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.
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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 far less water than top loaders. More expensive upfront but significantly cheaper to run. Can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space.
Top loader (agitator)
Budget buyers, traditional households
A central post agitates clothes in water. The most affordable type and fastest to wash. Higher water use than front loaders and harder on fabrics, but reliable and inexpensive to service.
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 agitator models and uses less water. Good 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 to be split. Slower to dry than a dedicated dryer.
Related buying guides
Go deeper on the topics that matter.
Ready to choose?
Ready to choose your washing machine?
Answer a short set of questions and we'll narrow 280+ models down to your top 5.
Take the quizAbout a dozen questions · a few minutes.