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Overall top-loader washing machine
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Premium top-loader washing machine
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Top-loader washing machine for large families
Front-loading washing machines are becoming more and more popular, but there's still a lot to be said for the good old-fashioned top-loader. Top-loaders are extremely user-friendly and a little cheaper compared to front-loaders. There are also tons of top-loader options in the market to address different budgets and household sizes.
When choosing a top-loading washing machine, always make sure it has a large enough capacity to suit your needs but is also compact enough to fit in your space. Running costs are important too, so be sure to check Water and Energy Star Ratings.
To help make your decision easier, we've compared dozens of top-loaders from more brands like LG, Fisher & Paykel, Euromaid and Westinghouse. We also considered customer reviews as well as their price, capacity and efficiency to come up with what we believe are the 8 best top-loader washing machines you can get online.
Read more detail on how we chose this list.
We picked the LG 9kg Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Inverter Control as the best overall top-loader washing machine you can get online. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and JB Hi-Fi.
Boasting an impressive 4.5-star energy rating and a 3-star WELS water rating, this top-loader is ideal for medium-sized and larger households. It's got a 9kg washing capacity, with each cycle using about 132L of water.
There is also a TurboDrum mechanism that rotates the drum in one direction, while the pulsator directs water in the other direction. The mechanism claims to create a powerful washing action to leave your clothes sparkling clean.
For more stubborn stains, you have the option to remove them using the unit's Pre-Wash cycle, giving you extra soaking time to break down grime and dirt. Apart from a tempered glass lid, the control panel is positioned at the front for easy loading and setting. It also comes with a 10-year parts warranty to give you peace of mind.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For washing machines, LG was ranked 1st for value for money, 1st for performance, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that does the basics well, we recommend Esatto's 8kg Top Load Washing Machine ETLW80B. Priced at a wallet-friendly $499, this model has an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online from more than 700 reviews.
The ETLW80B is an affordable yet durable top-loader with a barrel size that is suitable for most families. (A larger 10kg model is also available for around $100 extra.) It features 7 handy washing programs that cater to everything from heavy-duty jobs to delicate fabrics. It's got a 3-star WELS water rating and a 2-star energy rating, which is pretty standard for a budget machine.
It boasts a spacious glass lid which allows you to check on washing without interrupting the cycle - a neat feature that many expensive washing machines lack. Other features include a delay start timer so the top-loader can work around your hectic schedule and a child lock to prevent the settings from being altered by curious little fingers.
When it comes to the best mid-range option, our team has chosen the Westinghouse WWT8084J7WA 8kg Top Load Washing Machine, which has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on The Good Guys and 4.7 on Bing Lee.
This Westinghouse washing machine offers an 8kg-capacity drum and a generous 12 washing programs. Its PreMix feature allows you to dissolve the detergent to avoid any residue before the proper wash cycle. There is also a gentle wash cycle to ensure your little ones' clothes remain soft and cuddly after washing.
As for efficiency, this has a 3-star energy rating as well as a 3-star WELS rating, helping you reduce running costs. Other convenient features include a user-friendly control panel, glass lid, child lock and a countdown timer to let you know once a cycle is done.
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The Speed Queen 8.5kg Top Load Washing Machine is our pick for the best high-end option. This powerful top-loader has an 8.5kg capacity to tackle your family's washing needs. It also has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
With an 8.5kg capacity, this Speed Queen top-loader offers plenty of room for all your family's dirty laundries. It features a stainless-steel tub, a steel base and heavy-duty springs. The brand also tests its machines for 10,400 cycles, which it says is equivalent to up to 25 years of use in the home.
In terms of controls, this top-loader is easy to use and intuitive. The electronic controls are also quite durable and can withstand moisture, vibration and power surges. Additionally, there is a mount suspension system that the brand claims to vibrate less while still being best in class.
There is no doubt that this little unit comes with a hefty price tag – even for its category. But if you're in the market for a solid performer that can last you a lifetime, this top-loader is worth checking out.
We chose the Euromaid 7kg Top Load Washing Machine ETL700FCW as the best 7kg option. On Appliances Online, it has gained a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Suitable for both hot and cold water inlets, the ETL700FCW offers 7 handy washing programs and an extra-large door opening for easy access. As for the washing cycles, it has a convenient Daily Xpress cycle, which lets you wash clothes in just 14 minutes. There are also dedicated programs for whites, sportswear and an Intensive program to tackle stubborn stains and grime.
The top-loader has a 24-hour delay start, which lets you set and forget the unit so you can have more time to relax. For added convenience, there's a child lock, electronic controls and a durable tempered glass lid.
Finally, it's got a 3-star WELS water rating, which is pretty decent for its category. However, it only has a 2-star energy rating.
For the best 10kg top-loader, we recommend Fisher & Paykel's 10kg Top Load Washing Machine WA1068G2. This model has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman and 4.5 on the Good Guys.
Powered by the brand's SmartDrive technology and armed with a flexible finned agitator, the WA1068G2 offers a high-performance yet gentle wash to ensure your clothes are cleaned without being damaged. The brand claims this technology also provides a quieter operation to reduce disruptions while the machine works its magic.
This top-loader offers a host of specialised wash programs to help you simplify the way you do your laundry. There is an easy cycle, a handwash function, and a special allergy cycle to make sure your clothes have no residue that might irritate the skin.
With its generous capacity, impressive 4-star energy and 3.5-star WELS water ratings, the WA1068G2 is a worthwhile investment for busy households.
If you have a small space, check out the Esatto ETLW55B 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, making it our pick for the best option for small homes and apartments.
This Esatto top-loader washing machine features 7 programs to fit any washing requirements. There is also a handy 15-minute Clean function to help with machine maintenance. Additionally, it has a sturdy glass lid and a time-remaining LED screen for ease of use.
When it comes to safety, the machine has a child lock to prevent little hands from messing with your wash cycles. And because it's got a balance detection system, you'll be notified if the machine requires to be balanced properly on uneven floors.
Finally, the machine is suitable for both hot and cold water inlets, giving you more flexibility with how you want your laundry washed. However, it only has a 2-star energy rating and a 3-star WELS water rating.
With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we picked the Haier 10kg Top Load Washing Machine HWT10AN1 as the best model for large families.
The HWT10AN1 has a whopping 10kg capacity and 12 specialised wash programs for a wide range of fabrics. There is a Hygiene setting to kill germs, an Express cycle for quick washes and a Delicate program for a gentle wash.
This top-loader doesn't have a viewing window but it has a durable toughened-glass lid with soft-close for safety. Additionally, it's got auto-balancing technology that the brand claims will automatically correct unbalanced wash loads for quicker and more convenient washing.
For energy efficiency, this unit has an impressive 4.5-star energy rating and a 4-star WELS water rating. It also has 3 adjustable rinse options, including an Eco mode to help reduce running costs. And while it's not the most compact option for apartments and small homes, the HWT10AN1 is a solid choice for large families wanting an energy-efficient and user-friendly top-loader.
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In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For washing machines, Haier was ranked 2nd for value for money, 6th for performance, 10th for ease of use, 10th for cleaning and maintenance and 11th for product features.
12 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
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8For this list, we looked into hundreds of top-loader washing machines listed in various online retailers like Appliances Online, Bing Lee, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman. We evaluated models from the following brands:
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of July 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including value for money, load capacity, ease of use and safety features. We came up with what we believe are the 8 best top-loader washing machines you can buy right now in Australia.
You have 2 options to choose from when buying a washing machine: top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines. The obvious difference between them is where you load and unload clothes into the machine, but each type of machine also uses a different washing style.
While front-loaders use a spinning drum to tumble the clothes around, top-load washing machines feature either a pole or a device much like a propeller inside the drum to wash the clothes. This simple design means that top-loaders are efficient at removing dirt, but also take up more floor space than front-loading washing machines.
If cost-effectiveness is the number one factor you consider when buying a washing machine, a front-loader is the best choice. These models generally use less power and water than top-loaders, so they're cheaper to run.
However, if you're a renter and you regularly move house, the top-loader's lighter weight is a big bonus. Also, if you have a bad back or mobility issues, you may find that a top-loader offers easier access than a front-loader.
There are 2 different types of top-loading washing machines to choose from:
Make sure you consider the following factors before deciding on the best top-load washer for your needs.
Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms, with machines generally ranging from 5kg to 16kg capacity. While a 5–5.5kg machine may be sufficient for 1–2 people, larger families will probably require a 7.5kg or higher capacity machine.
Make sure the washing machine you buy fits in your laundry with sufficient room above the machine to open the lid and add clothes. Top loaders obviously aren't suitable to be installed under a benchtop, or to have clothes dryers or other items stacked on top of them.
Top-loading washing machine prices vary based on the machine capacity and the level of advanced features you need. Entry-level 6kg models can be purchased for as little as $350, while high-capacity models with all the bells and whistles can cost $2,000 or more.
Under Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme (WELS), new washing machines feature a label that lists their water efficiency. This includes a rating out of 6 stars (the higher the better) and a figure detailing the machine's rate of water consumption.
A range of wash settings can give you greater control over how you wash your items, but more programs usually come at a higher price. Consider any specific settings you might need such as one for washing baby clothes.
Some machines can sense the size and nature of your load and choose a water level and program type accordingly.
The Energy Rating Label rates a washing machine's energy efficiency on a scale of 0 to 6 stars – the more stars, the less power the machine consumes. The label also lists the amount of energy that the washing machine uses each year (in kilowatt-hours).
If you're shopping in-store, take the machine for a test drive to get a better idea of how it will perform in the real world. Can you open the lid and load clothes easily? Are the controls clearly labelled and within reach?
Check the fine print to find out the length of the manufacturer's warranty and what it covers.
The faster the spin speed (measured in RPM), the drier your clothes will be at the end of a wash. The maximum speed you can expect from a top-load washing machine is around 1,100RPM – front-loaders can go substantially faster.
There are several other features that you may want to look for in a top-loading washing machine, such as:
Want to buy a clothes dryer as well? Check out our clothes dryer buying guide.
If you're looking for a washing machine and dryer all in one, check out our washer-dryer combo buying guide.
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Overall washer dryer combo
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Large-capacity washer dryer combo
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Premium washer dryer combo
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Cheap washer dryer combo
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.
Here are the scores for washing machine brands from 2024.
| Brand | Cleaning and maintenance | Ease of use | Overall | Performance | Product features | Value for money | Recommended | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 99% | 4.65 |
| Bosch | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 91% | 4.54 |
| Electrolux | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 96% | 4.53 |
| Hisense | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 96% | 4.49 |
| Samsung | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 95% | 4.49 |
| Fisher & Paykel | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 96% | 4.43 |
| Whirlpool | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 90% | 4.43 |
| Beko | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 92% | 4.41 |
| Miele | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 87% | 4.39 |
| Asko | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 90% | 4.36 |
| Haier | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 84% | 4.33 |
| Simpson | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 87% | 4.32 |
These are the 8 best washer-dryer combos you can get right now in Australia.
Check out our list of the 10 best front-loader washing machines to find the perfect option for your household.
