The Candy Smart CBW 494DWM5-80 is a built-in 9kg washing machine designed to disappear neatly behind a kitchen door while still handling a busy household’s laundry. With a 1400rpm spin, A energy rating and a generous drum, it aims to offer family-friendly capacity without wasting water or electricity.
Candy typically targets the value end of the market, and this model follows that approach: it offers a broad set of programmes and a few thoughtful extras, rather than flashy smart gimmicks. A user rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 50 reviews suggests owners are, on the whole, very happy with how it performs day to day.
If you’re fitting out a new kitchen or replacing a tired integrated washer and want something practical, efficient and easy to live with, this Candy is a strong contender.
With a 9kg drum, the Candy Smart CBW 494DWM5-80 is ideal for medium-sized households who get through a fair bit of washing each week. Families with children, couples who wash bedding and towels frequently, or house-shares will all appreciate being able to run fewer, larger loads.
It’s a good fit if you’re working to a sensible, mid-range budget rather than going all-out on a premium brand. You still get an A energy rating, a 1400rpm spin and 16 programmes, but without paying over the odds for features many people never use.
The machine suits users who want straightforward controls and a clear display rather than complex app-driven operation. Rotary and touch controls, a remaining-time indicator and a 24-hour delay timer make it friendly for first-time owners as well as those upgrading from an older model.
It will particularly appeal if hygiene is a priority in your home. The dedicated hygiene/anti-allergy cycle and Woolmark-approved wool programme make it a strong choice for allergy sufferers, pet owners and anyone with a wardrobe that mixes everyday cottons with delicate knits.
The standout strength here is capacity: a 9kg drum in an integrated machine means you can comfortably handle family-sized loads, cutting down on how often you need to run washes. Paired with a 1400rpm spin and a B-rated spin performance, clothes and towels come out noticeably drier, which reduces tumble-drying time and energy use.
Energy efficiency is another plus. An A rating and low 49kWh consumption per 100 cycles are excellent for an integrated model, helping to keep running costs under control without you having to think about it.
Programme choice is broad but meaningful. You get 16 programmes including Eco 40–60°C, daily care, delicate/silk, a Woolmark-approved wool cycle and a hygiene/anti-allergy option that uses high temperatures to tackle bacteria and allergens. That mix covers everything from school uniforms to hand-wash-only jumpers.
The four rapid cycles, including a 14-minute quick wash, are genuinely useful in real life. They make it easy to freshen up lightly soiled items, gym wear or a forgotten shirt just before you head out.
Finally, everyday convenience features are well thought through: adjustable temperature and spin, a 24-hour delay timer, remaining-time display, drum clean function and child lock all make the machine easier and safer to live with over the long term.
Noise is the main compromise. At 75dB on spin with a B noise rating, it’s not the loudest washer out there but it isn’t especially quiet either. In open-plan kitchens you will be aware of it during fast spins.
The warranty is only one year, which is on the short side compared with some rivals that now offer longer cover. If you like extra peace of mind, you may want to factor in the cost of an extended warranty.
There’s no Aquastop or specific leak protection system listed. That won’t bother everyone, but for an integrated appliance tucked into cabinetry, some buyers might prefer an extra safeguard against leaks.
While the feature set is strong for the price, you don’t get Wi-Fi or app connectivity. If you’re keen on scheduling washes from your phone or tracking usage statistics, this model will feel more traditional.
Day to day, the Candy Smart CBW 494DWM5-80 is designed to be simple and predictable. The combination of rotary and touch controls means choosing a programme is as easy as turning a dial, then fine-tuning temperature and spin if needed. The built-in display with remaining-time indicator lets you see at a glance when the cycle will finish.
A 9kg drum offers plenty of room to load a full family wash without having to cram things in, which helps both cleaning performance and creasing. The load balance system keeps the drum stable, reducing vibration on spin and helping protect your cabinetry.
The 24-hour delay timer is particularly handy if you want to run loads overnight on cheaper tariffs or finish just as you get home from work. For busy households, being able to set and forget the machine to start later is a real benefit.
Maintenance has been made easier too. The drum clean function helps keep the interior fresh and free from detergent build-up, and the hygiene programme is a good occasional reset for the drum as well as heavily soiled items. A child lock prevents little fingers from changing settings mid-cycle, which is reassuring if your washer sits in a family kitchen.
In performance terms, this Candy model focuses on a blend of efficiency and practicality. The 9kg capacity and 1400rpm spin speed are strong core specs, giving you the volume and water extraction needed for regular large loads of bedding, towels and clothing.
Energy use is pleasingly low for a washer of this size. With an A energy rating and 49kWh per 100 cycles, it’s well suited to households looking to keep ongoing bills in check, especially if you wash several times a week. Water consumption of 46 litres per cycle is sensible for a 9kg drum, indicating it’s not wasteful.
Programme variety is a real asset. Beyond standard cotton and synthetics, you get Eco 40–60°C for efficient everyday washing, daily care cycles, delicate/silk, hand/wool and the hygiene/anti-allergy setting. The Woolmark-approved wool programme means you can confidently machine-wash many woollens that would previously have been hand-washed.
For speed, Candy includes several rapid cycles, including a 14-minute quick wash for very small, lightly soiled loads. These fast options are perfect when you need something in a hurry and don’t want to run a full-length cycle.
Under the skin, the inverter motor and Mix Power System+ help improve washing performance while managing noise and energy. The inverter motor typically gives smoother operation and better efficiency, while the load balance system optimises spin performance by keeping loads evenly distributed. Together, these features help the machine deliver consistent cleaning results without excessive wear and tear.
For an integrated washing machine with a 9kg drum, 1400rpm spin and A energy rating, the Candy Smart CBW 494DWM5-80 offers strong value. You’re getting family-sized capacity and a comprehensive programme list at a price that typically undercuts many premium built-in rivals.
The specification focuses on features that genuinely matter day to day: effective spins, rapid washes, hygiene and wool programmes, and sensible energy and water consumption. You’re not paying extra for niche smart features, which helps keep the overall package affordable.
A 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 50 owners backs up the sense that it delivers what it promises. The main compromise from a value perspective is the short one-year warranty and lack of advanced leak protection. If those are must-haves, you may need to budget a bit more for a different brand.
Overall, if you want a capable, efficient integrated washer that won’t blow the budget, this Candy model represents very good value for most households.
The Candy Smart CBW 494DWM5-80 is a well-balanced integrated washing machine that delivers on the essentials: generous 9kg capacity, efficient A-rated performance, a strong 1400rpm spin and a versatile set of programmes. It’s clearly been designed with real homes in mind, from busy family kitchens to open-plan spaces where looks matter as much as functionality.
Its rapid cycles, hygiene and wool programmes, and straightforward controls make it easy to weave washing around your day, while the inverter motor and load balance system support reliable performance over time. Noise on spin and the short warranty are the main drawbacks, and those wanting app connectivity will need to look elsewhere.
If you’re after a sensible, family-friendly built-in washer that prioritises core performance and running costs over bells and whistles, this Candy is a very strong option and will suit the majority of medium-sized households extremely well.
