By Bryan Wall
Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga
The latest buzz in washing machines is auto-dosing.
We have 13 models in our current test round that offer auto-dosing for laundry detergent.
Is it worth spending the extra for this feature, and if so, which are the best and worst auto-dose machines?
On this page
- What is auto-dosing?
- What’s so good about auto-dosing?
- What type of detergent do auto-dosing washing machines use?
- The worst auto-dosing washing machine
- The best auto-dosing front-loader washing machines
- The best auto-dosing top-loader washing machines
- The best liquid laundry detergents for auto-dosing washing machines
What is auto-dosing?
With standard washing machines, the user measures out the detergent and adds it to the detergent drawer every time they put a wash on.
Auto detergent dosing machines do this for you. The user fills a large reservoir with liquid detergent and the machine then measures the precise amount required for each load, depending on the weight of the load and the cycle chosen. Some machines can even adjust the dose based on fabric type and degree of soiling.
What’s so good about auto-dosing?
Not only does auto-dosing save time (by not having to measure and add the detergent for every wash), but it will also save you money.
Auto-dosing machines are far more accurate at measuring, so won’t “overdose” for smaller loads, like you might. In the long run, you’ll use less detergent – good for your bank balance, but also your clothes, as excess detergent can be bad for them.
Miele claims its TwinDos auto-dosing system can save up to 30% on detergent compared with manual dispensing (using their own proprietary detergent).
And Bosch i-DOS auto-dosing machines have 1.3 litre detergent tanks, so you should get at least 26 washes before needing to refill.
What type of detergent do auto-dosing washing machines use?
Currently, auto-dosing washing machines only use liquid detergents. That’s due to the way the dose is measured and squirted into the drum along with the water.
We discuss the best liquid detergents for auto-dosing washing machines later in this article.
The worst auto-dosing washing machine
The worst auto-dosing washing machine in our test is the Haier HWF10AN1 front loader.
As one of the pricier Haier models, you’d expect better washing performance from this machine, but it has a below-average score of 69 for washing performance (the current average for front loaders in our test is 76).
Haier is also a brand that rates lowest for predicted reliability and brand satisfaction in our consumer satisfaction survey, and it has a low repairability rating, too.
