Finding The Best Washing Machine, Australia!
Finding the best washing machine Australia offers might seem like a near impossible task. With my reviews of the best washing machine brands though, it should be a little easier.
Whether you’re looking for the best front load washing machine, Australia, the best top load washing machine, Australia, or just the best value washing machine on the market, I’m here to help.
Take a look at our washing machine comparison chart and then look at the pros and cons of a top loader vs front loader to help you decide.
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Contents
- 1 Our Pick for the Best Front Load Washing Machine, Australia: Samsung Front Load
- 2 Our Pick for the Best Top Loader Washing Machine, Australia: Fisher & Paykel Top Load
- 3 Washing Machine Comparison Chart
- 4 Top Loader vs Front Loader Washing Machine?
- 5 Things to Consider Before Buying
- 6 Extra Settings to Look For
- 7 Front Load Washing Machine Reviews, Australia
- 8 Top Load Washing Machine Reviews, Australia
- 9 FAQs
Our Pick for the Best Front Load Washing Machine, Australia: Samsung Front Load
Our Pick for the best front load washing machine, Australia, is the Samsung Front Load washer. The extra door for popping in forgotten clothes after a cycle has started is genius, and the high RPM and energy efficiency ratings combo is hard to beat. It’s also got 14 wash programmes to choose from.
Our Pick for the Best Top Loader Washing Machine, Australia: Fisher & Paykel Top Load
Our Pick for the best top loader washing machine, Australia, is the Fisher & Paykel Top Load washer. It has the best combination of top RPM, energy efficiency, and washing cycles out of all the top loaders on our list.
Washing Machine Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best washing machines in Australia reviewed in this article.
| Product | Type | Capacity | Dimensions | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung | Front Load | 8.5 kg 16 kg | For 8.5 kg: H: 85 W: 60 D: 55 cm | 4.8/5 | Check Price! |
Simpson | Front Load | 7 kg | H: 85 W: 60 D: 60 cm | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Haier | Front Load | 7.5 kg 9 kg 10 kg | For 7.5 kg: H: 84.5 W: 59.5 D: 60 cm | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Fisher & Paykel | Front Load | 8 kg 8.5 kg 9 kg 10 kg 12 kg | For 8 kg: H: 85 W: 60 D: 59 cm | 4.9/5 | Check Price! |
Electrolux | Front Load | 7.5 kg 9 kg 10 kg, | For 7.5 kg: H: 85 W: 60 D: 57.5 cm | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
LG | Front Load | 7.5 kg 8 kg 9 kg 12 kg | For 7.5 kg: H: 85 W: 60 D: 53.5 cm | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Solt | Top Load | 5.5 kg | H: 91 W: 51.5 D: 52.5 cm | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
Simpson | Top Load | 6 kg 7 kg 8 kg 10 kg 12 kg | For 6 kg: H: 97.5 W: 57.5 D: 65.5 cm | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
LG | Top Load | 6.5 kg 7.5 kg 8.5 kg 9 kg 10 kg | For 7.5 kg: H: 96 W: 59 D: 62 cm | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
Samsung | Top Load | 8.5 kg 10 kg 13 kg | For 8.5 kg: H: 107.5 W: 63.7 D: 70.1 cm | 4.4/5 | Check Price! |
Fisher & Paykel | Top Load | 8 kg 8.5 kg 10 kg | For 8.5 kg: H: 107.5 W: 60 D: 60 cm | 4.4/5 | Check Price! |
Top Loader vs Front Loader Washing Machine?
Top loader washing machines open from the top machine to load laundry, while front loaders open from the front of the machine. Besides that, there are some other factors in the front load vs top load washing machines you need to know.
Top Loaders
If you’re asking yourself “what is the best top loading washing machine in Australia?” you should know how they work. Once you pick your settings and press the “start” button, the outer tub fills with water. In traditional top loaders, the clothes get fully submerged in water and then the centre post agitator moves the water and clothes in the inner drum to provide friction to clean the clothes. Then the inner drum spins and the water drains out to remove water from your clothes.
High efficiency top loaders don’t have a traditional centre post agitator like older models and don’t completely submerge the clothes into the water – they have a rotating mechanism called an impeller at the bottom that draws clothes into the water during the cleaning cycles. High efficiency washers use about 40 percent less water than traditional models and the drum spins faster.
Pros
- Easy to load
- Easier to load clothes mid cycle
- Little to no issues with mold or mildew
Cons
- Traditional top loaders use a lot of water
- Top loaders do not remove stains as well as front loaders
Front Loaders
What are some things to know when thinking, “what is the best front loader washing machine in Australia?”. The best front load washers all work the same: close the front loading door, pick a cycle, and watch the magic happen. First, the bottom of the inner tub fills with water (but not enough water to fully submerge clothes). Then the drum spins, with the inner side panels tumbling the clothes through the small amount of water. Then the water drains and the inner drum spins quickly to remove most of the water out of your clothes.
Pros
- Energy and water efficient
- Tumbling action proven to remove stains better than twist action of top load washers
- More gentle on clothes
Cons
- Can have mould and mildew problems
- Bending over to load and unload clothes
Things to Consider Before Buying
Here are some thoughts on what you may need to consider when thinking about the best washing machine to buy.
Capacity
Most washing machines come in different capacity options that are measured in kg, which means how much weight in dry clothes the washer can handle. For instance, a 6kg washer is best for couples or singles, a 7 kg washer is good for small families, 8 kg for medium families, and 10 kg for a large family. Before you go Googling “best 10kg washing machine Australia” or “best 6.5 kg washing machine” keep on reading for more important details. ”
Size & space
When looking for the best small washing machine, or any size washing machine, make sure to measure the space you have available to put a washing machine! Check dimensions and remember that if you are going to buy a top loader that you need space above the machine to fully open the lid.
Water connections
After making sure you have the space for your washing machine, make sure you have the right water connections for the washing machine you are thinking of buying. Some machines require hot and cold water connections but most modern front loaders contain a heater and only need a cold water connection.
Energy efficiency
The best thing about new washing machines is that most machines have an eco setting, even the best cheap washing machines. The eco setting is the energy efficient mode that uses less heat and water than normal wash cycles. Heating up the water takes up most of the energy consumption of a washing machine so that’s where you are saving a lot of energy.
Eco mode is usually more than satisfactory for the majority of your cleaning needs, unless your clothes are super soiled in which case it’s probably best to choose a normal cleaning cycle.
If you’re interested in seeing how you can be even more eco friendly when using your washing machine – check out this article.
Noise level
The noise level of a washing machines matters as you don’t want it waking you or your family up at night, or disturbing you during the day as you work (especially if you have an open concept home). The average decibel level (dB) of a newer washing machine is 40-80 dB, with levels below 50 being considered quiet enough to watch TV. To compare, a vacuum cleaner is usually 70 dB and a conversation level ranges from 50-50 dB.
Extra Settings to Look For
Here are some extra settings the best washing machines in the market have:
Weight distribution correction
The weight distribution correction or calibration mode automatically detects the weight of laundry and controls the water level. It also helps the machine avoid excessive noise and vibration as it runs. This is helpful if you add clothes or remove clothes mid cycle.
Fuzzy logic
The fuzzy logic setting automatically detects how much dirt and grease is on your clothes and determines how much soap and water to use, spin speed and direction, etc. It essentially makes corrections to ensure the best wash for that specific load of clothes. Some fuzzy logic settings even detect what type of fabric the load is made of!
Child lock
This is a very important feature, especially for front load washers where children have easier access to the control panel. The child lock setting locks the buttons so that the chosen cycle can’t be changed and locks all the buttons except for the power button.
Delayed start
This is one of my favourite features of newer washing machines. The delayed start function allows you to pick when you want your wash cycle to start. This is great because you can put a load in right before bedtime and not have it start until 5:00 am or later the next day – saving your clothes from sitting wet in the washer all night. Or put in a load before you go to work and have it finish right as you get home so all you have to do it pop them in the dryer.
Temperature range
Being able to manually select a temperature range is important if you have a specific washing need. For instance, the warm water setting (which can range from 43.3 to 32.2 C) is best for powdered detergents, when you need to sanitize clothes, and for stain removal. The cold water setting (ranges from 26.7 to 15 C) is the best overall setting as its less likely to shrink or damage clothing, is more energy friendly, and is optimized to work with a lot of newer liquid detergents.
Lucky for you, newer washing machines have automatic settings that select the best temperature for your needs.
Adjustable spin speed
You want to be able to pick the best spin cycle for your fabric and soil level. Spin speeds are measured in revolutions per min (RPM). Typically lower spin speeds are best for delicate fabrics like silks or clothes with long sleeves (to prevent from getting tangled). Fast spin speeds are ideal for towels or heavy fabrics so that more water is removed by the end of the cycle. You’ll know if you need to adjust the spin speed because you’ll hear a “thump thump” of wet heavy clothes rotating around the inner drum.
Front Load Washing Machine Reviews, Australia
Take a look at our front loader washing machine reviews and choose which one is the best for your family.
Samsung Front Load
Decent washer cleans clothes, the sound is average, 8.5k is a good size suitable for a family of 4, the price was really good I got it at the end of year sale.
– Karim A.
Specifications
- Available capacities: 8.5 kg, 16 kg
- Dimensions (for 8.5 kg): 85 x 60 x 55 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of programs: 14
The Samsung Front Load is one of the best brand washing machines. It is very energy efficient with a 4.5 WELS water rating and 4 star energy rating and features 14 types of washing programmes including a 15 min Quick Wash cycle, Hygiene Steam Cycle, and Bubblewash (a presoak treatment). The 8.5kg model also has a top spin speed of 1400 RPM, guaranteeing quick dry times.
Front load washers can be a pain if you want to add clothes mid cycle, but a feature I love about the Samsung Front Load is the AddWash function. If you want to add clothes after a load has started, just open the separate Add Door and pop it in without disturbing the cycle.
What we like
- Has a lot of options and works quietly in the background
- Easy to use and easy to set up
- Love the quick was feature
What we don’t like
- Outlet hose for waste water is a bit short
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Simpson Front Load
Simple to use has all the settings I need and it did not cost much. Reading the reviews Simpson comes out top for longevity, reliability, and low repair costs. Has all I need and it’s quiet.
– Chrissie
Specifications
- Available capacities: 7 kg
- Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 60 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 8
The Simpson Front Load is one of the best priced washing machines and is definitely in the running for one of the best front loader washing machines in Australia. It has a 4.5 star WELS water rating and a 3.5 star energy rating. There are 8 cleaning cycles to choose from including Delay End, Daily 60, and Vapour.
The Simpson Front Load also has the option to add clothes mid cycle, but you have to pause the cycle to add clothing as there is no separate Add Door. However, for the price it’s a good compromise especially considering the 1200 RPM spin speed.
What we like
- Love the wool wash program and it has a good selection of cycles
- Love that you can select the spin speed
- It is compact and easy to use
What we don’t like
- Some users have issues with the detergent drawer
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Haier Front Load
Specifications
- Available capacities: 7.5 kg, 9 kg, 10 kg
- Dimensions (7.5 kg): 84.5 x 59.5 x 60 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 16
The Haier Front Load washer has a 4.5 WELS water rating and a 4 star energy rating with 16 wash cycle settings including specific settings for fabrics and even clothing types (Underwear, Sports, and Jeans). It even has a Baby Care setting!
Another great feature of the Haier Front Load washer is the anti-bacterial treated door seal, eliminating the problematic tendency of some front load washers to develop mildew issues. The 7.5 kg model has a high RPM of 1200 and a wave drum design for gentle and efficient wash cycles.
What we like
- Love the delay function and hygiene cycle
- Great value for money and very efficient machine
- You can pause and add items at certain points of the cycle
What we don’t like
- Some users said that the machine can be very noisy
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Fisher & Paykel Front Load
Specifications
- Available capacities: 8 kg, 8.5 kg, 9 kg, 10 kg, 12 kg
- Dimensions (8 kg): 85 x 60 x 59 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 9
The Fisher & Paykel Front Load washing machine has a 4.5 star WELS water rating and a 4 star energy rating. There are 9 washing programmes to choose from to fit your everyday washing needs including Cottons, Delicates, and Easy Iron. The Vortex Wash setting is a particularly convenient 30 min wash cycle for those days when you need to get your favourite jeans washed in a hurry.
This washing machine is also equipped with SmartDrive technology which senses the load weight to determine the best fabric care and quiet wash cycles. The Fisher and Paykel Front Load 8kg washer has a 1200 RPM and will quickly become an essential part of your appliance family.
What we like
- It is energy and water efficient
- Love the delayed start feature and easy to operate
- It is very quiet and set timer is convenient and practical
What we don’t like
- It doesn’t always spin dry for long enough
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Electrolux Front Load
Specifications
- Available capacities: 7.5 kg, 9 kg, 10 kg,
- Dimensions (7.5 kg): 85 x 60 x 57.5 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 8
The Electrolux Front Load washer has a 4.5 star WELS water rating and a 3.5 star energy rating with a 3XL drum opening which means more room for bulky clothing items like blankets. The 1200 RPM (7.5 kg model) is efficient and will take out the excess moisture from your clothes for a quick trip in the dryer, and it’s even adjustable.
There are 8 types of washing programmes. It’s got a super fast Quick 15 setting meant for a lightly soiled daily load of 1.5 kg and a Daily 60 setting that will clean larger 4.0 kg loads in an hour. It’s also got my two favourite settings: Pause and Add, and Delay End.
What we like
- Does an excellent wash and very quiet
- Competitive price and has great features like wool wash
- Love the inverter function, lint gathering and the many drying options
What we don’t like
- You can’t use cold water
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
LG Front Load
I replaced my 10 year old washing machine with this one and I must say I found it quiet and cleaned some old tea towels that were ready for the rag bag. The phone link is great for the young adult in the house who forgets they have a load in the washing machine as it sends a text to say it is complete.
– Kath H.
Specifications
- Available capacities: 7.5 kg, 8 kg, 9 kg, 12 kg
- Dimensions (7.5 kg): 85 x 60 x 53.5 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 12
The LG Front Load washer is one of the most energy efficient washers on the market with a 4 start WELS water rating and a 4.5 star energy rating. It’s also one of the most tech savvy washers featuring AI Intelligent Clothing Care, which uses Direct Drive tech to assess the weight and fabric softness of the load and chooses the best wash motions. You can even monitor the status of a wash cycle through your smartphone thanks to the SmartThinQ capability and corresponding LQ SmartThinQ app.
The LG Front Load washer has a RPM of 1200 (7.5 kg capacity) and 12 wash programmes. Some unique programmes are the Allergy Care setting, Quiet Wash, and Cotton Eco. It’s also got less depth than other similar capacity washers so it can fit snugly into spaces other washers couldn’t.
What we like
- You can download programs to run the washing machine from the convenience of an app
- Love the features and the tune it plays when the wash is finished
- Very user friendly and quiet
What we don’t like
- You can’t control the temperature or spin speed
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Top Load Washing Machine Reviews, Australia
Take a look at our top loader washing machine reviews and choose which one is the best for your family.
Solt Top Load
It’s exceeded our expectations on quality and wash results, particularly given its price. It has a glass soft closing lid, not plastic like many others. Very easy to use.
– Stephen
Specifications
- Available capacities: 5.5 kg
- Dimensions: 91 x 51.5 x 52.5 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 8
The Solt Top Load washing machine is a great value with a lot of the features that more expensive washers have, such as Delay Start and Quick 15. It has a 3 star WELS rating and a 2 star energy rating with a 600 RPM spin speed. It’s also got a glass lid so you can see your clothes being washed.
A nice benefit of top load washers is that they are harder for children to reach or for your hip to graze against and change the wash cycle, but just in case the Simpson Top Load washer has a Child Lock feature. There are 8 cycles to choose from including Jeans, Normal, and Mix. The Fast Clean Quick 15 can be utilized for the Mix, Normal, Jeans, Soft, and Strong functions.
What we like
- It has all the functions you need
- Fantastic price and efficient machine
- Easy to install and super easy to use
What we don’t like
- The drainage hose is very short
Simpson Top Load
Specifications
- Available capacities: 6 kg, 7 kg, 8 kg, 10 kg, 12 kg
- Dimensions (6 kg): 97.5 x 57.5 x 65.5 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 11
The Simpson Top Load washer has a 3.5 star WELS rating and a 2.5 star energy rating with a high RPM for a top loader at 850 RPM (6 kg model). It’s also got 11 wash programmes including Favourite, Daily 45, and Quick 20. The control panel is very simple yet efficient with a control dial to select your programme and a digital timer display.
The Simpson Top Load washer is easy on your clothes thanks to a gentle drum with thousands of holes for quick drainage and quicker dissolving of detergent. It is quiet, efficient, and suitable for all your household cleaning needs. It also has a scratch resistant glass lid that won’t get damaged when setting baskets of laundry on top.
What we like
- It remembers your regular settings
- Good range of water levels and wash times
- Easy to use and love the soft close lid
What we don’t like
- No cold wash with full wash, and you cannot customise setting as you like
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
LG Top Loader
Specifications
- Available capacities: 6.5 kg, 7.5 kg, 8.5 kg, 9 kg, 10 kg
- Dimensions (7.5 kg): 96 x 59 x 62 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 8
The LG Top Loader has a 3 star WELS rating and a 3 star energy rating with an RPM of 740 (7.5 kg) . Like its front loading counterpart, it features SmartThinQ technology that you can use to self diagnose problems through the LQ SmartThinQ app. It also has a specially designed Turbodrum that rotates the inner drum in one direction while the water is directed the opposite way, resulting in a well rinsed wash.
The LG Top Loader has 8 types of washing programs including Silent Wash, Eco Cotton, and Quick Wash. The traditional top loader agitator has been replaced by an inverter control motor that mimics hand washing actions. It has a durable and clear glass lid, flexible manual controls, and enough automatic options to make laundry a breeze.
What we like
- Easy to use and easy to clean lint filter
- Lots of settings and love the option of a silent mode
- Easy to load as there is no agitator
What we don’t like
- Does not spin ‘dry’ enough
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Samsung Top Load
Specifications
- Available capacities: 8.5 kg, 10 kg, 13 kg
- Dimensions (8.5 kg): 107.5 x 63.7 x 70.1 cm (H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 12
The Samsung Top Load washer is one of the most water efficient top load washers on the market with a 4 star WELS water rating. It has a 2 star energy rating and a top RPM of 720 (8.5 kg). A unique feature of the Samsung Top Load washer is the Built in Sink to pretreat your clothes, making it way less messy than transferring already wet clothes to the washer. It also has a Magic Dispenser that distributes detergent evenly to avoid excess residue on your clothes and in the washer.
This top load washer has 12 programs which also sets it apart from other top load washers. Programmes include Super Clean, Baby Care, Quick Wash, and Water Saving. The Samsung Top Load washer also has digital inverter technology with means a motor with no brushes and a more quiet washing machine.
What we like
- Detergent dispenser is great
- It’s very quiet and washes with great quality
- It looks stylish and love the self clean option
What we don’t like
- Wash times are a little longer
- Waste pipe is on the side
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Fisher & Paykel Top Load
I am new to Fisher & Paykel washing machines and all I can say is I wished I had discovered it years ago. Absolutely wonderful, it is quiet, efficient, reliable and looks gorgeous in my laundry.
– Jezz
Specifications
- Available capacities: 8 kg, 8.5 kg, 10 kg
- Dimensions (8.5 kg): 107.5 x 60 x 60 cm ( H x W x D)
- No. of Programs: 12
The Fisher & Paykel Top Load washer has the fastest spin speed for a top loader on this list, with an RPM of 1100 (8.5 kg). It is also very eco friendly with a WELS rating of 3.5 stars and an energy rating of 4 stars. It’s also quiet due to the SmartDrive technology and features Load Sensing technology as well.
The Fisher and Paykel Top Load washer has 12 washing cycles to choose from and can finish a full 8.5 kg load in 59-69 min. The Eco Active feature recirculates water and detergent through your clothes so less hot water is used, and there is also an Allergy option. This washer has everything.
What we like
- You can wash more items and it washes beautifully
- It’s extremely user-friendly
- It is compact and energy efficient
What we don’t like
- Takes time to wash for some users
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
FAQs
Top loader or front loader – which is better?
Front loaders are a better overall choice due to their efficiency in removing stains from clothes. However, if you don’t like the idea of bending over to load and take out clothes, then top loaders are a great choice as well, especially considering the newer models are just as energy-efficient as front loaders. Most of the time your clothes are not going to be soiled enough to make much of a difference.
How long does a regular wash cycle take?
A regular wash cycle takes around 50 minutes – but this can vary depending on what cycle you pick. A quick wash cycle can be done in 20 min or less, while a heavy duty cycle can be 1-2 hours.
What about combination washer/dryer units?
These are a good choice if you are short on space and don’t have room for a separate dryer or space to hang dry clothing. Keep in mind that a drying cycle adds at least 45 min to an hour extra so account for extra time between washing loads.
Check out our home gear page for more amazing appliances you need for your home. Take a look at our stick vacuum recommendations and top handheld vacuums for your other cleaning needs.
Sophie Marie
Sophie is a cook and food enthusiast who has owned and run a cafe in her remote community since 2017. She wants to show that, no matter how busy you are, there is a way to make cooking and family life simpler and more enjoyable.
