When selecting the best 6 kg washing machine, consider factors such as energy consumption (energy efficiency class), water consumption per cycle, spin efficiency, noise level during washing, motor type, number of washing programs, and technical features. Also, evaluate the drum volume and machine dimensions to ensure they fit your space.
Are 6 kg front-loading washing machines better than top-loading ones?
6 kg top-loading washing machines tend to outperform front-loading ones with the same capacity. Top-loading models achieve an overall score of 6.8 points, while front-loading models score 5.8 points. On the market, approximately 50% of 6 kg washing machines are top-loading, and 50% are front-loading.
This is the only capacity where top-loading washing machines outperform their front-loading counterparts.
The chart below illustrates the distribution of 6 kg washing machines based on loading type.
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6 kg top-loading washing machines have the following advantages over front-loading ones.
- Higher ratings and popularity: 6 kg top-loading washing machines have an average review score of 8.2 and a popularity score of 1, compared to front-loading models with 8.4 and 1 respectively.
- More inverter motors: 41% of 6 kg top-loading washing machines feature inverter motors, compared to 29% of front-loading models.
- Better energy efficiency: Top-loading washing machines are generally rated as energy class C, while front-loading ones are class D. About 29% of top-loading models achieve class B, while no front-loading model reaches class B or A.
- Lower energy consumption: 6 kg top-loading washing machines use approximately 9 kWh less per 100 cycles than front-loading models (56 kWh vs. 65 kWh).
- Higher spin speeds: 82% of 6 kg top-loading washing machines reach a maximum spin speed of at least 1200 rpm, compared to 29% of front-loading models.
- Suitable for delicate fabrics: 88% of 6 kg top-loading washing machines can achieve a minimum spin speed of 400 rpm, while only 58% of front-loading models can.
- Specialised wash cycles: Top-loading models more often include cycles like Anti-Stain, Jeans, and Duvet.
- More functions: 6 kg top-loading washing machines have an average of 9 functions, while front-loading ones have 5.
- Advanced features: Features such as AquaStop, foam control, load balancing, pre-mix technology, and automatic dosing systems are more common in 6 kg top-loading washing machines. Some models also feature Wi-Fi connectivity, which is not available in front-loading models.
- Compact dimensions and lower weight: 6 kg top-loading washing machines occupy an average of 0.215 m³ and weigh about 57 kg, while front-loading models occupy 0.227 m³ and weigh 58 kg.
- Ease of loading and unloading: Top-loading washing machines allow convenient access from the top.
- Less prone to mould and odours: Top-loading washing machines are less likely to have issues with mould and odours compared to front-loading models.
6 kg front-loading washing machines have the following advantages over top-loading ones.
- Lower price: Front-loading models are on average £100 cheaper (£260 for front-loading vs. £360 for top-loading).
- Larger drum volume: Front-loading washing machines have an average drum volume of 44 litres, 2 litres more than top-loading models.
- Quieter during spinning: Front-loading washing machines produce an average noise level of 76 dB during spinning, slightly quieter than top-loading models at 77 dB.
- More washing programs: Front-loading models generally offer 15 washing programs, one more than the 14 in top-loading models.
- Additional cycles: Front-loading washing machines more often include specialised cycles such as Baby Care, Anti-Allergy, and Shirts.
- Self-cleaning function: 50% of front-loading washing machines include the self-cleaning function, compared to 29% of top-loading models.
The best 6 kg front-loading washing machines are as follows.
- Electrolux EW6S526A Overall score: 8.33 points
- Electrolux EW6S326A Overall score: 8.27 points
- PKM WA6-ES1512 Overall score: 8.07 points
What is the drum volume of 6 kg washing machines?
The drum volume of 6 kg washing machines ranges from 40 to 54 litres, with an average of 42 litres, which is smaller than the market average of 58 litres. In comparison, 7 kg washing machines have an average drum volume of 48 litres, while 8 kg models reach 55 litres. Front-loading 6 kg washing machines generally have about 2 litres more drum volume than top-loading models (44 litres vs. 42 litres).
The distribution of drum volume sizes among 6 kg washing machines is shown in the chart below.
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Drum volume is particularly important when washing bulky items or larger loads. A larger drum reduces the number of washes needed, saving time and energy, and impacts drying capacity and cleaning effectiveness.
The following 6 kg washing machines have the largest drum volumes.
- Candy Smart CST 360L-01 Drum volume: 50 L litres
- Candy Smart CS41061DE Drum volume: 48 L litres
How much space do 6 kg washing machines take up?
6 kg washing machines take up between 0.2 and 0.26 m³, with an average volume of 0.216 m³ (this means they require less space compared to larger capacity washing machines). For instance, 6 kg washing machines use 14% less space than 7 kg models (0.25 m³) and about 23% less than 8 kg models (approximately 0.28 m³).
The depth of 6 kg washing machines ranges from 38 to 60 cm, allowing for many slim models, including some super slim ones with a depth of less than 44 cm. The width varies from 40 to 60 cm; top-loading washing machines are typically around 40 cm wide, while front-loading models have an average width of about 60 cm.
The 6 kg washing machines that take up the least space are as follows.
- Electrolux EW6S526B SensiCare 600 Volume: 189599.13 cm³
- Electrolux EW6S526A Volume: 206640 cm³
What is the energy efficiency of 6 kg washing machines?
6 kg washing machines are less energy efficient compared to those of other capacities. The energy classes of these washing machines range from B to G, with class D being the most common (35%). Only 15% of 6 kg washing machines are rated class B, while 29% are class C. Around 12% are class E, 6% class F, and 3% class G. By comparison, about 39% of all washing machines on the market are class A and 17% class B, highlighting that 6 kg washing machines are less energy efficient.
The distribution of energy classes among 6 kg washing machines is shown in the chart below.
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Energy consumption is closely tied to energy classes: class A washing machines consume less than 49 kWh per 100 cycles, while class B machines stay below 55 kWh. However, this relationship may vary depending on capacity.
Energy consumption for 6 kg washing machines ranges from 48 to 83 kWh per 100 cycles, with an average of 64 kWh. 9 kg washing machines have the lowest average energy consumption at just 49 kWh per 100 cycles. If you prefer a 6 kg washing machine but want to minimise energy costs, consider a front-loading model rather than a top-loading one, as front-loading washing machines consume about 14% less energy (56 kWh vs. 65 kWh per 100 cycles).
Generally, higher capacity machines have greater average water consumption: 7 kg washing machines use an average of 45 litres per cycle, while 9 kg models use about 49 litres.
The following chart shows the energy consumption distribution (per 100 cycles) of 6 kg washing machines.
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The most energy-efficient 6 kg washing machines are as follows.
- Exquisit WA56110-020A Energy consumption: 42 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
- Electrolux EW6S526A Energy consumption: 42 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
- Electrolux EW6S326A Energy consumption: 42 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
What is the spin efficiency of 6 kg washing machines?
The spin efficiency of 6 kg washing machines falls within class B or C. 54% of these washing machines have a class B efficiency, and 44% have a class C efficiency. The most common spin efficiency class among all washing machine capacities is class B, representing 85%, followed by class C with 10% and class A with 5%.
The chart below shows the distribution of spin efficiency classes for 6 kg washing machines.
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The spin efficiency class reflects the amount of moisture remaining in clothes after spinning. A higher class, such as class A, indicates less moisture remaining, allowing clothes to dry faster. This efficiency is closely related to the maximum spin speed of the washing machine.
For 6 kg washing machines, the maximum spin speed ranges from 1000 to 1500 rpm, with 1200 rpm being the most common (53%), followed by 1000 rpm (40%). These values are below the market average, where 60% of washing machines have a spin speed of 1400 rpm and 22% of 1200 rpm.
Higher spin speeds accelerate drying times by removing more water from clothes, particularly useful for heavy fabrics or bulky loads. However, if you often wash delicate items, consider the minimum spin speed.
For 6 kg washing machines, the minimum spin speed ranges from 400 to 800 rpm, with 76% of models offering a minimum spin speed of 400 rpm, ideal for protecting delicate fabrics.
How noisy are 6 kg washing machines?
6 kg washing machines have spin noise levels ranging from 74 dB to 80 dB, with an average of 76 dB (1 dB higher than the market average of 75 dB). Spin noise is the loudest phase of the washing cycle and is a key indicator of the machine’s overall noise level.
The chart below shows the range of spin noise levels for 6 kg washing machines.
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Consider the noise emission class, which is closely tied to spin noise levels. This class is divided into four categories from A to D as follows:
- A: noise level below 73 dB
- B: noise level between 73-76 dB
- C: noise level between 77-80 dB
- D: noise level above 80 dB
For 6 kg washing machines, the noise emission class predominantly falls into categories B (56%) or C (42%).
Washing noise levels for 6 kg washing machines range from 52 dB to 61 dB, with an average of 58 dB, higher than the market average of 53 dB. While washing noise is less critical than spinning noise, it is still worth considering.
How many washing programs do 6 kg washing machines offer?
6 kg washing machines typically offer between 10 and 16 washing programs, with an average of 14 programs, slightly below the market average of 15. They generally include 1-2 quick cycles under an hour, while ECO cycles last between 180 and 200 minutes, averaging about 195 minutes, 23 minutes less than the market average.
Basic programs in these washing machines include Cotton, Eco 40-60, Synthetics, Quick, Mixed, and Wool/Delicates. Many models also feature specialised programs like Anti-Stain (45%), Jeans (35%), Duvet (35%), Hygiene (32%), Baby Care (23%), and Outdoor (68%).
Washing programs in 6 kg washing machines are generally similar to those in larger capacity models. However, some cycles are less common in 6 kg washing machines compared to other capacities, such as the Anti-Allergy cycle (45% compared to 68% market-wide), Shirts cycle (19% vs. 42%), and Hygiene cycle (32% compared to 59%).
The chart below shows the distribution of the number of washing programs in 6 kg washing machines.
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Many 6 kg models include useful features such as the quick function (45% of models), extra rinse (85%), prewash (97%), anti-crease (56%), rinse hold (29%), and anti-stain function (39%). A few models also offer wash assist (12%) and silent operation (18%).
What features do 6 kg washing machines have?
A 6 kg washing machine typically includes between 5 and 14 features, two fewer than standard washing machines, which average 8 features compared to 10.
The chart below presents the distribution of features in 6 kg washing machines.
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The features of 6 kg washing machines are similar to those of other capacities, with some exceptions. Most 6 kg models include functions like foam control (84%), unbalanced load detection (85%), laundry detection (77%), and Pause & Add (82%).
Less common are load balancing systems (35%), AquaStop (24%), pre-mix technology (16%), NFC connectivity (13%), soft-opening doors (41%, available only in top-loading machines), and automatic drum positioning (26%, also in top-loading machines).
The following features are less widespread in 6 kg washing machines compared to larger capacity models.
- Steam technology (24% of 6 kg washing machines, compared to 57% market-wide)
- Self-cleaning (39% vs. 66%)
- Smart diagnosis (19% vs. 43%)
- Special drum design to protect clothes (<5% vs. 46%)
- Automatic drawer cleaning (<2% vs. 12%)
- Automatic dosing system (<2% vs. 7%)
- Wi-Fi (<5% vs. 23%)
- AI technology (<2% vs. 11%)
Only 32% of 6 kg washing machines have efficient inverter motors (compared to 79% of all washing machines on the market).
The 6 kg washing machines with the highest number of features are as follows.
- Candy Smart CST 06LE (16 features)
- Candy Smart CS41061DE (14 features)
- Candy Smart CST 360L-01 (14 features)
