On this page:

• What is a washer-dryer combo?
• Washer-dryer combo pros and cons
• Should you buy a washer-dryer combo?
• How do you use a washer-dryer combo?
• How do washer-dryer combos compare to standalone appliances?
• How much water do washer-dryer combos use to dry?
• What capacity is your washer-dryer combo?

What is a washer-dryer combo?

At their simplest, washer-dryer combos combine a front loading washing machine and a condenser clothes dryer into a single appliance that’s the same size as an equivalent standalone washer.Ìý

They typically offer all the features, programs and modes of mid- to high-end washers and dryers, so they promise to do everything standalone washers and dryers can do, but with half the footprint. And the smaller your laundry or living space, the bigger an advantage that becomes.

It’s important to note you can use the washing and drying functions together, or independently of each other.

Washer-dryer combo pros and cons

Pros

• Washing performance is comparable to an equivalent standalone appliance.
• Half the footprint of two separate appliances.
• You can wash and dry your clothes without manual intervention – no more unloading wet clothes to put them in the dryer.
• You can wash or dry independently, so you can use it as a normal washer with the peace of mind of a dryer for emergencies.
• Purchase and running costs are roughly equivalent to buying and running a separate front loading washer plus a condenser dryer.

Cons

• You can typically only dry half the capacity you can wash. This means if you’re washing full loads, you’ll need to take half the clothes out at the end of the wash cycle and dry in two goes.
• You need to wait for the machine to finish washing and drying before you can add another load. So if you’re doing multiple loads of laundry, it will take longer than if you were using a standalone washer and dryer simultaneously.
• Very long drying times – over six hours in some cases.
• Most models use a staggering amount of water to dry (water is used in the internal heat exchanger to cool and condense hot humid moisture, which is then collected and disposed of via the drain) as most washer/dryers use condenser technology for drying.Ìý
• A couple of models with a heat pump dryer are now available, which are more energy-efficient and don’t use water to dry, but they are rare and more expensive.
• Complicated machinery parts for two devices (a washer and a dryer) means there’s more likelihood something will go wrong.

Should you buy a washer-dryer combo?

Washer-dryer combos are a great solution for small houses and small households: they have a smaller footprint than standalone appliances, and the dryer capacity is best suited to one- to two-person households.

And because you can wash and dry without moving clothes between appliances, combos are also a good idea if you have mobility issues that might make doing so difficult. See our guide to washing machine accessibility for more.

If you use a dryer very occasionally, a washer/dryer could still be an option if you can get it for the right price. 

But if you use your dryer regularly and you’ve got a big family (or just big laundry requirements) then you’re probably better off with standalone appliances – you’ll get much better drying performance, and one load can be in the dryer while the next one’s washing.

If you’re on tank water or worried about the environment, then the high water consumption (when drying) for combos that use a condenser dryer means you should probably give those particular models a wide berth.

And if you’re on a budget and you only use your dryer infrequently, buying a standalone washing machine and clothes dryer can save a few dollars – you can opt for a cheaper vented dryer, with a higher running cost, (or skip the dryer altogether in favour of a clothes horse).

How do you use a washer-dryer combo?

Washer-dryer combos are a convenient way to tackle laundry day, as they can wash and dry without your intervention – so yes, you can put dirty clothes in before work, comfortable in the knowledge that you’re coming home to clean, dry laundry and don’t have to move it between appliances or hang it on the line.

In our experience washer-dryer combos wash much the same as a conventional washing machine, but don’t do as good a job in the drying department.Ìý

They can also typically only dry half the capacity that they can wash (although most of us don’t load the machine to the capacity for washing anyway).

So if you have the option, the good old Hills Hoist will be the best, cheapest and probably fastest way to dry your laundry, but you can relax knowing you have a wet weather backup plan in case of emergencies.

If you don’t have the option of line drying, and don’t have the space for standalone appliances, then a washer-dryer combo is probably the right choice for you.Ìý

But to get the most out of your washer dryer, make sure you select the highest spin speed available to extract as much water as possible before the drying phase. Even then it can still take a long time to dry.

How do washer-dryer combos work?

Washing

We’ve found most washer-dryer combos wash exactly the same way as a conventional front-loading washing machine. Water and detergent are added, clothes are picked up and dropped into the wash water to clean them, then they’re spun, rinsed, and spun again.Ìý

So you’ll have a comparable wash experience to using a conventional washing machine. 

But washer-dryer combos are much more complicated appliances because of the drying aspect. Unlike standalone dryers, there’s a whole bunch of plumbing and water inlets in them for the washing side of things that are also co-opted for the drying component.Ìý

Drying

Unlike a simpler vented dryer, which pumps hot wet air straight out, condenser dryers (the most common option for a washer/dryer) capture the moisture from your clothes. 

They push warm, dry air through your wet washing to extract moisture, then cool the now humid air in a heat exchanger to condense the moisture into water, which is then collected in a tank or pumped down the drain. The (now dry) air is reheated and the cycle repeats.

The heart of any condenser dryer is the heat exchanger. It works like the radiator in your car by passing the hot air through metal fins with a large surface area to facilitate cooling. 

In a standalone dryer these fins are air cooled, but washer-dryer combos use water instead.Ìý

After a few cycles through the heat exchanger, the cooling water becomes too warm to use, so it’s discarded down the drain and fresh, cool water is drawn in from the tap. Rinse and repeat, as it were, until your clothes are dry.

How do washer-dryer combos compare to standalone appliances?

Washer-dryer combos use the same washing action as an equivalent front loader, so their cleaning capability is comparable. Although they use about the same amount of energy as an equivalent condenser dryer to dry, they take about twice as long to do it – 3.5 hours on average, although one model we tested took over six hours. Line drying would probably be faster.Ìý

This isn’t an issue if you’re getting the laundry done while you’re at work or overnight, but it could be frustrating if you’re in a hurry for clean clothes. 

The biggest issue with the use of a condenser dryer is that it is an outdated technology with no new standalone models available due to the better performance and efficiency of heat pump dryer technology. 

Condenser dryers in a washer-dryer combo uses a lot of water – sometimes more than they’ll use for washing.Ìý

If you use your dryer regularly, you’ll probably be better off with a standalone appliance, or you could search for one of the latest washer-dryer models using heat pump technology.

 It’s also worth considering that standalone appliances can be replaced individually, but when your washer-dryer combo dies, you’re left without a washing machine or a dryer and need to replace the whole thing.

How much water do washer-dryer combos use to dry?

It varies from model to model, but the appliances in our test averaged 37L of water to dry our 3.5kg test load. That’s a ridiculous amount of water to dry a load of washing. In comparison, vented and heat pump dryers use no water.Ìý 

That’s bad news in a dry country like Australia, but due to a loophole in the way water efficiency ratings are calculated, the water used in the drying process is not reflected in the machine’s water efficiency star rating – only the water used for washing is included in the calculation. (This is a hangover from standalone dryer ratings, which don’t use water).

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: The water star rating doesn’t include the water used for drying, but the amount of water used for drying does have to be listed as a number on the sticker. Read the label carefully – don’t just count the stars.

We are seeing more washer-dryer combos that use heat pump technology to dry (like an air conditioner). Compared to a water-cooled condenser, they’re very energy-efficient and don’t use any water to dry.

How energy-efficient are washer-dryer combos?

If, like most Australians, you wash in cold water, your washer-dryer combo (with a condenser dryer) will use roughly 10 times as much energy to dry your clothes as it will to wash them.

The energy consumption of a washer dryer is comparable to using a standalone washing machine and condenser dryer. However, if you use a dryer regularly, you’re better off using a heat pump dryer as it uses much less energy.

What capacity is your washer-dryer combo?

Another quirk of combos is that their washing and drying capacities are different because your clothes can be packed in tightly for washing, but to dry effectively they need plenty of space for air to circulate.

Most of us only fill our washing machines to half their capacity (which is why we test using 3.5kg of laundry, not a full load) so that’s not necessarily an issue. But if you wash full loads (and you would be surprised at how hard this actually is to do), you’ll need to dry in two batches.

This is inconvenient enough, but factor in how long some of these appliances take to dry – up to 6.5 hours in one case – and this could become unworkable.

Do washer-dryer combos have a lint filter/trap?

No. As washer-dryer combos are front loaders, which are gentler on clothes than top loading washing machines, they do not need a lint filter.

The post Are washer-dryer combos any good? The pros and cons revealed appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Laundry is one of those never ending tasks that’s the bane of most adults’ existences. So why make it any harder than it needs to be? 

Life’s too short for a crummy washing machine and, unfortunately, our experts have seen plenty in our lab tests.

“A mediocre machine isn’t just bad for your washing; it’s also bad for your wallet,” warns ÌÇÐÄVlog’s laundry expert Denis Gallagher.

“It’ll do a lousy job of your laundry, and will often use more electricity and power than better washers, so you’ll pay more for a worse wash.”

To help you avoid this lose-lose situation, our experienced team of laundry experts meticulously tests machines from popular brands including Fisher & Paykel, LG, Bosch, Miele, Samsung, Simpson and plenty more.

For every washing machine we test, our expert testers run cycles using identically stained fabric swatches and special swatches that fray in the wash. 

They assess them after the wash to evaluate key criteria such as dirt removal, gentleness, rinsing, water and spin efficiency. (Learn more about how we test washing machines.)

“Don’t assume that spending more will bag you a better machine,” Denis says. 

“The washing machines in our review range in price from $400 to more than $3000, but we find that the price tag doesn’t always correlate to the performance.”

Lowest scoring top loaders

Chiq WTL64FDB

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 57%
• Dirt removal score: 64%
• Price: $399

It’s the cheapest machine in our current review, but this Chiq’s low price is in line with its low performance.

While it received the lowest ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of the top loaders we’ve tested, it actually performed better on some tests than the machines below.

It’s rated as “OK” for dirt removal and has a reasonably short cycle time of 81 minutes, but this machine is let down by its spin efficiency, which measures how wet the laundry is at the end of the cycle.

A low score means you’ll be left with soggy clothes that’ll take more time to dry, so even though your washing time might be brief, you’ll have to wait longer to take your clothes off the line. (And if you need to use a dryer you’ll have to run it for longer, which will cost you more in power.)

Read the full CHiQ WTL64FDB review.

Westinghouse WWT8084J7WA

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 59%
• Dirt removal score: 44%
• Price: $1199

This Westinghouse washer may look stylish in your laundry with its modern, sleek black lid and control panel, but unfortunately its good looks don’t match its performance.

Our experts gave it a dismal dirt removal score of 44%, which is the lowest of any machine in our current review.

The sole purpose of a washing machine is to get your clothes clean, but this one will give you a woeful wash AND it’s at the more expensive end of the spectrum for a top loader.

That’s doubly disappointing, especially considering that it doesn’t do much better than the $400 CHiQ above.

Read the full Westinghouse WWT8084J7WA review.

Haier HWT60AA1

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 61%
• Dirt removal score: 58%
• Price: $639

Low price, low performance: that’s the best way to sum up this Haier.

It’s one of the cheapest top loaders in our test (after the dirt-cheap CHiQ), but a bargain it isn’t. 

It was outclassed by the Chiq model mentioned above for dirt removal, and really only had the edge over the cheaper model in water efficiency and spin efficiency.Ìý

It’s also relatively expensive to run, with our experts calculating it’ll cost you $1241 over 10 years. If you’re short on cash, this machine isn’t a terrible option, but don’t expect to be wowed.

Read the full Haier HWT60AA1 review.

Lowest scoring front loaders

First things first: front loaders perform a lot better than top loaders, particularly for gentleness, which you’ll see reflected in the higher scores below. To be fair, these models all rated well enough. 

That said, our experts found better-performing front loaders for a similar price or cheaper so doing some research before you buy will get you better value for your money. 

Solt GGSFLW60

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Dirt removal score: 80%
• Price: $499

First up, the Solt’s good points: it’s one of the cheapest front loaders in our review, so if you’re on a tight budget, it’s an appealing option.

It’s also pretty decent at getting your clothes clean efficiently: our experts rated it as “Very good” for dirt removal, rinse performance and water efficiency.

But it failed to impress in terms of its gentleness and spin efficiency, both of which dragged down its overall score, despite the Solt delivering good performance otherwise.

It also has a frustratingly long cycle time of 226 minutes. If you’re short on cash but have plenty of time on your hands, the cycle time may not be an issue for you – it might be a compromise you’re willing to make for the price.

Only one of the other front loaders in our review can compete with the Solt on price, but if you keep an eye out in the sales, you may be able to pick up a better machine for similar money.

Read the full Solt GGSFLW60 review.

Electrolux EWF1243R7SCS

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Dirt removal score: 84%
• Price: $1099

Don’t be swayed by the Electrolux’s schmick exterior: its beauty is only skin deep.

There are plenty of other options that’ll give you far better value for money: seven of the 13 front loaders that are recommended by our experts cost the same or less than this disappointment, including several black ones.

And it’s not the only black machine on the block, so if you have your heart set on a tall, dark and handsome front loader, you can find better elsewhere.

It actually scored very well for dirt removal and rinse performance, but it was penalised for its excessively long cycle time (more than three hours!) and for being very rough on clothes.

“If you were to select a faster wash setting it would save you some time, but you may not get the same performance as far as dirt removal or rinsing,” says Denis.

Front loaders are generally more water- and energy-efficient than top loaders, but this one’s running costs are about the same as the Haier above, so you’ll lose out twice over if you buy it.

Read the full Electrolux EWF1243R7SCS review.

LG WV6-1409W

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Dirt removal score: 81%
• Price: $1099

LG actually makes quite good washing machines: the average ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating for the LG front loaders in our review is over 70%.

And the company’s washers have a good reputation: LG came second our 2025 Best Brand survey for front-loading washing machines, just two points short of first place.

LG washing machines seem to last the distance, with the brand coming in just a whisker behind Bosch for reliability in the survey.

Unfortunately this machine isn’t a great example of the LG offering. It’s the equal second-lowest scoring front loader in our test, and despite costing more than twice as much as the Solt above, its scores weren’t much better.

To its credit, we rated it as “Excellent” for its rinse performance, and “Very good” for dirt removal, but those alone weren’t enough to bump up its overall ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating.

Not only will it cost you a lot in electricity, you’ll also be coughing up for new clothes sooner: it scored just 49% for gentleness. That’s one of the lowest scores of all the front loaders we tested, and it’s even lower than some top loaders, which are notoriously rough on clothes.

If your budget for a front loader is over $1000, we suggest you look elsewhere. In fact, one of the models our experts recommend costs exactly the same as this model and four cost significantly less.

Signing up to become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member will give you access to all our washing machine test results (plus reviews for hundreds more products), so you can spend your money more wisely.

Read the full LG WV6-1409W review.

Hisense HWFS1015AB

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Dirt removal score: 81%
• Price: $999

This machine will make your laundry look good, but may not do the same for your clothes.

It’s great at some things – cleaning the dirt out of your laundry and rinsing it well – but not so good at others, namely being gentle on your clothes, using water efficiently and washing your clothes quickly.

It uses the most water of any front loader of a similar size in our review. It’s also one of the most expensive to run and one of the least gentle on fabrics, so it’ll cost you more in bills and you’ll also spend more on replacing your clothes more frequently. 

It doesn’t have the longest cycle time we’ve ever seen, but 2.5 hours is by no means swift!

If you’re shopping for a front loader in the $1000 range, use your common (Hi)sense and look elsewhere. As mentioned above, there are plenty of better options in the same price range.

Read the full Hisense HWFS1015AB review.

Tips for buying a washing machine

Our expert’s main piece of advice? Take your time making a decision on which model to buy.

Denis says you should avoid making impulse buys on an important appliance such as a washing machine, no matter how charming a salesperson is or how tempting an advertised price may seem.

“A heavily discounted washing machine with loads of features may seem like a great deal, but if you’re unlikely to use all those features, it’s not a great buy,” he says.

He also advises looking for deals with free delivery (or asking the salesperson if they will throw in free delivery) and avoiding poor-quality extended warranties.

“Extended warranties don’t offer much beyond what you’re already entitled to under the Australian Consumer Law, plus if you’re paying extra for them it negates some of the savings you’re making.”

For more top tips, visit our washing machine buying guide.

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But spending more money won’t necessarily buy you a better washing machine: there are plenty of more affordable models on the market that performed well in our lab tests, matching or even beating more expensive machines. 

In fact, of the 13 front loaders our experts recommend, ten of them cost less than $1500 – so if you check our detailed washing machine reviews before you buy, you can save yourself hundreds on a new front loader. 

“It’s important to consider both price and performance when buying a new front loader,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog whitegoods expert Denis Gallagher. 

“While there are some great performers at the cheaper end of the scale, there are also some duds – this is why it’s vital to do your research before handing over your credit card.”

In this article we’ll share a list of cheap front loaders to avoid, plus we’ll reveal the best washing machine brand in Australia.

If you want to find out which front loaders under $1500 come out on top, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

Are front loader washing machines worth the extra money?

Front loaders are generally a bit more expensive than top loaders, due to how they’re built.

But although you’ll pay more upfront for a front loader, you’ll generally pay less in water and electricity bills over the entire life of the appliance, so it could end up costing about the same or even less in the long run.

Not to mention that front loaders are gentler on your clothes than top loaders, so you won’t have to replace your favourite t-shirts as quickly if you use a front loader – that’s more savings!

But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune for a great-performing front-loading washing machine.

Exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ll reveal four machines that deliver great performance on a budget.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

The front loader washing machines not to buy

Knowing what not to buy can be just as useful as knowing what to buy. Here are the washing machines our experts rated the lowest. 

You’ll notice that they’re all priced under $1500 – but even at these low prices, our experts don’t recommend them. 

Solt GGSFLW60

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $499

Electrolux EWF1243R7SCS

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $1099

LG WV6-1409W

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $1099

Hisense HWFS1015AB

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $999

The best washing machine brands in Australia

Each year, we rank washing machine brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted ÌÇÐÄVlog expert seal of approval.

The best front loader washing machine brand for 2025 was: Miele.

Here are the best front-loader washing machine brands for 2025, along with their ÌÇÐÄVlog Best Brand scores:

1. Miele – 82%
2. LG – 80%
3. Bosch – 77%
4. Samsung – 73%

Miele has taken out the Best Brand washing machine prize for seven years in a row, sharing the top spot with LG in 2019. 

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the ‘Recommended’ box in the filters section of our washing machine reviews.

Our detailed test results are exclusively available to our members. Become a ÌÇÐÄVlog member to access our full reviews and see the best performers.

… but don’t buy on brand alone

While the Best Brand winners have well-founded reputations, here at ÌÇÐÄVlog we know that buying based on brand alone is sometimes a recipe for disappointment. Even the best brand sometimes delivers duds.

And focusing solely on one brand in your search for the perfect appliance can mean you overlook other products offering comparable performance for a much smaller price tag.

Machines from the same brand can vary widely in terms of performance, features, capacity, energy efficiency and more, so don’t assume that all products from a reputable manufacturer will give you what you want. 

The best thing to do is to focus on individual models by checking ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews to find the best washing machines before you buy. 

What are the best front loader washing machines under $1500?

We independently test and review dozens of new washing machines each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed washing machine testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which affordable front loaders are our experts’ top picks.

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Not only is it a boring, thankless task, but depending on how you wash your clothes and use your washing machine, it can get expensive, too. 

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably noticed the price of household items, water and electricity biting into your budget. In fact, in our June 2025 Consumer Pulse survey, more than 9 out of 10 people (91%) told us that their household expenses had increased in the previous 12 months.

And the way you do your laundry is responsible for a chunk of that cost, whether it’s the detergent you use or how you operate your washing machine.

We’ve written before about how making a few simple changes to your laundry habits can mean big savings. We’ve recently recalculated the costs and it’s still true. 

In fact, you could save a huge chunk of money – more than $1400 – just by tweaking a few of your laundry habits.

Here are some simple tips from our laundry experts to save you time and money. 

Let’s start with an imaginary scenario:

• You have a front-loading washing machine.
• You run a half-full load every day on a warm wash. 
• You use Omo Powder Ultimate Front Loader ($1.44 a wash).
• You use Downy Premium Parfum Mystique Fabric Softener (81c a wash).
• You use a vented dryer to dry your laundry.

We’ll show you how much you can save by making small changes to the way you do your laundry. Trust us, it’s worth it!

1. Run full loads of washing – and we mean full

It’s pretty simple, really – you’re going to use more water, detergent and electricity washing two smaller loads than one big one. So instead of doing smaller washes every day, do a full load every two days instead.

So how much is a full load? It’s a full laundry basket, right? Wrong.

“A full laundry basket generally only holds about 3.5kg, but most washing machines can take much more. In fact, if you fill it to capacity by weight you may even have trouble getting the door shut,” says Matthew Steen, ÌÇÐÄVlog head of reviews and testing. 

“Even packed that tightly your machine can still get clothes clean, but be mindful that not all programs are suitable for a full capacity wash, so check your manual.”

2. Wash on cold

You’ll get pretty much the same cleaning power from a cold wash as from a warm wash – but you’ll use far less electricity. (Warm water is slightly better than cold water, but there’s very little between the two – and certainly not enough to justify the extra cost.) 

And washing in hot water can make things worse by setting stains in, so a cold wash is often the smarter choice anyway.

“While washing in warm water is slightly better than cold, it’s so close these days that it’s not worth the extra energy and cost of a warm cycle. That’s particularly true when you’re using a modern enzyme-based detergent that is designed for cold-water washing,” says Matthew. 

According to our calculations, if you were to switch from washing a half load every day on a warm wash, to washing a full load every day on a cold wash, you could save yourself $181.14 a year. That’s not to be sniffed at!

3. Switch to a cheaper (but high-performing) laundry detergent

In our expert laundry detergent testing, the top performers range in price from as little as 16 cents a wash, all the way up to $1.44 a wash. 

For example, let’s compare two front-loader laundry detergents that scored 79% and 74% respectively in our tests:

• Omo Powder Ultimate Front Loader ($1.44 a wash, $525.60 per year)

• Active Expert Laundry Powder (16c a wash, $58.40 a year)

While the Omo detergent did perform better in our tests, the other product does a good job, barely missing out on being recommended. Let’s assume that you run a wash every day. You’d spend $525.60 on the Omo powder and just $58.40 on the Active Expert. So switching would save you $467.20 a year, just in detergent costs alone.

And you could save even more if you also follow our next two steps!

4. Use less detergent

It may seem counterintuitive, but adding more detergent to your washing machine won’t actually make your clothes cleaner – in fact, overdoing it can have the opposite effect. 

We’re not suggesting you need to walk around in semi-dirty clothes to save money. But you’ll find that using just a third of the recommended amount of laundry detergent will still give you excellent results – and your detergent will last three times longer. 

“Even using a fraction of the recommended dose still gives you a great wash,” says Matthew. 

Not only that, but putting too much detergent into your machine can lead to a build-up of ‘scrud’ in your washing machine, which could drag down its washing performance. Using less detergent is also better for the environment and for your skin. 

So instead of using a full dose of the Omo detergent every time you wash, you could use a third of a scoop of the cheaper detergent. And if you’re only washing every second day, you’ll spend just $9.64 on laundry detergent for the year – a saving of $515.96 in one year, on detergent costs alone.

5. Skip the softener

Our laundry experts aren’t big fans of fabric softener. 

“There are lots of reasons why fabric softeners are a bad idea. They reduce the moisture absorbency of your laundry, which is bad news for your towels, and they reduce the fire retardancy of clothing, which means you definitely shouldn’t use them on children’s sleepwear,” says Matthew. 

“You’ll also be adding chemicals to your clothes that won’t be washed away because they’re left behind when the wash cycle is complete, so you’re effectively re-soiling your clothes with chemicals, which you then wear against your skin.

“Used repeatedly, fabric softeners will build up in your washing machine, which will make it run less efficiently and can potentially damage it, too.”

Our advice? Give them the flick.

So how much could you save by doing away with fabric softener? If you use one of the more expensive fabric softeners, such as Downy Premium Parfum Mystique (81 cents a wash), then by ditching it you could save a further $295.65 a year, if you do one wash every day.

6. Use your dryer sparingly

Most places in Australia are warm and dry enough to make line-drying a viable option, so if you can line-dry your laundry, then make that a habit. 

If you do need to use the dryer, make sure you’ve used the highest spin speed available on your washing machine to get as much water out of your laundry as possible – that way you won’t need to run the dryer as long.

If you need to use your dryer frequently, spend a little more money upfront to buy an energy-efficient heat pump dryer – it will save you on electricity. But if you only use your dryer for laundry emergencies, a cheap vented dryer will work out cheaper overall. 

The most expensive to run vented clothes dryer that scored over 70% in our testing is the Haier HDV40A1, which will cost you $1.32 per load to run. If you’re drying a load of washing in the dryer every day that will add up to $480.82 in a year.

“Taking advantage of the sunshine by switching from clothes dryer to clothesline means that money goes back in your pocket,” says Matthew.

7. Shop wisely when buying a washing machine and dryer

In our expert lab tests, we frequently find cheaper washing machines and dryers that outperform more expensive, big-name brands. 

We’ve been testing washing machines for about 60 years in our state-of-the-art labs, so we know a thing or two about what makes the best washing machine.

By shopping smarter, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars on a new appliance. Check our washing machine reviews and dryer reviews to find the best appliances for your money. 

Knowing what not to buy can be just as important as knowing what to buy. Here are the washing machines to avoid buying. 

The post How to cut your laundry costs by more than $1400 a year appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Which is the most efficient type of washing machine?
• How to work out running costs
• Choosing the most efficient wash program
• Get efficient with your detergent
• The best, most efficient washing machines in ÌÇÐÄVlog testing

From the type of washing machine you own to the amount of laundry detergent you use, there’s always an efficiency to be found somewhere. And this can translate to real savings on your electricity and water bills. 

So whether you’re buying a new washer or wanting to make the most of what you have, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts share their top tips for washing more efficiently. 

Plus, exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we reveal some of the most energy-efficient washing machines and top performers from our recent testing.

Which is the most efficient type of washing machine?

An efficient washing machine is one that gets the largest amount of clothes clean (without damaging them), using as little water and energy as possible, in the shortest amount of time. 

Most of the energy used when doing your laundry is for heating the wash water. So this means that the more water your machine uses, the higher its energy consumption.

Verdict: Front loaders use less water and energy than top loaders

Top loaders use a lot of water because they need your clothes to float freely in order to wash them – they use an average 121 litres per cycle in our tests. 

Front loaders, on the other hand, work by repeatedly picking your clothes up and dropping them into the wash water instead, requiring an average of just 57 litres for a cycle.

That means front loaders are way more water-efficient. And because most of the energy used is to heat the wash water, they’re far more energy-efficient as well.

Good to know

Also in the ‘pros’ column for buying a front loader – we find they do a much better job of getting your clothes clean, and are gentler on your clothes as they do it. 

But the trade-off for low water consumption is a longer cycle time – over five hours for some front loaders we’ve tested, compared to a typical top loader’s approximately one-hour cycle.

If you wash in cold water you take heating-related energy consumption out of the equation, and top loaders do have a very slight energy-efficiency advantage there, as the much shorter cycle time means pumps and motors aren’t running as long.

But this advantage is nowhere near as big as the one enjoyed by front loaders for warm washes. 

And hot or cold, top loaders still use way more water.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Our recommendation for both efficiency and performance? Get a front loader. But if using a top loader, consider switching from a warm to a cold wash – it’ll reduce your running costs significantly.

As important as efficiency is when it comes to washing machines, bear in mind it’s not everything – we all want efficient appliances, but balance that against a washing machine that does a great job of cleaning your clothes without damaging them. 

Our washing machine reviews can show you which washers do the best job, as well ones which are the most efficient.

Or read on for our pick of the best, most efficient machines.

How to work out running costs

Even when comparing models of the same type (front loader or top loader), we see a real range of running costs in our tests. 

Knowing the running costs of your machine is a good place to look for savings. It might prompt you to switch to washing in cold water instead of warm, for example, or run fuller loads so you don’t have to wash as often.

To calculate the annual running costs of your machine you need to know how frequently you run it, how much energy and water it uses per wash, and their respective costs.

Calculating energy cost

Assuming, as the Australian standard does, you run a warm wash every day, then your washing machine’s estimated annual energy consumption is prominently displayed on its energy star rating label (e.g. 600kWh). Multiply this by your electricity cost (we estimate 40c per kWh) to get your annual energy cost. Using the example figures, your washing machine’s energy cost would be 600 x 0.40, or $240 per year.

Calculating water cost

Your washer also has a water star rating. Rather than an annual figure, this shows the water consumption per wash (e.g. 42 litres).

If you run a wash approximately once a day, then multiply this by 365, then multiply the result by your water cost (we estimate $2 per 1000 litres) to get the dollar amount – that is, 42 x 365 x 2 / 1000, or $30.66 per year.

Calculating annual running cost

Add your energy and water costs together to get the annual running costs for your machine – in this example, just over $270.

Only wash in cold water?

If you only wash in cold water, the energy star label won’t help, because that only gives you the figure for a warm wash. 

At ÌÇÐÄVlog, we test washers using a cold wash because that’s what most Australians do at home – you can find the cold wash energy consumption in our washing machine test results, and we also calculate 10-year running cost figures for each machine. 

Choosing the most efficient wash program

To guarantee you’re using your washing machine as efficiently as possible, it’s important to choose the right program. 

We always recommend you wash full loads, which usually means you need to use the cottons program. 

But if you have just a few kilos of clothes that aren’t really that dirty, it’s likely more efficient to use a different program, such as daily wash, mixed fabrics or easy care. 

These programs are probably faster and probably have fewer wash and rinse fills than a full cottons program, which means they use less water and therefore less energy. 

The exception here is a gentle or woollens cycle. Even though this program is likely to use cold water, it can use a lot more water than other cycles to compensate for the gentler washing action.

Get efficient with your detergent

Your detergent is likely the biggest expense in your laundry routine, but also one where you can possibly make great savings. 

This is because detergent prices vary wildly – from as little as 6 cents per wash in our latest test up to a staggering $1.24 per wash.

The good news is we consistently find in our laundry detergent reviews that some of the best performing detergents are also some of the cheapest. Choose wisely and you’ll get a great wash for a fraction of the price of the market leaders.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: We’ve found you can get a great wash with just a third or even as little as a quarter of the recommended detergent dose.

The best, most efficient washing machines in ÌÇÐÄVlog testing

We asked our laundry experts which washing machines they recommend to people who are particularly concerned about efficiency – we reveal these below.

In our labs, we’ve tested over 50 of the latest models of front loader and top loader washing machines, so our experts know what’s worth spending your money on.Ìý

Join ÌÇÐÄVlog to access our detailed washing machine testing data and recommendations. Only ÌÇÐÄVlog members have access to all our expert, independent reviews. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which washers will give you the perfect combination of efficiency and performance. 

The post The most efficient washing machines appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Unfortunately both options mean expending extra energy, but cleaning your cleaner will spare you from having to wear stained socks and grubby garments.

(And if clean clothes aren’t enough of an incentive, there’s this: it’ll save you money and hassle in the future.)

Here’s how to get a clean machine.

Why clean your washing machine?

Aside from dirty clothes, a dirty machine can create a whole host of other issues:

• Mould, bad smells or rust
• Using more electricity, water and detergent
• White marks on your clothes from detergent residue
• Clothes wearing out faster from being washed more
• Washing machine seals deteriorating
• Damage from residue building up inside the machine
• Having to pay for repairs
• Needing to replace your washing machine sooner

How to clean your washing machine

Investing a little time in your machine will pay dividends. Here’s the basic cleaning schedule our experts recommend to keep your machine running properly.

Every use

• Wipe out the inside of the door seal
• If you have a top loader, clean the lint filter
• Leave the door ajar to help prevent mould growth and extend the life of your door seals

Every month

• Run the machine empty on its hottest cycle with a bit of detergent (or run a cleaning cycle if your machine has one)
• Wipe away mould deposits on door seals and other surfaces using hot soapy water and a soft cloth
• Remove any scrud with hot soapy water, a sponge and a bit of elbow grease

Every year

• Check if the machine is properly levelled and adjust the feet if needed
• Scrub detergent out of nooks and crannies with a toothbrush (don’t forget the detergent dispenser!)
• Check the hoses for damage and replace them if necessary

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Check pockets for coins and keys as you load the washer. They can end up in between the washer’s two drums and punch a hole in the outer drum, damaging your machine (not to mention flooding your laundry).

Do you need to buy washing machine cleaner?

Good news – no you don’t.

Our experts say they’re not necessary. Just run a hot cycle with your machine empty using a little bit of detergent.

And don’t be tempted by hacks you might’ve seen on social media. One trend we’ve heard of is using dishwasher tablets to clean your washing machine.

We don’t recommend it, though: dishwasher detergents are very caustic so they can damage the seals and hoses over time.

You could use vinegar, but check your washing machine’s instruction manual first – some manufacturers say you shouldn’t use it in their machines.

Why do my clothes have white marks or lint on them?

White marks

Wondering what causes the blotchy white residue on your laundry? That’s scrud, aka leftover laundry detergent and fabric softener.

It happens when some of the insoluble ingredients in detergents don’t get washed out of your clothes. 

Follow these steps if there’s residue remaining after your final rinse.

• Check you’re not overloading your machine.
• Use less detergent. Our laundry detergent tests show that you can use even a third of the recommended dose and still get a good wash.
• Don’t use fabric softener: it can create even more scrud.

• If you wash in cold water, pre-dissolving powdered detergent in warm water before pouring it into the machine can help. Or try using a liquid detergent instead of a powder.
• Store your detergent in an airtight container to prevent it becoming clumpy.
• Try putting the residue-affected clothes in a dryer on the ‘air-dry’ setting (that is, without heat, just using the fan) for five minutes. It might help knock off the residue.

Water hardness can also contribute to marks on clothes. In most parts of Australia the water is relatively soft, but if you live in an area with particularly hard water you may be more likely to notice this.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Wash your whites in hot water with a good detergent. Not only will this help keep scrud at bay, it also helps your clothes retain their whiteness.

Lint

If you’re finding lint on your clean laundry, it’s likely caused by washing lint-shedding items like towels and fleecy clothes together with fabrics that attract lint, such as corduroy and synthetics. To avoid this, wash these items separately and double-check pockets for tissues before washing.

Also make sure you’re using enough detergent (you’ll probably need less than the recommended dose) and that your machine isn’t overloaded, so clothes can move freely.

How to get rid of mould in your washing machine

A washing machine provides the perfect environment for mould to flourish: it’s damp (and often warm), and there’s not much air circulating around.

When mould grows on the seals of your washing machine or in the drum itself, it can start to smell bad and make your clothes smell as well. Plus, mould can cause health issues so it’s not something you want in your home.

Keep mould to a minimum by doing the following things:

• Give your door seals a quick dry after each wash.
• Leave the door and detergent dispenser open to air dry between washes.
• Wipe away existing mould deposits on the rubber seals with hot water and detergent.
• Run a hot wash monthly with a full-strength powder detergent.

The post How to clean your washing machine appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Which washing machine type uses the least water?
• Why do front loaders use less water?
• The laundry appliance to avoid if you want to save water
• The washing machines that use the least water

Water-efficient appliances and fixtures, combined with sensible water use, saves money and helps keep water reserves in Australia at sustainable levels.

You might already be cutting your showers short and following the “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” approach to toilet-flushing, but another place you can make big water savings is in the laundry – it’s responsible for almost a quarter of our indoor water use.

The worst water-guzzling washer we’ve seen used a shocking 214 litres of water for a full cycle and, while it’s now discontinued, some current models still use more than 150L per wash.

When you add up all your washes over a year, that’s an awful lot of water down the drain.

The good news is that choosing a water-efficient washing machine isn’t just good for the environment, it’ll save you money on your water bills too.

So what’s the best way to go if you want to save water with every wash: top loader or front loader? We’ll explain which is best and why, plus share some tips for saving water on wash day.Ìý

Which washing machine type uses the least water?

A front loader is the only way to go if you’re trying to save water: they can use up to 70% less water than a top loader of the same capacity.

In our current washing machine review, water usage for a normal cold wash cycle ranged from 40 to 75L for front loaders and from 62 to 167L for top loaders – that’s quite the difference!

Here’s how they stack up on average for a 3.5kg load of washing:

Why do front loaders use less water?

It all comes down to how they work. Front loaders clean your clothes by gently turning your washing over and over in a tumbling action, picking it up and repeatedly dropping it into the wash water.

In a top loader, your clothes float on top of the water in the tub, and an agitator or impeller moves them around. This requires a lot more water, and can also be rough on your laundry.

While they’re lean on water, there is a downside to front loaders: since they use less water, they need to run for longer to get your clothes clean. So expect longer cycle times, and consider how this will affect your lifestyle before you buy.

If you’re in a hurry, look for a machine with a ‘fast wash’ cycle – but just be aware that it might not work as well for very full or very dirty loads.Ìý

The laundry appliance to avoid if you want to save water

If you want to reduce your water usage there’s one machine you should steer clear of: washer-dryer combos.

They may be good at saving space, but they’re definitely not good at saving water.

While they obviously use water to wash your clothes, what’s wild is that they actually use water to dry your laundry, too – sometimes more than they use for washing.Ìý

One of the worst we’ve seen is a Samsung model that uses a huge 210 litres of water to dry a full load. Yes, that’s just for drying, not washing, your laundry. It was so bad that we awarded it a Shonky in 2017. (Fortunately it’s since been discontinued.)

The washing machines that use the least water

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new washing machine: price, running costs, energy efficiency, water use, and of course, performance.Ìý

While these machines might be winners when it comes to water use, they’re not necessarily all stars in terms of performance. Sometimes the washing machines that use the least water don’t do the best job cleaning your clothes – although some do both very well.

We’ve listed below the most water-efficient front loaders and top loaders, but to find out which are the best washing machines overall (including wash performance) – those that will give you the most bang for your buck – check our expert washing machine reviews.

The most water-efficient front loaders

• Asko W2084CW: 40L
• Miele WCA 020: 41L
• Asko W4086P.W.AU: 43L
• Asko W6088XW: 43L

The most water-efficient top loaders

Top loaders do generally use more water than front loaders, but if you’re set on buying one, these are the models that use the least water per wash:

• LG WTL9-12B: 62L
• Westinghouse WWT7084J5WA: 76L
• Haier HWT09AD1: 87L
• Westinghouse WWT8084J7WA: 94L
• LG WTG7520: 98L
• Fisher & Paykel WL9058G1: 99L

2. Pre-soak or pre-treat heavily soiled laundry

There’s no point buying the most water-efficient washing machine out there if you have to throw half the load back in to get it clean.

Anything you can do to clean the item beforehand will mean you won’t have to wash it twice.

We’ve rounded up the best and worst stain removers to help you get a cleaner wash.

3. Choose a model with an auto load-sensing or reduced-load function

Even if you try to hold off on washing until you have a full load, there will always be times that you’ll have to wash a smaller load.Ìý

Some washing machines have settings specifically for smaller loads. An auto load-sensing feature takes this to the next level: the machine assesses how big the load is, then adjusts the water level to suit.Ìý

4. Use an eco program

Many washers now come with an eco program, designed for washing lightly soiled items by using as little water and electricity as possible.

5. Choose a spray or eco rinse

This typically uses less water to rinse your wash load than a traditional rinse.

6. Check the number of stars on the water rating label

This is a guide to how efficiently the washer uses water. The more stars, the more efficient it is.Ìý

It’s worth noting that the label is calculated on a very specific program, washing a full-capacity load.Ìý

Depending on which program you choose, you’ll usually get better water economy than the sticker indicates, particularly if you’re washing a partial load, and especially if the machine has an auto mode.

Our detailed washing machine reviews will show you exactly how much water each machine uses per cycle, along with running costs, dirt removal, rinse performance, water efficiency, cycle time and more.Ìý

The post The most water-efficient washing machines appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What is 'eco mode'?
• Will eco mode get your clothes and dishes clean?
• Will eco mode save you money?
• Eco mode and energy star ratings
• Is a quick cycle more energy-efficient than a very long cycle?
• How to save money using your dishwasher
• How to save money using your washing machine

Or perhaps you’ve contemplated using the eco mode, but you just don’t think you’ll get good enough results?

A 2023 ÌÇÐÄVlog survey found that only one in five people use the eco option on their dishwasher. If you’re not in this 20%, you could be missing out on savings.Ìý

In this article we explore what the eco mode is, and our experts weigh in on the question of performance.

What is ‘eco mode’?

Eco mode is essentially a program that uses lower wash and rinse temperatures, so less energy is required for heating. It also minimises the amount of water required to do a decent job on your dishes.Ìý

The various modes of your dishwasher are generally just different combinations of settings that vary the temperature and the length of the wash. The same can be said of washing machines, though with more variables, such as spin and agitation.

“Generally, using more water and taking more time in a dishwashing cycle delivers a better performance,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog whitegoods expert Denis Gallagher. “But the trade-off is higher costs with your energy and water bill.”

For washing machines, we’ve found that washing in hot water is not that much better than cold water.Ìý

Are all eco modes the same?

‘Eco’ can mean different things, depending on the make, model and appliance.

In Australia, there’s no standard definition of exactly what eco mode is or the savings it should deliver, says Sean, another ÌÇÐÄVlog whitegoods expert. And there’s no data on the efficiency of eco modes in Australia.

Will eco mode get your clothes and dishes clean?

An eco wash may deliver less intensive cleaning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be left with dirty plates (or clothes).

Our experts say that if your clothes or dishes aren’t especially soiled to start with, you can probably expect a decent result from using your washing machine or dishwasher on eco mode – the worst that can happen is that you might need to wash them again.Ìý

For your dishwasher, the biggest difference you’ll probably notice is poorer drying. But features such as auto-opening doors and internal fans can compensate to some degree – or you can just leave your dishes to air dry.

Will eco mode save you money?

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts say that using the eco mode is likely to translate into some savings on your household bills.Ìý

Dishwashers

When our consumer advocate counterpart in Germany tested dishwashers, it confirmed that the eco mode delivers the lowest energy consumption across different brands and models.Ìý

It also found that the default and quick programs on a dishwasher consume 20–30% more energy than eco modes.

A subsequent literature review into the German study confirmed those findings, and also found that:

• fast clothes washing programs, or those with temperatures over 30°C, increased energy use by 30–100%
• tumble dryers used without the auto-off sensor increased energy use by an average of 25%.

We’ve found that households can make energy savings of around 30% by using their dishwashers in eco mode. (For now, we still test dishwashers on the default cycle rather than eco mode, because our members have told us they tend to use this setting.)

Washing machines

Most of the energy your washing machine uses (90%) goes to heating the water. So it stands to reason that eco modes that use cooler water will cost you less to run in terms of electricity. This is especially true if you have a top loader washing machine, as these use much more water than front loaders do.

Eco mode aside for a moment, Denis advises that you should generally wash with cold water anyway, unless you are dealing with a particularly soiled wash load or a specific stain that requires a hot wash.

Our testing has found the difference in results between washing in hot or cold water on an average wash is so minimal that paying more for the extra energy to heat the water just isn’t worth it.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Dishwasher and laundry detergent can make up a third of the running cost of the appliance – so you want to make sure it’s effective (an affordable). Check out our dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent reviews to see the best value performers.

Eco mode and energy star ratings

In October 2024 Energy Ratings Australia began phasing in new energy rating labels for both dishwashers and washing machines, as well as other consumer appliances. Two types of labels will now be used.Ìý

For dishwashers and washing machines with an energy rating of six or below you’ll see a label with up to six stars. More efficient appliances that meet or beat a seven-star rating will feature a super-efficient energy rating label with an added panel of stars to indicate how far beyond the six stars they reach.Ìý

Washing machine energy rating labels may give details of energy consumption just for warm washes or for both warm and cold wash settings.Ìý

The older energy rating labels are being phased out but may still be seen on some appliances until October 2030.Ìý

When looking at the energy star rating of a washing machine or dishwasher you’re interested in buying, it’s worth knowing which cycle is used to determine its energy rating.

Most dishwasher manufacturers use the ‘eco’ mode when their products are assessed for their Energy Star rating. Washing machine manufacturers generally use the ‘cotton’ program. The mode or program that was used must be stated on the star rating sticker.

It’s also good to know that the cycle tested for the Energy Star rating must meet certain performance requirements, including adequately removing food waste from dishes or dirt from clothes.

So if you see that the appliance used the eco mode for the energy star rating test, it’s an endorsement that the eco mode met the required performance standards (in terms of dirt removal) under the prescribed conditions of that test. That means the eco mode had been proven to do a decent job at getting the dishes or clothes clean.Ìý

Is a quick cycle more energy-efficient than a very long cycle?

You might think that a quick cycle will save you money on your power bill, compared with a very long cycle. But that’s not the case.Ìý

This is because, as we said earlier, 90% of the energy used in a washing machine cycle is for heating the water. All that agitation and soaking during a longer washing cycle doesn’t chew up much electricity.Ìý

How to save money using your dishwasher

To save money, energy and water, choose a dishwasher with:

• high water and energy star ratings. Energy ratings from 1–6 are considered efficient, while 7–10 stars are ‘super-efficient
• ‘eco’ options (these can save 30% on running costs)
• delay-start feature to make use of off-peak tariffs or solar generation.

When operating your dishwasher:

• select eco mode
• wash only full loads
• scrape plates clean, don’t rinse
• make sure you use rinse aid (or buy detergent with rinse aid included) to help with drying.

How to save money using your washing machine

To save money, energy and water, choose a washing machine with:

• high water and energy star ratings. Energy ratings from 1–6 are considered efficient, while 7–10 stars are ‘super-efficient
• ‘eco’ options
• delay-start feature to make use of off-peak tariffs or solar generation.

And if you’re not already in the front loader fan club, just remember: front-loading washing machines generally use about 50% less energy and water than top loaders.

When operating your washing machine:

• select eco mode with cold water, or a cold water cycle, unless dealing with oily stains
• use an enzyme-based detergent because it’s just as effective at lower temperatures
• wash full loads or adjust the water level to suit the load size
• pre-soak or pre-treat heavily soiled items – this way you won’t have to wash them twice.

The post Should you use the eco mode on your kitchen and laundry appliances? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

(Not to mention that you’re probably doing it in a rush because yours has just died.)

If you’ve always been a top loader owner, switching to a front loading washing machine can seem daunting. What if it doesn’t wash as well? Will it be difficult to figure out? How much will it cost to buy and to run?

Here are some facts that might help inform your decision.Ìý

1. They’re water- and energy-efficient

Front loaders can use up to 70% less water than top loaders of similar size. The reason top loaders are so thirsty is because they need enough water to make your clothes float to clean them – unlike front loaders, which use gravity to tumble your clothes.Ìý

And even though top loaders usually take less time to wash your clothes, they ultimately use more energy because all that extra water needs to be heated.Ìý

Fun fact: Even if you wash in cold water, your clothes will heat up by around 5°C just from friction.

2. They can be expensive upfront

As a general rule, front loading washing machines do tend to be more expensive than top loaders. This is because there’s more materials in them: ballast, rubber seals, and importantly, a heater.Ìý

But while you might pay more at the cash register, a front loader will help you save on electricity and water bills, so it could end up costing about the same or even less over the machine’s lifetime.Ìý

3. They’re hard on dirt but gentle on clothes

Top loading washing machines clean your clothes by rubbing them against each other, whereas a front loader cleans by tumbling: it uses gravity to pick up and drop the clothes into the soapy water over and over.Ìý

The front loader method results in less damage to your clothes over time – so even though you’re likely to pay more upfront for the appliance, you probably won’t have to replace your clothes as frequently.Ìý

Despite top loading machines using far more water per wash, they actually don’t clean clothes quite as well as water-thrifty front loading machines. So by opting for a front loader, you’re also likely to get a better wash.

4. They often have longer cycle times

Because they use less water, front loaders have to work harder to get your clothes clean – and they do this by running for longer.

The slowest top loader in our tests takes 90 minutes to complete a cycle, but one front loader we’ve tested took more than four hours!

However, there are some faster front loaders on the market. To find the quickest machine, you can sort the results of our washing machines review by cycle time.

5. They extract more water (so your clothes dry faster)

Front loaders tend to have much faster spin cycles than top loaders – up to 1600rpm in some models.Ìý

A faster spin cycle means more water removed from the clothes. And the less moisture in your clothes when they come out of the machine, the faster they’ll dry. This will save you time if you’re line-drying your laundry, but also money if you use a clothes dryer.Ìý

The only downside to the faster spin cycle is that it can increase creases and flatten the pile on your towels, which can make them less soft, but you can dial down the spin speed if that’s a problem.Ìý

Other things to know about front loaders

Okay, okay – we only promised you five. But wait, there’s more! Here are a few more tidbits of information you should know about if you’re considering buying a front loading washing machine.Ìý 

• They’re not great on dodgy floors. If your laundry has a wonky or weak floor, you might find your front loader wandering, or putting extra pressure on already-challenged floorboards as they’re heavier than top loaders. You might need to source special brackets or even mount it on a plate or board to keep it stable.
• Front loaders are heavier than top loaders because they need a heavy weight to help keep them balanced.Ìý
• Unlike top loaders, you often can’t stop them to add extra washing once the cycle has run for more than a few minutes, or to retrieve something that’s inadvertently ended up in there.Ìý
• If you have a bad back or other mobility issues, you might find it challenging to get your laundry in and out.Ìý
• If you’re short on space, you can stack a dryer on top of your front loader. (Make sure you double check this with the retailer or manufacturer first.) And if you don’t have a dryer, you can always use the top for storage. (Just don’t put a pot plant on top of the machine! From personal experience, the plant may not survive the fall.)
• You need to keep them clean. Mould and mildew can develop inside the rubber gaskets around the door, so you’ll need to wipe it out regularly. And it’s best to keep the door open in between washes so it can dry out properly.Ìý
• Front loaders can be noisier than top loaders, averaging around 61dBA, compared to an average of 58dBA for top loaders. This might not sound like much, but it’s definitely noticeable, especially if your washing machine is close to your living area.Ìý

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Overall they’re hands-down the best washing machine type – even the highest scoring top loaders in our review don’t come close to the best front loaders.

But top loaders shouldn’t be sniffed at.Ìý

There’s still a lot to love: they’re generally more affordable, more reliable, easier to move and have shorter cycle times than front loaders.Ìý

And if you have trouble bending down, a top loader is much easier to load and unload than a front loader.

Aside from a few outliers, front loader prices can run as high as $3000, while top loaders tend to top out at around $1500.

So, if you want to get your whites relatively white while staying in the black, a top loader can be a good option.

Here’s what you need to know about top-loader washing machines if you’re thinking about buying.

Plus, exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ll reveal which ones are worth the money. If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

How much should you spend on a top-loading washing machine?

First, the bad news: the highest scoring top loader in our test costs upwards of $1400. If you’re on a budget, that could blow your dreams of buying a brilliant top loader for a great price.

But now the good news: there are some affordable operators that aren’t quite at the top of the table but still deliver a great clean for your coin.

Our testing often shows that bigger isn’t always better. A larger price tag won’t necessarily guarantee you a better machine – and a cheaper appliance won’t necessarily perform worse than an expensive one.

But the only way to be sure you’re getting good value for money is to do your research before you buy.Ìý

Our washing machine reviews include detailed information about washing performance, running costs, cycle times, features and more. You can sort by price, size and brand to find the right machine for you.

The cheap top loaders to avoid

These machines might be easy on your budget, but they perform so poorly that they’ll just add to your housework load.Ìý

They’re the cheapest in our review, but also some of the lowest scoring.ÌýWe recommend you avoid them, no matter how tight your budget is.

• Haier HWT60AA1: Price: $639; ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 61%
• Haier HWT75AA1: $749; 63%
• Haier HWT08AN1: $949; 64%
• Westinghouse WWT7084J5WA: $999; 64%

The best washing machine brands in Australia

Each year, we rank washing machine brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted ÌÇÐÄVlog expert seal of approval.Ìý

The best top-loading washing machine brand for 2024 is LG.

LG top loaders, on average, outperform competitors in our testing, receiving an average ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of almost 70%.

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the ‘Recommended’ box in the filters section of our washing machine reviews.

Don’t buy on brand alone

While some brands have well-founded reputations, here at ÌÇÐÄVlog we know that buying based on brand alone is sometimes a recipe for disappointment: even the best brand sometimes delivers duds.

And focusing solely on one brand in your search for the perfect appliance can mean you overlook other products offering comparable performance for a much smaller price tag.

Machines from the same brand can vary widely in terms of performance, features, capacity, energy efficiency, and more, so don’t assume that all products from a reputable manufacturer will give you what you want.Ìý

The best thing to do is to focus on individual models by checking ÌÇÐÄVlog washing machine reviews to find the best before you buy.

Other factors to consider when buying a top loader

If you’re choosing a top loader, it’s important to be aware that you’re likely going to be using more water and getting a less gentle wash than if you opted for a front loader.

Top loaders use an agitator drum that will always be harsher on your clothes than a front loader. This also means that the top loaders that are more gentle on your clothes are often the worst for dirt removal.Ìý

So there’s often a compromise to be made when choosing the right model for you.

One final thing to consider with a top loader is their running costs – they’re usually much cheaper to run than front loaders. (To see running costs for individual models, check the ’10-year running cost’ filter in our washing machine review).

What are the best top-loader washing machines under $1000?

We independently test and review dozens of new washing machines each year in our onsite labs and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed washing machine testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which budget top loaders are our experts’ top picks.

The post The best top-loader washing machines on a budget  appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.