Types of Washing Machines
Washing machines come in several configurations to suit different laundry room layouts and household requirements.
Front Load Washing Machines feature horizontal drums accessed through front-mounted doors, offering water and energy efficiency with gentler fabric care. Top Load Washing Machines use vertical drums with top-opening lids for easier loading without bending, typically with shorter cycle times.
Washer Dryer Combos combine washing and drying in a single drum, saving space in compact laundries.Auto Dosing Washing Machines automatically dispense detergent based on load weight and soil level, eliminating measuring and reducing waste.
Main washing machine types:
Top loaders: Vertical drum with top-mounted lid, easy loading without bending, generally shorter cycles
Front loaders: Horizontal drum with front door, more water and energy efficient, stackable with dryers
Washer dryer combos: Single appliance handling both washing and drying functions
Auto dosing models: Automatic detergent dispensing from pre-filled reservoirs
Leading brands include LG, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Miele, and Samsung across all washing machine formats.
Laundry Washer Features to Consider
Wash Capacity and Load Size
Capacity ranges from small washing machines around 6kg for 1-2 people, medium models at 7.5-8.5kg for 3-4 people, through to large washing machines of 9kg and higher for households of 5 or more.
Right-sizing your capacity reduces the number of loads per week, saving time, water, and electricity.
Households regularly washing quilts, heavy sheets, or towels may need larger drum capacity regardless of household size to adequately clean bulky items.
Spin Speed and Moisture Extraction
Maximum spin speed typically ranges from 1000-1400 RPM, with higher speeds extracting more water before drying.
Front loaders generally offer higher maximum spin speeds than top loaders of equivalent capacity. Greater moisture extraction reduces drying time whether line-drying or using adryer, lowering energy consumption.
Wash Programs and Cycles
Modern washers include specialised programs beyond basic cotton and synthetic cycles:
Express/quick wash for lightly soiled items (15-30 minutes)
Delicates and hand wash cycles with reduced agitation
Heavy duty programs for work wear and heavily soiled clothing
Sanitising cycles using UV lights or steam generation
Allergen removal programs with extended hot water exposure
Wool programs with Woolmark certification where applicable
Front loaders typically offer more program variety than top loaders, though this varies by brand and model tier.
Smart Connectivity
Wi-Fi-enabled models connect to smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control.
Apps can recommend optimal cycles based on load type, download additional wash programs, provide troubleshooting guidance, and send completion notifications. Some washers integrate with smart home systems including smart speakers for voice control via Google, Amazon, Apple, or Samsung assistants.
Smart AI in some models syncs with matching dryers to automatically select the best drying cycle when washing completes.
Energy Efficiency and Water Usage
Energy ratings indicate efficiency through star ratings, with more stars representing lower electricity consumption per cycle.
The Australian Government's Energy Rating website explains how to calculate annual running costs by multiplying kilowatt hours (kWh) from the energy label by your local electricity rate.
Efficiency comparison:
Front loaders generally achieve higher energy ratings than top loaders of equivalent capacity, particularly in larger sizes. Brands like Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung, and LG offer 5-star rated front load models.
Front loaders use less water per cycle because the tumbling action requires only partial drum filling rather than full submersion.
Price Ranges and Budget Considerations
Entry-level top loaders start lower in price compared to front loaders, making them suitable for households with minimal washing requirements or tight budgets.
The lower upfront cost can offset the higher running costs if you're washing infrequently.
Front loaders command higher initial prices but deliver savings through reduced water and energy consumption over the machine's lifespan.
For households running multiple weekly loads, the efficiency gains recover the price premium within several years.
Premium features like auto dosing, smart connectivity, and sanitising cycles increase purchase price whilst offering convenience and potentially reducing detergent waste.
Assess whether these features align with your washing habits before committing to higher-tier models.
Washer dryer combos typically cost more than standalone washers but eliminate the need for separate dryer purchases and save floor space in compact laundries.