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Airing out the truth: Common front loader myths busted by expert

Plus, an edit of the best washing machines on the market. - by Jessica G. Lynch
  • 08 Dec 2023

Front loaders are washing machines that - you guessed it - have the door located at the front and despite what you may have heard over the years, boast their own impressive array of advantages.

Airing out the truth: Common front loader myths busted by expert

To get down to the nitty gritty details of the mythology and advantages of front loader washing machines, we went to the pros and spoke to Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online.

What are the advantages of a front loader? 

  • Generally more water efficient, energy efficient and detergent efficient  
  • Provide a more gentle wash 
  • Can reach higher spin speeds for faster drying times 
  • You can adjust your temperature, spin and wash cycle time  
  • Ideal for people who need to stack a dryer on top or have a compact laundry space 
  • You can use the top of your front loader for extra storage space, such as placing your basket on top for easy loading and unloading

What are some of the most popular beliefs about front loaders that are in fact myths? 

  • Myth 1: Front loaders are too small for families. Compared to a top loader it may seem like your front loader is much smaller. However, top loaders have a large agitator in the middle and have a plastic section at the top which stops garments from going elsewhere - these make a top loader seem much bigger than they are, 
  • Myth 2: Front loaders can not be overloaded. By overloading your unit, you run the risk of damaging your clothes and the unit itself. If you are unsure of how much to load inside, I suggest leaving a quarter of space from the top.  
  • Myth 3: Front loaders take too much time and use too much energy and water. Front loaders use less water, detergent and energy and provide the best possible wash results in the time required.  

How long should a washing machine last? 

This will depend on the individual person, their usage and care for the unit and it will also depend on the model itself, the price point, the technology etc.  

I find that most consumers hold onto their washing machines for roughly six years and purchase a new unit for a variety of reasons such as a general upgrade with updated technology or they do not want to repair their current unit. If you are keeping your machine until it fails and is no longer repairable, I would say that would be about 10 years (again depending on your usage).

i
Armelle Habib/aremediasyndication.com.au.

5 best front loader washing machines to shop in Australia

So that you can choose the best front loader washing machine for your home, we've done the research for you and have come up with a list of some of the best models around. Here's to no more dirty laundry.

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Asko 8kg classic front loader, $1999, The Good Guys

Save on energy and water bills - as well as reduce your carbon footprint - with this highly water efficient and energy efficient Asko front loader that also features 15 helpful wash programs. Plus, saving $400 is never a bad thing!

Energy rating: 4.5 stars

Water rating: 4.5 stars

Key features:

  • Super Rinse function to prevent skin irritation
  • Quattro Construction with shock absorbers for minimal vibration and noise
  • Green mode for energy and water saving
  • Drum Cleaning program
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty

In a hurry? Choose Click & Collect from your nearest Good Guys and it’ll be ready for pick up from your local store in just one hour

SHOP NOW

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Samsung 8.5kg BubbleWash front load washing machine, $806, Appliances Online

Take thorough, hygienic cleaning to the next level with the Samsung BubbleWash that quietly washes with optimal power and personalised AI features that takes the guesswork out of laundry.

Energy rating: 4 stars

Water rating: 4.5 stars

Key features:

  • BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions
  • 15-minute QuickWash function in case you forgot a few garments in your main load
  • Steam cycle to attack up to 99.99 per cent of bacteria and allergens
  • Personalised AI that remembers your washing habits and suggests cycles
  • Child lock
  • Two-year warranty

"Love my new front loader compared to my old one. So super quiet, quick cycle, so many washing options. Very happy customer," wrote a five-star reviewer.

SHOP NOW

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Westinghouse 9kg front load washer, $949, The Good Guys

Featuring an 3XL door, large loads of washing are possible to do at once with this Westinghouse front loader that washes oh-so-quietly.

Energy rating: 4 stars

Water rating: 4 stars

Key features:

  • 15 wash programs
  • Child lock
  • Add clothes
  • Fast 15 wash for items that aren't clean enough for your shelf but not dirty enough for the laundry basket.

"Certainly washes clothes very clean and gently, and very quietly," wrote a five-star reviewer.

SHOP NOW

F

Electrolux 10kg front load washing machine with SensorWash, $1189, Appliances Online

This smart front loader comes with an impressive 15 wash programs and twin sensor wash technology so rest assured your clean clothes will be clean clothes.

Energy rating: 5 stars

Water rating: 4.5 stars

Key features:

  • Add Clothes function if you forget items at the beginning of the wash
  • A gentle drum to reduce pulling of your clothes when on high-speed spinning
  • Extra large door opening
  • Two-year warranty
  • Quiet operation
  • Child lock

"We replaced our top loader with this one. This machine has been really good so far. Doesn't make much noise and the features are really user-friendly," wrote a reviewer who left five stars, "what I like the most is their app which tells you when the load is finished and several settings which can be pushed through it."

SHOP NOW

f

Haier 7.5kg front load washer, $599, The Good Guys

Affordable and efficient, this Haier front loader is perfect for families of three and four and works on 15 different wash programs. 

Energy rating: 4.5 stars

Water rating: 4.5 stars

Key features:

  • Hygiene wash function
  • Can add in garments
  • 15-minute fast wash for last minute items
  • Delay start function to time your laundry cycle
  • Child lock
  • Two-year warranty

SHOP NOW

You might also like:

Our picks for the best dryers to take for a gentle spin

5 advantages of owning a top load washer you might not have realised

Why a heat pump dryer is the energy-efficient choice for your laundry

Jessica G. Lynch
Jessica G. Lynch
Jessica G. Lynch is a senior shopping content producer across all the Are Media digital brands with a focus on Gourmet Traveller and Better Homes and Gardens. When not writing, she might be taking a dip, hula hooping or talking someone’s ear off about the live action Scooby Doos.

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