Smart washing machines explained

Smart new wi-fi enabled washing machines are becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly are they, how do they work and how much will they cost?

Read on to find out more about the technology, the features to look out for and what brands are doing in this smart space, including Bosch, Miele and Samsung.  

Take a look at our best washing machines to see which models we recommend.

What is a smart washing machine?

Smart washing machines are appliances that can connect to your household wi-fi network in the same way that other devices do, such as tablets and smartphones. You can then set your washing machine remotely using an app on your phone or tablet, or via Alexa or Google Assistant. 

You don't have to have a smartphone, either – you can set it manually. So, if your partner has the latest iPhone but you’re still playing Snake on your old Nokia, you won’t be able to get out of doing the laundry.

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Smart washing machine features 

Smart washing machines can come with lots of additional useful features, including:

• Remote control using an app: Start, pause and stop your wash using your smartphone, tablet, Alexa or Google Assistant. 
• Automatic program selection: After filling in a few simple details, the app will determine the most suitable program for your laundry. 
• Capacity: Machines can range from 6kg to 12kg capacity. Most models will determine the load of laundry, and use the right amount of water and energy.
• Auto-dosing: Some machines will weigh the load and adjust the amount of detergent accordingly.
• Troubleshooting: Machines can detect issues and maintenance jobs that need doing, and notify you instantly via the app. 
• Extra programs: Most apps will offer extra downloadable programs, including steam washes and a cycle to clean the drum. 
• Memory feature: Some will remember your most used programs and suggest them when you're setting your wash.
• Energy use: Check how much energy your washing machine is using in real time. 
• Safety: The cycle won't start if the door is open or the machine isn't connected to the water supply.  
• Add items: Dropped a sock on the way to the machine? Some models have an 'add item' feature so you can chuck it in mid-cycle.

Popular smart washing machines compared

Not all apps have the same features. Here's a quick summary of how some the more popular key models compare.

Alternatively, jump straight to our smart washing machine reviews.

AEG LFR74944AD smart washing machine

Typical price, around £879

• Maximum capacity: 9kg
• Key smart features: remote control, laundry assistant

Most of AEG's higher-end washing machines offer some kind of smart connectivity, especially if you buy a newer model.

You can use the My AEG Care app to personalise your laundry settings based on what you're washing and get tips and suggestions on getting the most out of your machine, too.

Read our full AEG LFR74944AD review.

Where to buy it: Appliance City, Hughes, John Lewis or Buywise

Samsung WW11BB944DGBS1 smart washing machine

Typical price, around £779

• Maximum capacity: 12kg
• Key smart features: laundry assistant, energy management

Samsung offers smart connectivity on a number of its washing machines, including those not right at the top of its range, such as this one.

The massive 12kg capacity means you can wash almost double that of a smaller model. The option to set a laundry schedule and monitor the wash remotely could certainly come in handy.

Read our full Samsung WW11BB944DGBS1 review. 

Where to buy it: John Lewis, Boots Kitchen Appliances, Currys PC World, Samsung or AO

Miele WED164 smart washing machine

Typical price, around £999

• Maximum capacity: 9kg
• Key smart features: remote control, laundry assistant, energy management

Miele models often don’t come cheap, but that also means they come with lots of extra features.

Miele’s Miele@home smart connectivity lets you control your device through the Miele app, voice control or other smart home solutions, networked via a home wi-fi router and the Miele Cloud.

Read our full Miele WED164 review.

Where to buy it: Appliance Centre, John Lewis or Buywise

Who makes smart washing machines and how much do they cost?

Hoover and Samsung were the first two manufacturers to launch wi-fi-enabled smart washing machines in the UK. But now more manufacturers are launching their own versions. In fact, one in three machines we've tested has smart functionality. 

Here, we run through what different brands are offering in this space and how they compare with their competitors.

Bosch, Home Connect 

Bosch uses Home Connect, an app that can control appliances from numerous brands. A number of its machines are smart – we've tested two – and the wi-fi capability is a 'core' feature, meaning wi-fi models are much more common than they once would have been. 

Like other apps, you can start, pause and stop cycles, and it will also notify you when the cycle has finished. 

Other useful features include: 

• The app will choose the most appropriate cycle for the load and tell you if there's an item that should come out and be washed a different way. 
• You can hold off on the rinse via the app – perfect if you're out of the house and you don't want to come back to stagnant clothes in the washer. 
• Can be controlled and monitored using Amazon Echo.
• Allows remote troubleshooting by Bosch customer service if you permit it. 

You'll have to pay more for this, though. Bosch's smart models typically cost between £600 and £800. You can get a basic – but quality – non-smart machine for less than half this price.

Find out which Bosch smart washing machine we think is the best using our reviews. 

Miele, Miele@home

Miele's app is available mostly on more advanced models. 

Alongside the basic functions, Miele@home can extend the Anti-crease phase by 30 minutes up to a maximum of three times and let you know when your machine needs cleaning.

Miele is typically in the higher price bracket compared with its competitors, and for a smart model you can expect to pay anywhere between £800 and £1,500. 

Find out how Miele's smart washing machines did in our tests.

Candy, Smart Touch

Described by Candy as a personal assistant, Smart Touch is available via its simply-Fi app and is the first voice-assisted washing machine. Candy claims its smart technology can help you choose a wash program, give you a maintenance guide and give you further hints and tips to get through your laundry.

Other useful features include: 

• periodical reminders
• more than 20 special and additional washing programs
• the chance to optimise your washing habits using a stats page. 

Smart models will cost up to and around £400. 

If you like the sound of Smart Touch, head straight to our Candy smart washing machine reviews. 

Hoover, Wizard 

Hoover was one of the first manufacturers to adopt smart tech. Hoover claims that its Wizard app enables you to set and save your favourite wash cycles, so you will be able to start them without any effort.

Other capabilities include: 

• downloadable new cycles
• hints for keeping your machine in top condition
• remote efficiency check

Unfortunately, this app doesn't seem to have wowed users on app stores and has only been given a low to middling star ratings. Costs for the machines can vary, too, ranging from under £300 to nearly £700. 

Find out which Hoover smart washing machine we think is the best using our reviews. 

LG, Smart ThinQ

LG's smart tech has the basic functions that many of its competitors offer, including starting and stopping cycles, notifications when a job is complete and maintenance reminders.

It also can troubleshoot small problems and can be voice controlled via an Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Depending on the extra features you want with your smart model, you can pay between about £300 and £700.

Read our reviews of LG smart washing machines. 

Samsung, SmartThings

Once you've loaded up your washing machine, Samsung's SmartThings app can take full control. From cycle selection to making washing suggestions, the app is fully integrated with the machine. 

Your washing machine can even automatically order detergent when you get low.

If you want a feature-packed smart Samsung, expect to pay around £1,000. 

We've reviewed more than 20 smart Samsung washing machines. 

AEG, My AEG Care

Until recently, the AEG app was recently only available on one of its washing machines, but now it is available on several, with prices ranging from below £700 to over £1,000. It has the capability to start the cycle and it will notify you when it's finished. 

The 'care advisor' will ask you a handful of questions about the load, including the fabric, colour and stain before washing accordingly. 

You can also find general advice on getting rid of stains and how to use detergents, too. And, like its competitors, it will troubleshoot any issues and learn your washing habits.

Read our AEG smart washing machine reviews. 

Whirlpool, Whirlpool

Whirlpool's app offers basic functionality, and assisted cycles that will help you choose the right program. 

However, there is limited availability for connected models at this stage.  

Read our Whirlpool washing machine reviews (non-smart).

Which smart washing machine brands offer the best security support policies?

Smart washing machines connect to wi-fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to operate some of their functions from your smartphone or other device via an app. As with any internet-connected device, it’s important that these apps receive regular security updates to guard against potential security and privacy threats.

We estimate the 'lifetime' of a washing machine – the average time we’d expect one to last before it breaks down or deteriorates significantly – to be 11 years. This is based on robust analysis of recent product surveys and is a conservative estimate, so we’re confident that the genuine average is above this value.

We reached out to the biggest brands to find out more about support policies and, as you can see, some are falling well short of this measure.

• Miele plans to release security updates for approximately 10 years after it stops making an appliance, and longer, if it finds critical vulnerabilities.
• BSH (the company that owns Bosch, Neff and Siemens) told us it will provide the security updates for at least 10 years after purchase.
• Hisense guaranteed updates for eight years after a product is discontinued when we asked last year, but this year it didn't respond.
• Samsung said it'll support smart appliances for a minimum of five years from launch.
• Beko will provide security support for three years at most, and less if the oven warranty is shorter than three years.
• LG will only guarantee updates for a minimum of two years. 

Other big brands, including Hoover and Candy, did not specify a minimum update period. 

While you may not be at immediate risk if you're using a smart machine that's unsupported, if you’re buying a new one, you should look for one that will receive update support for as long as possible. For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.

Smart washing machines: safety and security

It's important to make sure your privacy and safety isn't compromised by using this new smart technology. Here are our top tips on staying safe: 

• Keep your app updated This will not only make sure you have the most up-to-date features but also mean you're covered by the most recent security fixes. 
• Stick to official channels Always download your app from channels such as the App Store and Google Play as they will have checks in place to make sure your app is safe to use. 
• Protect your data Lots of apps want access to your data, but not all ask for it. Click on settings for your apps and you can allow or deny certain permissions. 
• Be careful of public wi-fi The hotspots can be less secure and leave your phone vulnerable to a hacker attack. Avoid logging in to your bank or entering credit card details when using these networks.

Still not found what you need? Discover our pick of the best washing machines.