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Is this A-20% rated machine the smartest way to tackle the UK cost of living crisis, or just another connected gadget? We put the specs and user experiences to the test.
In the current climate of soaring British energy bills, a washing machine that claims to be “20% more efficient than Class A” isn’t just an appliance; it’s a financial statement. The Haier X Series 5 (HW100-BP14357UUK) arrives with a massive 10kg drum, a sleek monochrome design, and a promise of AI-driven efficiency that sounds almost too good to be true for the sub-£350 price point (at time of writing).
Haier X Series 5 Washing Machine, 10kg, 1400 rpm, A-20 percent Energy Class, 15 Programmes, Smart AI Cycle, Smart Dual Spray, White-Black Door, 52x60x85 cm…
Market-Leading Efficiency: Boasts an A -20% energy rating, meaning it is 20% more efficient than standard Class A appliances, offering significant savings on electricity bills.
Whisper-Quiet Performance: Powered by a beltless AI Power Drive Inverter Motor, it operates at just 72dB during spin cycles, making it ideal for open-plan living.
Family-Sized Capacity: Features a massive 10kg drum with an extra-wide 525mm door opening, specifically designed to handle bulky items like king-size duvets with ease.
Smart Hygiene Tech: Utilises a Smart Dual Spray system that automatically rinses the door and gasket at the end of every cycle to remove foam and prevent mould build-up.
Connected Versatility: Pairs with the hOn App to provide remote control and access to over 60 additional specialised wash cycles (such as Sports, Duvet, and Down) not available on the physical dial.
Haier has been quietly dominating the global appliance market for 16 years, but in the UK, they are often seen as the plucky challenger to Samsung and Bosch. With the X Series 5, they are gunning for the top spot, promising “20 years of reliability” and a suite of smart features usually reserved for machines double the price. But does the reality match the specs?
The Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
For families keeping a close eye on the smart metre, the Haier X Series 5 is a triumph. It combines a massive 10kg capacity with market-leading energy efficiency and whisper-quiet operation. While the lightweight chassis means you need to be careful balancing heavy loads to prevent movement, it is arguably the best value “smart” washer on the UK market right now.
Best For: Large families and eco-conscious buyers wanting premium tech on a mid-range budget. Avoid If: You absolutely refuse to use a smartphone app to access extra cycles.
In Detail: The Promise vs. The Reality
The X Series 5 positions itself as a “fit and forget” solution. Haier’s marketing leans heavily on the Smart AI Cycle, which claims to detect load size and fabric type to adjust water and detergent automatically. Coupled with the hOn app, it promises over 60 additional cycles and remote control capability.
At a glance, the specs are impressive: a 1400rpm spin speed, a generously sized 525mm door for easy loading of duvets, and a “Pillow Drum” designed to be gentle on your delicates. But the headline act is undoubtedly the efficiency rating—surpassing the EU/UK ‘A’ rating by 20%.
Core Feature Analysis
1. Design & Build: The “Slim” Giant
The Claim: Haier lists the machine with a depth of roughly 52cm (cabinet) to 56cm (overall), calling it a compact solution for a 10kg drum. It features a “laser-welded drum” for stability.
The Reality: Visually, it’s a stunner. The white body with the stark black door and bezel fits perfectly in modern British kitchens. Synthesizing user feedback, the “plug and play” nature of the installation is a highlight—owners found it incredibly easy to swap out their old units. However, there is a caveat to the build. One user noted that the machine feels “lighter” than older predecessors. While this makes installation easier, it can lead to the machine “walking” or vibrating more if you wash a heavy, unbalanced load.
The Verdict: Stylish and surprisingly compact for a 10kg beast, but ensure your feet are perfectly levelled to counteract the lighter chassis.
2. Performance & Silence: The Sound of Science
The Claim: Powered by an AI Power Drive Inverter Motor, Haier claims this machine is “ultra-quiet” and durable.
The Reality: This is where the X Series 5 shines brightest. The consensus among users is nearly unanimous: this machine is quiet. Whether it’s the lack of belt drive whine or the insulation, users report they can “hardly hear it,” even during the spin cycle. One owner pleasantly noted it even plays a “happy little tune” when the cycle finishes—a charming touch that’s far better than an aggressive beeper.
The Verdict: Ideal for open-plan living or flats where a noisy spin cycle is a nuisance.
3. Cleaning & Hygiene: The “Smart Dual Spray”
The Claim: The machine features a Smart Dual Spray that automatically cleans the gasket and window at the end of a cycle to remove foam and bacteria. It also offers a “Refresh” cycle using vapour to remove odours without a full wash.
The Reality: In a damp UK climate where black mould on washing machine seals is a constant battle, the Dual Spray is a godsend. Users haven’t reported the “musty smell” often associated with older front loaders. The cleaning performance itself is rated “exceptional,” with the AI cycle successfully handling mixed loads without fuss. The Refresh cycle is particularly useful for perking up a winter coat that’s been sitting in the wardrobe, saving a trip to the dry cleaners.
The Verdict: Excellent hygiene features that add genuine longevity to the machine and your clothes.
4. Smart Connectivity: More Than a Gimmick?
The Claim: The hOn App allows for remote control, cycle monitoring, and access to 60+ specialised programmes.
The Reality: Often, “smart” features are ignored, but X Series 5 owners actually seem to use them. Users were “impressed with all the different programmes available through the app,” suggesting that Haier has moved the more niche cycles (like ‘Duvet’ or ‘Sports’) to the phone to keep the physical fascia clean and simple.
The Verdict: You don’t need to use the app to do a wash, but you’ll want to if you want to unlock the machine’s full potential.
Living with the X Series 5
- The Energy Cap Saviour: With electricity unit prices still high, the A -20% rating is the X Series 5’s killer feature. Switching from an old D or C-rated machine to this could save a typical household roughly £40-£60 a year (depending on usage), eventually paying for itself.
- The Drying Struggle: The 1400rpm spin is the sweet spot for the UK. It extracts enough water to give your tumble dryer (or radiator airer) a fighting chance, without screwing your clothes into a wrinkled oblivion—aided further by the Anti-Crease function.
- The “School Run” Ready: The Rapid Wash options are essential for those Sunday night realizations that the school uniforms aren’t clean.
The Competition: Haier vs. The Rest
How does the Haier stack up against the UK’s other favourites?
| Feature | Haier X Series 5 | Samsung Series 5 (Ecobubble) | Hisense 10kg (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 10kg | 9kg / 10kg | 10kg |
| Energy Rating | A -20% | A | B or A |
| Spin Speed | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm |
| Noise Level (Spin) | 72 dB | 72 dB | 74+ dB |
| Smart Tech | hOn App (Excellent) | SmartThings (Good) | Basic / None |
| Unique Feature | Smart Dual Spray (Clean Gasket) | Ecobubble (Cold Wash) | Steam Wash |
The Comparison Verdict:
- Buy the Haier if: You want the best energy efficiency and noise performance for the price. It undercuts the Samsung significantly while offering superior energy specs.
- Buy the Samsung if: You are already deep in the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem.
- Buy the Hisense if: Upfront cost is your only concern, and you don’t mind a slightly noisier machine with higher running costs.
Our Verdict
The Haier X Series 5 represents a shift in the market. It proves you don’t need to spend £600+ on a Miele or high-end Bosch to get a whisper-quiet, ultra-efficient machine. By shifting complex controls to a well-designed app, Haier has kept the physical machine elegant and easy to use for tech-phobes, while offering depth for tech-lovers.
While the lightweight build requires careful levelling to avoid movement during heavy spins, the combination of the Smart Dual Spray, the A-20% energy rating, and the huge 10kg capacity makes this an absolute steal at its current price point. It’s a modern machine for modern British problems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Final Rating: 4.6/5
Additional Information
- Manufacturer: Haier (Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co. Ltd.)
- Model Number: HW100-BP14357UUK / HW100-BP14357U1
- Dimensions: 850mm (H) x 595mm (W) x 559mm (D)
- Warranty: Standard UK warranty (check retailer), tested for equivalent of 20 years usage.
Further Reading:
- Which? Washing Machine Reviews – Independent lab tests and reliability surveys (Requires subscription).
- Energy Saving Trust – Washing Machines – Guide to understanding energy labels and saving money on laundry.
- UK Whitegoods Forums – Expert repair advice and durability discussions from UK engineers.