Jumbo 9KG Semi Automatic Washing Machine

This is the practical middle size. It takes a full family wash including the bedsheets that defeat a smaller machine, but it's narrow enough to live on a standard balcony or in a utility corner. One tub washes and the other spins, so you decide how long things soak and you can reuse the water — which is why these machines cost so much less to run than a fully automatic. Both lids close softly rather than slamming, a buzzer tells you when the wash is finished, and the decorated glass lid is a nicer thing to look at than plain plastic. Choose it in deep burgundy or in black. Made in India.

•     Takes 9 kg — handles bedsheets and heavy loads a smaller machine can't manage

•     Two colours to choose from — deep burgundy or black

•     Soft-close lids — no slamming, and far less chance of a cracked lid

•     Buzzer when the wash is done — get on with your day until it calls you

•     35-minute wash timer — long enough for really soiled clothes

•     Decorated glass lid — a dark finish with a blue flower design, not plain plastic

•     Fits a standard balcony or utility corner

•     Cheap to run — modest power use and you reuse the water between loads

•     No plumbing needed — fill it from any tap