Buying a new washing machine can be a little confusing, especially if you’ve never needed to buy one before.
One statistic that is always quoted on new washing machines is their spin speed.
Keep on reading to find out what spin speed is, what the fastest spin speed you will find is, and why you’d want it.
What Is Spin Speed?
The spin speed of a washing machine is measured in “rpm”, or revolutions per minute.
This literally means that the drum in the washing will spin that number of times per minute.
Most washing machines have spin speeds of around 1200 to 1400 rpm, but there are some that are higher or lower than that range.
Once upon a time, washing machines with a spin speed of 1800 rpm were easy to find, but these aren’t as common anymore.
Instead, it’s likely that the fastest spin speed you will find is 1600 rpm.
What Are the Advantages of Higher Spin Speeds?
One key advantage of using a higher spin speed is that it will remove more water from your laundry, meaning it will be drier when you take it out.
Whether you air dry or tumble dry, that will simply mean it dries faster. If you have limited space to dry clothing inside or don’t have access to a tumble dryer, this can be a game changer.
If you do have a tumble dryer, washing your clothes on a higher spin speed and then using the tumble drier for less time will be more efficient in the long run.
If your household runs a lot of cotton washing cycles, you’ll want a higher spin speed. Cotton cycles typically use the highest spin speed a washing machine is capable of.
However, it is worth remembering that you need to only use the higher spin speed on laundry that can handle it. If you use a spin speed that is too high on delicate garments such as lace, it can easily end up damaged.
What Spin Speed Should I Use?
Most manufacturers will print a suggested spin speed in their guides, and you should always check the care labels on individual garments too as some will have their own recommendations.
As an example, recommended spin speeds for different fabrics may be as follows:
- Cottons: 1400 to 1600 rpm, depending on the maximum speed of your machine
- Delicates: 600 rpm
- Wool: 800 rpm
- Silk: 400 rpm
- Shirts and blouses: 600 rpm
- Denim: 900 rpm
Myths About High Spin Speeds
High spins will ruin your clothing
As long as you use high spin speeds wisely, there’s no reason that it would damage your clothing.
Cotton garments, such as thick t-shirts, sheets and towels hold up very well to fast spin speeds, but you shouldn’t use high speeds for delicate fabrics such as silk or lace.
Washing machines with higher spins are more prone to breakdowns
A lot of people mistakenly believe that higher spin speeds will put more strain on the washing machine, leading to more breakdowns.
However, with modern machines, that’s not the case. Modern washing machines are so innovative and well-engineered that they are more reliable than ever, even at high spin speeds.
Many manufacturers have even taken the step of removing unnecessary belts and pulleys in favour of brushless inverter motors and direct drive technology, which means the insides of the average washing machine are incredibly streamlined.
Freestanding Washing Machines with the Highest Spin Speed (1600 rpm)
1. Hoover H-WASH 300 H3W69TMBBE/1
Energy usage per cycle: 0.57 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 46 litres
Energy rating: B
Maximum spin speed: 1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 80 dB
Capacity: 9 kg
With a 9 kg capacity and a choice of three different quick wash cycles, this Hoover H-Wash washing machine is ideal for hectic family life.
In addition to having enough space for the entire family’s laundry, this washing machine can adjust all the settings automatically to get the best possible results without damaging your clothing or unnecessarily increasing your electricity and water bills.
At 80 dB during the spin cycle and just 50 dB during the wash cycle, this washing machine is fairly quiet too, making it a good choice for open plan homes.
This washing machine has a choice of 16 wash programs, including specialist cycles such as an allergy care program and a stain removal program.
If you often find an odd sock that you’ve dropped or a school polo shirt that should have gone in the wash, you’ll love the pause function that allows you to add in those extra items part way through the cycle.
Users love that the machine is easy to operate, has plenty of space for larger families and is quiet during use too. However, if you aren’t very tech savvy, you may find that some of the options are harder to make sense of.
2. AEG ProSteam Technology LFR71864B
Energy usage per cycle: 0.471 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 42 litres
Energy rating: A
Maximum spin speed:1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 76 dB
Capacity: 8 kg
The AEG ProSteam washing machine has a handy 8 kg capacity that’s perfect for medium-sized families. The wide range of programs (including a handy quick wash!) can help you to make light work of not only smelly sports clothing or delicate garments, but last-minute emergencies too.
If you have small kids, the nifty super rinse cycle can thoroughly rinse out all of the detergent, even if you’ve added too much, all helping to protect the most delicate of skin.
The ProSteam feature is also a unique feature that reduces creases, making ironing easier.
The sensors in this washing machine will automatically weigh and measure the laundry you load, adjusting the water and energy use accordingly to give you the best results and save you money on your bills. It’s a win-win!
Users love how easy the steam effect makes ironing, and that the machine is quiet and unobtrusive during use. The dials are large in size and easy to hold, making it ideal for those with reduced fine motor control.
3. Candy CS69TME/1-80
Energy usage per cycle: 0.57 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 46 litres
Energy rating: B
Maximum spin speed: 1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 78 dB
Capacity: 9 kg
This 9 kg washing machine from Candy not only has a large enough capacity to help you clear through the laundry pile in a jiffy, but it also looks smart and can make light work of most household stains.
For last-minute emergencies, the 14 minute quick wash will save the day, and the choice of programs will protect your laundry. This washing machine has all the basics with no frills (excluding a few modern touches!), which means this machine is simple, easy to use, and easy to understand.
Users like that the machine drains well so washing doesn’t come out sopping wet, and that it’s fairly compact for the large capacity so it sits under a counter perfectly. Even on the highest spin speed, this washing machine is fairly quiet.
Another benefit of this washing machine is that it will automatically reduce the washing time for smaller loads, saving your clothes from over-washing and your wallet from unnecessary expense.
Integrated Washing Machines with the Highest Spin Speed (1600 rpm)
1. Beko RecycledTub WTIK76151F
Energy usage per cycle: 0.71 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 44 litres
Energy rating: C
Maximum spin speed: 1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 71 dB
Capacity: 7 kg
With a 7 kg capacity, this washing machine is ideal for small-to-medium households. Features such as the Fast+ function and the 28 minute quick wash program will help you to get great results when you need them, with none of the waiting around.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, the Anti-Allergy cycle makes use of longer rinses to flush out any irritants that might have taken up residence in your laundry.
In addition to the usual programs and the anti-allergy cycle, this washing machine has specialised programs for sportswear, delicates and synthetics.
A truly unique feature of this washing machine when compared to the others on this list is that the drum tubs are made from recycled plastic bottles.
These old bottles are converted into durable materials that give the perfect balance of looking after the planet and helping you get through that overflowing laundry basket.
Users find the machine to be easy to use and that it produces great results, but some people do report that the machine can be quite loud and the feet can be a little tricky to adjust.
Some people also report that the labels on the dials are quite small and the display is fairly dim, which can make it tricky to use for those with visual impairments.
2. Haier Series 4 HWQ90B416FWB-UK
Energy usage per cycle: 4.9 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 46 litres
Energy rating: A
Maximum spin speed: 1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 76 dB
Capacity: 9 kg
This washing machine from Haier provides great value for money and has a variety of both crucial and nice-to-have features that will make doing your laundry a breeze.
The 9 kg drum capacity means that it can handle laundry for up to four people at once, and the cotton cycle will leave your sheets perfectly clean and fresh.
If you despise ironing, there’s even a clever cycle that reduces creasing to cut down the amount of time you have to spend at the ironing board.
If your work clothes just need a quick refresh or if you’ve just pulled your summer wardrobe back out to find it smells musty, the Steam Refresh cycle will have your clothes fresh and revitalised in a jiffy.
This washing machine proves to be incredibly easy to use, and the wide range of features and cycles makes laundry time less painful. This washing machine has a sleek, modern appearance that will look at home in just about any property.
If you have an open plan home, this washing machine is fairly quiet too, even on a spin cycle.
3. Hoover H-Wash 300 Pro HBWOS69TMCE
Energy usage per cycle: 0.59 kWh
Water consumption per cycle: 48 litres
Energy rating: B
Maximum spin speed: 1600 rpm
Noise level (spin): 76 dB
Capacity: 9 kg
The 9 kg capacity of this washing machine is a dream come true for medium-sized (or just messy smaller-sized!) households.
If you have small kids or family members with allergies, the Allergy Cycle can get rid of 99.9% of allergens, such as dust mites and pollen, helping you to protect even the most sensitive of skin.
The quick wash program is a life saver if you’re in a hurry, and if you like managing your appliances on the go, the Hoover smartphone app will be right up your alley.
Like the others on this list, this Hoover washing machine weighs your laundry when you load it, adjusting all the settings to suit the load, helping you to save money on your electricity bills.
If you find you’ve dropped socks whilst juggling dirty laundry, these can be easily added in mid-wash thanks to the handy pause button.
Users love that this washing machine feels robust and has all the features that you could dream of to make catching up on laundry as easy as possible.
Conclusion
There are a range of pros that come with using a washing machine with a higher spin speed, and there are also a variety of situations in which these higher speeds just aren’t necessary.
If you need a washing machine that offers a spin speed of 1,600 rpm, we’d recommend the freestanding Hoover H-WASH 300, or the integrated Haier Series 4. These washing machines represent great value for money, whilst also offering good performance and the benefits of a higher spin speed.
Jess Harrison
Lover of coffee, painting, and all things cute and fluffy. I’m always on the lookout for easier, more gentle ways to tackle awful household chores.
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- What Spin Speed Is Gentle on a Washing Machine?
- What Is “Rinse and Spin” on a Washing Machine?
- Washing Machine Spin Cycle Is Very Loud - Causes and…
- Spin Dry vs. Tumble Dry - Differences and When to Use Each
FAQs
What is the fastest spin cycle in a washing machine? ›
Washing machine spin speed guide
Spin speeds can range from anywhere between 1000rpm (rotations per minute) to 1800rpm. The faster the spin, the quicker your washing machine will remove most of the water from your clothes at the end of a wash cycle.
GE GTW680BSJWS Is the Fastest Top-Loading Washing Machine Ever - Reviewed.
What is the best spin rate for a washing machine? ›However, most washing machines are set to the standard 1200 rpm/1400 rpm, a speed which suits most washing loads. So you don't have to worry about the spin cycle speed for the majority of the time. However, you may want to change the speeds when washing delicate items or silk fabrics.
What is the maximum spin speed rpm? ›Spin speeds are listed as maximums, and vary from 1,000rpm to 1,800rpm. This maximum speed is reached at the end of the wash program, in order to force the water out of your clothes.
Does higher spin speed damage clothes? ›While a high spin speed is idea for more robust fabrics, such as denim, cotton, and wool, using a high speed on delicate fabrics, such as silk, can lead to damage. Equally, using a high spin speed can increase how creased your garments are after a wash.
What spin speed for towels? ›Cotton (1400 RPM)
Cotton garments require a high agitation wash, which means that the items, usually clothes, bedsheets, or towels need to be shaken more in order to be cleaned to the highest possible standard.
Spin speed is also important when considering how to wash bed sheets. Aim for around 1000-1200rpm (800rpm or less for silk). Anything faster can cause excessive creasing, knotting and even potential damage to your sheets. A lower spin cycle will just mean your sheets take longer to dry.
What is a normal spin cycle? ›Washers generally have a default spin speed that varies based on the type of fabric. For example, wool, lingeries or blouses require a slower spin speed (around 600-800 RPM), synthetic fabrics need around 800-1000 RPM, while a high-speed (900-1400 RPM) is recommended for cotton.
What spin speed should I use for jeans? ›Put the jeans in the washing machine and select a 'delicate' programme with a spin cycle of 900 rpm*** or less. Add an appropriate amount of non-bleach liquid detergent**. Once the wash is done, take out the jeans immediately, turn them right-side out, straighten out any creases and line dry. Do not tumble dry*****.
How fast does a Whirlpool washer spin? ›Most front-loading washing machines have spin speeds between 900 and 1200 rpm, according to Whirlpool.
Is 1000 spin speed good? ›
When it comes to synthetic fabrics, an ideal spin speed is around 800-1,000 RPM. This speed is fast enough to remove most of the water from the fabric without damaging the fibres.
Can a high spin shrink clothes? ›Spin on gentle cycle: The gentle cycle will help keep the fabric of your clothes in shape. The longer the spin cycle, the more your clothes are likely to get agitated and shrink.
What is the quickest setting on a washing machine? ›Almost all washing machines have a quick wash setting. It's also referred to as the “speed wash”, “light wash”, or an “eco wash” cycle. While most cycles last between 30 to 40 minutes, a quick wash cycle can be completed in less than 20 minutes.
How long does a spin cycle take on a washing machine? ›The average spin cycle of a washing machine lasts three minutes. However, the speed at which it spins can be different and is usually based on the model of the machine. In general, front-loading washing machines have faster speeds than top-loading ones.
How long should a spin cycle take on a washing machine? ›A spin cycle takes around 3 minutes on average, but can take from 2 to 12 minutes depending on which cycle and size of the load. If, however, for some reason your laundry is still dripping wet after the cycle has finished, there is also an option to put on another separate spin cycle.
Is delicate the fastest wash cycle? ›A delicate wash cycle (or “delicates”) is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing. The difference between hand wash vs delicate cycle is that this setting uses cold water with low agitation or slow spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle.