Available 
Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy SpaceMax™ WW11DG6B85LBU1 11kg Auto Dosing Washing Machine with 1400 rpm
from £649.
£649
Rated 4.8 / 5 from up to 2,056 reviews
Colours tracked: Black
Guide
What is the best washing machine for lower running costs?
A cautious Samsung shortlist showing how capacity, auto dosing and energy-label details can shape running costs more than the headline price alone.
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Last verified: 2026-10-17
What drives washing machine running costs?
The main cost drivers are energy use, water use and how much detergent you waste on each cycle. For shoppers comparing AO examples, the Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy SpaceMax™ WW11DG6B85LBU1 11kg Auto Dosing Washing Machine with 1400 rpm is listed at £649, the WW11DG6B85LEU1 11kg version at £594, and the WW90DG6U85LBU1 9kg model at £493, so price alone does not tell you which one will cost less to run over time. The better check is whether the drum size matches your usual loads, because a machine that is too large for your laundry pattern can waste resources if it is often only partly filled.
Which features can save money over time?
Auto dosing is the clearest feature here because it works out the detergent amount needed for each load, which can help cut waste as well as over-pouring. The three Samsung models in this shortlist all include auto dosing and 1400 rpm in their product titles, so the real differences are more about capacity and price than headline feature count. Eco or low-temperature cycles are also worth checking on the live AO page, because the most efficient programmes are generally slower and cooler, and that trade-off can matter more than a flashy extra programme.
How much capacity do you really need?
For lower running costs, capacity should match real household laundry rather than the biggest drum available. If you rarely fill an 11kg machine, the 9kg Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy WW90DG6U85LBU1 at £493 is the more sensible starting point; if you regularly wash larger loads, the two 11kg SpaceMax™ models at £594 and £649 may fit your routine better even though they cost more upfront. The practical win is fuller loads, fewer wasted half-loads and a better match between the drum size and how often you wash.
When a smarter machine can be cheaper to run
The Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy branding and SpaceMax™ naming suggest a feature-led range, but shoppers should treat smart-looking labels as a cue to verify the live energy figures rather than assume savings. A higher spin speed such as 1400 rpm can help indirectly if clothes come out drier and reduce tumble-dryer use afterwards, but it is not the main running-cost metric. For this shortlist, the visible public rating detail is equally strong across all three models at 4.8 with up to 2,056 reviews, so that alone does not separate them; capacity fit and live label details matter more.
What the wider research says
The supporting guidance is consistent: lower running costs usually come from lower energy use, lower water use and avoiding detergent waste. AO and EU label guidance both point shoppers toward energy rating, water use, rated capacity and programme duration, while the product-label context also supports checking eco-cycle details before you compare price. The important caveat is that there is no independent lab cost-per-year calculation for these exact Samsung models here, so the shortlist should be used as a cautious comparison, not a definitive winner list.
How to turn the advice into a shortlist
A sensible way to choose is to start with the 9kg versus 11kg decision, then use price as the tiebreaker. The 9kg Samsung is the lower-entry-price option at £493, while the two 11kg SpaceMax™ machines are £594 and £649, so the extra spend only makes sense if the larger drum matches your household’s laundry volume or you want the added headroom for bigger loads. Before checkout on AO, verify delivery, warranty, dimensions, clearance, installation type and the live energy label figures, because those details can still change and they affect whether the machine really fits your home and budget.
Electricals to use as comparison examples
Available 
Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy SpaceMax™ WW11DG6B85LEU1 11kg Auto Dosing Washing Machine with 1400 rpm
from £594.
£594
Rated 4.8 / 5 from up to 2,056 reviews
Colours tracked: White
Available 
Samsung Series 6+ AI Energy WW90DG6U85LBU1 9kg Auto Dosing Washing Machine with 1400 rpm
from £493.
£493
Rated 4.8 / 5 from up to 2,056 reviews
Colours tracked: Black
Retailer details used
Last checked 2026-10-17. The source list below is included to help you check the details behind the comparison. Always confirm the latest price, delivery cost, stock status and product details with the retailer before buying.
- Top Tips for Buying a Washing Machine ao.comAO buying guidance on energy rating, eco settings, sensors, auto-dosing and feature selection.
- Best Energy Efficient Washing Machines for Every Home | AO.comAO advice on high energy ratings, eco settings, smart sensors, inverter motors, quick washes and automatic detergent dosing.
- Automatic Detergent Dosing | Essential Feature Guide | ao.comDefinition and purpose of auto dosing.
- AO product datasheet guidance PDFLower-temperature/longer-duration cycle efficiency and loading to capacity for energy/water savings.
- Clothes Washers | ENERGY STARCold-water and water-efficiency context.
- Washing Machines - European CommissionEU label fields and comparison inputs.
Helpful next reads
Use these related electricals guides and reviews to turn the advice into a practical shortlist.
Firmness questions
Is a larger washing machine cheaper to run?
Only if the bigger drum matches how you actually wash. An 11kg Samsung may suit larger households, but if you often wash smaller loads, the 9kg model at £493 is likely the more practical fit for lower running costs.
Does auto dosing help reduce washing costs?
It can help by measuring detergent automatically, which may reduce waste and dosing mistakes. In this Samsung shortlist, all three models include auto dosing, so it is a useful feature to look for but not the main thing that separates the machines.
What should I check on AO before buying?
Check the live energy rating, water use, dimensions, delivery, warranty and installation type on the product page. Those details matter more than the model name alone, especially when choosing between the 9kg and 11kg Samsung options.