Washing machines: buying guide

What you should look for when buying a washing machine for your laundry and the pros and cons of different types of washers. Washing machines are an essential part of the modern laundry. There are many options on the market, with each manufacturer trying to offer a washer that’s quicker, quieter, gentler, more reliable, or simply more intelligent than the rest. Ultimately, you should buy a washing machine that’s right for your needs, budget and lifestyle. Let’s look at the features that you’ll find when you go shopping.
LG washing machines

The LG titanium and front loading washing machines. Source: Supplied
Features to consider
Capacity

The most important consideration of a washing machine is its capacity, as the washer obviously needs to be able to handle your washing needs. A capacity is measured in kilograms – with a medium sized washer being 6kg-7kg. This will be enough for a family with a couple of children.
Water efficiency

Washing machines are rated for water efficiency by the Water Services Association of Australia. The AAAAA water conservation rating helps you identify which washers will use more water than others with the same capacity. Not only is this useful for environmentally-conscious consumers, it helps your household budget too. For more on water efficiency click here.
Laundry Products

* Dryers - 39S555L
Dryers - 39S555L

A Simpson dryer with a 5kg capacity, fully featured electronic controls, auto cool down cycle, automatic timer, and a stainless steel drum.Overal...
* Double 70/40 Laundry Tub
Double 70/40 Laundry Tub

The Clarimont is a flush fitting double laundry tub to meet the needs of large Australian families. It can be soaking, washing & rinsing at the s...
* Omega WD9500 Front Loading Washer
Omega WD9500 Front Loading Washer

Front loading, washer ? condenser dryer, stainless steel inner and outer drums. Overall dimensions 950mmH x 630mmW x 780mmD Warranty 2 years par...
* Single Compact 35l Laundry Unit
Single Compact 35l Laundry Unit

Designed to take the strain of everyday family life, the Clark stainless steel tub and Permacoat cabinet is both durable and long-lasting.Find ou...
* Dryer - 39P350L
Dryer - 39P350L

A Simpson dryer with 3.5 kg capacity, auto cool down cycle, 2 1/2 hour timer, mechanical control, and a colorbond drum.Overall Dimensions:Overall...

View more Laundry products
Energy efficiency

Washing machines are one of the appliances that are rated with the familiar Energy Star rating system. More efficient washers generally cost more to buy, but there are considerable savings to be made over the washer’s lifetime. For more on energy efficiency click here
Motor

A washing machine is a complex piece of machinery. The motor is often so heavy a counterweight is needed. It’s connected to the drum via a gearbox and, commonly, a belt. Make sure you’re buying a washing machine with a drive system that’s been optimised for the rigours of washing, and better yet, a warranty on the motor. Some manufacturers are now getting innovative with systems such as direct drive, which connects the motor directly to the drum and removes the belt transmission – and the risk of it breaking.
Volume

Washing machines vibrate, and start to shriek as they spin faster. Consider where your washer will be located, how close it will be to living areas, and how quiet it needs to be. If possible, try and gauge exactly how loud it is before you buy it. At a minimum look for a washer which has a dampener system to cushion the drum from the outer casing.
Length of wash

Washing time can be important for people on the run. While there are a variety of ‘fast wash’ settings out there, as a rule a top-loader is much shorter than a front-loader which can take anywhere up to two hours. If time is of the essence investigate wash times before you buy.
Programs

Different washing machines have a different array of settings. Spin speed, handwashing, gentle cycles, and more – if you will be washing a certain type of clothing, buy a washer with a setting to suit. Washing machines also offer varying levels of automation. The state of the art models offer one touch automatic load sensing, with the washer detecting how much clothing is inside, what types of clothes they are, and even how dirty they are, before creating a wash cycle to suit.
Controls

Make sure the controls on your washer are accessible and easy to understand. Older and cheaper machines will have mechanical knobs; newer models will have digital buttons and display screens.
Filter

As washing machines clean your clothes, they strip lint away. This is particularly a problem on top loaders as they have a rougher washing action than front loaders. Make sure your top loader comes with a lint filter to ensure the best wash. It’s not essential for front loaders, and thus not a standard feature.
Base

The legs of a washing machine are important for two reasons. First of all, a washing machine is a heavy piece of equipment and can vibrate too. Consequently, legs should be sturdy and wide enough to distribute the weight. This is especially a concern if you are sitting the washer on a surface like wood – you don’t want to leave pockmarks. Secondly, a washing machine must be level at all times for it to work properly. As most laundry floors slope towards a drain, you should look for a washer that has adjustable legs.
Types of washing machines
Top loader

This is the most common type of washing machine. Clothes are placed into the top of the washer, and a lid closed over the top. There are two types, an agitator and an impeller. First, here are general points about top loaders:
Pros

* Generally cheaper than front loaders
* No fuss to throw more clothes in the wash midway through cycle
* Faster wash cycle
* Lighter weight
* Biggest range available – especially large capacity washers

Cons

* Water hungry
* Less energy efficient than front loader
* Uses more detergent
* Higher ongoing cost
* Rougher on clothes

Top loader - agitator

This is by far the most common type of top loader. Clothes are moved around by the agitator - a winged pole in the middle of the drum.
Pros

* Bigger range available for any budget

Cons

* Rougher on clothes than impeller

Top loader - impeller

Much less common than an agitator machine, an impeller looks like a propeller or fan and sits at the bottom of the washing machine drum. It whips up the water to move the clothes around.
Pros

* No agitator may mean larger capacity

Cons

* Tends to entangle clothes with its action
* More likely to shut down due to drum being out of balance
* Uses more water than agitator

Front loader

This washing machine looks like a clothes dryer, with a clear door at the front for placing clothes inside. It moves clothes around by rotating the drum, tumbling them in the same way a dryer does.
Pros

* Lower ongoing costs than a top loader
* Generally more water efficient
* Generally more energy efficient
* Uses less detergent
* Generally a more thorough wash
* Not as rough on clothes
* Faster spin speed means shorter drying times

Cons

* Higher initial cost
* Generally can’t add clothes to wash midway through cycle
* Slower wash cycle – although some models have a quick setting
* More likely to crease clothes – look for a washer with anti-crease setting
* Heavier
* Smaller range and capacities available