When selecting the best 8 kg washing machine, focus on aspects like energy consumption (energy class), water usage, spin efficiency, noise levels, motor type, and washing programs.
Ensure that the drum volume and machine dimensions fit your space. Opt for models with an inverter motor, which ensures quieter operation and greater durability. High spin efficiency reduces drying times and saves energy and water. A variety of washing programs allows better treatment for different fabrics and stains, improving cleaning performance.
Are front-loading 8 kg washing machines better than top-loading 8 kg washing machines?
Front-loading 8 kg washing machines outperform top-loading models. Front-loading models achieve an overall score of 7.7, while top-loading models score 6.2 points.
Approximately 90% of 8 kg washing machines on the market are front-loading, while only 10% are top-loading.
The chart below illustrates the distribution of 8 kg washing machines by loading type.
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Front-loading 8 kg washing machines offer the following advantages over top-loading models.
- Greater popularity: about 90% of 8 kg washing machines on the market are front-loading.
- Larger drum volume: front-loading 8 kg washing machines have an average drum volume of 55 litres, which is 9 litres more than the 46 litres of top-loading 8 kg models.
- Quieter operation: during spin cycles, front-loading 8 kg machines average 73.5 dB, compared to 79 dB for top-loading models. During washing, front-loading machines average 53 dB, compared to 57.5 dB for top-loading models.
- Higher review scores: front-loading 8 kg washing machines receive an average review score of 8.7, slightly higher than the average rating of 8 for top-loading models.
- Higher prevalence of inverter motors: 84% of front-loading 8 kg washing machines have an inverter motor, compared to only 36% of top-loading 8 kg models.
- Lower energy consumption: front-loading 8 kg machines consume approximately 31% less energy, at 54 kWh per 100 cycles compared to 78 kWh for top-loading machines. Additionally, 43% of front-loading 8 kg models have an A energy class, while no top-loading 8 kg models achieve this rating.
- Better water extraction: 72% of front-loading 8 kg washing machines can reach a maximum spin speed of at least 1400 RPM, compared to only 45% of top-loading 8 kg models.
- More washing options: cycles such as Shirts, Duvets, and Anti-Allergy, as well as features like extra rinse and quick wash, are more common in front-loading 8 kg washing machines than in top-loading models.
- Advanced features: technologies such as steam, automatic dosing systems, automatic drawer cleaning, and AI are more prevalent in front-loading 8 kg washing machines compared to top-loading models.
The best front-loading 8 kg washing machines are as follows.
- Candy 486BWMR9/1-S Overall score: 8.81 points
- Candy EY48SB8 Overall score: 8.58 points
- Electrolux EW8F384BI UltraCare 800 Overall score: 8.56 points
Top-loading 8 kg washing machines offer the following advantages over front-loading models.
- Lower cost: top-loading washing machines are on average £50 cheaper (£330 compared to £380 for front-loading models).
- More flexible spin speeds: 72% of top-loading 8 kg washing machines reach a minimum spin speed of 400 RPM, compared to 60% of front-loading models.
- Some features are more common: pre-mix technology, self-cleaning function, memory function, and NFC technology are more present in top-loading models.
- Space-saving and lighter: top-loading washing machines occupy about 25% less space (0.21 m³ versus 0.28 m³) and weigh about 12 kg less (56 kg compared to 68 kg).
- Easier loading and unloading: top-loading washing machines are simpler to load and unload.
- Less prone to issues: top-loading washing machines are less likely to develop mould and bad odours compared to front-loading models.
The following list includes the best top-loading 8 kg washing machines.
- SanGiorgio ST8013AD Overall score: 8.02 points
- Hanseatic HWM-TL8013IVA Overall score: 7.97 points
What is the drum volume of 8 kg washing machines?
The drum volume of 8 kg washing machines ranges from 46 to 68 litres, with an average of 55 litres. By comparison, 7 kg washing machines have an average drum volume of 48 litres, while 9 kg machines reach an average of 61 litres. Front-loading 8 kg washing machines feature a drum capacity that is about 9 litres larger than that of top-loading models (55 litres versus 46 litres).
The chart below shows the distribution of drum volumes among 8 kg washing machines.
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Drum volume is an important factor when washing large loads or bulky items. A larger drum helps to clean clothes more effectively and reduces wrinkles, increasing washing efficiency. Drum size also affects the amount of water and detergent required per load.
The 8 kg washing machines with the largest drum volumes are as follows.
- Bosch WAN28K43 Serie 4 Drum volume: 65 L
- Bosch WGE03200IT Serie 2 Drum volume: 65 L
- Siemens WM14N127 iQ300 Drum volume: 65 L

How much space do 8 kg washing machines take up?
8 kg washing machines occupy a space of 0.21 to 0.37 m³, with an average of 0.28 m³. Compared to 7 kg models, they require 12% more space (0.25 m³), while they occupy about 5% less space than 9 kg machines (0.295 m³).
The depth of 8 kg washing machines ranges from 45 to 66 cm, so it is possible to find slim models. Width ranges from 40 to 60 cm, with top-loading machines typically narrower (around 40 cm) and front-loading machines averaging 60 cm. Make sure to choose a machine that fits the space where you plan to install it.
The most compact 8 kg washing machines are as follows.
- Candy Smart CSTG 28TE Volume: 211560 cm³
- Hoover H-WASH 300 H3TSM48TAMCE-11 Volume: 211560 cm³
- EVVO T8 Volume: 213500 cm³
What is the energy efficiency of 8 kg washing machines?
8 kg washing machines range in energy efficiency from class A to F. Most machines, 53%, belong to class A, while 16% are in class B, 16% in class C, 9% in class D, 2% in class E, and 3% in class F. Classes range from A (best) to G and are indicated on the energy label of each washing machine.
The chart below provides an overview of the energy class distribution of 8 kg washing machines.
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Energy consumption generally aligns with energy classes: class A washing machines consume less than 49 kWh per 100 cycles, while class B models consume less than 55 kWh. However, this correlation can slightly vary depending on capacity.
8 kg washing machines consume between 42 and 80 kWh per 100 cycles, with an average consumption of 55 kWh, which is in line with the market average. If you want to save on energy costs with an 8 kg machine, consider choosing a front-loading model, which consumes about 31% less energy than a top-loading machine (54 kWh versus 78 kWh).
The most energy-efficient 8 kg washing machines are as follows.
- Candy 486BWMR9/1-S Energy consumption: 33 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
- Candy EY48SB8 Energy consumption: 38 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
- LG R3 AI DD F2R3S08NSWB Energy consumption: 42 kWh/100 cycles per 100 cycles
In terms of water consumption, 8 kg washing machines use between 37 and 52 litres per cycle, with an average of 46.5 litres, a value similar to the market average. Machines with higher capacities tend to use more water: 7 kg models average 45 litres per cycle, while 9 kg machines use about 49 litres per cycle.
What is the spin efficiency of 8 kg washing machines?
The spin efficiency of 8 kg washing machines typically falls within classes A to C. Most 8 kg washing machines belong to class B (92%), which is the most common spin efficiency class across all capacities. Class C represents 6% of 8 kg machines, while class A covers 2%.
The chart below illustrates the distribution of spin efficiency classes among 8 kg washing machines.
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Spin efficiency indicates how well a washing machine removes moisture during the spin cycle. This parameter is closely linked to the maximum spin speed, which impacts the residual moisture level at the end of the wash. Higher spin speeds reduce remaining moisture: for instance, at 1600 RPM about 43% moisture remains, at 1400 RPM about 50%, and at 1200 RPM about 53%.
For 8 kg washing machines, maximum spin speeds range from 1000 to 1600 RPM, with 1400 RPM being the most common (70%). Approximately 24% of 8 kg machines reach a maximum spin speed of 1200 RPM. These figures surpass the market average, where 60% of washing machines achieve 1400 RPM and 22% reach 1200 RPM.
A higher spin speed can be helpful to reduce drying times, especially for heavier items. If you frequently wash delicate fabrics, consider the minimum spin speed, as more delicate materials require lower speeds to avoid damage. For 8 kg washing machines, minimum spin speeds range from 400 to 800 RPM, with 61% of machines offering a minimum spin speed of 400 RPM.
How noisy are 8 kg washing machines?
8 kg washing machines emit noise levels during the spin cycle ranging from 66 dB to 81 dB, with an average of 74 dB. This value is slightly below the market average, which stands at around 75 dB. Since the spin cycle is the noisiest phase of the washing process, it serves as a good indicator of a washing machine's overall noise level.
The noise emission class, which classifies a washing machine's noise level, ranges from A to D. Class A corresponds to noise levels below 73 dB, class B covers 73 to 76 dB, class C refers to levels between 77 and 80 dB, and class D includes models with noise levels above 80 dB. Among 8 kg washing machines, 42% fall within class A, and 37% belong to class B.
The chart below shows the distribution of spin noise levels among 8 kg washing machines.
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The noise level during washing (being lower than during spinning) has less impact on the user experience. For 8 kg washing machines, washing noise levels range from 41 to 62 dB, with an average of 53 dB.
How many washing programs do 8 kg washing machines offer?
8 kg washing machines offer between 10 and 24 washing programs, with an average of 15, which is in line with the market average. Washing programs for this capacity are similar to those of other machines and generally include 1-3 quick cycles under 1 hour. The ECO cycle has a duration ranging from 180 to 230 minutes, with an average of about 218 minutes.
All 8 kg washing machines include basic programs such as Cotton, Eco 40-60, Synthetics, Quick Wash, Mixed Fabrics, Wool, and Prewash. However, they stand out for their specialised programs: 67% have an Anti-Stain cycle, 45% include a Jeans cycle, 41% offer a Duvet cycle, 62% have a Hygiene cycle, 32% provide a Baby Care cycle, 68% include an Outdoor/Sport cycle, 71% feature an Anti-Allergy cycle, and 41% offer a Shirts cycle.
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The most common washing functions in 8 kg machines include the quick function (52%), extra rinse (79%), anti-crease function (72%), rinse hold (42%), and anti-stain function (59%). Some models also feature wash assist (24%), silent mode (20%), soak function (11%), or Water+ function (6%).

What features do 8 kg washing machines have?
8 kg washing machines offer a range of features similar to those of machines with other capacities. The number of features varies from 3 to 18, with an average of 10 features.
The chart below illustrates the distribution of features in 8 kg washing machines.
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The most common features in 8 kg washing machines include.
- Laundry detection system (94%)
- Foam control system (80%)
- Self-cleaning function (67%)
- Steam technology (58%)
- Inverter motor (79%)
Advanced 8 kg washing machines include the following features.
- Memory function (32%)
- AquaStop system (37%)
- Smart diagnosis function (34%)
- Load balancing system (34%)
- Pre-mix technology (27%)
- Wi-Fi connectivity (14%)
- Automatic drawer cleaning (11%)
- Energy-saving mode (17%)
- Water jets system (17%)
- NFC connectivity (10%)
- AI technology (9%)
- Automatic dosing system (5%)
The 8 kg washing machines with the highest number of features are as follows.
- Samsung WW80T534AAX/S2 WW5300T (24 features)
- Hoover H-WASH 500 HW48AMC/1-S (23 features)
- Candy Smart Pro Inverter CSO 686TWM6-80 (22 features)
When selecting a washing machine, consider the features most relevant to your needs. If convenience is a priority, look for models with Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic dosing systems, or self-cleaning functions. For better laundry care, choose washing machines with load balancing systems, foam control systems, and steam technology. If energy efficiency and durability are key factors, an inverter motor model will be an ideal choice.