Front loaders offer many advantages:
Front loading washing machines are more water and energy efficient that top loaders. Of course it depends on the cycle you select (heavy-duty wash cycles will use a lot more energy and water, for instance) but as a general rule, front loaders are the way to go if you want to conserve resources.
While it will cost a little extra upfront to buy an efficient washer, your investment will eventually pay for itself through the money you save on water and electricity bills.
Front loaders are known for being kinder to your clothes. Top loaders that use an agitator (i.e. the plastic column in the centre of the tub) can cause damage to your clothes through snagging, tangling and stretching. And while some top loaders do away with the agitator altogether, this can compromise on the machine's efficiency.
Front loading washing machines are easier to fit into tight spaces, because their external dimensions are smaller. Which is not to say you can't wash large loads in a front loader - you can - especially if you purchase a model that can accommodate 7kg or more.
Because they're smaller, front loaders are perfect for apartment living. You can also have your front loader installed beneath a kitchen bench top as an added convenience.
For this, you'll need to get yourself the right stacking kit (stacking kits can be purchased from Appliances Online). This is another way in which a front loader can help to save space within your home.
Front loaders tend to have higher spin speeds than top loaders. This is advantageous because it means your clothes will come out drier, saving you time and also, potentially, money - as your clothes won't need to spend as long in the dryer.
Another advantage to owning a water-efficient washer - you don't need to use as much detergent.
The average Australian uses way too much detergent with every load (which can eventually cause problems with the machine). Depending on how dirty your clothes are, you can often get away with using as little as a quarter of the recommended dosage - experiment with the dosage and see!
This table will provide a rough guide to sizing:
| Washing machine capacity | Suits |
|---|---|
| 5.5kg or smaller | 1-2 people |
| 5.5kg-8kg | 3-4 people |
| 8kg or larger | 4+ people |
Before you buy, we strongly recommend that you read the product information closely to make sure that the size of the machine will suit your requirements.
Good question! Before you make a purchase, please:
You might have found the best washing machine in the universe, but if you can't get it into your laundry, it's no good to you. All washing machines are different - therefore you always need to measure before you buy.
The following glossary will provide a brief overview of the features to look out for when purchasing a washing machine:
The main drawback to owning a front loader is that they take longer to complete a load. It depends on the cycle you are using, but some can take up to 3 hours.
However, most front loaders on the market now incorporate a quick wash function - which is great for getting light loads clean in as little as 15 minutes (depending on the model).
Look out for a front load washing machine with a timer function - this allows you to set the machine to wash during the night (to take advantage of off-peak rates, for instance) or while you're away at work.
The larger the drum size, the more clothes can be washed in a cycle. Usually a 7-8kg machine works well for most households (see the table above for our sizing guide). If you are working with heavy loads of bed linen and towels quite frequently, a larger drum size could work better for you. These machines often include special programs for bulky loads of washing.
The faster the spin speed, the dryer your clothes at the end of the cycle.
However it is important to note: high spin speeds are not available on all wash cycles. For example: the delicate cycle will, by default, reduce the spin speed so as not to damage your clothes.
The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. While an energy-efficient washer will cost you more to buy upfront, the recuperated savings will end up making the initial expense worthwhile.
Similar to the energy rating system, the more stars, the more water efficient your washing machine will be. This is obviously something to look out for, as water is a particularly precious resource in a country like Australia.
Useful programs to look out for include: Delicate, Quick, Heavy, and Wool. What you end up choosing will depend on your specific needs - new parents, for instance, would do well to purchase a machine with a Baby program that is specially designed to get baby clothes hygienically clean. And Anti-Allergy programs are fantastic for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma.
However, a surplus of wash programs is not necessarily a good thing. Too many programs can make your washing machine confusing to operate.
Some machines use intelligent sensor technology to determine how large your load is, how dirty the clothes are, and how long the cycle needs to be - this takes the hassle out of selecting the correct program.
Always measure before you buy! Not all washing machines are the same size.
Front load vs top load washing machines: which is better?
Open a front loader mid-cycle and rescue your mobile phone
And remember, you can call our Customer Support Centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Just give us a bell on: 1300 000 500 to speak to an appliance expert.