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How Do I... Choose a Washing Machine?
Looking to buy a new washing machine? An expert reveals everything you need to know before you hit the shops
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Colin Jones, product adviser at Appliances Online, gives the lowdown on the latest washing machines, and how to choose the right model to suit your needs.
What are the different types of machines?
- Front loaders: These popular machines are energy efficient, give you great wash results, and can be installed under a benchop, which saves you space.
- Top loaders: Good for those with back issues as you don’t need to bend to load or unload the machine.
- Washer-dryer combination machines: These space-saving models can wash and dry laundry in a single machine, so you can come home to clean and dry clothes. Be aware that dryer capacity is smaller than washer capacity, so a wash-and-dry load will need to be smaller than a wash-only load.

How do I choose between a top and front loader?
What you choose comes down to personal preference and how much space you have available. Top loaders generally have a shorter wash time than front loaders, but they use more water and power. You don’t need a bench to load and unload the machine, but top loaders do create lint.
Front loaders can be be fitted under a benchtop, saving you space. They are also stackable, so can handle a dryer on top. Front loaders are more water and energy efficient than top loaders, which can reduce your bills. Their gentle wash action means they don’t product lint.
Size-wise, both front and top loaders come in sizes to suit large families, with capacities up to 16 kilograms.
What you choose comes down to personal preference and how much space you have available. Top loaders generally have a shorter wash time than front loaders, but they use more water and power. You don’t need a bench to load and unload the machine, but top loaders do create lint.
Front loaders can be be fitted under a benchtop, saving you space. They are also stackable, so can handle a dryer on top. Front loaders are more water and energy efficient than top loaders, which can reduce your bills. Their gentle wash action means they don’t product lint.
Size-wise, both front and top loaders come in sizes to suit large families, with capacities up to 16 kilograms.
What’s the appeal of a washer-dryer combo?
Most washer-dryer combination machines will fit under a standard-height benchtop, so they’re great if you’re short on laundry space.
The dryer capacity on a combo machine is less than the washer capacity. So, you could, for example, run an 8 kilogram wash-only load or a 4 kilogram wash-and-dry load.
Most washer-dryer combination machines will fit under a standard-height benchtop, so they’re great if you’re short on laundry space.
The dryer capacity on a combo machine is less than the washer capacity. So, you could, for example, run an 8 kilogram wash-only load or a 4 kilogram wash-and-dry load.
What do I need to consider when choosing?
- How many people will be using the machine? This will help determine the right size. Too small and you won’t be able accommodate enough laundry for your household; too large and you’ll be wasting energy.
- What do you like and not like about your current washing machine? Does it have all the features you need? Does the size suit your needs? The answers will help steer you towards the right model.
- How often will you be using the machine – do you run several small washes a day or do you do one big wash a week? Features such as timers and short wash cycles might be useful if you do multiple loads a day, while a large capacity is essential if you save up big loads to do at the end of the week.
- What will you be washing? If it’s king-size quilts, for example, you will need a larger-capacity machine, while if you wash a lot of delicates, look out for a machine with delicate wash cycles.
- Consider energy consumption. If you’ve been using a top loader, think about switching to a front loader that consumes less water and power.
What are some of the snazziest new features to look for?
- Add a garment: With some of the latest front loaders you can add garments during the wash cycle.
- App-enabled washing machines: These allow you to switch on the machine or identify potential faults from your smart phone (saving you a call to the technician).
- Auto-detergent dosing: Some machines can now automatically deliver the correct amount of detergent for every wash load, which can save you money on detergent wastage.
What does capacity range from and to?
- Top-load washers range from 3.2 to 14 kilograms.
- Front-load washers vary as well from 5 to 16 kilograms.
- Washer/dryer combinations range from 7 to 16 kilograms.
Which size will suit my household?
- A single person: Consider a 5-6 kilogram front loader or a 5.5-6 kilogram top loader.
- A family of 3-4: Consider a 7.5-9 kilogram front loader or a 7-8.5 kilogram top loader.
- A large family of five or more: Consider an 8.5-16 kilogram front loader or a 9-14 kilogram top loader.
What should I expect to pay?
- A washer-dryer combo: Between around $1,100 and $1,200.
- A 7 kilogram front or top loader: Between around $600 and $700.
- A 10 kilogram front or top loader or bigger: Between around $1,000 and $1,300.
What’s good to know?
Always be sure of the room and machine measurements. Your average front-load washer, for example, will be about 600 millimetres wide, but the cavity will need to be slightly larger so that the cabinetry doesn’t vibrate loudly when the washer is on a spin cycle.
Also check where your hose connections are located, as most washers come with a standard length water inlet and outlet hoses, and you’ll need to make sure they reach.
Check the machine’s drainage outlet. Some are located on the side and some on the front of the machine. If the drain is on the side, you’ll need to leave around 100 millimetres space at the side of the machine to allow for the drain hose to be connected to the machine without any kinks (which can prevent proper water drainage and lead to issues).
Always be sure of the room and machine measurements. Your average front-load washer, for example, will be about 600 millimetres wide, but the cavity will need to be slightly larger so that the cabinetry doesn’t vibrate loudly when the washer is on a spin cycle.
Also check where your hose connections are located, as most washers come with a standard length water inlet and outlet hoses, and you’ll need to make sure they reach.
Check the machine’s drainage outlet. Some are located on the side and some on the front of the machine. If the drain is on the side, you’ll need to leave around 100 millimetres space at the side of the machine to allow for the drain hose to be connected to the machine without any kinks (which can prevent proper water drainage and lead to issues).
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