Given the seemingly never-ending pile of laundry that builds up in most households, a washing machine has got to be up there as one of the most used appliances in the home.
Saving you time and effort, a top loader provides a more thorough and efficient clean to your clothes and bed linen than handwashing – making it a staple laundry appliance.
What are the advantages of a top loader?
While top loaders might sometimes play second fiddle to front loaders anecdotally, there are still many benefits to the underrated models, including:
- Easy to load and unload: You don’t have to bend down to load and unload washes with a top loader as the door is located on the top of the machine – which can make for more convenient access.
- Can add items during the wash cycle: Some top loaders have a feature that allows you to add items to the wash cycle after it has started – a great benefit if you’re prone to forgetting that tea towel or those socks.
- Faster wash cycles: Top loaders generally have shorter wash cycles than front loaders as they use more water and don’t have as many wash stages.
- Less expensive: Generally, they’re less costly than front loaders.
- Better for washing bulky items: As the top-loading design allows for more space in the drum, top loaders generally can handle larger items like pillows and blankets more easily.
5 best top loader washing machines to invest in
We’ve done the research for you and have rounded up some of the best top loader washing machines currently on the market. Read on for our top picks to take for a spin.
Fisher & Paykel 10kg WashSmart top load washer, $1449, Betta Home Living
With quicker drying time, multiple wash settings and a large capacity, this top loader is great for big loads for large families.
Energy rating: 4 stars
Water rating: 3.5 stars
Key features:
- SmartDrive™ technology for a gentle, quiet and reliable wash
- Six wash cycles including Allergy, Easy Iron and Handwash
- Soft-close lid for hands-free operation
- SmartTouch control panel
“This large washing machine takes a huge amount of washing. Recently I was able to wash large curtains and in another instance multiple duvet covers at the same time. It seems very stable and hardly vibrates when spinning. This contributes to it being relatively quiet,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Haier 10kg top loader washer, $898, The Good Guys
In a sleek dark colourway, this Haier top load washing machine is powered by Direct Motion motor technology for a quiet and efficient wash.
Energy rating: 4.5 stars
Water rating: 4 stars
Key features:
- Energy and water-efficient
- Quiet and reliable motor
- 12 specialised wash cycles including Wool, Synthetic and Delicate
- Durable toughened-glass lid with a soft-close mechanism
- No interruptions with auto-balancing
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
“Excellent quality. Good value for money and whisper quiet,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “the 10kg washer fits blankets and doonas well. Highly recommended”.
Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg top load washer, $888, The Good Guys
Ideal for a three to four person household, this Fisher & Paykel top loader has the capacity to wash 8.5kg of dry laundry with confidence.
Energy rating: 2.5 stars
Water rating: 3.5 stars
Key features:
- Six wash cycles including Allergy, Wool, Delicate and a 30 minute Quick cycle
- Extra wash feature Soak (for tough stains)
- Soft-close lid that avoids slamming for hands-free operation
- Fast 1000RPM spin speed to remove more water for quicker drying
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
“As our laundry has restricted width space between the trough and the wall, this is the only 8.5 kg top load washer that will fit into the space. All other makes and models that could fit have a lesser capacity. It has a multitude of washing, spin drying options and easy to operate. It does a good job and looks good,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Kogan 7kg top load washing machine, $449, Kogan
An affordable pick for the household mindful of their budget, this Kogan top loader is great for everyday basic functionality.
Energy rating: 2 stars
Water rating: 3.5 stars
Key features:
- Six wash programs and memory function
- Eight water levels and nine types of water power
- LED display and delay start function
- Fuzzy logic control and detergent dissolve tech
- Child safety lock feature
- Drain pump filter to avoid blockages easily
- Two-year warranty
ChiQ 8kg top load washer, $599, The Good Guys
Another budget-friendly choice, this ChiQ washing machine is great for households of three to four people.
Energy rating: 2 stars
Water rating: 3 stars
Key features:
- Eight wash programs including Cotton, Quick and Kids
- Delayed start setting
- Safety lock
- OneTouch start program
- Replace agitator with pulsator
- Failure detection system
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
“Love this machine, excellent value for the price. As a lesser known brand I was a little sceptical but after purchasing it I would highly recommend buying,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Do top load washers clean well without agitators?
Yes, top load washers can clean well without agitators. Modern top load washers use an impeller or wash plate instead of an agitator to create a gentle but powerful current that moves the clothes through the water and detergent to clean.
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