ARTICLE
Discover the best Washing Machines to buy
Published Mar 12, 2026 • Updated Jun 11, 2026 - 5 min read
There's a moment every Australian homeowner dreads: the washing machine gives up mid-cycle, and suddenly you're staring down a purchase decision that's more complicated than it first appears. Do you go front loader or top loader? What capacity do you actually need? And is it worth spending more on a brand like Miele or Bosch?
Choosing the best washing machine comes down to your household size, laundry layout, budget and how much convenience you want. The options have expanded significantly in recent years, with features like inverter motors, auto dosing and heat pump drying now available across a wide range of price points.
This guide covers the best washing machines for every situation, from compact apartments to large family homes, plus a comparison of front loaders vs top loaders, LG vs Samsung, and the most reliable brands in Australia.
Key Takeaways
Front loaders use less water and energy than top loaders and are gentler on fabrics.
• Top loaders are cheaper upfront, easier to load (no bending down) and let you add clothes mid-cycle.
• An 8 to 9kg machine is right for most families of four; go 10kg or more for bulky loads like duvets and sports gear.
• Inverter motors run quieter, use less power and tend to last longer than conventional motors.
• Fisher & Paykel and LG are the strongest mid-range brands in Australia.
• Miele and Bosch cost more upfront but are built to last longer, often 15 years or more.
We've picked the best washing machine for each specific situation. Your household is different from your neighbour's, and the right pick depends on how many people you're washing for, how much space you have and what features matter most to you.
Need a new dryer to go with your washing machine? Check out our Dryer Buying Guide for all the tips and our best picks.
Best Overall
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Front Load Washer
For most Australian households, the Fisher & Paykel 10kg Front Load Washer is the strongest all-round choice. It combines a generous 10kg drum with fabric-specific cycles, including Steam Care for lightly worn clothes, and Auto-Sensing technology that adjusts the wash to protect your garments. It's energy efficient, stackable with a matching dryer, and built to the quality standard Fisher & Paykel is known for in Australia.
Shop Fisher & Paykel Laundry Range Here
Best Front Loader
Bosch 10kg Front Load Washer
The Bosch 10kg Front Load Washer is one of the best front loader washing machines you can buy in Australia right now. It carries a strong energy star rating and a 4-star WELS water rating, meaning it uses significantly less water per cycle than a comparable top loader. Bosch machines are known for their quiet operation, durable drums and reliable long-term performance, all characteristics that make a front loader washing machine worth the higher upfront cost.
For more detail on what to look for, visit The Good Guys Bosch Laundry Buying Guide.
Best Top Loader
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer
If you prefer a top loader washing machine, Fisher & Paykel delivers the best balance of ease of use, capacity and price in this category. The impeller design (no central agitator) is gentler on clothes than traditional top loaders and allows for larger effective load sizes. It's straightforward to operate, easy to load without bending down, and you can add a forgotten sock mid-cycle, something front loaders don't allow.
Browse the full range of top load washing machines at The Good Guys.
Best for Large Families (10kg or More)
LG 10kg Front Load Washer
For households with heavy laundry demands, the LG 10kg Front Load Washer is purpose-built for the job. Its large drum handles bulky items, king-size duvets, sports uniforms, towels, without cramming, which means a more thorough clean. LG's inverter direct drive motor runs quietly, uses less energy and is backed by a long warranty. Cycle times are competitive, and because it's a front loader, you can stack a matching dryer on top using a stacking kit, a real space-saver in a busy family laundry
Best for Apartments (Quiet Operation)
Bosch 9kg Front Load Washer
Front loaders are generally quieter than top loaders, and the Bosch 9kg Front Load Washer is one of the quietest options available. It's designed for apartment use, with low vibration and a compact footprint that fits neatly under a bench or in a small laundry cupboard. If you're in a flat or unit where noise travels easily between rooms or floors, this is the machine to consider. If no official noise rating is listed for a specific model, look for 'designed for apartment use' in the product description.
Best Washer Dryer Combo
LG 10kg-6kg Combo Washer Dryer
A washing machine and dryer combo is the right call when space is at a premium, and the LG 16kg-10kg sets a new bar for what a combo machine can do. The 16kg wash drum is large enough for king-size duvets, heavy winter loads and the laundry demands of a busy family, while the 10kg drying capacity is genuinely useful rather than a token addition. It's a strong fit for households that want the convenience of a combined unit without compromising on what they can wash in a single load. One important thing to know upfront: you cannot wash and dry at the same time with a combo machine. If you regularly run several loads back to back and need everything dried simultaneously, a separate washer and dryer will give you more flexibility. But if you want maximum capacity in a single footprint, this is the combo to consider.
Browse all washer dryer combos at The Good Guys.
Best Budget Option
Haier 7.5kg Front Load Washer
If your budget is tight, the Haier 7.5kg Front Load Washer offers solid performance at an accessible price. It handles the laundry for two to three people comfortably and includes the key features you need day to day. Compared to more expensive machines, you'll get fewer wash programs, a lower maximum spin speed and a shorter expected lifespan, but for a first home, a rental, or a secondary laundry, it does the job well.
Browse all washing machines under $800 at The Good Guys.
Front Loader vs Top Loader: Which Is Better?
This is the question most Australians ask first, and it deserves a direct answer rather than a non-committal "it depends."
Water and energy use: Front loaders win clearly here. They use significantly less water per cycle, typically earning 4 to 5-star WELS ratings, compared to top loaders, which usually score 2 to 3 stars. Over years of use, the savings on water and power bills add up.
How gentle they are on clothes: Front loaders tumble clothes through water rather than using an agitator to push them around. This is easier on fabrics, particularly delicate items, and reduces wear over time.
Ease of loading: Top loaders have the edge here. You open the lid and drop clothes in, no bending down. You can also add a stray item mid-cycle, which you can't do with a front loader once it's running.
Upfront cost: Top loaders are generally cheaper to buy. A reliable top loader starts from around $700 to $800; a comparable front loader usually starts from $900 to $1,000.
Space: Front loaders are stackable with a dryer, which frees up floor space. They also fit under a bench, which many Australian laundries are designed around. Lifespan: Both types last around 10 years with good maintenance, though premium brands in either category can go longer.
Verdict: For most Australian homes, a front load washing machine is the better long-term choice. The water and energy savings offset the higher purchase price, and the gentler wash is worth it for households that care about their clothes. A top load washing machine makes more sense if you're on a tight budget, have back problems, or need the flexibility to add items mid-cycle.
Most Reliable Washing Machine Brands in Australia
Miele
Miele is widely considered the most durable washing machine brand available in Australia. Machines are engineered and tested to last 20 years, and the build quality reflects that. Miele's honeycomb drum design protects fabrics, and their auto dosing systems (available across several models) are among the best on the market. Warranty is two years parts and labour, with extended coverage available. Read more in The Good Guys Miele Laundry Buying Guide.
Bosch
Bosch sits in the premium segment alongside Miele, with machines typically lasting 15 years or more. They're known for quiet operation, strong energy and water efficiency, and consistent wash performance. The Bosch Laundry Buying Guide covers the full range.
LG
LG is the strongest mid-range option in Australia for most households. Their direct drive inverter motors are backed by a 10-year warranty, which provides genuine long-term confidence. LG machines are feature-rich, many include auto dosing, AI wash programs and steam functions, at prices that are competitive with other mid-range brands. Check out the LG Laundry Buying Guide to learn more.
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel has a loyal following in Australia. Their machines are known for thoughtful design, quiet operation and fabric care technology. They sit firmly in the price mid-range and are a particularly strong choice for households that want quality without paying Miele or Bosch prices. Find out more on the Fisher and Paykel Laundry Buying Guide.
Buying Guide
For more detail on what to look for when buying a washing machine, including capacity, energy ratings, inverter motors and auto dosing, visit The Good Guys Washing Machine Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best washing machine brand in Australia?
There is no single best brand; it depends on your budget and priorities. Fisher & Paykel and LG are the strongest mid-range options for most Australian households. Miele and Bosch are the most durable but cost significantly more upfront. Haier and Hisense are the best picks if you're working to a tighter budget.
How long should a washing machine last?
A well-maintained washing machine should last 10 to 15 years. Premium brands like Miele and Bosch are often built to last longer. Miele tests their machines to 20 years. Machines with inverter motors also tend to outlast those with conventional motors, as they have fewer mechanical parts that can wear out.
Is a front loader or top loader better for Australian homes?
Front loaders suit most Australian homes. They use less water, are gentler on clothes and are designed to fit under a bench or be stacked with a dryer. Top loaders are the better choice if you're on a tight budget, need to add clothes mid-cycle, or find bending down to load a front loader difficult.
What size washing machine do I need for a family of four?
An 8 to 9kg machine covers the needs of most families of four. Go for 10kg or more if you regularly wash bulky items like sports gear, king-size duvets or heavy towels.
Are washer dryer combos worth it?
Yes, if you're short on space. The main trade-off is that you cannot wash and dry at the same time; the machine completes the wash cycle before starting the dry cycle. The drying capacity is also usually smaller than the wash capacity. A combo is a practical solution for apartments and small laundries, but not ideal as the sole laundry option for a larger family.
What does a WELS rating mean?
WELS stands for Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards. More stars means the machine uses less water per cycle. Front loaders usually score 4 to 5 stars. Top loaders usually score 2 to 3 stars. A higher WELS rating means lower water bills over the life of the machine.
Can I stack a dryer on top of a front loader?
Yes, most front loaders can have a dryer stacked on top using a compatible stacking kit. It's important to check that the specific washer and dryer models are compatible before purchasing; not all combinations work together. Browse stacking and venting kits at The Good Guys to find the right fit for your machines.
