WASHING MACHINE Buying Guide

A front load washing machine has a door on the front and can be placed under benchtops. As the internal drum spins, it tumbles your clothes around and uses the natural force of gravity to drop them into water, to be washed.

“Although front loaders generally take longer than top loaders, you can find models with quick-wash options for lightly soiled items. Due to the washing process, they are gentler on clothes and also allow you to fit more inside the otherwise empty drum. ,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry.

Pros:

• Use less water and energy than top loaders
• Gentler on clothes

Cons:

• Longer washing times

Best suited:

Because most front loaders heat water internally, they only need to be connected to a cold tap. The internal heater also allows higher washing temperatures and only heats the amount of water needed for each wash. Front loaders also have higher spin speeds than top loaders, allowing your clothes to dry faster.

A top load washing machine has a lid on top that hinges open to allow you to drop your clothes inside. An agitator or impeller inside the drum is used to move the clothes around in the water to wash them.

Pros:

• Faster than front loaders
• You can quickly add a forgotten item to the load or throw one in that’s been soaking for the spin cycle.

Cons:

• Clothes can get tangled around the agitator or impeller

Best suited:

“Top loaders are faster than front loaders as the clothes are immersed in water during the whole wash cycle,” says Peter Simic. They need to be connected to a hot and cold tap for warm washes, which can be beneficial if you use solar hot water.”

Auto-dosing washers are front loaders that allow you to fill a reservoir with laundry detergent. The automatic dosing system then dispenses the precise amount of detergent for your wash.

Pros:

• Saves you not having to add detergent to every load of clothes you put on
• Stops you from adding too much detergent to your wash and potentially damaging your machine.

Cons:

• Generally higher price point

Best suited:

Are you guilty of adding a full scoop or lid of detergent to your wash, regardless of how big the load is? If so, an auto-dosing washing machine can keep your detergent usage in moderation.

Get your clothes clean and dry with minimal fuss with a two-in-one washer-dryer combo. These front loaders ingeniously wash your clothes first, then dry them, all in the one machine.

Pros:

• Saves space

Cons:

• Generally smaller capacity, allowing you to wash/dry less than a typical washer or dryer

Best suited:

Even if you usually hang your clothes on the line and only use the dryer mode occasionally, a washer-dryer combo is a great space-saving idea for smaller sized laundries. Alternatively - you could opt for a Wash Tower. An all-in-one stackable washer dryer solution, with a central located control panel, it could be the stylish finish your laundry deserves.