Best large washing machines for families to maximise efficiency

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 with its impressive energy efficiency rating.

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.

"My household is very demanding of a washing machine that will take a lot of use and big loads of washing, " said one reviewer. "This machine delivers on EVERY level. it is a BIG and an impressive looking machine with qualities to match."

Indeed, this machine is big enough to wash king sized duvets, saving you trips to the laundromat or drycleaner. It's maximum rotational speed is 800rpm, which is less than some competitors, and do be aware of machine dimensions before purchasing.

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.

One reviewer liked that it is "very quiet and has an easy to read display. Also, the spin speed can be increased (or decreased) on most programmes via the spin button before starting." The reviewer also commented that it "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!"

Perhaps our favourite feature is the add-to-cycle option ... so 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. Brilliant!

Great for large households, this washing machine has an impressive capacity of 12kg. Even better, it has a quick wash function to save you time. It will also save you money with an A class energy efficiency. Boasting a quiet and reliable inverter motor and fifteen cycle options - including a super fast 15 minute cycle and a steam clean option - this is a machine for every need.

"Needed a large drum washing machine to replace ours," said one reviewer. "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."

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 self-calculates and auto sets the most suitable programme according to weight, increasing efficiency.

"Bought this to replace an old 8kg machine that had seen better days," said one happy reviewer. "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."

Less than positive reviews of this machine tend to focus on the difficulty in understanding its many programmes and settings - it's not particularly user-friendly so some time reading the instructions is necessary.

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 has a delay start option and an intuitive weighing system that weighs the load then adjusts the cycle accordingly. There's a steam clean function and a quick refresh option - so all bases are covered.

Our own Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "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

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 a system that ensures highly efficient use of water.

"It's super quiet," said one reviewer. "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."

Overall, it's Energy Class A. And with extra rinse functions to ensure suds are washed away, this is clearly a great choice. Even add extra clothes mid-cycle provided the water level is low enough and the temperature of the water is below 50 degrees celsius.

A large capacity washer dryer will not only help you get through that big laundry pile but dry it too. With back-to-back wash and dry cycles, this is an all-in machine without a hefty price tag... and it will save you space as well as money.

It has ANTISTAIN 40 which eliminates common stains at 40 degrees without the need for pre-treatment. It also has a refresh cycle which refreshes your laundry with steam in just 20 minutes. Alternatively, 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.

"It is very responsive and the display is nice clear and bright, the wash controls are simple and it is so quiet," said one pleased reviewer. "Loads of settings but the eco one with drying is already our favourite. Very pleased and I am sure it will last years."

However, programming the machine to dry only, and not wash first, isn't simple and will require time spent with the instruction manual according to reviewers.