No one likes doing laundry, but having a good quality, reliable washing machine, with an appropriate load capacity and all the features you need, can make a world of difference.
In this article we discuss how to find the best top loader washing machine for your needs and list some of our recommendations for the best top loading washing machines on the market.
1. Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer WA1068P1 (Top Pick)
From industry leaders Fisher & Paykel comes this state of the art top loader, with a very impressive 4 star WELS water rating and a 4 star energy rating to help reduce electricity costs.
It comes with Fisher & Paykels Eco-Active Wash functionality which pre-soaks with warm soapy water which is then re-circulated before cold water is added and clothes are agitated. Innovations like these are how this machine achieves it’s 4-star rating while still providing superior washing performance.
With a plethora of settings, including allergy protection, hand-wash, bulky, sheets, towels, easy iron, sports clean, and wool protection, this machine should be able to care for your most precious garments.
A great looking toughened glass lid is designed to be both super sturdy and also scratch resistant. It’s formed cabinet and base plate help it wash quietly without loud vibrations.
The WA1068P1 measures up at Width (mm): 685mm (width) x 1090mm (height) x 700mm (depth) and comes with a 2 year manufacturer’s Warranty.
What We Like:
- 4-star energy rating
- 4-star water rating
- SmartDrive Technology
- SmartTouch™ control dial
- Large, family sized capacity
- 12 program settings
- High max spin speed 1100rpms
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Long cycle times
- Manual load distribution required to ensure balanced spin
2. Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer WA1068G1
Another great option from Fisher & Paykel, the WA1068G1 offers very similar features to our top pick, with a slightly more affordable price tag.
The key differences between this model and the WA1068P1 are:
- 3.5 water rating vs 4.0
- Flexible finned vs low profile agitator
- 345kWh/year energy usage vs 380kWh
- Some variation in wash modes
Like our top pick, this model comes with SmartDrive™ technology, sensing load sizes and ensuring the most efficient wash.
Reliable and quiet, this is one of the best bang-for-buck top loaders on the market.
What We Like:
- 4-star energy rating
- SmartDrive Technology
- SmartTouch™ control dial
- Large, family sized capacity
- High max spin speed 1100rpms
- 6 program settings
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Long cycle times
3. LG 8.5kg Top Load Washer WTG8521 (Best Value)
Reliable and affordable, the LG 8.5kg Top Loader is packed with smart features and comes with nice mid-range capacity that will suit to small families, singles or couples.
A key feature of the LG top loader is it’s inverter control motor, which moves the water in the tub to replicate hand washing actions. This removes the need for an agitator, meaning less risk of damage to clothes, and more space in the tub for your load.
What We Like:
- No agitator
- 7 program settings
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- 2.5 energy rating
- Slow speed Max – 740rpm
- Long time cycles
4. Samsung 13kg Top Load Washer WA13M8700GV
If you’re looking for a tech-savvy top load washer that can handle a full family load and more, then Samsung has you covered.
The Samsung 13kg top loader comes with a mini-sink for removing stains, touch screen controls, and one of the largest water capacities available.
With a host of great features including Vibration Reduction Technology, large lint filters, and built in heating, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular extra-large machines on the market.
What We Like:
- Extra-large capacity
- Active Dual Wash sink with water jet
- LED touch control panel
- 4 star WELS water rating
- 12 programs
- 11-year parts warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Slow max speed – 800rpm
- Expensive
5. Simpson 6.5kg Top Load Washer
The only machine on our list utilising the traditional central agitator, the Simpson 6.5kg top loader is a reliable small/medium sized machine with a wallet-friendly price tag.
It has 11 separate programs along with 4 additional settings you can adjust to get the perfect wash.
While it’s 3.5 star water rating is solid, it’s 2.5 star energy rating is on the lower side of the machines on this list.
What We Like:
- 11 program settings
- Affordable
- 3.5 star water rating
- Quiet
What We Don’t Like:
- 2.5 energy rating
- Slow max spin speed – 850rpm
Choosing The Best Top Loader Washing Machine
Top loaders are known for their large load size, ease of use and short wash times.
There are however a few factors to keep in mind when shopping for a top loader, especially given changes in technology over the past few years.
Agitator Top Loaders Vs. High-Efficiency Top-Loaders
An agitator is the vertical column found in the centre of most top loading washing machines. It’s purpose is to rotate back and forth during the wash cycle, therefore agitating your clothes, and improving washing efficiency.
Top loaders with agitators are usually the least expensive variety of washing machines. Their cycle times are shorter, and they typically clean soiled garments quite well, especially if the clothes are treated with a stain remover beforehand.
However, agitators can be tough on fabrics, use a lot more water than most washing machines, and can be quite noisy.
High-Efficiency top loaders, on the other hand, don’t have agitators. They have a larger capacity, use less water, and have some of the best energy ratings available.
The downside to these machines is that their wash times are longer, and the deep wash bucket can make it hard for people to reach the bottom to grab the last piece of clothing.
RELATED:
Here are the top features to look for when purchasing a top loader washing machine:
Washer Size & Capacity
Top loaders generally range from 6-10kg in capacity. Families will be generally want to opt for a 10kg+ model, while singles and couples should find the mid-lower end of this range adequate.
The machines do come in different shapes and sizes, so ensure you have measured up your laundry space before starting your research process.
RELATED: The Best Front Loader Washing Machine
Energy Efficiency
In Australia, all washing machines are subject to Energy Rating Label requirements.
You can use the star ratings to compare washers with the same capacity, however star comparison does not work when comparing different sized machines.
According to the official energy rating calculator, star ratings for 10kg top loader washing machines in Australia can range anywhere from 1.5 to 4.5.
Functions And Performance
Traditional top-loading washers have shorter wash times but also have fewer wash cycle functions and can be noisy and rough on delicate garments.
To find the best top loader to suit your requirements, pay attention to the cycle time, range of programs, and extra features such as temperature and spin settings, size loads, and additional rinse cycles.
Top Load Washing Machine FAQs
A top-loading washing machine is usually cheaper than a front loader, 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 usually much more efficient than a top loader in terms of energy consumption and water usage. 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.
Take the following into account when selecting your washing machine:
– Efficiency vs Garment Care. Top loaders with agitators are often the least expensive variety of washing machines, but they can be rough on fabrics.
– Features. If you wash a range of different fabrics you may appreciate having the features and settings to accommodate. Research the common features and decide what is important to you.
– Noise. Washing machines can be noisy. If you think you’ll be operating it close to a living area or while people are asleep, you may want to invest a bit more in a machine designed to minimise noise levels.
– Energy and Water Efficiency. All Australian washing machines will be labeled with their energy and water ratings. While highly rated machines will usually cost more up front, they’ll often save you money on water and power bills over the long term.
