White, 8kg and 1400rpm with an A energy rating, the TK3W814XW is the mainstream choice in the 3 Series and suits most households of three or four. Its 49.7cm depth is the detail worth flagging to fitters, since it sits comfortably within a standard cabinet run where deeper machines can push the door line out.

Drum Clean deserves a mention in the sales conversation. Washing at 30 and 40 degrees saves energy but leaves detergent residue and limescale in the drum and door seal, and that is what causes the smell customers come back about. The high-temperature Drum Clean cycle clears it, and running it once a month keeps the machine fresh. Self-diagnostics work in the background, producing clear error codes if something does go wrong.

Steam during the wash helps lift soiling without raising the temperature and relaxes creasing on cottons and bedding. A 15 minute quick wash handles small, lightly worn loads, and 15 programmes in total cover synthetics, delicates and wool. The drum is driven by an inverter motor, which has fewer wearing components than a brushed motor and runs quietly at lower speeds.

An LED display shows programme and time remaining, and a child lock holds the settings. It measures 59.5cm wide, 49.7cm deep and 85cm high, weighs 58kg net and reaches 72dB on the spin. Supplied with a fitted 3-pin UK plug.