The most common washing machine problems, from 14,820 verified buyers

1. The most common washing machine problem owners report: “Programmes run very long”, raised in 20% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Noisy or shakes on the spin” (12%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Quiet”, in 41% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 97% of verified buyers rated their washing machine 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; washing machines rank 3 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 1% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 100.
5. Across the 14 washing machines with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 94% to 99%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these washing machines had a median of 98% happy buyers, against 98% for the cheaper half (up to £399).
7. Owners agree with experts here: models whose expert reviews earned our “great choice” verdict had a median of 98% happy buyers, against 95% for “good with caveats”.

Share of the 398 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Programmes run very long20%
   Came up on 8 models
2. 2. Noisy or shakes on the spin12%
   Came up on 7 models
3. 3. Hard to set up or use9%
   Came up on 8 models
4. 4. Clothes come out wet8%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. Broke down or developed a fault5%
   Came up on 7 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Programmes run very long (20% of complaints)

   Eco programmes save energy by running for hours. Check the length of the quick and daily programmes you'll actually use.

2. 2. Noisy or shakes on the spin (12% of complaints)

   Level the feet and remove the transit bolts before the first wash; on a wooden floor, put it as close to a wall as you can.

3. 3. Hard to set up or use (9% of complaints)

   Look at the buttons, menus and app in photos or a video before you buy, and download the manual: a few minutes there saves a return.

4. 4. Clothes come out wet (8% of complaints)

   Check the top spin speed (1,400 rpm or more leaves clothes drier) and that you can set it on the programmes you use.

5. 5. Broke down or developed a fault (5% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

Share of the 1,083 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Quiet41%
   Came up on 15 models
2. 2. Easy to set up and use18%
   Came up on 12 models
3. 3. Washes well16%
   Came up on 12 models
4. 4. Does its main job well7%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Looks good7%
   Came up on 6 models