Hotpoint vs Whirlpool Washing Machines

Hotpoint and Whirlpool both offer 9kg machines, but Whirlpool is consistently priced higher. Hotpoint's models run from £339 for the 9kg Hotpoint NSWM965CBSUKN to £349 for the 10kg Hotpoint NSWM1046GGUK, with the freestanding 9kg Hotpoint NM11948BCAUK at £347 in between. Whirlpool's range runs from £499 for the 8kg built-in Whirlpool BIWMWG81485UK to £629 for the freestanding 9kg Whirlpool W899ADSILENCEUK and the built-in Whirlpool BIWDWG961485UK washer-dryer.

Hotpoint's features focus on steam and stain treatment. Steam hygiene appears on three of its four machines here, which suits bedding and towels, the anti-stain programme on the NSWF 946 W UK and NSWM1046GGUK, and the NM11948BCAUK offers Steam Refresh with a Stop and Add function. Whirlpool's features are more technical. Its 6th SENSE control adjusts water, temperature and drum movement to the load, FreshCare+ keeps clothes fresh for up to six hours after the cycle, and the W899ADSILENCEUK adds Autodose and ZEN Technology for quieter running. Whirlpool also offers three built-in models, which Hotpoint does not offer in this pairing.

Hotpoint suits households that want steam and stain treatment at the lowest price, particularly those with children whose clothes need regular cleaning. Whirlpool suits buyers with a fitted kitchen who want a built-in machine, such as the 8kg BIWMWG81485UK at £499, the cheapest way into its range, or who want FreshCare+ and Autodose in a freestanding model. The 9kg NSWM965CBSUKN at £339 is £290 less than the freestanding 9kg W899ADSILENCEUK at £629. Both brands' 9kg models suit a family of four.

Bottom line: choose Hotpoint if you want steam hygiene and anti-stain programmes for under £350, such as the NSWM965CBSUKN at £339. Choose Whirlpool if you need a built-in machine for a fitted kitchen, or FreshCare+ on the freestanding W899ADSILENCEUK at £629.