduce the number of washes you have to do, you must ensure it fits! With a larger drum, it does mean the overall dimensions are likely to increase and so check it will fit in the space you have designated for it.
Noise: Read reviews to check what users say about the noise level. There is nothing more annoying than trying to relax or work with your washing machine sounding like it might take off in the background. Many machines now use motors which are ultra quiet, even when spinning, and these are great if your washing machine is kept in an area of the house where you work or might want to watch TV.
Extra features: There are so many additional features to consider such as connection to WiFi, hygiene and steam functions, anti wrinkle functions, auto dispense washing powder function, the ability to add garments mid wash or even delayed start, so you need to decide what is needed for your family. Think about what functions you will use or might come in handy.
Washer dryer: You can buy a washing machine with a drying function too. While this is tempting, especially during the winter when it is hard to get clothes dried, check the reviews to see how well the drying function works. Often, the drying function is not as effective as a stand alone tumble dryer, and it might be just as easy to dry your clothes using a heated airer.
What washing machine is best for a large family?
While there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a washing machine, if you have a large family then the load capacity is important. Anything 9kg or over should be sufficient for a large family, however, you can get larger washing machines which means you have to do fewer washes. This can save money too and be more energy efficient. Large capacity washing machines are also useful for washing big items such as bedding and towels, or even washing soft toys.
What are the advantages of a large capacity washing machine?
A large washing machine will let you condense the amount of washes you need to do. It will mean you can fit more washing in one wash. Not only does this save you time, but also money, because it saves energy and water consumption. A large washing machine is useful for large families, or if you have little ones that frequently need clothes washed.
What are the disadvantages of overloading a washing machine?
If you overload your washing machine it can cause quite a lot of problems. Most importantly, your washing will not be washed properly so you might have to re wash it and it might not tackle stains effectively. Also, water might not drain from the machine properly and it can cause problems for the washing machine too. It can cause damage to the motor of your machine or wear down the tub bearings of the drum. Considering this, choosing the right size washing machine for your family is essential to get the best out of it and ensure it lasts a long time.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.