How to Choose a Washing Machine – Complete Australian Buyer's Guide
Buying a washing machine is a significant investment that you'll live with for 8–12 years. Getting it right means clean clothes, lower bills, and less hassle. This comprehensive guide from Oceania Appliances covers everything you need to know before buying a washing machine in Australia.
Step 1: Choose Your Type – Front Loader or Top Loader?
This is the most fundamental decision. See our full Front Loader vs Top Loader guide for the deep dive, but here's the summary:
- Front loader: Better cleaning, more water/energy efficient, stackable, gentler on clothes, longer cycles, more expensive
- Top loader: Faster cycles, easier to load, lower price, can add items mid-cycle, less energy efficient
Our recommendation for most Australian families: Front loader. The energy and water savings pay for the price premium within 2–3 years.
Step 2: Choose the Right Capacity
Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms of dry laundry:
- 7–8kg: 1–2 people. Handles everyday loads including jeans and towels. Can't fit a full doona.
- 9–10kg: 3–4 people. The most popular family size. Fits a queen doona.
- 11–13kg: 5+ people or households that do large loads of sheets, towels, and sports gear. Fits a king doona.
Tip: Overloading a washing machine reduces cleaning quality and increases wear. If you regularly have large loads, go up one size category.
Step 3: Check Energy and Water Efficiency
Running costs matter over a 10-year lifespan:
- Energy star rating: 4+ stars recommended. Each star up saves roughly 10–20% on running energy costs.
- WELS water rating: 4+ stars recommended. Sydney water usage charges make water efficiency genuinely important.
- Annual kWh figure: Look at the actual kilowatt-hours shown on the energy label, not just the stars. A 10kg front loader and an 8kg front loader with the same star rating will use different absolute amounts of energy.
Step 4: Understand Spin Speed
Higher spin speed (measured in RPM) extracts more water from clothes after washing:
- 800–1000 RPM: Entry-level. Clothes come out fairly wet, increasing drying time and energy cost if using a dryer.
- 1200 RPM: Standard for most Australian washing machines. Good balance of water extraction and fabric care.
- 1400–1600 RPM: Premium models. Clothes come out drier and need less time on the clothesline or in the dryer.
Step 5: Key Features Worth Paying For
- Quick wash cycle — A 15–30 minute cycle for lightly soiled clothes. Huge time saver.
- Steam wash — Sanitises and removes allergens. Great for baby clothes, sportswear, and allergy sufferers.
- Delay start — Set the machine to finish when you get home, or run during off-peak electricity hours overnight.
- Wi-Fi connectivity — Start cycles remotely, get alerts, and diagnose issues via your phone.
- AddWash door (Samsung) or similar — Add forgotten items mid-cycle.
- Automatic dosing — The machine dispenses the right amount of detergent for each load, preventing waste and over-dosing.
- Allergen wash cycle — High-temperature cycles certified to reduce common allergens. Important for households with asthma or eczema sufferers.
Step 6: Measure Your Space
Standard washing machines are approximately 60cm wide × 60cm deep × 85cm tall. However, there's variation, especially with larger capacity models. Always check:
- Width of the laundry cavity
- Depth from wall to front of machine (including hose connections at the back)
- Height clearance if the machine will sit under a bench
- Door clearance for the porthole door (front loaders) or lid (top loaders)
Step 7: Consider Your Plumbing
- Standard Australian laundries have a cold water inlet only — most washing machines heat water internally if needed.
- Some models have both hot and cold water inlets. Check which you have if upgrading an older machine.
- The drain hose must connect to a suitable standpipe or laundry tub drain — standard in Australian laundries.
Brands We Recommend at Oceania Appliances
Based on the volume of units we sell and customer feedback:
- LG: Our top pick. AI Direct Drive motor, TurboWash360, Steam+, excellent reliability. Best all-around choice.
- Samsung: Close second. EcoBubble technology, AddWash, SmartThings connectivity. Very popular.
- Westinghouse: Australian-designed, simple to use, reliable. Best for buyers who want hassle-free performance.
- Hisense: Best value. Solid performance at a lower price point. Great for renters or budget-conscious buyers.
Visit Oceania Appliances for Personalised Advice
Bring your measurements, tell our team your household size and laundry habits, and we'll walk you through the best options. No pressure, no upselling — just honest advice.
Visit us at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164. Open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm. Free Sydney delivery on every washing machine. 3–6 month warranty included.
Call (02) 9757 7444 or browse our washing machine collection now.