Best front-loader washing machines in Australia

We’ve found the 10 best front-loaders for all your laundry needs.

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Front-loader washing machines

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The best front-loader washing machines in Australia

Compared to top-loaders, front-loader washing machines typically use less water and energy. They offer a wider range of wash programs, provide a gentler clean and other handy functions. But with well over 100 models to choose from, shopping for a front-loader can be overwhelming.

The first thing to remember is that size matters both in a machine's washing capacity and in making sure it fits in your available space. After that, you can consider water and Energy Star Ratings to work out running costs, check the variety of wash programs and consider how easy a machine will be to use daily.

To help make your decision easier, we've compiled this list of the best front-loader washing machines in Australia. We evaluated models in retailers such as Appliances Online, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. For each category, we compared front-loaders based on reviews and key features such as value for money, running costs, capacity and ease of use.

Read more detail on how we picked this list.

Bosch 9kg Series 8 Front Load Washing Machine with i-DOS (DEAL: 30% off)

Best overall front-loader washing machine

Bosch 9kg Series 8 Front Load Washing Machine with i-DOS (DEAL: 30% off)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Measures precise water and detergent dose for each load
  • Reduced vibration and noise

Cons

  • LCD control panel isn’t the most user-friendly
  • Self-cleaning drawer still requires maintenance

We picked the Bosch Serie 8 8kg Front Load Washing Machine WAW28460AU as the best front loader you can get online. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and took out the top prize as the best-rated washing machine brand in the 2019/20 Finder Retail Awards.

With an 8kg capacity, this front loader will be a good fit for a wide range of homes. It offers a maximum spin speed of 1,400rpm to ensure your clothes are thoroughly washed without getting damaged. Its Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) and energy ratings are at 5 and 4 stars respectively, so you can save on running costs.

Its brushless motor is designed with silent operation in mind, with 14 versatile wash programs to address all your laundry needs. These include a setting for people with allergies and sensitive skin, plus a SuperQuick 15-minute wash. You can add items mid-wash and it has load-sensing technology too.

Of course, its hefty price tag will make some buyers think twice about getting this machine. But with its low running costs and clever features, we still think the WAW28460AU is worth the money.

How do Australians rate Bosch's washing machines?

100% of surveyed Australians recommend Bosch
4.4
Overall rating
4.4
Value for Money
4.6
Features and Functions
4.5
Quietness
4.6
Washing Performance
How Bosch compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.

For washing machines, Bosch was ranked 1st for value for money, 1st for features and functions, 1st for quietness and 1st for washing performance.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Hisense 7.5kg Front Load PureJet Washer

Best value front-loader washing machine

Hisense 7.5kg Front Load PureJet Washer
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Ideal for people with allergies
  • Pause & Add feature

Cons

  • Quick wash feature isn’t suitable for heavier items
  • Not for larger families

For the budget-conscious, we recommend Hisense's 7.5kg Front Load PureJet Washer, which has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and The Good Guys.

This machine boasts an array of high-end features, such as Allergy Steam and Baby Care Steam technologies that use steam to eliminate 99.9%* of allergens and microbes, and an efficient Durable Inverter motor, making it a standout in its price range.

The convenient 15-minute Quick Wash option allows you to wash up to 1 kg of laundry in just 15 minutes - perfect for those last-minute emergencies. Meanwhile, the Pause & Add feature allows you to easily add or remove clothes during the washing process with just a press of a button.

However, this machine may not be the most suitable option for larger families due to its 7.5kg capacity. Furthermore, some users have reported that the 15-minute Quick Wash is great for small loads but may not perform as well with heavier items.

Fisher & Paykel 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WH9060J3 (DEAL: Save $236)

Best mid-range front-loader washing machine

Fisher & Paykel 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WH9060J3 (DEAL: Save $236)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Perfect for medium-sized households
  • Eco mode for reduced energy and water consumption

Cons

  • Occasionally produces excess foam
  • A little noisy

The 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WH9060J3 is our choice for the best midrange front-loader washing machine, earning a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on both Appliances Online and Bing Lee.

This midrange washer is equipped with standout features like the anti-fungal door gasket, auto out-of-balance correction, and SmartDrive technology, all of which contribute to its high performance and user-friendly operation.

Plus, it offers various fabric care cycles, a simple control panel, and the ability to customise your wash cycle, making it a versatile choice for any household. And with the Delay Start function, you can conveniently schedule your laundry to wash later, which is perfect for busy individuals who want clean clothes ready when they need them.
The Eco function also helps to reduce water and energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly option for those looking to decrease their environmental impact.

However, some users reported that the Vortex wash function can produce excess foam; others also mentioned that it can get quite noisy during the spin cycle. Nonetheless, this model is worth considering for medium-sized households.

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Miele 9kg Pwash & Tdos Front Load Washer WWI860

Best premium front-loader washing machine

Miele 9kg Pwash & Tdos Front Load Washer WWI860
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 22 wash programs
  • 4.5-star WELS rating

Cons

  • Features may be overwhelming for some
  • Expensive

The Miele 9kg Pwash & Tdos Front Load Washer WWI860 is our pick for the best premium option. This machine boasts a highly commendable 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on Bing Lee and David Jones.

The washer offers a generous 9kg washing capacity and an impressive array of 22 programs, accommodating various laundry needs. It features the brand's PowerWash 2.0, which allows it to clean up to 40% more efficiently than required for energy efficiency.

The washer's energy rating of 4.5 stars and energy consumption of 261 kWh/year further underline its efficiency. It also has a 4.5-star water rating and WELS water consumption of 76L per cycle. Plus, the unique honeycomb drum creates a thin film of water, allowing laundry to glide gently and protect fibres, while convenient features like CapDosing, AddLoad, and Pre-Ironing add to its appeal.

Despite its numerous strengths, this machine is not without its drawbacks. The two cons worth mentioning are its high price point, which may not be within reach for all consumers, and the complexity of its numerous programs, which may seem overwhelming to users who prefer a straightforward, simple operation.

Electrolux 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with SensorWash EWF1042R7WB (DEAL: 29% off)

Best 10kg front-loader washing machine

Electrolux 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with SensorWash EWF1042R7WB (DEAL: 29% off)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Optimises water usage
  • 15 wash programs and 6 spin speeds

Cons

  • You can only add items when the water level is below the door
  • Noisy

With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we recommend the Electrolux 10kg SensorWash Front Load Washing Machine as the best 10kg front-loader washing machine.

It offers a range of 15 wash programs and 6 spin speeds, catering to all your laundry needs, from delicate items to bulky bedding. It's particularly noted for its EcoInverter motor for quiet, efficient operation and the SensorWash technology, which optimises water usage. Plus, the Wi-Fi connectivity is convenient, allowing you to control your laundry from anywhere.

There's also a child lock for added safety and the option to save your favourite program for quick access. Meanwhile, the Twin sensor wash technology ensures a thorough clean while protecting your clothes, and the UltraMix & Jet system effectively dissolves detergent for better results.

However, it's worth mentioning that the Add Clothes feature only lets you add clothes when the water level is below the door and the temperature is less than 60°C. Some users also find it a little noisy at 52db.

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How do Australians rate Electrolux's washing machines?

82% of surveyed Australians recommend Electrolux
4.1
Overall rating
4.2
Value for Money
4.1
Features and Functions
3.9
Quietness
4.1
Washing Performance
How Electrolux compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.

For washing machines, Electrolux was ranked 7th for value for money, 7th for features and functions, 5th for quietness and 7th for washing performance.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Bosch 9kg Series 8 Front Load Washing Machine with i-DOS (DEAL: 30% off)

Best 8kg front-loader washing machine

Bosch 9kg Series 8 Front Load Washing Machine with i-DOS (DEAL: 30% off)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Measures precise water and detergent dose for each load
  • Reduced vibration and noise

Cons

  • LCD control panel isn’t the most user-friendly
  • Self-cleaning drawer still requires maintenance

With a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee, the Bosch Serie 8 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WAW28620AU is also our pick for the best 8k option.

This machine offers precise measurements of water and detergent for each load, saving detergent and reducing unnecessary rinsing. The VarioPerfect feature allows you to toggle between SpeedPerfect and EcoPerfect wash modes on most programs, optimising wash results or energy efficiency as per requirement.

Plus, the brushless and energy-efficient EcoSilence Drive motor operates quietly, making laundry time a less noisy experience. The ActiveWater Plus technology automatically adjusts water flow according to load size for efficiency and saving resources. Thanks to the Anti-Vibration side panels, vibrations and noise during the spin cycle are significantly reduced, too.

However, some users did report a few minor shortfalls. Firstly, while showing program status, temperature, spin speed, energy consumption, and remaining time, the large multi-colour LED display was found to be slightly complex to navigate for some. Secondly, despite the self-cleaning detergent drawer that removes residue, a few users noted that it occasionally required manual cleaning to maintain optimal performance.

How do Australians rate Bosch's washing machines?

100% of surveyed Australians recommend Bosch
4.4
Overall rating
4.4
Value for Money
4.6
Features and Functions
4.5
Quietness
4.6
Washing Performance
How Bosch compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.

For washing machines, Bosch was ranked 1st for value for money, 1st for features and functions, 1st for quietness and 1st for washing performance.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Esatto EFLW600 6kg Front Load Washing Machine

Best small front-loader washing machine

Esatto EFLW600 6kg Front Load Washing Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 4-star WELS rating
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Spin cycle can get too loud
  • Only 2.5-star energy rating

For the best small front-loader, we recommend the Esatto 6kg Front Load Washing Machine, boasting a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online. It's a reliable and efficient machine with a 4-star WELS water rating.

The machine comes with 15 different programs, a delay start feature, a delicate wash setting to protect those precious items, and a Cotton ECO cycle specifically designed to utilise lower washing temperatures and less water over an extended period. The 1200 RPM maximum spin speed ensures moisture is efficiently removed from the clothes.

While its 2.5-star energy rating is decent, other models on the market have higher ratings for those looking to maximise energy efficiency. Additionally, some customers have reported that the machine can be pretty loud during the spin cycle, so it may not be suitable for use in living spaces or near bedrooms.

LG 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with Steam WV5-1410W (DEAL: Save $168)

Best LG front-loader washing machine

LG 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with Steam WV5-1410W (DEAL: Save $168)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Has a steam cycle that helps reduce allergens
  • Won’t break the bank

Cons

  • ThinQ app is occasionally unresponsive
  • Control knobs seem outdated

The LG 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with Steam WV5-1410W is an excellent choice among LG's range of washing machines. It has earned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee.

This appliance is equipped with intelligent clothing care features, employing AI technology for optimal results. Notably, it has a steam cycle feature to efficiently reduce allergens and 6 Motion Wash Technology, ensuring an outstanding wash. The machine can be remotely started and monitored with the ThinQ app and even allows for mid-cycle addition of laundry items.

But, using control knobs may seem a bit outdated to some, especially in an era where touch controls are the norm. Additionally, there have been instances where the ThinQ App proves unresponsive, which could be inconvenient for users preferring to manage their laundry tasks remotely. Nonetheless, its pros significantly outweigh these minor inconveniences, making the WV5-1410W the top choice in LG's lineup.

How do Australians rate LG's washing machines?

97% of surveyed Australians recommend LG
4.3
Overall rating
4.3
Value for Money
4.2
Features and Functions
4
Quietness
4.3
Washing Performance
How LG compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.

For washing machines, LG was ranked 4th for value for money, 5th for features and functions, 3rd for quietness and 3rd for washing performance.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Samsung 16kg AddWash Front Load Washing Machine WF16N8750KV

Best front-loader washing machine for large families

Samsung 16kg AddWash Front Load Washing Machine WF16N8750KV
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • 16kg capacity
  • 4.5 energy rating and 4-star WELS rating

Cons

  • There are cheaper options in the market
  • Bulky

The Samsung 16kg AddWash Front Load Washing Machine WF16N8750KV is a powerhouse of a washing machine, making it an excellent choice for large families. With a 4.3 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and David Jones, this beast is thoughtfully designed to handle large loads of laundry with ease. The XXL 16Kg capacity is certainly a standout feature, ensuring no pile of laundry is too big to tackle.

It has a host of intelligent features like the Auto Detergent Dispenser and Auto Optimal Wash for precise detergent dosing and optimal washing conditions. Plus, the machine has BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions, Q-rator Laundry Assistant, and Additional Cloud Cycles for overall convenience. Furthermore, it has impressive energy efficiency with an energy Star rating of 4.5 and a 4-star WELS water rating.

The machine can be bulky, which may be an issue in homes with limited space. It also comes at a higher price point than other models. But it remains worth considering if you're looking for a powerful and efficient washing machine for your large household.

How do Australians rate Samsung's washing machines?

98% of surveyed Australians recommend Samsung
4.2
Overall rating
4.3
Value for Money
4.5
Features and Functions
3.9
Quietness
4.4
Washing Performance
How Samsung compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.

For washing machines, Samsung was ranked 4th for value for money, 2nd for features and functions, 5th for quietness and 2nd for washing performance.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

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How did we pick this list?

23
Brands considered
100+
Products compared
10
Best products chosen

Why you can trust our picks

We evaluated the highest-rated products on sites such as Appliances Online, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Google and productreview.com.au to track down and select the best front-loader washing machines.

Next, we compared these top-rated products against other front-loaders in the same category. We considered several key factors such as price, wash capacity, WELS and energy ratings, number of wash programs and other handy features.

We considered front-loaders from the following brands:

  • AEG
  • Akai
  • Altus
  • Ariston
  • Asko
  • Beko
  • Bosch
  • CHiQ
  • Electrolux
  • Esatto
  • Euromaid
  • Fisher & Paykel
  • Haier
  • Hisense
  • Hoover
  • LG
  • Miele
  • Samsung
  • Seiki
  • Simpson
  • Solt
  • Teka
  • Whirlpool

To pick winners in each of the price-related categories, we split the washing machines as follows:

  • Cheap front-loader washing machines: Models available for $650 or less from multiple Australian retailers.
  • Mid-range front-loader washing machines: Models available for $651–$1,000 from multiple Australian retailers.
  • High-end front-loader washing machines: Models available for $1,001 and above from multiple Australian retailers.

How to compare front-loading washing machines

Consider the following factors to find the best washing machine for your needs:

Capacity

The main way to distinguish between front-loading washing machines is by their capacity. This generally ranges from 5kg to 16kg. While a 5kg machine is usually adequate for singles and couples, large families should look for a capacity of 7.5kg or more. If you'd prefer to do fewer loads during the week, choose a model with a larger capacity.

Size

Check the dimensions of any machine you're considering buying to make sure it will fit in your laundry. Most models are designed to be small enough to fit under a bench. Also, don't forget to check whether there is sufficient space in your laundry to open the door and load and unload your clothes.

Programs and functions

Do you need a setting designed to hygienically clean baby clothes or to wash your clothes with minimal wrinkles? Some high-end machines come with sensors that choose a wash program automatically based on the size of your load and how dirty it is. It's worth checking how quick the "fast wash" function is when you want to get a load done in a hurry.

Price

You can get a budget, low-capacity front-loader for around $500. Prices rise as the capacity increases, with premium models retailing for $3,000 or more.

Water efficiency

Check the water-usage rating from Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. Ratings range from 0 to 6 stars, the higher the better.

Energy efficiency

Check the energy rating label to find out how energy efficient a machine is. Ratings range from 0 to 6 stars, the higher the better.

Ease of use

Spend some time examining a machine in-store to find out how practical it is to use. Are all controls clearly labelled and easy to reach? Is it easy to add detergent and open the door?

Spin speed

Check the maximum spin speed (measured in RPM) before you buy. A faster speed means the clothes come out of the machine drier, but it may mean extra noise.

Warranty

Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty and exactly what it covers before you buy.

Additional features

The following are a handful of other features that can come with a front-loading washer:

  • Child locks.
  • The ability to pause mid-cycle and add an item to the load.
  • Delayed start timer so you can run the machine at specific times if you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
  • Automatic detergent dosing based on the size of your load.
  • Automatic cleaning function so you don't have to clean your machine manually.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity so you can monitor wash progress on your smartphone.

4 things to consider

Before buying a front-loading washing machine, don't forget to consider these 4 important factors:

  1. Weight. Front-loading washing machines are heavier than top-loaders. As an example, 8kg capacity machines commonly weigh somewhere in the 70-85kg range. Keep this in mind when deciding whether you need delivery and installation and if you'll likely be moving house frequently in the future.
  2. Noise. If you need to wash at odd hours of the day, or if you just want to do a load without it disrupting your TV viewing, noise may be a concern. Due to their faster spin speeds, front-loading washing machines are noisier than top-loaders.
  3. Hot and cold water taps. Most front-loading washing machines come with an internal water heater. This means they only need a cold-water connection but still allow you to wash with warm or hot water. However, if you have solar hot water, it's usually more efficient to use the warm water from your solar system, so look for a machine with hot and cold water connections.
  4. Washer-dryer combo. Unlike top-loading washing machines, front-loaders give you the flexibility of stacking a dryer on top of your washer. If you're looking for a dryer, check out our clothes dryer buying guide. Alternatively, you might like to combine 2 machines into 1 and get a washer-dryer combo. Check out our washer-dryer combo buyer's guide for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Best rated front-loading washing machine brand award breakdown

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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication See full bio

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