Best Washing Machines
A good washing machine is essential to every household, and while they all serve the same purpose, the variety of machines available can make purchasing one a puzzle. We'll take you through each type of machine, and explain what to look for, to help guarantee you’re making the most informed choice possible when shopping. Continue reading...
Speed Queen AWNA62 🏆 2024
- Capacity7.5 kg and 8.5 kg
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Speed Queen AWNE92 Black
- Price (RRP) $3,495
- Capacity8.5 kg
- Household Size 3-4 people
like machine. Extremely easy machine to operate (domestic/home use only) large bowl, washes clothes well on all cycles and very efficient. Highly recommend this machine especially if I get another 25yrs from this particular one. Show details
Haier HWF75AW Series
- Capacity7.5 kg
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Bosch Serie 8 Front Load Washing Machines
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8 kg, 8 kg, 8.5 kg, 9 kg and 10 kg
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Fisher & Paykel Series 3 Top Loader Washing Machines
- Capacity5.5 kg and 6 kg
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Fisher & Paykel QuickSmart Front Loader
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8.5 kg and 9 kg
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Euromaid WM5 / WM7
- Capacity5 kg and 7 kg
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Fisher & Paykel Series 5 Top Loader Washing Machines
- Capacity7 kg, 8 kg, 8.5 kg and 10 kg
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Bosch Serie 6 Front Load Washing Machines
- Capacity8 kg and 9 kg
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Both have died within 4-5 years.
Moving on from Bosch now.
Fisher & Paykel WH8060J3
- Capacity8 kg
- Household Size 3-4 people
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Speed Queen AFNE9B/BSS
- Capacity10 kg
Haier HWT60AW1 / HWT70AW1 / HWT80AW1
- Capacity6 kg, 7 kg and 8 kg
LG WV5 Series
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8 kg, 9 kg and 10 kg
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Haier HWF-AN1 Series
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8.5 kg and 9.5 kg
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Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Top Loader Washing Machines
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8.5 kg and 10 kg
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Whirlpool FreshCare Front Loaders
- Capacity7 kg and 8 kg
LG WTG6520 / WTG7520
- Capacity6.5 kg and 7.5 kg
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Sphere 3.3kg Automatic Mini Washing Machine
- Price (RRP) $440
- Capacity3.3 kg
- Household Size 1-2 people
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Bosch Serie 4 WAN24121AU
- Price (RRP) $1,049
- Capacity8 kg
- Household Size 3-4 people
Simpson SWT1043
- Capacity10 kg
- Household Size 5+ people
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We started getting a... Read more sandy grit type material through our wash after about two years of use. We'd wash the load again and it was better, but would need to be shaken out to get rid of it. That seemed to settle down after a while. Just recently an E50 code came up and upon turning it off and restarting it the code came back, again and again. "Motor or computer board fault" said the manual and online forums. I thought i would take out the agitater to see if anything was jammed under there, but when I removed it, I saw where all that grit was coming from. The alloy housing under the agitater was completely corroded and falling apart. And this started after only TWO years of use. Too expensive to repair so unfortunately after just 3 years, it's headed for the metal recyclers. Shame on you Simpson for manufacturing such a piece of garbage. Simpson don't sell washing machines any more, but Westinghouse now sell exactly the same machine except its dark grey in colour. So don't be fooled, it's the same rubbish machine with a different name and colour. Buyers beware... Shame, shame, shame, Simpson.
AEG 8000 Series Front Loaders
- Capacity8 kg, 9 kg and 10 kg
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However, with all the negative reviews and lack of overall replacements parts and options in Australia, we're ... Read more
picking up a Bosch dryer, not an AEG dryer. Satisfied with all aspects of the machine, no mold, easy to maintain, does everything we need.Haier HWF-AN1 Series (UV Protect)
- Capacity8 kg, 9 kg and 10 kg
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LG WTG8521
- Capacity8.5 kg
- Household Size 3-4 people
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Asko W4086
- Capacity8 kg
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Simpson Ezi Set Front Loaders
- Capacity7 kg and 8 kg
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Use: Family of three at start, +1 newborn at one-year mark. General family use, once per day on one-hour cycle (usually)
Pros: did the job.
Cons:
Unable to add clothes mid-wa... Read more
sh No child-proof tampering for controls (important with a toddler) Difficult to reset back to defaults (had wife call me several times at work to find out how to do it) At 3.5 year mark internal wiring near plug became exposed, resulting in unit no longer working and crackling/sparkling at exposed point and smell of smoke (this was not through misuse or neglect) Scary!! 24 month warranty and not worth pursuing under Australian Consumer Law. Not worth paying for repair. I can see this product has now been discontinued and that Simpson products no longer seem to be available at major retailers (e.g. Harvey Norman, The Good Guys) Unsurprised. Will be glad to get an upgrade.Beko BFL7510W / BFL8510W / BFL1010W
- Capacity7.5 kg, 8.5 kg and 10 kg
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Simpson SWT8043
- Price (RRP) $1,099
- Capacity8 kg
- Household Size 3-4 people
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Speed Queen ATEE9A / ATGE9A
- Capacity10 kg
Whirlpool 6th Sense Zen Direct Drive Front Loaders
- Capacity8.5 kg, 9 kg and 10 kg
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Solt GGSFLW60
- Price (RRP) $429
- Capacity6 kg
- Household Size 1-2 people
Types of washing machines
The most limiting factor to be considered before you begin looking at washing machines is the available space in your home. If your home has one designated spot for a washing machine, you will need to choose a machine that will fit that space.
Having several possible locations will open up your buying options, but it is still important to know the measurements of each space (don’t forget to leave a gap for pipes at the back, and room for the door to open at either the front or top!).
Once your space is figured out, the next factor to consider is the capacity you require, which depends on how much & how often you wash. Machines range in size from 5kgs to 10kgs, with a 7kg capacity machine being generally considered adequate for a four-person household. Having a rough budget estimate will also help you narrow down your decision.
Here is a brief summary of the different types of washing machines:
Type | Main Features | Best For | Average Prices |
---|---|---|---|
Top loaders | Typically available in larger capacities, they also have faster washing times than front-loading machines, and can be opened during wash cycle. | Large, no-fuss laundry loads | $500-$700 |
Front loaders | Tend to be more energy efficient and use less water. They are also quieter and have higher spin speeds than top-loading machines. A dryer can be stacked on top, if space allows. | More control over special clothing types in a compact space | $600-$800 |
Washer/dryer combos | Wash and dry your laundry in a single machine! Perfect for those with very limited space and frequent rainy weather. | Anyone in a small apartment who doesn’t mind splashing out | $1200+ |
*Pricing guides are based on a 7kg capacity washing machine
Top loading washing machines · See all
Top-loading machines clean clothes either with an agitator or an impeller. The agitator is the design most people are familiar with; it consists of a tube or pole that twists up through the middle of the machine.
In contrast, an impeller has low ridges that rotate on the floor of the machine to create turbulence and clean clothes. Both types remove dirt quickly, but are rougher on clothes than a front-loading machine. A model with an impeller offers maximum capacity, but is more likely to tangle clothes, and will cost more in electricity and water to run.
One advantage top-loading machines have over their front-loading cousins is the ability to open the machine after the wash cycle has begun.
This allows you to add last-minute clothes, or retrieve a forgotten phone from a pocket - something not possible in a front-loader, which needs to drain all water before it can be opened.
Large top-loading washing machines can have deep drums, so while you’re inspecting machines at a retailer it’s worth opening the machine to make sure you can reach all areas inside the drum. If you prefer standing instead of crouching when loading and unloading your washing, a top-loader is probably a better fit for you.
Front loading washing machines · See all
Front-loading washing machines have two big attractions; energy efficiency, and their space-saving design. With front-loading machines, you’ll also find that even entry-level units come with a variety of features or wash programs.
The reason for front-loading machines being considered more energy efficient than top-loaders is due to the differences in the way the two soak, agitate, and rinse clothes in water.
A top-loading machine fills with a pre-selected amount of water, and washes using a vertical spin action while pumping water in and out. Front-loaders spin their drum horizontally, tumbling the clothes over and using gravity to effectively distribute water and detergent throughout the load.
Modern front-loading machines use sensors to determine the appropriate amount of water to use for each wash, and they are able to be packed much fuller than an equivalently sized top-loader.
Washer/dryer combos · See all
If you have very limited space, or are attracted by the all-in-one, “set and forget” style, then a combined washer and dryer could be the solution you’re looking for!
However, be aware that the machine’s drying capacity is always less than its washing capacity, so if you want your washing completed in one go you’ll have to adjust your load accordingly. It’s also worth noting that combo machines are only available in the front-loading design.
Features to look for
If you’ve decided which type of washing machine fits your needs best, you can start to look at the extras and features that can turn a good choice into a great choice, and make a great machine indispensable.
Wash settings
If you think your clothes need special care and attention that an ordinary wash program can’t provide, look for a model that provides unique settings. A good machine will have you covered whether you need to get dirt out of sports gear, or want to use a ‘Handwash’ mode for delicate items; with some models even letting you program and save your own custom wash setting.
Drum material
The washing drum or tub will take a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important that it is durable enough to last the lifetime of your machine.
Higher quality washing machines will have a stainless steel drum, while entry level machines may have drums made of porcelain or reinforced plastic. Porcelain drums may chip over time, while plastic drums are very durable, although neither are as gentle on clothes as stainless steel.
Automatic water level sensors
This feature is the key to ensuring your machine is as water-efficient as possible by detecting the washing load size and adjusting the water level to suit it. Assuming you keep this machine for 8-10 years, an efficient machine could bring you substantial savings, which offsets your initial outlay.
Anti-crease setting
If you iron a lot, this feature can help reduce the time you spend getting those wrinkles out. Various models will achieve this in different ways; some through steam, others through altering the rinse and spin cycles.
Stabilising features
Washing machines can vibrate a lot during their spin cycle, with front loading machines being more susceptible to vibration. Adjustable legs are one way to keep the unit steady, as long as they are correctly installed when setting up. Some top-loading machines will automatically adjust an unbalanced load mid-cycle, by either alternating the spin speed, or adding more water.
Adjustable spin speed
Spin speeds typically range from 1000-1600 rpm, with higher speeds reducing drying time, but resulting in stiffer, more wrinkle-prone clothes. Being able to manually select the correct spin speed can help your clothes last longer, and can make ironing easier, along with saving power.
Controls & display
When exploring washing machines at a retail store, make sure you can easily read and adjust the controls, and that these controls logically make sense. The last thing you would want is to receive a machine and wonder why there are 25 different buttons on it. These buttons also need to be responsive, and sturdy enough to last the life of the machine.
Ease of installation
It’s worth looking at whether or not you’ll be able to install the washing machine yourself, or if you will need assistance. Some retailers and manufacturers will include the cost of installation in their pricing. Make sure you can fit the machine through all doorways, and if the machine will be installed above ground floor, make sure it is well supported underneath.
The bottom line
You want a washing machine that you will be happy to use for the next 10 years, so spending a bit of extra time researching and choosing the right model for you is well worthwhile. Don’t forget to keep the dimensions of your allotted space on hand, as not all machines of the same capacity are the same size!
Before making your purchase, take a moment to scroll up, and read genuine opinions from other Australians on what they love (or hate) about their own washing machines.
Most reviews discuss capacity, wash speed and noise level, with many also covering extra details, such as the usefulness of wash programs, or how often they may need repairs. If you’d like to know about one particular aspect of a machine, you are welcome to leave a question on that product page for either the manufacturer, or other product owners to answer.
Good morning Tan. Thank you for reaching out to us... Read more
. Can you please contact me directly at feedback@asko.com.au and I will look into your complaint in more detail. Thak you and kind regards Claire