The Hisense 5S Series WF5S1245BW is a full-size, 12kg, front-loading washing machine aimed squarely at busy family homes. With an efficient A energy rating, a 1400rpm spin and a generous drum, it’s built to handle large, regular loads without hammering your running costs.
Hisense tends to sit in the value-to-mid-range part of the market, but this model is very well specified, adding steam cleaning, auto dosing and Wi‑Fi connectivity to that big capacity. A 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 400 owners suggests it’s not just well specced on paper, but genuinely popular in real kitchens.
If you’re looking to replace an older, smaller machine with something that can swallow the family wash in one go and stay relatively quiet while doing it, this Hisense is immediately worth shortlisting.
This 12kg washer is ideal for larger households – think families with two or more children, shared houses, or anyone who regularly washes bulky items like duvets and towels. The oversized drum means fewer loads each week, which saves time as well as energy and water.
It also suits buyers who want modern convenience without going to full luxury-brand prices. Features such as auto dosing, steam, smart connectivity and a wide choice of 19 programmes make it feel closer to a high-end model, while still being realistically attainable for most family budgets.
If you’re sensitive to noise or have an open-plan living space, the brushless inverter motor and relatively low wash noise level (42 dB) will appeal. You can happily run it in the evening or overnight without it dominating the room.
On the other hand, if you live alone, do very small loads or have limited depth in your kitchen, the 64cm depth and 12kg capacity may be more than you need. A smaller, shallower machine could be easier to justify in a compact flat or couple’s home.
The standout benefit is the 12kg drum. It’s significantly larger than standard, so you can wash more in one go – ideal for family bedding, school uniforms and sports kits without constant cycles.
The A energy rating and relatively low 0.54 kWh per wash keep running costs under control, especially important if you’re using it several times a week. Water use of 53 litres per cycle is respectable for such a big drum.
Hisense’s inverter motor helps the machine run quietly and efficiently. At just 42 dB on wash it’s very hushed, and even at spin the noise rating is a strong A, which is reassuring for open-plan or small homes.
There’s a serious feature list for the price: steam to tackle bacteria and reduce creasing, auto dosing to avoid overusing detergent, drum clean and self-clean features for easy maintenance, plus handy touches like Pause & Add, a 15‑minute quick wash, child lock and a big LED display.
Wi‑Fi and ConnectLife add smart control and monitoring, while Smart Assist and Smart Link can help you pick suitable programmes and integrate with other compatible Hisense appliances.
The 64cm depth means this machine is a little deeper than many standard units, so it may protrude slightly under shallower worktops or in tighter utility rooms. Measuring your space carefully is essential.
Spin performance is rated B rather than A. While the 1400rpm spin will still leave clothes fairly dry, some rival models squeeze out a little more water, which can matter if you rely heavily on air drying indoors.
There’s no specific hand-wash programme and stain-removal features are listed as absent, so if you often wash delicate woollens or heavily stained workwear, you may find yourself making more manual adjustments.
The warranty is a fairly standard 2 years. That’s acceptable, but some competing brands offer longer cover on the motor or whole machine, which could sway buyers who prioritise long-term peace of mind.
Day to day, this Hisense is designed to be simple to live with. Rotary and touch controls, combined with a clear LED display and remaining-time indicator, make it straightforward to select a programme and see exactly how long is left.
The auto dosing system is a real time-saver: you fill the detergent compartment, then the machine automatically releases the right amount for each load. That cuts down on waste and helps protect clothes from excessive detergent. The Half Load function and load balance system also mean it adapts sensibly when the drum isn’t full.
Noise levels are impressively low during the wash, and the inverter motor keeps operation smooth. While you’ll still hear the 1400rpm spin, it’s controlled rather than rattly, which makes it comfortable to run in the evenings. Adjustable feet help get it level, reducing vibration further.
Maintenance is eased by the Drum Clean and Easy Clean features, along with self-cleaning elements. Running the drum clean cycle regularly will help keep odours at bay, and the machine will remind you when it needs attention. The child lock and Pause & Add function are also practical in a busy household where interruptions are inevitable.
With 19 programmes, including Baby Care, Hygiene/Anti-Allergy, Sports and Quick options, you can tailor cycles to your laundry rather than compromising with a one‑size‑fits‑all setting.
The core performance of the WF5S1245BW is built around its 12kg capacity and 1400rpm spin. The large drum drastically reduces the number of loads needed for a family’s weekly laundry, while the 1400rpm spin strikes a good balance between water extraction and fabric care. Wash performance is rated A, so it should clean thoroughly even on Eco and lower-temperature cycles when used correctly.
Steam functionality is a major plus. Used on suitable programmes, it helps kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens, making it especially attractive for households with babies, allergy sufferers or anyone with sensitive skin. The steam also helps to relax fibres for less creasing, which in turn can cut down ironing time on shirts and bedding.
Programme variety is strong. Auto programmes adjust to the load, while Baby Care, Cottons 60°C, Hygiene/anti-allergy, Jeans/Denim, Sports and Quick 30°C offer targeted care. A dedicated Rinse and Rinse & Spin give you flexibility for freshening or extra rinses, and the 15‑minute quick wash is handy when you just need a few items turned around fast.
Smart features set this Hisense apart from many similarly priced machines. Wi‑Fi connectivity and ConnectLife allow remote control, notifications and helpful programme suggestions via your phone. Smart Assist can recommend appropriate cycles, and Favourite settings let you store your most-used programmes for a one‑touch start. These touches streamline laundry for busy households.
Supporting all this are a raft of practical extras: variable spin and temperature controls, Pause & Add for forgotten items, anti-crease and easy-iron options, Allergy Care and Hygiene Guard for hygienic washes, plus self-diagnostic alerts if something goes wrong. While it lacks a dedicated hand-wash or stain-removal programme, the overall feature set is very competitive for this class.
At its current price, the Hisense 5S Series WF5S1245BW sits in what would generally be considered the mid-range for large-capacity washing machines. For that outlay you’re getting a very big 12kg drum, an A energy rating, steam, auto dosing and smart connectivity – features that are often reserved for more expensive models.
Running costs are kept in check thanks to efficient energy and water use, which becomes more significant over years of family washing. Add in the self-cleaning features that help maintain performance and you’re looking at a machine that should stay efficient for longer with minimal effort.
The strong 4.8/5 average rating from over 400 users underlines that most owners feel they’ve had good value for their money. The only real caveats are the standard 2‑year warranty and the slightly deeper cabinet, but these are relatively small trade-offs against the generous capacity and spec level.
Overall, it represents very solid value for households that will genuinely make use of the 12kg drum and advanced features. Smaller homes who wouldn’t fully utilise the capacity might find better value in a cheaper, lower-capacity alternative.
The Hisense 5S Series WF5S1245BW is a very capable family washing machine that combines a huge 12kg drum with modern conveniences normally seen further up the price ladder. Strong cleaning performance, low running noise, steam hygiene options and the convenience of auto dosing and Wi‑Fi control make it easy to recommend for busy households.
It isn’t perfect: spin performance, while decent, isn’t class-leading, the cabinet is slightly deeper than standard, and the 2‑year warranty is merely average. But these drawbacks are relatively minor when set against the machine’s generous capacity, efficient A energy rating and extensive set of 19 programmes and smart features.
If you have the space for its 64cm depth and want a large, feature-rich washing machine that won’t break the bank, this Hisense is an excellent choice. For very small homes or those prioritising a longer warranty above all else, there may be better fits – but for most family users, it hits a very appealing sweet spot.
