ASKO vs Smeg Washing Machines

ASKO covers £929 to £1,899, with the 9kg W1094W.UK at £929, the 8kg W2086C.W 1600rpm at £999, the 9kg W4096R.W at £1,499 and the stainless steel W6098X.S 1800rpm at £1,899. Smeg has three models from £499 to £599, including the 8kg WNP84SECUK in white at £499, the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK with steam and autodose at £599 and the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK1 at 1600rpm, also at £599.

Smeg's differentiators are convenience features and design. Autodose dispenses detergent from a built-in tank, the steam programmes help refresh clothes and reduce creasing, and the WNP96SLAAUK1 spins at 1600rpm. The 9kg WNP96SLAAUK is rated C for noise at 78dB, while the 8kg WNP84SECUK is rated A at 72dB. ASKO focuses on sturdier construction and spin, and its top model reaches 1800rpm, above the 1600rpm maximum of Smeg's fastest model in this comparison. The 9kg WNP96SLAAUK has 14 programmes.

ASKO suits buyers who want a long-lasting machine with a fast spin for regular tumble drying, and who are prepared to pay more for it. Smeg suits buyers who already own Smeg kitchen appliances, want automatic dosing and steam, and value the Italian design. It is less suited to someone chasing the largest drum for the lowest price. The 8kg W2086C.W at £999 costs £500 more than the 8kg WNP84SECUK at £499, so the premium is substantial for the same drum size. The 9kg WNP96SLAAUK at £599 costs £330 less than the 9kg W1094W.UK at £929, which is a wide gap for two nine-kilo machines.

Bottom line: choose ASKO if spin speed and build quality outweigh features, and you can spend from £929. Choose Smeg if you want autodose, steam and Italian design for £499 to £599, especially with other Smeg appliances at home.