ARTICLE
July 22, 2024 – 5 min read
One of the best things in the whole world has to be fresh laundry. Clean sheets can make your whole bedroom feel like a fancy hotel, and fresh clothes can give you the confidence to crush that to-do list in style! But if your current washing machine isn’t bringing you joy and you’ve decided it’s time for an upgrade, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to find the best washing machine. From knowing what to look for, to the biggest trends and new technology – including the latest auto dosing washing machines – we’ve got your back!
The best laundries have direct access to an outdoor drying area and are located next to the kitchen. Being able to cook and do your laundry at once is a big timesaver and will keep you from traipsing back and forth inside the house. Alternatively, it’s often found near the garage, away from living rooms and bedrooms so you won’t be able to hear the washer and dryer.
A common question is: “how long do washing machines last?” This all depends on how often they’re used and how they’re maintained. A new machine could last around 10 years, but it’s always best to check the warranty to make sure.
The modern laundry is no longer just a work zone - it’s a beautifully designed and considered space, made possible with appliances that match both aesthetically and functionally. Fisher & Paykel have created the perfect graphite pair, the 10kg Front Load Washing Machine and 9kg Heat Pump Dryer. Not only boasting style, this combo is designed to refresh and revive your loved items with fabric-specific cycles. From Steam Care that brings lightly worn clothes back to life, to Auto-Sensing tech that prevents under or over drying, Fisher & Paykel’s dynamic duo deliver remarkable fabric care and style to match.
This type of washer has been around for a while in commercial laundry settings but has only recently made its way into our homes. It’s a trending product backed by well-known brands like Miele and Bosch, so let’s see why they’re becoming increasingly popular.
Auto Dosing is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to wash. Auto Dosing Washing Machines use a sensor to weigh your load and once you’ve added detergent to the drawer at the top, it only uses the amount needed for that load. Take selected LG 9kg and 10kg Front Load Washers for example, their ezDispense ® auto dosing technology lets you fill the auto-dose dispenser once where you can then wash up to *35 medium loads of washing before having to re-fill it again. No more worrying about your clothes not being clean enough or your fabrics being ruined by detergent overload, with selected LG Front Load washers, you’ll have a perfect wash every time.
The LG 9kg Front Load Washer works in a similar way. It has 15 different washing programs and can handle the dirty laundry of five or more people. Auto dosing machines take a lot of the guesswork out of doing laundry, which can free up your time to focus on more important things around the home.
For auto dosing washing machines, simply fill the detergent drawer with liquid detergent to the fill line. The machine will determine how much detergent to use so you’ll only need to refill once the drawer is running low or empty. Many machines will let you know when to refill with either a flashing light or beeping alarm.
Many Australian households use front load washing machines because they’re great at removing dirt and stains from clothes, they can easily fit into the snug laundry spaces of many newer apartments, and when it comes to water and energy, they’re incredibly efficient. If you’re just looking to wash clothes for you and one other person, the Solt 6kg Front Load Washer is a great option. It has a high 4-star WELS water rating and 15 different wash cycles to choose from.
For something a little bigger, check out the Bosch 9kg Front Load Washer, it’s perfect for a household of up to five people. Your clothes will air dry quickly after being put through this machine’s super quick rinse and spin cycle.
A more traditional style, top loader washing machines will definitely get your clothes clean and maybe a better option depending on the layout of your home. If you don’t have space where a front loader door can easily open, a top loader may make washing easier for you. They’ve also come a long way in functionality and design. Take the Solt 5.5kg Top Load Washer for example. It’s easy to use LED controls and display give you access to 8 wash cycles, and it can handle the washing for one to two people.
For more capacity, take a look at the LG 10kg Top Load Washer. With a great 4-star energy rating and fast spin speed, you can take advantage of its delayed start feature and let it do the work while you’re out and about.
If you want both a washer and dryer but space is an issue, then look no further! A washer dryer combo gives you the best of both worlds. There are two types to choose from: ventless and vented. After the washing cycle, a ventless machine heats the inside of the dryer drum allowing clothes to dry as they spin. A vented machine, however, works like a regular dryer by drawing in air from outside the machine, heating it up and venting it out to dry the clothes.
Two great options are the Haier 8kg-4kg Combo Washer Dryer and the LG 10kg-6kg Combo Washer Dryer. The Haier machine has a 4- star energy rating and a 1400rpm maximum spin speed, perfect if you’re doing the laundry for two or three people. The LG washer dryer combo has a bigger capacity and faster spin speed, so you can easily wash and dry a larger item like a king-size doona.
The one thing to keep in mind here is that you can’t wash and dry laundry at the same time, as the combo machine does it all in one. So, if your household has multiple loads to get through and you want everything dried as well, you will have to take this into consideration.
LG 10kg-6kg Combo Washer Dryer
The best washing machine brand depends on the needs of you and your family. Westinghouse, Haier, and Samsung are known for their front loaders, while LG, Solt, and Fisher & Paykel are known for their top loaders. Need the best of both worlds for your laundry? Check out Samsung, LG, and Miele for a washer dryer combo.
Looking for the stamp of approval from Canstar Blue? These exceptional washing machines stand head and shoulders above the rest, ensuring your clothes are treated with the utmost care and attention they deserve.
The Miele 9kg Front Load Washer boasts an outstanding energy and water rating at 4.5 stars for both categories. Meanwhile, the Fisher & Paykel 8kg Front Load Washer has a load of standout features so you can keep up with the hectic laundry demands from your busy family. More of a top loader fan? The LG 10kg Top Load Washer is unparalleled for performance, quietness, and design.
We’ve laid out a lot of information here about the different types of washing machines and dryers. To help make your decision explore our handy washing machine buying guide. Inside, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to choosing the right washing machine for you, plus a range of helpful features to keep a look out for.
Now is the perfect time to explore our range of high-tech and energy-efficient washing machines and dryers. You can visit our friendly staff in store for a chat, or shop online with Click & Collect and contactless delivery when you’ve found the one you’ve been looking for.