The smart washing machines that slash running costs by 90 per cent

A NEW generation of smart household appliances will use cuttingedge artificial intelligence to slash energy bills and water use.

At a trade show in Berlin last week, manufacturers including Bosch, LG, Miele and Samsung showcased the latest technology that will make dishwashers and washing machines cheaper and more eco-friendly.

Experts say energy efficiency is set to be the most important factor for shoppers replacing big-ticket appliances over the next few years.

At the IFA Technology show, Samsung unveiled a washing machine that works out how much water to use not just according to the weight of the clothes but by how dirty they are, measured using artificial intelligence.

Bosses reckon the machine will cost less than £10 a year to run – well under the £100 or so cost of typical washing machines.

Jaeseung Lee, from Samsung, said: ‘As customers’ needs are shifting towards more energy-efficient options, we are excited to meet those needs by delivering the latest energy-saving, smart appliances.’

Meanwhile, AEG has announced a steam function on its washing machines that gets rid of odours in 25 minutes while using 96 per cent less water than regular washing.

And the same company’s newest tumble dryers do a 3D scan to identify humidity levels inside clothes so as not to use excess electricity.

Meanwhile, Bosch’s washing machines can work out the ideal dose of detergent, and will have a ‘mini load’ option to save energy on small laundry batches.

Beko announced a clever technique to save 2.6litres (4.5 pints) of water per cycle in its newest dishwasher. The machine stores the rinsing water from one cycle for up to three days to be used in the prewash stage of the next cycle.

Meanwhile, LG’s new bottom freezer refrigerator has a more efficient condenser and circulates cold air more effectively, leading to a ten per cent reduction in costs compared to even its best existing energy-efficient devices.

A Currys spokesman said: ‘Customers looking to purchase tech are now very keen to understand the energy efficiency of the product they are browsing, and a large portion are saying they would consider paying more for better lifetime efficiency performance.’