When choosing a washing machine for a flat, first compare its stated spin-cycle noise level, then check whether you can adjust the spin speed to suit your washing times. A model described as quiet won’t necessarily solve vibrations caused by the floor, poor levelling or an unevenly distributed load. Before considering anti-vibration pads, check the installation and take your building’s rules into account.
If you sometimes run a wash early or late in a flat, the stated spin-cycle noise level is a useful point of comparison. However, on its own, it can’t predict how much vibration will travel through the floor.
If you’re happy for your washing to come out damper or to delay the end of the cycle, check which spin speeds are available for each programme. Miele, for example, describes a ‘Rinse hold’ option that skips the final spin where available.
If the machine knocks or vibrates, check the floor, the feet, the hoses and how the washing is distributed before blaming your choice of model. This is also recommended in the support advice from Miele, Bosch and Electrolux.
If you need to do your washing at specific times in a flat, distinguish between the airborne noise shown on the label, the ability to adjust the spin cycle and how stable the machine is in its actual location.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stated spin-cycle noise level | Compare the dB(A) figure and noise emission class on the energy label for the exact model. Under European Regulation 2019/2014, published by the Publications Office of the European Union, the measurement is taken during the spin cycle of the Eco 40-60 programme at rated capacity. | If I want to run a wash at a time when noise could be an issue, I want to compare the stated airborne noise level rather than rely on a ‘quiet’ label. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this criterion. |
| Adjustable spin cycle | Check the spin speeds allowed for each programme and whether the manual for the model lists a Rinse hold option. | If I can wait longer for my washing to dry, I’d rather reduce or delay the spin cycle. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this setting. |
| Installation stability | Check the floor and location, that all four feet are firmly in contact with the floor, and whether any pads you’re considering are compatible. | If the shaking seems to be caused by where the machine is installed, I want to address the cause before replacing it. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this stability check. |
This wording is no substitute for spin-cycle noise data. ADEME advises checking the energy label; the standardised measurement does not describe vibrations transmitted through your floor.
Compare the dB(A) figure and noise class for the exact model, bearing in mind that the measurement is taken under the conditions of the Eco 40-60 programme.
A maximum speed doesn’t tell you which speeds will be available with the programmes you usually use. Miele’s Rinse hold option skips the final spin where available, but you’ll need to restart the cycle afterwards.
Check the programme settings in the manual and decide whether you’re happy for your washing to come out damper.
Reducing the spin speed can mean your washing takes longer to dry.
According to the support advice from Miele, Bosch and Electrolux, an unlevel machine, unstable footing or an unbalanced load can cause shaking and knocking. Pads won’t fix these problems.
First check the floor, all four feet, the hoses and how the washing is distributed. Then, if necessary, check whether an accessory is compatible.
A convenient time to schedule your washing doesn’t change how noisy it sounds to your neighbours. ANIL points out that the duration, frequency and intensity of a noise all contribute to neighbourhood disturbance.
Check your building’s rules, if applicable, and avoid scheduling a disruptive spin cycle at a sensitive time.
Some Bosch front-loading washing machines feature an AntiVibration design. Check whether this applies to the model you’re interested in.
Miele front-loading washing machines let you check the spin speeds and options available for each model.
Electrolux offers, among other things, a 6 kg slim washing machine and anti-vibration pads. Consider the appliance and accessory separately.
Compare the noise level in dB(A) and the spin-cycle noise emission class on the energy label. Under European Regulation 2019/2014, published by the Publications Office of the European Union, this measurement relates to the Eco 40-60 programme at rated capacity; it doesn’t measure vibrations transmitted through the floor.
No: vibrations can also be caused by the installation or the load. Support advice from Miele, Bosch and Electrolux recommends checking that the machine is level, all four feet are firmly in contact with the floor, the floor is stable and the washing is evenly distributed before judging the model.
No: they’re no substitute for a stable floor or a properly levelled machine. Electrolux says its pads can absorb vibrations; check that they’re compatible with your appliance and its location after checking the installation.
Off-peak hours don’t guarantee that a spin cycle won’t disturb your neighbours. ANIL points out that the duration, frequency and intensity of the noise matter. Check your building’s rules, if applicable, and choose a suitable time.