Buying an energy efficient washing machine is one of the smartest decisions you can make if you want to bring your monthly outgoings down. Not only do you pay less for electricity, you also get an appliance that will run reliably for years without unnecessary costs. In this article we explain what energy efficiency actually means for washing machines, what to look out for and how to buy a good machine without paying for a brand name.
Why choose an energy efficient washing machine?
The average household does two to five washes a week. That sounds like very little, but it soon adds up. An older washing machine easily uses 1.0 to 1.5 kWh per wash. At an electricity price of around €0.32 per kWh, that quickly comes to €50 to €90 a year on washing alone.
A modern model with energy rating A or B often uses 0.5 to 0.7 kWh per wash. The difference compared with a ten-year-old appliance can amount to €30 to €50 a year. Over ten years that is €300 to €500 in electricity costs alone. That is money you are better off keeping.
And there is something else: using less electricity also means lower CO2 emissions. If you are careful with your energy, you do not have to pay extra for it. An efficient washing machine is simply the smarter choice, for the environment as well.
Energy ratings explained: from A to G
Since 2021 Europe has used a new, stricter energy rating scale for washing machines. The old system ran from A to G but had become confusing because of all the plus variants. The new scale runs from A to G once again, with A the most efficient. Worth knowing: at the moment most washing machines achieve a B, C or D rating. A genuine A-rated washing machine is relatively rare and usually more expensive.
For everyday use the rule is this: in practice a machine rated B or C already offers an excellent balance between purchase price and running costs. So do not be misled into looking at the rating alone without also looking at the price.
What actually makes a washing machine energy efficient?
The energy rating gives you an indication, but real consumption depends on more than that. Here are the most important factors.
Power, wash temperature and drum capacity
The power rating of a washing machine tells you something about maximum energy use, but not everything. Many modern motors — brushless motors among them — are more efficient than older types. The wash temperature makes a big difference: washing at 60°C uses two to three times as much energy as washing at 30°C.
Drum capacity plays a part as well. Washing a full drum is always more efficient than washing a half-empty one. So choose a drum size that suits your household. A 7 kg machine is fine for a one or two person household. A family of four is better served by 8 or 9 kg.
Eco programmes and smart functions
Almost every modern washing machine has an eco programme. This programme washes at a lower temperature but keeps the drum turning for longer. The result is a clean wash using considerably less electricity. Some models also have functions such as half load or delay start, which let you wash outside peak hours at a lower tariff.
Energy rating A vs. B vs. C: what is the difference in practice?
To put it in concrete terms: say you do 220 washes a year.
- Rating A: around 0.45 kWh per wash → ±99 kWh/year → around €32/year
- Rating B: around 0.55 kWh per wash → ±121 kWh/year → around €39/year
- Rating C: around 0.70 kWh per wash → ±154 kWh/year → around €49/year
The difference between rating A and rating C is around €17 a year. If an A-rated machine costs €80 more than the C-rated version, it will take a good four years before you earn that back. So think carefully about whether the extra cost outweighs the saving. In many cases a B-rated machine offers the best balance.
The eco programme: how much do you really save?
The eco programme on a washing machine usually washes at 40°C or lower, with longer running times and less water. Compared with a standard 60°C programme you quickly save 30 to 40% of the energy per wash. With daily use that adds up to between €15 and €25 a year. The programme takes longer — 3 to 4 hours on average — but if you wash overnight or during the day while you are out, you will not notice it.
What should you look for when buying an energy efficient washing machine?
A handy checklist for your purchase:
- Energy rating: choose rating C as a minimum, preferably B or better
- Drum capacity: 7 kg for 1-2 people, 8-9 kg for families
- Spin speed: 1200-1400 rpm is standard and enough for most situations
- Programmes: make sure there is an eco programme and a quick wash programme for light loads
- Warranty: always check the warranty period — a short warranty can work out very expensive if something breaks
Wash at 30°C or 40°C from day to day. That is more than enough for most loads and cuts your energy bill straight away. Only heavy stains or hygiene washes (bedding, towels) make 60°C worthwhile.
A 5 year warranty is not a luxury but a concrete saving. A repair to a washing machine soon costs €150 to €300. With a longer warranty you cover those costs without extra insurance or a service contract.
Finally: the difference between a big-name brand and an own-brand machine almost never lies in the motor technology or the energy use. It lies in the marketing budget and the brand name. With the big brands you often pay €100 to €200 extra for a logo, not for better technology.
Buying an energy efficient washing machine without the brand mark-up – how does that work?
Energy efficiency is not the exclusive preserve of expensive big-name brands. The motors, the programming and the energy performance you are looking for are widely available — including from manufacturers that do not spend money on advertising campaigns. That is why at Pro Witgoed we work with the brand Heinner. Heinner supplies washing machines with demonstrably good energy ratings, solid specifications and an honest price.
We compare on functional specifications: how much does the appliance use, how big is the drum, what energy rating does it have, and what warranty comes with it? That is what matters, not the name on the appliance. The result is a range of energy efficient washing machines that performs comparably to the well-known brands, but at a significantly lower price.
On top of that we deliver free of charge and install your new washing machine straight away — at no extra cost. No hidden delivery surcharge, no installation fee afterwards. What you see on the product page is what you pay.
Would you like to think about your energy use in the kitchen at the same time? Then take a look at our energy efficient fridge freezers or explore the complete fridge and freezer collection for a full overview.
How much does an energy efficient washing machine cost?
A common misconception is that an efficient washing machine is expensive by definition. That is not the case. Broadly speaking, the price ranges are as follows:
- Budget (up to €350): basic models with a decent energy rating and limited extra functions, but perfectly suitable for everyday use
- Mid-range (€350–€600): a wider choice of programmes, a larger drum, better spin performance
- Premium (€600+): extensive functions, higher capacity and usually better energy performance too
For most households a machine in the budget or mid-range segment is more than enough. Anyone who works out the total cost of ownership (TCO) over ten years — purchase price plus electricity plus any repairs — will find that a €300 machine with a 5 year warranty and a good energy rating works out cheaper than a branded model at €550 with a two year warranty.
Keep an eye on temporary offers as well. See our washing machine offers for the current discounts on energy efficient models.
Common mistakes when buying an energy efficient washing machine
- Looking only at the purchase price and ignoring energy use. A cheaper machine with a poorer energy rating will cost you more over the years.
- Choosing the wrong drum size. Too small means washing more often; too big means half-full drums and therefore more energy per kilo of washing.
- Forgetting to ask about taking away the old appliance. Some suppliers charge extra for this. At Pro Witgoed we simply take your old appliance away with us if that is what you want — no fuss.
- Trusting the brand name blindly instead of comparing specifications. An unknown brand with comparable specs is objectively worth just as much.
- Not checking the warranty period. Two years' warranty is the legal minimum. Five years' warranty gives you real certainty at no extra cost.
Tips for saving as much as possible after you buy
- Always wash with a full load. That is the simplest way to halve your consumption per kilo of washing.
- Use the eco programme for everyday clothes washes. It takes longer, but uses considerably less energy.
- Wash at 30°C or 40°C as standard. Save the 60°C programme for bedding or heavy stains.
Frequently asked questions
Which energy rating is best for a washing machine?
On the new European rating scale (A to G), rating A is the most efficient. In practice most current models fall into rating B, C or D. For most consumers rating B offers the best balance between price and consumption.
How much electricity does an energy efficient washing machine use per year?
A modern energy efficient model uses an average of 100 to 150 kWh a year with normal use. That compares with 200 to 250 kWh for a ten-year-old appliance. The difference quickly costs or saves you €30 to €50 a year.
Is a cheap washing machine energy efficient too?
Yes, it certainly can be. A low purchase price says nothing about energy use. Always look at the energy rating, whatever the machine costs. At Pro Witgoed we offer affordable Heinner models that simply have a decent energy rating.
What is the difference between an eco programme and a normal wash programme?
An eco programme washes at a lower temperature (often 40°C or less) but keeps the drum turning for longer so that the wash still comes out clean. It uses 30 to 40% less energy than a standard 60°C programme, but takes two to three hours longer on average.
Which drum capacity is energy efficient for a family of 4?
For a family of four, a drum of 8 or 9 kg is ideal. That way you can wash bigger loads in one go, which lowers the consumption per kilo of washing. A drum that is too small forces you to wash more often, which uses more energy in the end.
How long does an energy efficient washing machine last?
A well-maintained washing machine lasts 10 to 15 years on average. With a 5 year warranty you have complete certainty for the first years. After that period the running costs have already been earned back compared with a more expensive branded model with a shorter warranty.
Will my new washing machine be installed?
Yes. At Pro Witgoed your new washing machine is delivered and installed free of charge. We connect the appliance and make sure everything works before we leave. That is included with every order, at no extra cost.
What are the best energy efficient washing machines without a brand name?
At Pro Witgoed we work with Heinner washing machines: solid appliances with demonstrable energy performance, a generous drum and a 5 year warranty. No famous brand name, but the same technology. See our full washing machine range for an up-to-date overview.
An energy efficient washing machine does not have to be expensive, and it does not have to carry a well-known brand name either. With the right specifications, a good energy rating and a solid warranty you are set for years — and month after month you pay less for your washing.
