10 of the most popular front load washing machines in Australia 2024

You need a new washing machine but you aren’t sure which to get because there seem to be hundreds on the market and, at a glance, they all seem like pretty similar white boxes that wash your clothes.

If you’re clear on the exact specifications and capabilities you want in your new washer, great! You should be able to narrow down your search fairly quickly, especially if you shop on Appliances Online which lets you refine your search using a whole bunch of filters from capacity and dimensions, to price, brand and energy efficiency.

If you’d rather let thousands of others do the research for you and then follow their lead, that’s also a pretty good tactic. That’s what this article is for - to provide a snapshot of some of the most popular front loaders that have been making their way into Australian homes in 2023-2024.

Before we look at the different washers, here’s a brief overview of the machines that topped the list.

Type of washer: All the machines on this list are front load washers. While many people still have a place in their hearts for top load washing machines, the shift to front loaders has steadily increased in recent years, thanks in part to the higher efficiencies of front loaders, and the fact that many manufacturers no longer make top loader models.

Front loaders also make it easier to stack a dryer on top, should you need to make extra space for ironing boards, vacuums and the other usual suspects of the laundry room. 

Capacity: The number of people in your family or house, as well as the frequency with which you expect to use your washing machine, will affect the size you choose, much as it might influence your choice of dryer or fridge.

A capacity of 9kg is the most common size on this list, reflecting a move towards larger volume drums in recent years. This size of washer, and the one 10kg capacity model on the list, is ideal for mid-to-large size households.

This is followed by 8kg and 7.5kg capacities, which are suitable for households of 3-4 people. Rounding out the list are an 8.5kg model and one smaller 6kg one, which is better suited to a couple or a small family.

Price: The dollar symbols indicate where each model sits on the price scale in relation to this list, from lower cost ($) of under $700, to higher cost ($$$) of over $1,000. Most models sit somewhere in the middle between those two price points.

It’s worth bearing in mind that larger volume washers will tend to cost more, as will those with the highest energy efficiencies. The latter, though, will often have lower running costs than cheaper models with lower energy star ratings. Just click the links for each model to see the prices and full specs.

Running cost: The annual running costs are based on a national average price of electricity of 31 cents per kilowatt hour using the Australian Government’s Standard Test of the washing machine being used once every day.

However, electricity rates vary between States, Territories and providers, as well as by the wash cycle you use - a cold wash, for example, uses less power as it’s not heating the water. For a more accurate annual running cost calculation, you can enter the cost you pay per unit of electricity in the Energy Consumption Calculator that you’ll find on each washer’s page on this site.

In addition to electricity costs, you will also use approximately 20 cents worth of water per wash, but again this will vary slightly by your provider and location, as well as the wash cycle chosen and the machine’s capacity.

Energy and water efficiency: The washers on this list all have between 2.5 and 5 Star energy ratings, and either a 4 or 4.5 Star water rating.

Colour: The 10 washers on this list have a classic white finish. There are a handful of black, grey, graphite and stainless steel washing machines available if you want some darker design elements in your laundry.

Warranty: All of the front loaders on this list come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, though many have a 10-year warranty on the motor.

Brands: A lot of people choose to make it a Bosch wash, with four of the models on this list made by the German brand. Two models are made by Fisher & Paykel, and one each by Haier, Samsung, LG and Esatto.

So, let's take a look at these 10 popular washers.

With SmartTouch controls offering nine wash programs including Delicate and Heavy cycles, alongside the advanced SmartDrive motor and Vortex Wash technology, this Fisher & Paykel washer ensures reliable, quiet operation and quick but thorough fabric care.

What customers say: “This machine is so easy to use. The quick wash is only 30 mins and it runs so quietly we don’t even know it’s on.” - Rowers

See price and full details of Fisher & Paykel 8kg Front Loader Washing Machine WH8060J3

With similar specs but a larger capacity than its 8kg sibling (above), this unit offers ample space for your laundry needs. The SmartTouch™ controls allow easy selection from nine wash programs, while the quiet SmartDrive™ motor and Vortex Wash technology ensure reliability, efficiency and excellent cleaning performance.

What customers say: “Pretty straightforward and easy enough to change default settings to favourites. Glad it has a key lock with young kids around.” - Eden

See price and full details of Fisher & Paykel 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WH9060J3

This Bosch model delivers tailored fabric care via a range of programs for cottons, delicates, quilts, and more. The innovative VarioDrum design provides a thorough but gentle clean, complemented by the AntiStain system. The ActiveWater Plus technology, meanwhile, optimises water intake for efficient cleaning, and the EcoSilence drive enables quiet operation and long-lasting performance.

What customers say: “My new Bosch looks so stylish, modern and well built and it is very quiet too” - Powerman

See price and full details of Bosch Series 6 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WGA244U0AU

Featuring similar specs to its 9kg stablemate, this model from Bosch offers extra capacity, making it great for larger households. The AllergyPlus program provides gentle, thorough cleaning, particularly suitable for sensitive skin, while the ActiveWater Plus technology optimises water usage and the EcoSilence drive keeps things quiet in the laundry.

What customers say: '“Purchased the Bosch 10kg washer and it’s excellent! It’s so great having the extra load capacity in a machine that has the same footprint as my old 7kg Bosch. Highly recommended.” - JBone

See price and full details of Bosch Series 6 10kg Front Load Washing Machine WGA254U0AU

Designed for unparalleled efficiency and performance, this is one of the latest models of washer from Bosch. Its innovative ActiveWater Plus technology automatically adjusts water flow to the precise load size, conserving resources while maintaining powerful cleaning. Features like AntiStain and AllergyPlus programs, along with the convenient Reload function, make for powerful, yet energy efficient, cleaning.

What customers say: “I am so pleased with this machine. I like the fact it is made in Germany. The machine is well made, and works well.” - Tezza

See price and full details of Bosch Serie 8 9kg Front Load Washing Machine WGG24401AU

Sharing a number of features with its newer generation Bosch siblings, this model packs a serious punch for its price. With a quiet and efficient EcoSilence Drive motor, ActiveWater Plus load sensing technology, quick wash cycle options, optimised care for dark materials and the convenience of being able to easily add a forgotten sock, it’s easy to see how this machine became a top seller of the past year.

What customers say: “Never thought I would enjoy washing with a new machine as much as I loved my old 7kg Bosch, but this machine is even better. So many wash variations to choose from, you can set it to wash anything perfectly.” - Stene

See price and full details of Bosch Serie 4 8kg Front Loader Washing Machine WAN24124AU

With 15 wash cycles, including Refresh steam and Eco options for optimal cleaning and energy efficiency, this lower priced model from Haier offers truly versatile fabric care. The Refresh cycle uses steam to reduce odours and creases, perfect for lightly worn or stored items, while the Eco wash option minimises environmental impact by lowering temperature and energy use.

What customers say: “As my first front loader I wasn’t sure what to expect, however, it cleans very well, has some great short and specific programs and is quiet.” - ReidMum

See price and full details of Haier 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine HWF75AW3

Using digital inverter technology, this washer from Samsung has a powerful yet quiet operation. Its clever BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions deliver efficient cleaning, while the steam cycle removes up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens, leaving clothes fresh and hygienic. With personalised artificial intelligence and wifi connectivity for connection to the SmartThings app, it learns your habits to suggest the best cycles for optimal results.

What customers say: “Great large capacity machine without being a huge appliance - so it fitted easily in my small laundry. Quiet machine, spins to almost dry and loads of different load options.”

See price and full details of Samsung 8.5kg Personalised BubbleWash Front Load Washing Machine WW85T504DAE

This model from LG features AI Direct Drive technology, which assesses fabric softness and adjusts wash motions for optimal cleaning and garment care. With six motions inspired by hand-washing techniques, including stepping, tumbling, and scrubbing, it delivers thorough cleaning with a quiet and durable operation. App compatibility adds an extra level of convenience.

What customers say: “Love the new washing machine. Especially the phone notifications when the washing is done. Also able to monitor the washing status in the app. Very happy.” - Danzor

See price and full details of LG 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine with Steam WV5-1275W

This machine from Esatto features a user-friendly control panel and 15 washing programs for precise garment care - all at a very affordable price. With options like Pre-Wash and Extra Rinse functions, along with a convenient delay feature, this washer offers versatility and convenience to fit your schedule and cleaning needs without hassle.

What customers say: “Really easy to use and has all the features you need, it’s compact, for what you pay think its definitely value for money.” - Lou

See price and full details of Esatto 6kg Front Load Washing Machine EFLW600

Need a dryer to go with your new washer? In addition to front loaders we sell thousands of different products across a huge range of categories, including lots and lots of heat pump and vented dryers, as well as dishwashers, ovens and fridges. Save time researching new appliance by seeing what thousands of other Aussies have been buying recently.

Perhaps the first thing most people look for in a washing machine is the size: you want a washer that can handle your family’s needs and that also fits into your laundry room. After deciding on the right size, price and energy star ratings (which affect running costs) tend to be the secondary considerations.

In addition to these popular models, Appliances Online stocks hundreds of models of front and top load washers, as well as clothes dryers and washer dryer combos, from dozens of leading brands including Westinghouse, Miele, Electrolux and Whirlpool.

We deliver to 95% of Australia's population with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get your new front or top loader washing machine to you by the next day (Mon-Fri) as long as it's in stock. Plus, we now offer paid Same Day Delivery in NSW, QLD, and VIC metro areas if you order before 12pm Mon-Fri.

We'll also take your old washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer away for recycling, for free, which is something most retailers won’t offer you. For more tips on choosing the best washing machine for you, read our Laundry Buying Guide, and if you still have questions, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.