How do you choose a washing machine with the Stiftung Warentest label?

In order to carry out independent tests, Stiftung Warentest buys washing machines anonymously from electronics retailers. Free samples, prototypes, or sponsored products aren't tested or evaluated. Scores are given for each test category, which you can see at the end as an overall rating on the test label.

The test categories are:

• Washing
• Endurance test
• Operation
• Environmental features
• Protection against water damage.

All washing machines run through the same wash cycles to test the cleanliness of the laundry, rinsing, and spinning. The duration of the cycle and the temperature it reaches are also measured. Towels, bed linen, and fabric strips are washed. These are first stained with common household stains, such as red wine stains. The test result is weighted at 40%.

Cycles tested:

• Eco cycle
• Eco cycle 40 to 60°C with half load
• Coloreds at 40°C with full and half load
• Easy-care at 40°C
• Coloreds at 40°C with half load in the short cycle
• Coloreds at 60°C with half load in the regular cycle
• Coloreds at 40°C with a 2kg load.

The endurance test assesses whether and when defects occur, and how serious these are. During this test, 3 machines of the same model each run 1840 wash cycles, which is similar to about 10 years of use. The test result is weighted at 20%.

Do you think instruction manuals are gibberish? For this test, 3 experts and 2 users test how easy the machine is to use based on the following criteria:

• Instructions
• Detergent dosing
• Controls
• Loading and unloading laundry
• Cleaning, care, and maintenance
• Fiber softness
• Time remaining indicator

The test results for these criteria are weighted at 15% of the overall result.

To save energy, you should choose an energy-efficient appliance. That's why Stiftung Warentest also measures environmental features such as power and water consumption, as well as the noise level during spin cycles. This happens in all cycles, standby mode, and when the machine is off. The test result accounts for 15% of the overall score.

To ensure you don't get your feet wet, an expert tests the AquaStop system and leak protection of the washing machine. They simulate error scenarios such as a burst water hose, and test how the machine reacts. The test result is weighted at 10%.