The best washing machines to help you breeze through laundry days

Best for: Customisable cycles and low-vibration washing

Scandi design meets smart functionality in this sleek 8kg ASKO washer. It comes with 15 thoughtfully designed wash programs, plus three customisable modes (Normal, Green and Intense) to tailor your cycles to suit every load — whether you’re washing delicates, darks, or something extra grubby. You can also tweak temperature, spin speed and water level, and use the Super Rinse function to help reduce irritation for sensitive skin.

Standout features include the SteelSeal door, which replaces the traditional rubber bellow to prevent mould and grime build-up, and ASKO’s Quattro system, which reduces vibrations and noise using four shock absorbers. A stainless steel drum, 1400rpm spin speed and 4.5-star energy and water ratings round out the offering.

“I bought this washing machine two months ago and am so impressed by its simple easy to use style,” wrote a happy reviewer at Appliances Online. “My washing is coming out cleaner than ever. The programming is second to none and it even tells you when it’s time to do a drum clean. With its simplistic style and sturdy design it feels like it will last forever. No cheap plastic bits that make it feel as though it will fall apart. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces for years to come.”

Energy rating: 4.5 star

Water rating: 4.5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• 8kg capacity with 15 programs and three modes (Normal, Green, Intense)
• Super Rinse function to help reduce allergens and skin irritation
• SteelSeal door design for improved hygiene and easier maintenance
• Quattro construction for low-vibration, quiet operation
• 1400rpm spin speed to reduce drying time
• Stainless steel drum that’s gentle on clothes and built to last
• LCD display, delay start, child lock and overflow protection

Also available at:

• $1499 (usually $1999) at Appliances Online
• $1499 (usually $1999) at Bing Lee
• $1499 (usually $1999) at Winning Appliances

Best for: A cheap and efficient washing machine

This affordable washing machine from Haier front loader features 15 different wash programs that cater to all fabric types. We especially love the ‘Hygiene wash’ cycle function, which washes at a higher temperature to sanitise fabrics. Plus, the door seal even has an anti-bacterial treatment to keep your laundry environment hygienic. The washer is spacious enough for families of three or four and the powerful 1200rpm spin speed helps remove more water from your clothes, reducing drying time. 

“This machine is easy to use even for a novice,” wrote one reviewer on The Good Guys website, where the machine has a 4.6 star rating from over 194 reviews. “The quick cycle is great and cleans it well even on that cycle. Very good value for money and good features.”

Energy rating: 4.5 star

Water rating: 4.5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• 15 specialised wash programs
• 1200rpm maximum spin speed
• ‘Hygiene wash’ function to sanitise fabrics
• 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:

• $499 (usually $749), The Good Guys
• $499 (usually $649) at Bing Lee
• $562 (usually $749) at Appliances Online

Best for: Feature-packed value

Efficiently tackle laundry day with this top-rated front-load washing machine from Kogan. Featuring 16 diverse wash programs and intelligent fuzzy logic that adapts to load sizes, this appliance guarantees spotless results every cycle. With a spacious 8.5kg capacity, delay start functionality and a whisper-quiet brushless DC motor, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and performance. 

“I love the functions this washing machine gives,” wrote a five-star reviewer at Kogan. “The size, power and water efficiency are great. It is very quiet. I usually forget I even put it on until it sings out when it is finished. It looks really stylish too. I love it.”

Energy rating: 4.5 star

Water rating: 4.5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• Delay start functionality
• 16 wash programs
• Quiet and energy-efficient brushless DC motor
• 14-day change of mind policy
• One-year warranty

Also available at:

• $449 (valued at $799.99) at Dick Smith

Best for: Big loads with smart cleaning

This smart front loader is packed with all the best features you’ll need. For starters, it’s built with an extra-large door opening to make loading and unloading super easy and it has a genius ‘Add Clothes’ function, which allows you to add forgotten items to your wash during the cycle. Other notable features include the 15 wash programs, high-performance 1400rpm spin cycle and UltraMix function, which ensures your detergent is fully dissolved before it reaches your fabrics. 

The machine has over 180 five-star reviews at Appliances Online (currently sold out), with shoppers raving about how easy it is to use, its quiet operation and variety of wash options. Many first-time front loader users were impressed, with one reviewer calling it “an amazing purchase” and another saying they “love the large door and range of washing options.”

The SensorWash feature also received positive feedback for consistently clean results. One buyer noted that clothes come out “smelling and looking cleaner” than with their previous machine. Several reviewers also appreciated the smart app for tracking cycles and the ability to handle large loads efficiently.

Energy rating: 5 star

Water rating: 4.5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• 15 wash programs
• Powerful1400rpm maximum spin cycle
• ‘Add Clothes’ function if you forget items at the beginning of the wash
• UltraMix feature ensures detergent is fully dissolved to protect your garments
• A gentle drum to reduce pulling of your clothes when on high-speed spinning
• Extra-large door opening
• Quiet operation
• Child lock
• Two-year warranty

Best for: efficient washing with smart dosing

Made in Germany, this Bosch Series 8 washer has a generous 9kg capacity, with sensors to optimise the amount of detergent and water needed for each wash. It can also automatically adjust the temperature, drum movement and soaking time to easily remove butter/oil, grass, red wine and blood stains. Other helpful features include 15 wash programs, including a quick Super 15/30 minute cycle and anti-vibrational panels to reduce movement and noise.

“Very easy to use, love the i_DOS system, don’t have to work out how much detergent or softener to use. Cycle lengths are longer than my old top loader, but it cleans better and uses less water,” one customer shared in a 5-star review on Bing Lee, where it has a 4.9-star average from over 180 reviews.

Another customer on The Good Guys described it as “very efficient and quiet” and noted that “the drum clean notification is excellent. Various temperature options from 20 to 90 Degrees is very handy.”

Energy rating: 5 star

Water rating: 4.5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• Made in Germany
• i-DOS automatically measures the precise amount of liquid detergent
• Automatically adapts the water flow based on the load size
• 15 wash programs
• Stain removal system
• 1400rpm maximum spin speed
• Reload option
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $1545 on sale at The Good Guys

Best for: large top loader washing machine

This LG top loader washing machine will make light work of bulky laundry, with a big 10kg capacity and innovative AI-sensing technology that optimises washing motion and water levels for each load. It also has LG’s JetSpray system and TurboDrum to ensure thorough cleaning. And, unlike some top load washing machines we’ve personally used in the past, its design means there is no agitator (that awkward pillar thing in the middle of some top loaders) to get in the way.

“Excellent washing machine …only disadvantage if you are short you will have trouble getting your washing out. Bowl is very deep,” one customer shared in a 5-star review on the LG website.

“I love my new washing machine, not only does it look stylish it holds so much,” shared a customer on The Good Guys where it has a 4.5-star average from over 37 reviews. “My previous washing machine only took a few towels at a time because of the big agitator, my new LG holds many more with plenty of room to spare, it also washes much cleaner.”

Energy rating: 4 stars

Water rating: 4 stars

Colours: White

Key features:

• Intelligent Care with AI DD optimises motion based on the weight and fabric type in each load
• TurboDrum designed to rotate and improve the washing action
• JetSpray system penetrates fabrics to loosen tough stains
• Eight washing programs: AI Wash, Cotton, Eco Cotton, Quick Wash, Duvet, Pre Wash, Steam, Rinse
• Washing customisations: Variable Temperature x3, Water Level x10, Rinses x5, Spin Level x5, Soak, Delay Start,
• 10 Year Parts Warranty on the LG Inverter Direct Drive Motor

Available at:

• $999 from The Good Guys
• $1111 from Appliances Online

Best for: high-tech cleaning for families

A top loader that doesn’t hold back, this 14kg Samsung washer combines serious smarts with serious power. The BubbleStorm technology blends rich bubbles, powerful whirlpool action and speedy water jets to deliver a fast, deep clean — even on bulky loads. There’s also a steam cycle that sanitises clothes at 60°C, helping to remove up to 99.9 per cent of certain bacteria.

Other thoughtful additions include the Magic Filter (goodbye lint), Vibration Reduction Technology for quieter cycles and SmartThings app compatibility, so you can control your laundry from your phone. The soft-close lid, anti-residue Tub Clean feature and energy-efficient motor round out the package.

“I am so impressed with this washer. I’ve used it for bedding, towels and general washes for a family of 4. It washes very well. Love that it connects to an app through Samsungs ‘smart things’,” one customer shared in a 5-star review on Appliances Online, where it has a 4.6-star average from over 27 customers.

Energy rating: 4 star

Water rating: 4 star

Colour: Black

Key features:

• 14kg capacity ideal for large households
• BubbleStorm technology for fast, thorough washing
• Hygiene Steam cycle to help kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria
• Quick Wash cycle for 2kg loads in just 31 minutes
• Magic Filter with dual mesh to trap lint and fluff
• SmartThings app connectivity for remote control and cycle suggestions
• Vibration Reduction Technology for quieter operation
• Soft-close lid and easy-clean drum
• 20-year parts warranty on Digital Inverter Motor

Also available at:

• $1449 at Samsung

Best for: Time-saving features

Powered by Direct Motion motor technology for an efficient and quiet cycle, this Haier top-load washing machine is a sleek addition to the laundry. On top of having 12 programs to choose from, you can further customise each wash by selecting from the four water levels, three temperatures and four spin speeds.

Because everyone wants to spend the least amount of time washing, various smart functions like Auto Load Sensing, Favourite Mode and Soiled Plus will save you time and hassle so you can get on with more important tasks. 

“Excellent quality,” wrote a satisfied customer at The Good Guys. “Good value for money and whisper quiet. The 10kg washer fits blankets and doonas well. Highly recommended.”

Another added: “Looks sleek, quiet operation and washed items come out lint free! The twin lint collectors are easy to empty and guarantee a spotless result. The dispenser has a max level which means I no longer use too much washing liquid/powder. It’s big enough to wash multiple bath sheets, blankets etc. No agitator means less damage to items, no tangling and a more thorough wash.”

Energy rating: 4.5 star

Water rating: 4 star

Colour: Black

Key features:

• 12 specialised wash cycles including Wool, Synthetic and Delicate
• 720rpm maximum spin speed
• Quiet and reliable motor
• Durable toughened-glass lid with a soft-close mechanism
• No interruptions with auto-balancing
• Two-year manufacturer’s warranty

Also available at:

• $755 (usually $899) at Stan Cash
• $795 (usually $899) at Betta Home Living
• $799 at The Good Guys
• $791 (usually $899) at Bing Lee
• $800 at Appliances Online

Best for: Heavy-duty washing

If you’re looking for a convenient top loader washing machine fit for a larger family, you can’t look past this one from Fisher and Paykel. The high-capacity 12kg washer is built with 14 wash programs to clean everything from bulky loads and delicate fabrics to quick washes and eco cycles.

We especially love the UV sanitise cycle, which eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria, as well as the Auto Dose feature, which dispenses the exact amount of liquid detergent required based on load size (meaning less waste and detergent residue).

“So easy to use in our motel laundry,” said a five-star reviewers at The Good Guys. “Love the auto dose, auto weight, auto water height and the available settings. Nice big tub takes a lot of laundry and it’s lovely and quiet. 10/10. I ordered it on a public holiday and it was delivered and installed the very next day. Can’t fault that kind of prompt service.”

Energy rating: 4.5 star

Water rating: 4 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• 14 wash programs
• 800rpm maximum spin speed
• UV sanitise cycle eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria
• Soft-close lid for hands-free operation
• Auto Dose dispenses the exact amount of liquid detergent required based on load size
• SmartTouch control panel
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $1149 (usually $1649) at Billy Guyatts
• $1149 (usually $1649) at Betta Home Living
• $1149 (usually $1649) at Bing Lee
• $1201 (usually $1899) at Appliances Online
• $1519 (usually $1899) at Winning Appliances

Best for: Set-and-forget convenience

Perfect for families of three to four people, this Fisher & Paykel combo washer-dryer (8.5kg washing capacity and 5kg drying capacity) washes and dries a load in under three hours to epitomise ‘two-in-one’ in the best of ways. It’s built with 10 washing programs, a 1400rpm maximum spin speed and an ‘Add a Garment’ feature, which allows you to pause your wash cycle to add or remove an item – then resume the wash. 

“We were reluctant to buy a washer/dryer combo as we were not sure how the dryer would perform,” said a reviewer at The Good Guys, where it currently boasts an impressive 182 five-star reviews. “Well our fears were baseless as this F & P washer/dryer is spectacular. I mean how handy is a washer/dryer that works? Pop the clothes in dirty, pull them out clean and dry.”

Another reviewer said it’s easy to use and efficient, noting that while the washer-dryer mode takes longer than separate units, it still delivers great results and is convenient for running overnight or while at work.

Energy rating: 4 star

Water rating: 5 star

Colour: White

Key features:

• 10 continuous wash and dry cycles
• 1400rpm maximum spin speed
• 10 wash-only cycles
• Nine dry-only cycles
• ‘Add a Garment’ feature
• Easy installation — no venting required
• Two-year warranty

Also available at:

• $1281 (usually $1699) at Winning Appliances
• $1320 at Appliances Online