Washing Machine Lifespan by Brand: How Long Do They Last?

Buying a new washing machine is a significant investment for any household. When you part with your hard-earned cash, you want to know that your new appliance will stand the test of time.

We often get asked, “How long will this washing machine actually last?” The answer isn’t always simple. It depends heavily on the manufacturer, how often you use it, and how well you look after it.

In the UK, the average washing machine lasts between 10 and 13 years. However, this can vary wildly between a budget model and a premium brand.

We have broken down the expected lifespan of the most popular washing machine brands in the UK to help you make the right choice.

The Average Lifespan of Popular Washing Machine Brands

Not all machines are built equally. Some manufacturers design their appliances to be budget-friendly, while others engineer them for longevity.

Here is what you can typically expect from the major brands found in British homes.

Miele (Expectancy: 15 – 20+ Years)

Miele is widely considered the gold standard for durability. They are the only manufacturer that explicitly tests their machines for 20 years of use.

While they come with a higher price tag, their build quality is unmatched. They use high-grade enamel fronts that don’t rust and heavy-duty components inside. It is not uncommon for us to see Miele machines that are still running perfectly after two decades.

Bosch (Expectancy: 10 – 15 Years)

Bosch is a firm favourite in the UK market for good reason. They offer a fantastic balance between reliability and price.

A Bosch washing machine is generally very well-engineered. Their mid-range and premium models usually feature “EcoSilence Drive” motors, which are brushless and less prone to wear. You can comfortably expect a Bosch machine to serve a family well for over a decade.

LG (Expectancy: 10 – 15 Years)

LG has gained a strong reputation for reliability in recent years. This is largely thanks to their “Direct Drive” technology.

Unlike traditional machines that use a belt and pulley to spin the drum, LG’s motor is attached directly to the drum. This means there are fewer moving parts to break. Fewer parts usually mean a longer life, making LG a solid choice for longevity.

Samsung (Expectancy: 8 – 12 Years)

Samsung machines are incredibly popular because they are packed with innovative features and smart connectivity.

While they are feature-rich, their lifespan is generally slightly shorter than the likes of Miele or Bosch. They rely heavily on complex electronics. Sometimes, it is the electronic control board that fails before the mechanical parts do. However, with proper care, they can still last a good 10 years or more.

Hotpoint and Indesit (Expectancy: 7 – 10 Years)

Hotpoint and Indesit are now part of the same company (Whirlpool) and are staple budget-friendly options in the UK.

These machines are excellent for getting you up and running without breaking the bank. However, to keep costs low, they often use sealed drums and lighter components. This means that when a bearing goes, it can sometimes be uneconomical to repair. Expect around 7 to 10 years of service from these brands.

Beko (Expectancy: 6 – 10 Years)

Beko is one of the best-selling budget brands in the UK. They offer incredible value for money and are generally reliable for the price.

While you shouldn’t expect a Beko to last 20 years like a Miele, they are surprisingly robust. For a busy family on a budget, getting nearly a decade of use out of a machine that costs significantly less than its competitors is a good deal.

Factors That Affect Your Washing Machine’s Lifespan

The brand name on the front isn’t the only thing that determines how long your machine will last. Your habits play a huge role too.

Frequency of Use

This one is simple maths. A washing machine is mechanical, and parts wear down with use.

Manufacturers often rate lifespan in “cycles” rather than years. A machine used by a single person doing two loads a week will naturally last much longer than one used by a family of five running two loads every single day.

If you have a large family, investing in a machine with a larger drum capacity (9kg or 10kg) can help. It allows you to wash more clothes in fewer loads, reducing the wear on the motor and bearings.

Hard Water Damage

Living in Wiltshire and the surrounding areas, we have to deal with hard water. This is a silent killer for washing machines.

Limescale builds up on the heating element and internal pipes over time. This forces the machine to work harder to heat the water and can eventually cause components to fail. Using a descaler regularly is essential if you want your machine to survive in a hard water area.

Overloading the Drum

We have all been guilty of trying to stuff that one last towel into the machine.

Overloading is one of the quickest ways to shorten your machine’s life. When the drum is too heavy, it puts immense strain on the bearings and the suspension springs. Eventually, the bearings will collapse, leading to that tell-tale loud roaring noise during the spin cycle.

Always leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum to ensure your clothes have room to move.

When Should You Repair vs Replace?

Deciding whether to repair an old machine or buy a new one can be tricky.

If your machine is under 6 or 7 years old and a high-quality brand like Bosch or Miele, a repair is almost always worth it. Often, a new set of carbon brushes or a pump replacement is all that is needed to get it running like new again.

However, if you have a budget machine that is over 8 years old and facing a major repair, it might be more economical to replace it. Major repairs usually include things like a drum replacement or a main circuit board failure.

If you are unsure, it is always best to get a professional opinion. A qualified engineer can assess the condition of the machine and give you an honest answer on whether it has plenty of life left in it.

Conclusion

While Miele takes the crown for the longest-lasting washing machines, brands like Bosch and LG offer a fantastic middle ground for most UK households. Even budget brands like Beko and Hotpoint can give you years of faithful service if you treat them right.

Remember, the key to longevity isn’t just buying the most expensive model. It is about not overloading the drum, using the right amount of detergent, and protecting it from limescale.