Front loading washing machines provide a fast and efficient way to wash your clothes, but the choices available can be overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best front loaders available in Australia and break down what makes them stand out from the rest.
We’ll also give you some tips to look for when buying a front loading washing machine.
1. Best For Most People: Bosch Serie 8 9kg Front Load Washer (Top Pick)
Our top pick for the best front-load washer is this Bosch Serie 8 model. It is quiet, reliable and effective, and offers a lot of features at a reasonable price point.
One thing that sets it apart from the competition is that it uses an i-DOS auto dosing system, which means you won’t need to put soap in every time you use it.
Instead, this machine uses a bulk soap dispenser and will only dispense the amount of soap needed for each load based on fabric type, load size, and soil level.
Another helpful automatic feature is ActiveWater Plus. This saves water, energy, and time by making sure the washer uses only the amount of water needed for a load.
This Bosch washing machine has 14 cycles, including delicates, quilts, sportswear, and wool. It also has a drum clean cycle to help keep it sanitary and avoid bacteria and mildew build-up.
This washing machine is also very quiet (even mid-cycle) thanks to the build quality, the anti-vibration side panels, and the energy-efficient EcoSilence Drive.
RELATED: Bosch Series 6 Vs Series 8 Washing Machines
What We Like:
- Very water efficient
- Quiet operation
- Made in Germany
- Auto dosing
- 4.5 star energy rating
- 2 Year Warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Number of options may be overwhelming
- No alergy cycle
2. Bosch Serie 8 9kg Front Load Washer (Best Value)
This Bosch washer is a good option for those looking for an affordable 9kg capacity front loader that provides all the essentials without too many extras.
The main differences between this model and our top pick above are that this one requires manual detergent dosing and has fewer cycle options.
This Bosch Series 8 washer is the same size as the one above and offers the same 1400rpm maximum spin speed and 4.5 energy efficiency rating.
As long as you don’t mind the manual detergent dosing, this model offers excellent value for money.
What We Like:
- 13 wash cycles
- Made in Germany
- 4.5 star energy rating
- 2 year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Manual detergent dosing
3. Miele 9kg Front Load Washer (Upgrade Pick)
Miele washers are generally considered superior to most of their competitors in terms of quality, reliability, and longevity. Their products are made in Germany and are built to last. Miele frequently earns top marks in customer satisfaction surveys.
We like this model best from Miele’s line of washing machines because it’s packed with features, easy to use, and reliable. It’s a high-end washer that represents a modern appliance that is equipped with tech features such as WIFI connectivity.
This Miele washer has the fastest spin speed of those on our list at 1600rpm and is one of the most energy-efficient with a 5-star energy rating.
Many smart features distinguish this model from other washing machines. With WI-FI connectivity you can control your washing machine remotely and keep track of its status. And with 28 cycles, including specialist programs for down-filled items, pillows, shoes, silk, and denim, you can wash a wide variety of items.
Other features include a StainSensor, automatic load control, and allergy wash. A CapDosing system is similar to the i-DOS system used by Bosch, so the right amount of detergent is always used for the wash cycle.
Miele washers also include a honeycomb drum that treats clothes gently and a ProfiEco brushless motor that saves energy, is quiet, and requires no maintenance.
What We Like:
- Reliable and long-lasting
- Wifi connectivity
- 28 wash cycle programs
- Auto dosing
- Quiet
- 5 star energy rating
- Fast max spin speed
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
4. Asko W4086C Washing Machine
Sweedish brand Asko manufactures front-loading washing machines that are highly rated for both their energy efficiency and reliability.
Their washing machines combine functionality and design, with key features such as Active Drum Technology to provide a more gentle wash, and a Quattro Suspension System that makes the machines more stable and quieter when in use.
This 8kg-capacity washer is our top pick from Asko as it offers a selection of useful functions and is reliable enough to give you many years of use. It’s also a good option for those with allergies as it is sensitive choice endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia.
It boasts 21 wash programs, providing more than enough versatility for users to set the cycle and time to suit the type of wash needed.
There is also a handy delay start function, and it also features optional audible alerts so you know when the cycle has ended.
The SteelSeal door is a cleaner, hygienic alternative to rubber doors and the steel edging won’t snag clothing like a traditional rubber door can. Plus, the quiet Quattro construction helps reduce vibration so you can wash your clothes any time day or night.
In addition to the wash cycles, this Asko washer has 5 modes you can choose from to make it easy to customise each wash to suit your needs. Choose from normal, green, intensive, speed or allergy modes.
There is also an automatic cleaning program that eases the hassle of cleaning any build-up in the machine’s drum and hoses. You just need to press a button, and the machine will clean itself!
What We Like:
- Stylish
- 4.5 Star Energy and Water Rating
- Fast 1600rpm Max Spin Speed
- 2 years Warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than other options
RELATED: Asko Vs Miele Washing Machines
5. Samsung AddWash 8.5KG Front Loader Washing Machine
This front load washing machine from Samsung is one of the best looking washing machines you can buy and receives rave reviews from most owners.
It has an energy rating of four and a water rating of 4.5. The capacity is 8.5kg and the max spin cycle speed of 1400 rpm is very fast.
One of the best features on the Samsung AddWash is an extra flap built onto the main door.
This lets you add more clothes after the washing machine has already started; a feature that used to be reserved for top loaders only. Just hit pause to stop the machine and then open the flap to insert the extra clothing.
It has 12 washing cycles that can be set with a dial, and it has a convenient 15 min quick wash for those times when you’re in a hurry.
The automatic feature also works very well; just throw the clothes in and the smart technology weighs them and selects the best cycle.
Overall, this is a great washer for the price.
What We Like:
- Easy to use
- Able to add clothes after washing has started
- Stylish
What We Don’t Like:
- Fewer features than other options
6. Miele 8kg Front Load Washer
This front load washing machine from Miele is one of the best around but it comes with a high price tag. It doesn’t have as many features as some of the other machines in this size, but it does what it’s supposed to do very effectively and consistently.
It has water and energy ratings of 4.5, so it’s very efficient, and it has a high spin cycle and delayed start for convenience.
It runs super quiet and does a great job with a wide range of clothing, from colours to whites, heavy to delicate, it handles the lot.
Operation is easy; it has a touch screen that is easy to follow along, and it lets you see how much time is remaining in a cycle.
Miele has done a great job with the construction of this machine. It is very solid and reliable. You can expect this to last for a very long time, which is always a consideration when purchasing an expensive appliance.
What We Like:
- Energy and water efficient
- Reliable action
- Easy operation
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
7. Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Front Load Washing Machine
The WashSmart from Fisher & Paykel is a solid front load washer machine that is easy to use and does a great job. It has a water rating of 4.5 and an energy rating of 4.
This is another washing machine that is super quiet to run, you can have it operating in the background and forget that it’s even on. It has 13 wash options and a fast spin cycle.
Most cycles are quite fast, taking under an hour, which is very good for a front-loader, but it can still offer long washers for heavily soiled items.
It does a good job with all types of clothing from delicates to heavy blankets, and it’s fairly intuitive to use. It also has an extra clothing function that lets you pause the wash cycle to add new items.
Overall, this is a very good machine for the price and it has some great features.
What We Like:
- Fast cycles
- Very quiet
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Can take a long time with heavy items
8. LG 12kg Front Load Washing Machine
An Australian household favourite, this family-sized front loader from LG is reliable and efficient.
It’s easy to use and includes a range of features designed to make your life easier. The energy rating is 5 star and the water rating is 4.5, so it’s also very efficient in both water use and electricity.
It has an 12kg capacity but still manages to keep the same dimensions as some lower capacity washing machines. The spin speed is decent at 1400 rpm, which means more water is pressed out of your clothes making drying time shorter.
There are 14 different wash programs, which may be too much for some people, but at least you have options for just about every type of wash you will ever need.
Clothes come out clean whether you are washing heavy clothing or delicates; it is very reliable and easy to use.
Overall, this one of the best front loader washing machines around and does an excellent job with all types of clothing.
What We Like:
- Energy and water efficient
- Reliable and consistent cleaning
- Large capacity
What We Don’t Like:
- The number of options may be overwhelming
Front Loader Washing Machine Buyer’s Guide
Efficiency
The WELS rating, or Water Efficiency Labelling Standard, refers to how much water a washing machine uses per cycle. Five stars is the best rating and three stars is average. Front-loaders are generally more water-efficient than top loaders because they spin horizontally, meaning the clothes inside are tumbled around and gravity assists in spreading the water evenly through the wash.
The energy rating measures how much electricity is used per wash cycle. Five stars is also the best rating and it means you will have lower electric bills.
Noise
Many new washing machines have a low noise feature. Instead of a traditional motor with belts and pulleys, they use a direct drive that operates with low noise output. If you are going to store your washer in an apartment, then a low noise engine is an attractive option.
Size
The size of a front loading washing machine is measured in KGs. This relates to the maximum weight of dry laundry the machine can take.
Use the below guide to get an idea for the different washing machine sizes.
- 5 – 6kg – small (1-2 people)
- 6 – 8kg – medium (2-4 people)
- 8kg+ – large (4+ people)
Features
Washing machines come with range of pre-programmed wash cycles for different clothes, ranging from delicates to heavy items like blankets and towels. Some washers have smart technology that can weigh the clothes and choose the best cycle automatically.
Here are some of the common features and settings you’ll find on front load washers:
Cotton – the most commonly used cycle, cotton (or “regular”) wash cycles are generally longer and use medium temperatures with a lot of agitation to clean heavily soiled items.
Wool – delicate cycle with low wash and spin speeds to avoid stretching, disfiguration, or damage to woollen garments.
Sportswear / Activewear – this cycle includes soil removal for tough stains incorporated with a gentle action to prevent damage to delicate fabrics.
Delicates / Hand wash – these cycles are best for delicate items such as silk and lingerie. They use warm or cold water and a very low spin, both in the wash and dry process.
Shirts / Anti-crease / Easy Iron – these cycles use low spin speeds to prevent creases from forming.
Permanent Press – designed for synthetic fabrics, the permanent press cycle will remove wrinkles utilises a warm wash and slow spin speeds so that new creases are not formed in the drying process.
Allergy – uses high temperatures to remove dust mites and other allergens from fabrics. This hot water cycle is commonly used on bedding.
Eco-mode – designed to reduce energy consumption, energy efficient wash cycles use lower temperatures and are suitable for lightly soiled, everyday items.
Quick wash – designed for lightly soiled garments and smaller wash sizes.
Rinse – rinse only wash cycles can be used when detergent is not required. These are often combined with the drying process in a “rinse and spin” cycle.
Spin only – removes excess water by running an additional spin cycle. Helpful if your laundry comes out of the wash wetter than expected.
Spin speed – manual sping speed selection is useful for customising your wash cycle. Spin speeds are measured in Revolutions Per Minute, or RPM, and range from 400 RPM all the way to 1,600 RPM. Higher spin speeds remove more water from your clothes and other laundry but can cause damage to delicates.
Water temperature – water temperature can be modified in most front loader cycles and options range from cold (0 degrees) to very hot (90 degrees). Generally, the hotter the better in terms of washing efficiency, however, hot washers use more energy and can shrink or fade some garments so be sure to check the labels.
Auto water level – means the drum is filled based on the amount of laundry loaded.
Pause – Usually, you cannot open a front loader once the wash cycle has begun, but some washing machines have a pause feature that halts a wash cycle and drains the water so you can add extra items. Then the water fills up again and the wash cycle continues.
RELATED: Bosch Vs Miele Washing Machines
Direct Drive vs Belt Drive Washing Machines
Many new washing machines are constructed and marketed as “direct drive”, but what does this actually mean?
Direct drive motors are more efficient and reliable than their belt drive equivalents. This is achieved through high torque motors and variable frequency drives. While a belt drive machine requires a range of pulleys, belts and bearings, direct-drive motors have fewer parts and therefore are less likely to need servicing or repairs.
Further, direct drive allows higher speeds, meaning a bigger range of wash and dry spin speeds.
Washer Dryer Combos
A washer dryer combo machine is another option to consider, as it will dry your clothes after washing without having to change machines, unlike stand-alone clothes dryers. These are popular with people living in small apartments, however, the dryer performance often doesn’t meet expectations.
Front Loader Washing Machine FAQs
A top-loading washing machine is usually cheaper than a front loader, and they also have a larger capacity and faster wash cycles. Because a top loader only opens from the top, you can open it at any stage of the wash cycle to add more clothes and there is no chance of water spilling out.
A front load washing machine is much more water and energy efficient than a top loader. Front-loaders are also more compact, making them suitable to store in a confined space where they are often paired with dryers. They also tend to be more gentle on clothes and usually have more comprehensive settings, giving you more control over the wash cycle.
