THE right washing machine can transform your laundry routine from a noisy chore to a seamless part of your day — and that's exactly what we discovered when testing the AEG 7000 ProSteam. Let's face it, most of us don't get excited about washing machines until our old one breaks down with a sock-filled drum and a puddle on the kitchen floor. AEG 7000 ProSteam, £799.99 But after living with this whisper-quiet model for a couple of months, I've become something of a washing machine enthusiast. When AEG claims this is a 'ProSteam' machine, they're not kidding — the steam function actually does reduce wrinkles in your clothes, potentially saving you precious ironing time. And if you've ever had to pause your telly because your washing machine sounds like it's about to launch into orbit during the spin cycle, you'll appreciate just how eerily quiet this model runs. We've put this £799.99 machine through seriously rigorous testing over eight weeks — from sweaty gym gear to delicate fabrics — to determine if its impressive features justify the price tag or if it's just another overpriced appliance with fancy buttons. Here's what we found after dozens of cycles... Energy efficientSteam setting works wellIncredibly quiet Stiff detergent trayNo WiFi connectivity Rating: 4.5/5 How I tested I put this washing machine through absolute hell for two months straight. After unboxing and installing it (surprisingly faff-free), I chucked in everything from mud-caked football kits to delicates. I tested every cycle and feature, particularly thrashing the steam function with my most crumpled clothes. Being a proper gym-goer who generates industrial quantities of stinky kit, I made sure to test how it handled truly revolting laundry challenges. Nothing tests a washing machine like real-world laundry chaos! AEG 7000 ProSteam review: Quickfire Q&A How much is it? At £799.99, the AEG 7000 ProSteam sits firmly in premium territory – but don't let that price tag scare you off. Given the cutting-edge steam technology, whisper-quiet operation and genuine energy efficiency, you're actually getting serious bang for your buck here. For context, budget machines start at around £300, but trust me – this performance justifies the investment. Quality costs. Who is it best for? This premium machine screams the perfect match for flat-dwellers and light sleepers who value peace and quiet above all else. If you're time-poor but style-conscious, that steam function will revolutionize your mornings – no more frantic ironing! Perfect for average-sized households with its 8kg capacity, and particularly brilliant for the environmentally-conscious who'll appreciate the genuine energy savings. Worth every penny if quality trumps budget in your book. What we loved The whisper-quiet operation is genuinely revolutionary – no more cranking up the TV volume during spin cycles! That steam function delivers the goods, zapping wrinkles from clothes straight out of the drum. The energy efficiency isn't just marketing fluff either – it genuinely optimizes water use by weighing each load precisely. And the way it demolishes stubborn odours from gym gear? Absolute game-changer for active households. Worth every penny for the silence alone. What we didn't That detergent drawer is maddeningly stiff – expect a proper tug-of-war every wash day. The control panel buttons lack responsiveness, often requiring multiple jabs before registering your command. Most unforgivable at this premium price point? The baffling absence of WiFi connectivity that competitors include as standard. It's 2025, AEG – get with the program! These frustrations, while not deal-breakers, certainly tarnish an otherwise stellar machine. AEG 7000 ProSteam review: full review AEG 7000 ProSteam, £799.99 As an opening gambit, it’s worth stating that I put a lot of strain on my washing machines. I frequently pile them high with sweaty gym gear that requires a deep soak or multiple cycles to get rid of bad odours. And, since that’s expensive and not exactly eco-friendly, I tend to give my workout clothes one go-round, which often leaves them less than fresh. However, with the AEG 7000 ProSteam, one wash was all that was needed. The machine has settings that weigh your clothes ahead of performing a cycle so it can gauge how long it needs to work. If you’re not stuffing the machine to the brim, this uses less water and energy than a standard wash would. And after a couple of months of testing, I’m happy to report that the gym mustiness is no more! Size matters With its 8kg capacity, this machine is at the smaller end of washing machines. But, on the bright side, it’s quite a compact machine, with its height, width, and depth dimensions of 84.7cm x 59.6cm x 57.2cm. There’s not a lot of wasted space on this machine, so it fits into my washing machine cubby with room to spare. Clothes steaming One of the other features the AEG 7000 ProSteam is proud of is its steam settings. You can either add steam to the end of a regular cycle, which reduces the wrinkles in your clothes when you take them out, or you can freshen up clothes that don’t need a full wash in a separate cycle. I liked this feature a lot. If, like me, you really can’t be bothered ironing every t-shirt, polo and casual shirt you put on, but you’d like them not to scream, ‘I’ve been sitting in a crumpled washing pile for two weeks’, it’s a game changer. The steam cycle gives clothes a just-washed look and smell in a fraction of the time it would take it wash and dry a load. The feature has its limits: I did chuck a sweaty golf top in the machine to see if I could make it match-ready after forgetting to wash it in between rounds, and it still smelt pretty bad when I was done. But for general mustiness and for clothes that have been hanging un-worn in a wardrobe for a couple of months, the steam setting is helpful. Clothing care AEG says the 7000 ProSteam has a ‘smooth care drum pattern’ that supposedly puts less wear and tear on your clothes than other machines. It’s hard to gauge how much difference this makes in testing, but it’s a nice thought that your clothes will last longer with this machine. A quiet place The thing that shocked me the most about the AEG 7000 ProSteam was the noise — or lack thereof. I’m used to a machine that revs up on the spin cycle and then spends 30 minutes desperately battering the door of the cupboard it’s kept in. When I first used the AEG, I went back to check on it after 20 minutes assuming I’d messed up the settings and not turned it on, only to discover that it was working, just incredibly quietly. This lack of shaking and bumping goes right through the spin cycle, and it’s easily the quietest machine I’ve ever used. If you live in a small flat, this is a great feature. There are a couple of things that could be better with the AEG 7000 ProSteam. While the wheel to select the programmes works well, the buttons to turn the machine on and off and to begin and pause cycles are a bit stiff and non-responsive. Also, the detergent tray is a bit stiff when you pull it out of the machine (something that’s been noted by other buyers on the AEG website). It’s a shame because, in my experience, these types of features on most AEG appliances are really good, but they’re a bit lacking here. Finally, the AEG isn’t WiFi compatible, which some other washing machines at a similar price point are. It’s not a feature I’d gravitate towards myself, but if that’s something you’d like, you won’t get it here. AEG 7000 ProSteam, £799.99 Where can I buy the AEG 7000? This premium washing machine is widely available across major retailers – with occasional price fluctuations worth tracking. AEG's official site often offers exclusive bundles, while Amazon frequently drops surprise discounts worth pouncing on. AO and Currys frequently battle for the best package deals, while John Lewis offers that coveted extended warranty. For consistent value, Marks Electrical often undercuts the competition by £30-50. AEGAmazonAOCurrysJohn LewisMarks Electrical ALWAYS compare prices before pulling the trigger – this investment deserves your due diligence. What is the difference between AEG 7000 and 8000? The main difference comes down to tech – while my beloved 7000 ProSteam (£799.99) handles clothes brilliantly with its steam function and whisper-quiet operation, the pricier 8000 series (typically £899.99+) steps things up with PowerCare technology. This premium feature gives even more fabric protection and delivers superior cleaning at lower temperatures – perfect if you've got expensive clothes you're precious about. Both machines offer impressive energy efficiency, but the 8000 typically has a slightly larger capacity (9-10kg vs 8kg in the 7000) and faster maximum spin speeds. The 8000 also rocks WiFi connectivity – the exact feature I moaned about missing on the 7000! Bottom line: The 7000 is perfect for most households, but if you've designer gear to protect or crave those smart features, the 8000's worth the upgrade. If you're looking to snap up either model at a discount, check out our roundup of the best washing machine deals. Are AEG washing machines good? These German-engineered machines consistently outperform budget brands with genuinely useful innovations rather than gimmicky features. Their ProSteam technology actually works, blasting wrinkles from clothes and potentially saving you hours of ironing each month. What sets AEG apart is their exceptional build quality. While cheaper machines rattle themselves to death within years, AEG machines typically deliver 10+ years of service – making that initial investment substantially more economical in the long term. Their standout feature? The whisper-quiet operation. Most machines sound like they're preparing for lift-off during spin cycles, but AEG models hum along at conversation level. Energy efficiency isn't just marketing fluff either – these machines genuinely slash electricity and water usage through precision load-sensing technology. Want to make your laundry routine even more economical? Check out our guide on how to save money on your laundry. Yes, they're pricier than budget alternatives, but the performance, durability and technological advantages justify every penny for serious homeowners. Where are AEG washing machines made? Contrary to what many assume, AEG washing machines aren't German-made anymore – despite the brand's proud Germanic heritage dating back over a century. While AEG was founded in Germany and built its stellar reputation there, today's manufacturing reality tells a different story. The vast majority of modern AEG washing machines – including our reviewed 7000 ProSteam – are produced in Poland, where parent company Electrolux operates major European production facilities. This shift happened years ago, though you'll still spot "Made in Italy" on certain premium AEG models where speciality manufacturing takes place. And these aren't budget factories – they're state-of-the-art European facilities maintaining rigorous standards. The engineering DNA remains distinctly German, with design and innovation still deeply rooted in AEG's heritage. The premium price tag reflects European manufacturing standards rather than cheap mass production – a crucial distinction for anyone investing in quality white goods with longevity in mind. What is the life expectancy of an AEG washing machine? The burning question for anyone splashing £799.99 on a premium washing machine – how long before this investment goes belly-up? While cheaper machines often conk out within 5-6 years, properly maintained AEG washers regularly soldier on for 10+ years – making that initially eye-watering price tag actually decent value per wash. The secret sauce? German engineering DNA combined with high-quality European manufacturing (mostly in Poland these days, FYI). To maximize your machine's lifespan, regular maintenance is essential. Check out our guides on how to clean your washing machine with white vinegar and other genius washing machine cleaning hacks to keep your investment running smoothly. Bottom line: Premium price = premium longevity. Your AEG investment should still be purring along when cheaper alternatives have long since been carted to the tip. Which is better, Miele or AEG? Miele unquestionably represents the Rolls Royce of home appliances – exceptional engineering, reliability, and precision performance. Their machines typically outlast AEG counterparts, with warranties that stretch to an impressive 7 years (versus AEG's standard 2). But here's the kicker – Miele demands a HEFTY premium, often 30-40% more than equivalent AEG models. For most households, AEG strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. But if money's no object and you demand absolute perfection? Miele edges the victory – barely.