We investigate the star rating system for washing machines

While important, ratings for energy and water use rarely tell the whole story on appliance efficiency. Read our investigation below that shows how manufacturers could be gaming the system:

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It is interesting that there is a correlation between operating performance and amount of water/energy used. Maybe the star rating should also consider performance as well. There is no point buying a 5 star machine if it washes poorly and one needs to either put less in the machine (meaning more water and energy per kilo of washing) or wash again…thus negating the 5 star benefit.

Maybe an environmental score could also be considered which factors things like recycled content, recyclability of the machine, ability to repair etc.

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It would be more meaningful if they set a fixed standard time as well, then it would be a more objective measure.

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