Top Load Washing Machines

Washing Machines with a top lid opening are classified as Top Load Washers. They offer quick access to the drum for easy handling of small and large loads alike, programs are straightforward and cycles finish relatively quickly.

Models come with either a centre agitator to move clothes around the drum for improved dirt removal, or they have an impeller which is a propeller like device at the bottom to get clothes moving while allowing more to fit inside (this can potentially cause tangling, so washers with agitators can be easier to unload).

Our recommended wash capacities for different households are 6kg or less for 1-2 people, 7.5 to 8.5kg for 3-4 people or 9kg and higher for households of 5+ people. Features can include Express cycles, built-in Wi-Fi for quick troubleshooting or even a built-in sink to pre-treat stains across great brands like LG, Haier and Fisher & Paykel.

Some Top Load Washers come with a drum cleaning cycle to flush out residue and odour causing bacteria that can build up over time. Manufacturers recommend running these about once a month or after a certain amount of cycles. It’s also worth leaving the lid open between loads and after taking out washed loads to dry out remaining moisture.

Consider running a Washing Machine Powder or Liquid Cleaner through a hot wash every so often to really freshen up the drum. Simply add the formula to an empty tub and run it at the temperature recommended on the bottle, but double check the Washer's manual first before buying for recommendations.

Follow your manual’s cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure your Top Loader performs as it should. This could include cleaning out lint filters that trap particles that accumulated from washing, wiping down the detergent compartment or cleaning the drain pump filter.

Start with your Laundry, as if you have room either will work otherwise a Front Loader might be best as they’re generally more compact. Front Loader Washine Machines are finding their way into many renovated spaces for their aesthetic appeal and ability to stack a matching Dryer on top using a Stacking Kit or sitting under a bench.

Next consider your preferred way to load and how often you wash. With a Top Loader you don’t have to crouch down to load so these can be more convenient if you’re running several loads a week, however a Front Loader uses less water and electricity when comparing the same wash capacity of a Top Loader.

Now for what you wash most! If delicates get a regular run at your place, consider Front Loaders as they are gentler since they don’t submerge clothes fully and their cleaning performance is superior. They also contain more wash options generally, although some newer Top Loaders can be found with similar Hygiene or Express cycles.

Front Load Washing Machines generally use less electricity often with higher Energy Ratings compared to Top Loaders of the same wash capacity, especially when you compare larger capacity models. Many of our Front Loaders are in the 4.5 Star category, with some having a 5 Star Energy Rating from the likes of Bosch, Miele and more.

Keep an eye out for the Energy Rating when comparing models of a similar wash capacity. You can also gauge the annual running cost of a machine by heading to the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website, and estimate by multiplying the kilowatt hours (kWh) on the energy label by the cost of electricity in your area.

Remember there’s no point going for a larger Washer just because it has a high Energy Rating if you don't need all that space. Stick to the wash capacity best suited to your household to keep running costs reasonable.