Households on a peak/off-peak tariff
If you want to run cycles during the off-peak hours assigned to your home, check your bill or online account for the timings before setting the appliance. energy-info says that these hours can change.
Who are these features for?
Households that prepare laundry or washing-up in advance
If you can load the machine before starting a cycle, a delayed start or end-time setting can help you plan when it runs. Check which setting the model offers and whether it suits your routine.
Regular tumble dryer users
If you want to schedule drying for later, also consider programme duration, capacity and installation requirements. A delayed start on its own is not enough to distinguish between two appliances.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the cycle you want to schedule for later, then check that the appliance’s settings work with your off-peak hours and the length of the programme.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual off-peak hours | Check your bill or online account for your off-peak hours. Compare them with the cycle duration and check again if the timings change. energy-info says that hours depend on your home. | I want to schedule a cycle during the hours that apply to my home, rather than relying on an old timetable. |
| Type of timer | Check the manual to see whether the setting controls the start, the end or a delay. Check the available range and which programmes it works with. The Bosch WUU28T18FR product information lists a ‘Finish in’ setting, while Miele says the TWD640WP has a delayed start of up to 24 hours. | Once the machine is loaded, I want to be able to choose a setting that schedules the cycle for the time I want. |
| Use and capacity | Choose between laundry, washing-up and drying based on the task you want to schedule. Check the capacity, dimensions and installation requirements for the model you’re considering. | I mainly want to plan when the dishwasher runs after meals, or organise my laundry or drying. The appliance needs to suit the way I’ll use it. |
| Energy use and drying time | Compare the technology, capacity and programme durations. UFC-Que Choisir says that heat pump tumble dryers generally use less energy than conventional or vented models, which generally dry clothes faster. | If I dry laundry often, I want to consider energy use without losing sight of how long each cycle takes. |
| How it’s controlled | Read the instructions for powering and programming the exact model. The Bosch WUU28T18FR manual, for example, says not to connect it to an external timer. | I want to schedule my appliance in line with its manual, rather than adding an external control without checking first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Setting a cycle based on assumed off-peak hours
Off-peak hours depend on your home and can change. energy-info says that from 1 November 2026, they may also vary between summer and winter for some households.
Check your current hours on your bill or online account, and take into account any changes announced for your home.
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Assuming every ‘delay’ setting controls the start time
An end-time setting and a delayed start do not necessarily work in the same way. The Bosch WUU28T18FR product information, for example, calls its function ‘Finish in’.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out how the setting works, its available range and which programmes are compatible.
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Adding an external timer without checking the manual
This could go against the appliance’s instructions: Bosch expressly says not to connect the WUU28T18FR to an external switching device.
Follow the programming methods permitted in the manual for your model.
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Choosing a tumble dryer based only on its delayed start
The technology also affects energy use and drying time. UFC-Que Choisir reports that heat pump models generally use less energy, but conventional or vented models generally dry clothes faster.
Also compare the capacity, programmes, installation and maintenance requirements for each appliance.
Brands and models to consider
These models highlight details to check for a specific product. Don’t assume that the programming features work in the same way across different appliances.
Bosch
Bosch’s product information for the WUU28T18FR washing machine lists a ‘Finish in’ option.
- You can check how the feature works in the documentation for this model.
- The manual should explain how to set the cycle end time. It also says not to connect this model to an external timer.
Beko
Beko lists a capacity of 14 place settings and a noise level of 41 dB(A) for the BDFN26450XP dishwasher.
- These specifications let you assess the stated capacity and noise level for this model.
- Before choosing this model to schedule a cycle, check the manual for the delayed-start feature and its available settings for the specific variant.
Miele
Miele states that its 9 kg TWD640WP heat pump tumble dryer has a delayed start of up to 24 hours.
- The stated range gives you a specific point of comparison with your preferred time slot.
- Before scheduling a drying cycle, also check the programme duration, capacity and installation requirements.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection includes two tabletop dishwashers and a tumble dryer for scheduling washing-up or drying. Compare their programming features with the cycle duration and your home’s off-peak hours.
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AIRMSEN, 5 L tabletop dishwasher, white
If you want to prepare the washing-up in advance, this model has a delayed-start setting from 1 to 24 hours. The product title also specifies a built-in 5 L tank, 9 programmes and dimensions of 37 × 50 cm. Check the manual for cycle durations and which programmes the delay applies to. If you use a tap water supply, also check what connections are needed.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6-place-setting dishwasher
This tabletop dishwasher has a 24-hour delayed-start setting so you can run a cycle later. The product title lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Check the cycle durations, whether the delayed start works with every programme, and the space and connections required in your home.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
If you want to schedule a drying cycle for later, the product information for this model lists a delayed-start function. The product title also specifies an 8 kg capacity and heat pump technology. Check the manual for the available delay, which programmes it works with, how long they take and the installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Will a delayed start automatically lower my bill?
No. Compare the off-peak hours shown on your bill or online account with the cycle duration and the terms of your tariff. energy-info says that these hours depend on your home and can change.
What’s the difference between ‘delayed start’ and ‘Finish in’?
These labels alone don’t tell you whether the cycle will start at the same time. The Bosch WUU28T18FR product information lists ‘Finish in’, while Miele says the TWD640WP has a delayed start of up to 24 hours. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out exactly what you’re setting.
Can you plug an appliance into an external timer?
Check the manual for your exact model first. The manual for the Bosch WUU28T18FR washing machine expressly says not to connect it to an external switching device, such as a timer. Don’t assume a timer is suitable for another model without checking its instructions.
What should you compare if you tumble dry frequently?
As well as the delayed-start feature, compare the technology, capacity, programme durations and installation requirements. UFC-Que Choisir says that heat pump tumble dryers generally use less energy than conventional or vented models, while the latter generally dry clothes faster.