Discover our rundown of the top large capacity washing machines to buy in 2025, alongside a detailed buying guide that shows you exactly how to choose the perfect model for your needs.
You need an appliance that’s reliable, durable, high-performing and built to cope with heavy loads.
In short, what you really need is a large capacity washing machine.
These machines – offering 12kg capacity or even more on some models – provide the perfect solution for households with lots of laundry.
Below you’ll find our selection of the Best Large Capacity Washing Machines available on the UK market, complete with their Pros/Cons and our comprehensive buying guide to help you pick the model that fits your requirements.
➤ Please Note: As the title suggests, these top picks focus solely on large capacity washing machines (12kg and above).
If you’re interested in exploring other ranges of washing machines, feel free to check out our other top picks:
➤ Best Washing Machines 2025: Top Picks, Reviews & Testing
*Indicative prices – subject to change at any time.
When investing in a major appliance like a washing machine, doing your homework is essential.
To ensure you find the model that best meets your needs, here are the key factors you should consider:
The very first thing to check is that the drum is spacious enough to accommodate all the laundry you need to wash.
Most models currently offer a 12kg capacity.
For a family of five, a 10kg capacity might suffice.
However, if you have six or seven people in your household, a 12kg machine is ideal.
And if your household is even larger, there are models with drums that can handle over 15kg – though these tend to be significantly bulkier than machines of 12kg or less.
With electricity prices on the rise, choosing an energy-efficient appliance is more important than ever.
Fortunately, large capacity washing machines generally perform well in this area, with many models boasting an A energy rating – the best you can get on the market.
Do bear in mind that these figures are based on laboratory tests and may not always reflect everyday use perfectly.
For a deeper dive into energy ratings, check out our guide “Washing Machine Energy Rating Explained: Guide 2025.”
Naturally, a machine with a larger drum uses more water than a standard 7–8kg model.
The good news is that the increase in water usage isn’t as dramatic as you might think.
We recommend choosing a model that uses no more than 55–57 litres per cycle.
Although tap water remains relatively affordable, minimising water waste can still help keep your running costs down.
A high spin speed is key for reducing drying times – the faster the spin, the drier your clothes will be, which is especially beneficial if you use a tumble dryer (shorter drying cycles translate into energy savings).
Large capacity washing machines typically offer three maximum spin speeds:
Which should you choose?
Simply put, the faster the spin, the better.
That said, don’t feel you have to opt for the ultra-fast models exclusively – we recommend a spin speed of 1400 rpm as a good balance, unless your budget allows for a higher-spec option.
If you’ve ever visited an appliance retailer (Currys, Euronics, John Lewis, etc.), you may have noticed that 12kg washing machines often look quite similar in size to their smaller-capacity counterparts.
Typically, they share standard dimensions: around 60cm wide and 85cm high (ideal for fitting under a benchtop in your kitchen or bathroom), with only the depth being slightly larger – usually between 62 and 68cm.
These standard dimensions are great, as they mean you can fit your new machine in almost any designated space.
However, if you’re after an extra-large model (over 12kg), expect considerably larger dimensions:
If you’re leaning towards one of these XXL machines, make sure you’ve got enough room to accommodate it.
Just like standard machines, large capacity washing machines can be quite noisy – particularly during the spin cycle when they’re running at full tilt.
To avoid your machine sounding like a lawnmower every time it kicks in, look for models with a maximum noise level below 75dB.
Unfortunately, many large capacity models exceed 75dB due to the sheer amount of laundry and the vibrations generated.
Keep in mind, though, that where you install your machine matters too; if it’s tucked away in a utility room or cupboard, you might not need to prioritise silence as much.
Choosing a well-established, high-performing brand is crucial.
Fortunately, many reputable names in the appliance market offer excellent large capacity washing machines that should tick all your boxes.
For example, brands such as Beko, Hoover and Hisense offer appealing entry-level options, while LG and Haier are strong contenders in the mid-range segment.
We strongly advise steering clear of cheaper, generic models – when you’re dealing with tens of kilos of laundry each week, you need a machine that won’t let you down after just a year or two.
Price is always a major consideration when buying a new washing machine.
We suggest keeping an open mind – sometimes it pays to spend a little extra to secure a model that truly meets your needs.
For reference, entry-level machines can cost between £350 and £450, but for a more reliable mid-range model, plan on spending between £450 and £600.
Remember, a good washing machine is an investment that will serve you well for many years, so it’s worth investing in quality if you’ll be using it heavily.
Most large capacity washing machines offer a similar range of cycles, but if you rely on a specific one (like steam, delicate, ultra-short, etc.), make sure the model you’re considering includes it on its control panel.
One thing to note is that the larger the washing capacity, the longer the wash cycles tend to be.
So if you opt for a high capacity machine, be prepared for longer cycle times. ;)
Finally, while a washing machine isn’t exactly a piece of modern art, its design can still be a factor – especially if you plan to install it near your living spaces.
Even if aesthetics aren’t paramount, choosing a model that looks good can be a bonus if you’re torn between several options.
If you’re reading this, it’s clear you’re considering a large capacity washing machine.
Here are the top three reasons why an XXL machine might be the better option:
At first glance, you might think that a larger machine – with its huge drum and wash cycles lasting over four hours – would be a real energy hog.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite!
Energy efficiency is one of the major selling points of large capacity washing machines.
Why?
Because energy consumption doesn’t increase in direct proportion to the washing capacity.
Consider this:
A standard 8kg machine on one side and a 12kg model on the other.
Both may have the same energy rating (A), yet the 12kg machine only uses a 15% extra amount of electricity – despite offering 50% more capacity.
Over the lifetime of the appliance, that can translate into hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds in savings.
➤ Please note: Running your machine only half-full negates these savings.
If you don’t regularly have large loads to wash, a 9 or 10kg machine might be more practical.
A larger drum means you can wash more laundry per cycle, which in turn reduces the number of cycles you need to run – and therefore, your overall water consumption.
While a high capacity machine does use more water per cycle, the water used per kilogram of laundry is around 20% less than that of a standard washing machine – provided you always run a full load.
A large capacity washing machine can free up precious time.
Imagine only having to run one wash cycle instead of two – less time spent loading and unloading, measuring detergent, and setting the cycle means more time for you.
Additionally, shorter overall cycle times mean less wear and tear on the machine’s internal components, which is another reason to consider a high capacity model.
It’s clear that we have no hesitation in recommending washing machines with a capacity of 12kg or more.
Whether it’s the savings on water, electricity, or the extra time you gain, these appliances offer genuine convenience and a much-needed break from the never-ending laundry chore.
We wholeheartedly recommend them for all large families!
We hope this top picks and buying guide for the Best Large Capacity Washing Machines has helped you make an informed decision.
Best of luck, and we look forward to welcoming you back to ApplianceReviews.co.uk soon!
Below you’ll find all our reviews, top picks and buying guides to help you discover everything you need to know about washing machines:
➤ Best Washing Machines 2025: Top Picks, Reviews & Testing
➤ Best Washer-Dryers to Buy in 2025: Top Picks & Reviews
➤ Best Quiet Washing Machines: Testing & Top Picks 2025
➤ Best Large Capacity Washing Machines [12kg+] – Testing & Top Picks 2025
➤ Are BEKO Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
➤ Are BOSCH Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
➤ Are LG Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
➤ Are SAMSUNG Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
➤ Are MIELE Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
➤ Are AEG Washing Machines any Good? Review & Top Picks
