Washing machines at ElectroCity feature leading brands including Bosch, Samsung, Beko, Miele, and Hoover. Choose from compact 6kg models perfect for individuals and couples, through to large 14kg capacity machines ideal for busy families.

Modern washing machines offer advanced features like automatic dosing systems that measure detergent precisely, steam cycles that reduce allergens and bacteria, and smart connectivity allowing you to control your wash from your smartphone. Energy-efficient models rated A-C on the new energy label help reduce running costs while delivering excellent cleaning performance.

All washing machines come with free delivery across Ireland and are available to see in-store at our Kilkenny, Carlow, and Waterford showrooms where our expert team can help you choose the right model for your household needs.

Quick links: Freestanding Models | Integrated Models | Large Capacity Washing Machines | Smart Washing Machines

Choosing the Right Fit

Do you want your washing machine front and centre, or hidden away in your kitchen cabinets? Choosing the right fit ensures it complements your kitchen or utility room perfectly.

Did you know? Washing machines and washer dryers are all standard heights (typically 85cm) and widths (typically 60cm). The only measurement that varies is the depth, which ranges from compact 45cm models to standard 60cm machines depending on drum capacity and features.

Freestanding Washing Machines

Freestanding washing machines sit independently and can be placed anywhere with a water connection and drainage. They’re ideal if you move house frequently as you can simply disconnect and take them with you. These models typically offer the widest range of capacities and features, and can be positioned under countertops or left freestanding in utility rooms.

Integrated Washing Machines

Integrated washing machines are designed to hide behind a kitchen cabinet door, creating a seamless, streamlined look in fitted kitchens. The machine sits under your countertop with a cabinet door attached to the front, concealing it completely when not in use. These are perfect if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or want your laundry appliances out of sight.

Washer Dryers

Washer dryers combine a washing machine and tumble dryer in one appliance, available in both freestanding and integrated formats. They’re the ultimate space-saving solution for smaller homes, apartments, or anywhere you don’t have room for two separate appliances. While the drying capacity is typically smaller than the wash capacity, they’re perfect for everyday loads.

Choose Your Drum Size

Drum size is measured in kilograms and refers to the weight of dry clothing the machine can handle in one wash. Choosing the right capacity depends on your household size and washing frequency. Larger drums are more versatile as you can wash bigger items like duvets, but smaller drums may be more energy-efficient for smaller households.

6-7kg Washing Machines

Compact capacity machines are ideal for individuals, couples, or small households. A 6kg drum holds approximately 30 adult t-shirts or a week’s worth of laundry for one person. These models often have smaller physical dimensions too, making them perfect for tight spaces like studio apartments or compact utility rooms.

8-9kg Washing Machines

The most popular capacity range in Ireland, 8-9kg machines suit most medium-sized households. An 8kg drum accommodates around 40 adult t-shirts or handles a week’s laundry for a couple. These machines offer the best balance between capacity, running costs, and physical size, and can easily handle a double duvet.

10kg+ Washing Machines

Large capacity machines are designed for families or households with heavy laundry demands. A 10kg drum holds approximately 50 adult t-shirts, while 12-14kg models can wash king-size duvets and handle large family loads in a single cycle. Bigger drums also mean fewer wash cycles overall, potentially saving time and energy.

Essential Washing Machine Features

Energy Rating

Energy labels range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) under the updated EU energy labelling system introduced in 2021. A more efficient machine costs less to run over its lifetime. Look for machines rated C or above for excellent efficiency. The label also shows water consumption per cycle and spin efficiency, helping you compare running costs between models. We have a wide range of A rated washing machines ready for delivery.

Spin Speed

Measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), spin speed determines how much water is extracted from clothes. Higher speeds (1400-1600rpm) remove more water, reducing drying time significantly. However, use lower speeds for delicate fabrics like wool or silk to prevent damage. Most machines offer variable spin settings, giving you control based on what you’re washing.

Quick Wash Programmes

Essential for busy lifestyles, quick wash cycles complete a full wash in 15-30 minutes depending on the model. Perfect for lightly soiled items or small loads that need refreshing quickly. These programmes use higher temperatures and more water for speed, so they’re less energy-efficient than eco programmes but invaluable when you need clean clothes fast.

Automatic Dosing

Automatic dosing technology (called i-DOS by Bosch, AutoDose by other brands, or similar) measures the exact amount of detergent and fabric softener needed based on load size and soiling level. This prevents waste, ensures optimal cleaning results, and means you can load detergent reservoirs once and forget about it for weeks. It’s particularly useful if multiple household members do laundry.

Steam Technology

Steam cycles introduce hot steam into the drum at the end of the wash cycle. The high temperature kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens, making it ideal for households with allergy sufferers, young children, or anyone with sensitive skin. Steam also helps reduce creases, meaning less ironing time. Some machines offer standalone refresh cycles using steam only, perfect for freshening clothes between washes.

Smart Connectivity

Smart washing machines connect to your home WiFi and pair with smartphone apps, allowing you to start, pause, and monitor cycles remotely. Receive notifications when your wash is complete, download new programmes, and get maintenance alerts. Some models offer smart diagnosis, where the machine can self-identify issues and connect you with support, or AI features that learn your preferences and suggest optimal settings.

Understanding Wash Programmes

Quick Wash

Completes a full wash cycle in 15-30 minutes. Best used for lightly soiled items or small loads that need refreshing quickly.

Material-Specific Cycles

Most machines include dedicated programmes for cottons, synthetics, wool, silk, sportswear, and delicates. These adjust temperature, drum movement, and spin speed to suit different fabric types, preventing damage and ensuring optimal cleaning.

Baby Care Cycles

Intensive programmes designed for baby clothes, using higher temperatures and extra rinses to remove detergent residue completely. Essential for protecting delicate skin from irritation.

Half Load or Auto-Adjust

Automatically detects load size and adjusts water usage accordingly. Saves water and energy when you’re not using full drum capacity, making smaller washes more efficient.

Intensive Wash

Heavy-duty cycle for heavily soiled items like work clothes, sports gear, or gardening clothes. Uses higher temperatures and extended wash times to tackle tough stains. Often can be paired with pre-wash options for extra cleaning power.

Easy Iron

Reduces spin speed and uses gentle drum movements to minimize creasing. Clothes come out less wrinkled, significantly reducing ironing time. Some machines combine this with steam technology for even better results.

Eco Wash

Uses lower temperatures and extended wash times to reduce energy consumption. While cycles take longer (typically 3-4 hours), they’re the most energy-efficient option for normally soiled items. This is the programme used for energy label ratings.

Spin and Drain

Removes water and spins clothes dry without washing. Useful if you need to re-spin clothes that weren’t dry enough, or to drain the machine after a cancelled cycle.

Pause and Add

Allows you to pause mid-cycle to add forgotten items. The door unlocks safely so you can add that stray sock without restarting the entire programme.

Hygiene Steam

Dedicated steam cycles that sanitize fabrics by eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and allergens. Particularly valuable for bedding, towels, and items that can’t be washed at high temperatures.

Allergy Care

Combines high temperatures with extra rinses to remove allergens, pollen, and detergent residue. Certified by allergy organizations for households with sensitive individuals.

Sensitive Cycle

Gentle programme with extra rinses designed for people with sensitive skin. Ensures all detergent is thoroughly removed to prevent irritation.

Best Washing Machines for Families

Families with children need washing machines that can handle large, frequent loads efficiently. Look for machines with 9kg capacity or larger to accommodate bulky items like sports kits, school uniforms, and bedding. Features like baby care cycles, allergy programmes, and stain removal settings are particularly valuable for family life.

Quick wash cycles save time on school mornings when uniforms need refreshing, while automatic dosing prevents waste when different family members do the laundry. Consider models with delay start functions so you can load the machine at night and have fresh washing ready when you wake up.

Large drum capacities also mean you can wash king-size duvets at home rather than visiting a launderette, saving money over the machine’s lifetime. Visit our Kilkenny, Carlow, or Waterford showrooms to see family-sized models in person.

Best Washing Machines for Individuals and Couples

Smaller households benefit from compact washing machines in the 6-8kg capacity range. These models use less water and energy per cycle when washing smaller loads, keeping running costs down. They also have smaller physical footprints, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited utility space.

Despite their smaller size, modern compact washing machines still include advanced features like quick wash programmes, eco cycles, and smart connectivity. The 8kg sweet spot provides enough capacity for a double duvet while remaining energy-efficient for everyday washing.

Compact depth models (around 45cm deep instead of the standard 60cm) are perfect for tight spaces while still offering 8kg capacity. Our expert team can help you measure your space and find the perfect fit.

Best Washing Machines for Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient washing machines reduce both your environmental impact and your electricity bills. Under the current EU energy labelling system, look for machines rated C or above for excellent efficiency. A-rated models represent the most efficient machines available but are less common and command premium prices.

Energy labels also display water consumption per 100 cycles, helping you compare total running costs. The most efficient machines combine low energy and water usage with features like automatic dosing (which prevents detergent waste) and eco programmes that optimize wash performance at lower temperatures.

Modern washing machines are significantly more efficient than models from even five years ago. Upgrading an old, inefficient machine can save substantial amounts on utility bills over the appliance’s 10-15 year lifespan. Many manufacturers also offer energy-saving features like delay start, allowing you to take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity rates if you’re on a smart meter.

Why Buy Your Washing Machine from ElectroCity?

ElectroCity has been Ireland’s trusted appliance retailer since 1993, offering expert advice backed by three decades of experience. Unlike online-only retailers, we have physical showrooms in Kilkenny, Carlow, and Waterford where you can see washing machines operating, compare drum sizes, and get hands-on advice from our knowledgeable team.

We offer free delivery across Ireland, with our trained delivery teams able to install, in Kilkenny, Carlow or Waterford, your new machine and remove your old one. Our price match guarantee ensures you get the best value, while our after-sales support means you have a local team to contact if you need help or advice after purchase.

As a 100% Irish-owned family business, we understand Irish homes and the specific needs of Irish households. We stock machines suitable for Irish water conditions, and our team can advise on the best models for Irish weather patterns (particularly important for energy-efficient drying).