Washing machines are essential household appliances. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many options available. To help you find the best one, we discuss the best options in Australia.
We've divided the article into three parts to avoid overwhelming you: our top three picks, the best seven overall, and other notable mentions. You'll also find a buying guide to help you narrow down your search.
Our Top Picks
Here are our top three washing machines in Australia for best performance:
Bosch Serie 8 Washer
Best front-loading washing machine with a washing capacity of 9 kg, 14 wash programs, and an energy and water rating of 5.0 each.
Samsung WA14A8377GV Washer
Best top-loading washer with a washing capacity of 14 kg, 12 wash programs, and rated at 4.0 for both energy and water efficiency.
Whirlpool Freshcare
Best washing machine for busy households, with 6th Sense technology, a 1200 RPM spin speed, an LCD control panel, and FreshCare+ technology.
Top 6 Washing Machines in Australia
After hundreds of hours of research, testing, and evaluation, here are Australia's top seven washing machines. Our research considered each product's performance, durability, energy efficiency, and user reviews to provide comprehensive insights for informed decision-making.
1. Bosch Serie 8 Washing Machine
Best Overall Front Loader
Washing capacity: 9 kg
Wash programs: 14
Energy & water rating: 5.0, 5.0
Warranty: 2 years
The Bosch Serie 8 is one of the best front-loading washing machines on the Australian market. It has a 5-star energy rating and a 5-star water rating, making it more efficient than many competing models. It comes in white with a black chrome door and has a clear digital control panel at the front.
Its 9 kg capacity is well suited to medium or large families. The Westinghouse has a larger 12 kg capacity, while the Haier holds 10 kg. The Bosch Serie 8 is also stackable, so you can place a dryer or another compatible machine on top to save space. It weighs 72.6 kg, which helps keep it stable during use.
The washer includes fast, gentle and delicate programs, along with out-of-balance correction to steady uneven loads. Its stainless steel drum spins at up to 1400 RPM, while the maximum noise level is 75 dB. The Direct Drive inverter has fewer moving parts, which may reduce wear over time. Bosch also includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Good wash capacity
- Noise level is lower
- Excellent energy and water rating
- 4D wash system
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Lacks a steam function
2. Samsung WA14A8377GV Washing Machine
Best Overall Top Loader
Washing capacity: 14 kg
Wash programs: 12
Energy & water rating: 4.0, 4.0
Warranty: 2 years
The Samsung WA14A8377GV top-loader is well suited to medium and large families. Its 4-star energy and water ratings fall slightly behind the Bosch Serie 8’s 5-star ratings, but they are still competitive.
It has a maximum spin speed of 700 RPM, which is about half the speed of the Bosch and Haier models. This means clothes may retain more water after a cycle. The machine also includes a water-saving function and an Add Load option, so you can add forgotten items after the wash has started.
The LED control panel also offers nine wash programs, including a quick wash setting. Samsung’s Magic Dispenser dissolves and spreads detergent evenly. And the digital inverter motor helps the machine run more quietly and efficiently. For safety, the washer includes a child lock and a lockable door to prevent accidental starts or changes during a cycle.
Pros
- LED panel
- Good washing capacity
- 12 wash programs
- Child lock safety feature
- Energy and water efficient
- Quiet, effective wash
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Not suitable under a shelf
3. Haier HWF10AN1 Washing Machine
Best Value for Money
Washing capacity: 10 kg
Wash programs: 14
Energy & water rating: 4.5, 4.5
Warranty: 2 years
The Haier HWF10AN1 has a 10 kg capacity, making it a good choice for larger families. It offers strong value, with 4.5-star energy and water ratings. It includes useful features such as WiFi, dual spray nozzles, a stainless steel drum, Direct Drive inverter technology and Antibacterial Treatment (ABT).
Like the Bosch Serie 8, it has a maximum spin speed of 1400 RPM, which helps remove more water from clothes before drying. You can choose from five temperature settings and six spin speeds to suit different fabrics and loads. Its Speed Up function reduces the running time of most wash cycles.
You get a digital display that makes it easy to check the cycle and select from the available wash programs, a drum light to see inside the machine, and a Steam Refresh cycle to freshen clothes and reduce germs. The Haier HWF10AN1 comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Quick wash option
- Wi-Fi Technology
- Energy and water efficient
- Child lock feature
- Advanced wash option
Cons
- Only one colour option
4. Speed Queen AWNA62 Washing Machine
Best Warranty Washing Machine
Washing capacity: 8.5 kg
Wash programs: 8
Energy & water rating: 1.0, 3.0
Warranty: 5 years
The Speed Queen is a durable top-loading washing machine for heavy use. Its energy and water ratings are lower than some competing models, but its strong construction is a major advantage. It uses an agitator and has separate hot and cold water connections. The vertical agitator moves clothes through the water during each cycle to provide a thorough wash.
The machine also offers two spin speeds and an auto-balancing system that keeps the load steady. It weighs 87 kg for stability during use and has an 8.5 kg capacity, making it suitable for medium and large families. The stainless steel wash tub is also resistant to corrosion.
Speed Queen has a spin speed of 710 RPM, slightly faster than the Samsung WA14A8377GV’s 700 RPM. However, the Samsung washer offers a larger capacity, better energy ratings and more wash programs. On the upside, the Speed Queen includes a 5-year warranty on all parts and a lifetime warranty on the outer drain tub. Most top loaders only offer a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable and easy to use
- Powerful and efficient motor
- Features a timer
- Water temperature adjustable
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Pricier
5. Westinghouse WWT1284M7WA Washer
Best Budget Top Loader
Washing capacity: 12 kg
Wash programs: 12
Energy & water rating: 4.0, 3.5
Warranty: 2 years
The Westinghouse WWT1284M7WA Top Loader handles heavily soiled clothes and everyday laundry. It has a 12 kg washing capacity and three spin speed options at your convenience. Compared to the Speed Queen, its energy and water ratings are much better, as are the number of wash programs available.
Westinghouse also has an 800 RPM spin speed, a gentle wash agitator, and an inverter motor. The LED and touch controls improve usability, and if you have a prior engagement and need your laundry to start a cycle later on, the Delay Start function allows you to set your cycle to begin later.
Westinghouse's gentle drum design, with thousands of holes to ensure efficient water flow, is a brilliant initiative that allows the detergent to dissolve freely, leaving no residue behind. Westinghouse WWT1284M7WA also features an auto water sensor; thus, your machine will not overfill.
Pros
- Large sashing capacity
- LED display and easy controls
- Adjustable water level
- Child lock feature
- Tub cleaning program
Cons
- Not water-efficient
- Not suitable for small spaces
6. Whirlpool Freshcare Washing Machine
Best for Busy Households
Washing capacity: 7 kg
Wash programs: 14
Energy & water rating: 4.0, 4.0
Warranty: 5 years
The Whirlpool FreshCare Front Loader makes laundry easier with its 6th Sense technology. It detects the load size and fabric type, then adjusts the wash settings to help protect your clothes. It is also designed to save energy and water.
The control panel is simple to use, with an LCD screen and electronic knob for choosing wash settings. The machine only needs a cold-water connection because it heats the water during each cycle.
Its maximum spin speed of 1200 RPM removes more water from clothes, helping them dry faster. The FreshCare+ System also keeps laundry fresh for up to six hours after the cycle ends, which is useful when you cannot unload the machine straight away.
Pros
- Large washing capacity
- 14 wash programs
- Excellent water and energy rating
- Quiet during operation
- 5-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- No WiFi connectivity
- Only available in one colour
How to Choose the Best Washing Machine?
There are some factors that need to be considered when choosing the best washing machine in Australia. Let's look at a few of those to help narrow down your search
#1. Capacity
The size of your household and the amount of laundry you do are essential to consider when purchasing a washing machine. That will determine the washing capacity size required to get your laundry done efficiently. If you are a larger household, a larger washing capacity is needed.
However, this will also require more space in your home. So evaluate this, along with the space available for your washing machine. If you have a small laundry room, here's how to make the most of it.
#2. Efficiency
A washing machine's water and energy rating significantly impacts your utility bills and environment. A washing machine with a higher water efficiency rating will use less water, saving you money on your water bill and conserving water.
Similarly, a washing machine with a higher energy efficiency rating will use less electricity, saving you money on your electricity bill and reducing your carbon footprint.
It is essential to balance the initial cost of the washing machine with the long-term savings from lower utility bills and environmental impact when making a purchasing decision. Typically, front-loading washing machines are more energy and water-efficient than top-loaders. The latter, however, is often the cheaper option.
#3. Features
Some washing machines have specific features, such as self-cleaning detergent drawers, innovative diagnosis systems, steam options, and various wash programs. Others include a delayed start or quick wash for added convenience and intelligent capabilities that allow you to control them remotely or receive alerts on your phone.
Consider this when you are ready to make your purchase. The features you choose or seek in a washing machine should complement your habits and needs. This dramatically impacts your user experience, making washing more efficient and convenient.
#4. Brand
Well-known and established brands offer greater reliability and durability than lesser-known brands.
They often have a more extensive service and support network, making it easier to find replacement parts and repair technicians if needed. Brands may also have a specific reputation for certain features, such as being known for their energy efficiency or user-friendly controls.
Always do some research to determine the brand of washing machine that would be most convenient for you. Considering the customer reviews and brand reputation helps you evaluate the washing machine's overall quality, reliability, and support.
#5. Price
When choosing a washing machine, it's important to consider the price and your budget. However, it's also essential to prioritise the value for money that the machine can provide.
While a cheaper washing machine may seem like a good deal, it's crucial not to choose price over value. Investing in a higher-priced machine with better features and energy efficiency can save you money in the long run and provide better performance and durability.
Budgeting for a Washing Machine
In Australia, there are two washing machine types: top and front-loaders.
Top loaders are often affordable, with prices starting around $400 for basic models and going up to $1,500 for high-end models with advanced features. They also tend to have shorter wash cycles and are more convenient to load and unload, especially for those with trouble bending down.
On the other hand, front-loaders are more expensive, starting from $600 for basic models and going up to $3,000 for high-end models with advanced features. They have longer wash cycles but are more energy—and water-efficient and provide a more thorough clean. Additionally, front-loaders can be stacked, which saves space for those with smaller laundry rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some frequently asked questions Australians ask when purchasing washing machines.
Are front-loading washing machines better than top-loading washing machines?
Front-loading washing machines are often better for efficiency and performance. They use less water and energy, clean clothes more thoroughly due to their tumbling action, and are gentler on fabrics. Top loaders are convenient for people who prefer not to bend down and are often faster in completing a wash cycle.
How do I know if a washing machine is energy-efficient?
Look for its energy rating label to check if a washing machine is energy-efficient. Higher ratings, like 4 or 5 stars, indicate better efficiency. You can also check the washer's water usage and energy consumption per cycle, usually listed on the label. Machines with features like load sensors and eco modes also save energy and water, making them more efficient.
Marieta Ivanova
Wash More, Worry Less
Choosing the right washing machine can be tedious as it requires comprehensive research before purchasing. Luckily, this blog post eliminates the need for extensive research, leaving you with the best options to compare and choose the one that best suits your needs.
The washing machines mentioned above are all excellent options with unique features and benefits. When shortlisting, use the buying guide to find the ideal machine for your use case.
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