280+ models compared
Washing Machines Buying Guide
Front loader or top loader? How many kilos is enough? We've cut through the jargon so you can choose the right washing machine for your household, laundry space, and budget.
Get your top 5About a dozen questions, a few minutes to complete.
What to look for in a washing machine
These are the specs that actually matter - explained without the jargon.
Types of washing machine
Which style is right for your home and household?
Front loader
Energy-conscious households, smaller laundries
Tumbles clothes in a horizontal drum - gentler on fabrics and uses less water than a top loader. 187 of the 288 models we list, and the better-rated group on both energy and water. Can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space.
Top loader (agitator)
Budget buyers, traditional households
A central post moves clothes through the water. Mechanically simple, cheap to service, and forgiving of a half-loaded drum. But consider: higher water use than a front loader, and the agitator is harder on fabrics.
Top loader (impeller)
Large families who want capacity without the front-loader price
A low-profile disc replaces the agitator, allowing a larger drum in the same cabinet. Gentler than an agitator model and uses less water. A middle ground between traditional top loaders and front loaders.
Washer-dryer combo
Apartments and homes with no space for separate machines
Washes and dries in one unit. Convenient when space is the constraint. Drying capacity is typically half the wash capacity, so large loads need splitting. Slower to dry than a dedicated dryer, and the 43 models we list carry a median price of $3,199.
Related buying guides
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Get your top 5About a dozen questions, a few minutes to complete.