Glossary

Spin speed (rpm)

What this term means when it appears on an appliance specification or energy label.

In short

The maximum spin speed is how fast the drum turns in the final spin, in revolutions per minute. Faster spinning removes more water, so laundry comes out drier and dries faster afterwards.

Typical maximums are 1,200 to 1,600 rpm for a freestanding washing machine. The speed can usually be reduced per programme, and delicate programmes spin slowly or not at all. A higher maximum is useful if you tumble dry or have little drying space; it is not a measure of wash quality.

How dry the laundry actually comes out is what the spin-drying class measures.

Examples from the index

ModelValue
LG F6V1009WTSE1,560 rpm
LG FAV310SNE1,360 rpm
LG F4Y509WWLA11,360 rpm
LG FWY606GBLN11,360 rpm
LG F2Y509WBLN11,200 rpm
LG F2T208SSE1,200 rpm
Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

What does spin speed mean on a washing machine?

The maximum spin speed is how fast the drum turns in the final spin, in revolutions per minute. Faster spinning removes more water, so laundry comes out drier and dries faster afterwards.