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.
To get to the 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. Overloading your unit can damage 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 energy and water. Front-loaders use less water, detergent and energy and provide the best possible wash results in the time required.
Is an 8kg washing machine good?
An 8kg washing machine is generally sufficient for a medium-sized family (around 3-4 people). It balances capacity and efficiency well, allowing for washing larger loads without using excessive water or energy. However, if you have a larger family or frequently wash bulky items like comforters, you might want to consider a machine with a larger capacity.
2024’s top 3 front loader washing machines
- Asko 8kg classic front loader, currently $1399 (usually $1999), The Good Guys
- Samsung 8.5kg BubbleWash front load washing machine, $849, Betta
- Westinghouse 9kg front load washer, $897, The Good Guys
10 best front loader washing machines to shop in 2024
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.
ASKO 8kg classic front loader, $1799 (usually $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.
Also available at:
- $1799 at Appliances Online
- $14799 at Bing Lee
Samsung 8.5kg BubbleWash front load washing machine, $849, Betta
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.
Kogan 7.5kg front load inverter washing machine, $399, Kogan
Water and energy-efficient with an affordable price tag, this Kogan front loader detects load size with its intelligent fuzzy logic – making laundry day that bit more bearable.
Energy rating: 4.5 star
Water rating: 4.5 star
Key features:
- 16 washing programs
- Delay start
- Quiet and energy-efficient brushless DC motor
- One-year warranty
“Very happy with this washer. Very quiet and efficient. Clothes come outlooking like new. Impressed with the selection of cycles,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Westinghouse 9kg front load washer, $897, 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.
Also available at:
- $820 at Appliances Online
Electrolux 10kg front load washing machine with SensorWash, $1043, 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.”
Also available at:
- $1099 at The Good Guys
Haier 7.5kg front load washer, $477 (was $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
Also available at:
- $528 at Appliances Online
Miele PF 8kg Front Load Washer, $1845, The Good Guys
The Miele PF 8kg Front Load Washer (WWD 120) boasts a 4.5-star WELS water rating and a 4.5-star energy rating, making it both eco-friendly and cost-efficient. It can wash up to 8kg of laundry, ideal for households of three to four people, and offers 12 different washing programs to suit various laundry needs.
Key features:
- 4.5 star WELS water rating and a 4.5 star energy rating
- 12 different washing programs
- It can handle up to 8kg of dry laundry per load, making it suitable for medium-sized households.
Also available at:
- $1844.10 from Appliances Online
8kg Series 5 slim front load washing machine with steam, $799, LG
The 8kg Series 5 Slim Front Load Washing Machine with Steam is designed for efficient and effective laundry care, featuring intelligent fabric care with AI DD®, a space-saving slim design, and an Allergy Care™ Cycle with Steam to reduce exposure to allergens.
Key Features:
- Intelligent Fabric Care with AI DD®
- Designed for a neat fit with narrow depth
- Reduce exposure to allergens with the Allergy Care™ Cycle with Steam
Also available at:
- $799 from The Good Guys
Fisher & Paykel 9kg front load washer, $999, The Good Guys
The Fisher & Paykel 9kg Front Load Washer brings efficiency and ease to your laundry routine with its Direct Drive motor and 1200rpm spin speed, offering a perfect blend of performance and savings.
Key Features:
- SmartDrive™ Technology with Direct Drive Motor
- Nine fabric care cycles, including a Quick 30-minute wash
- 4.5-star water rating and 4-star energy rating for reduced utility costs
Also available at:
- $909 from Appliances Online
- $999 from Bing Lee
Bosch 8kg Front Load Washer, $725, The Good Guys
The Bosch 8kg Front Load Washer offers dependable performance and superior cleaning with a generous 8kg capacity, making laundry days more efficient and convenient.
Key Features:
- 15 wash programs, including Cottons Eco and Sportswear
- 1200rpm spin speed for faster drying times
- 4-star energy rating and 4-star water rating for efficient use of resources
Also available at:
- $797 from Appliances Online
How long should a washing machine last?
This will depend on the individual person, their usage and care of the unit, and 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 not wanting to repair their current unit.
If you keep your machine until it fails and is no longer repairable, I would say that would be about 10 years (again, depending on your usage).
Which brand of washing machine is the most reliable?
Reliability can vary based on personal experiences and usage, but brands like Miele, Bosch, and LG often receive high marks for reliability and customer satisfaction.
According to various consumer reports and reviews, Miele is frequently praised for its durability and long lifespan, though it comes at a higher price point.
Is an LG washing machine better than Fisher and Paykel?
Both LG and Fisher & Paykel are reputable brands with their own strengths. LG washing machines are known for their innovative features, energy efficiency, and integration with smart technology.
They often include features like direct drive motors, steam cleaning, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Fisher & Paykel, on the other hand, is praised for its ergonomic design, ease of use, and unique features like the SmartDrive technology and their famous dish drawer dishwasher concept.
Ultimately, the better choice depends on your specific needs and preferences regarding features, budget, and brand loyalty.
Looking to save money on your laundrybh makeover? Check out our coupon codes for The Good Guys, Adairs and more.
Related articles:
- 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
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
