The easy way to choose the right size washing machine for your home
Selecting the right size washing machine will allow you to wash your laundry more effectively and efficiently. In this article we look at how to choose the right washing machine size for your household, and how to decide whether a front-loader or top-loader is better suited to the job.
How to select the right washing machine size for your home
When it comes to selecting the appropriate washing machine size, you must consider a few key factors. The size of your household, the frequency with which you do laundry, and the types of items you wash regularly will influence the capacity you need.
How many people in your home?
The capacity of a washing machine refers to the maximum weight of laundry it can handle. Here are some recommended washing machine capacities for various sized households:
- 1 to 2 people: A 5kg or 6kg washing machine
- 3 to 4 people: A 7kg or 8kg washer
- 5 to 6 people: A 9kg or 10kg machine
- 6+ people: An 11kg to 14kg washing machine.
The number of people in your house isn’t the only thing that affects the volume of laundry you do, though.
How often do you do laundry?
Every family or household has its own unique rhythms. A family of three sporty teens with landscape gardener and care assistant parents, for example, might fill a 12kg machine with ‘urgent wash’ soiled items every day, because nobody wants piles of sweaty, muddy clothes fermenting in the laundry basket (or bedroom floor). Another family of five, on the other hand, may get away with a twice-weekly 8kg wash of non-urgent laundry.
Your laundry room layout
The space you have in your laundry to house the washing machine will also affect your choice. Generally, washing machines with larger capacities don’t have significantly different exterior dimensions to smaller capacity washers: manufacturers make optimal use of the space within standard washing machine dimensions, because most people are fitting their new washer into an existing allocated space in their laundry.
However, sizes do vary between models by a few millimetres or centimetres, particularly in terms of depth, so be sure to check the external dimensions of the machine before you buy, and don’t forget to factor in a few centimetres for the plug and water inlet/outlets if they will affect how the machine will sit.
Washing oversized items
When it comes to washing larger items like doonas and blankets, you need a washing machine with enough room to not only fit the doona in, but also allow the movement necessary for effective cleaning. The following size doonas will generally require these capacities:
- Single size doona: 5kg to 6kg capacity
- Double size doona: 7kg to 8kg capacity
- Queen size doona: 8kg to 10kg capacity
- King size doona: 10kg to 12kg capacity
- Super King doona: 12kg+ capacity.
Front loader and top loader capacities
When it comes to choosing a new washer, you have hundreds of models to choose from, but just two main types of washing machine: front-loaders and top-loaders. While front loaders have long been the preferred style in much of Europe, Australia has until recently favoured top loading machines. However, tastes have been shifting in recent years, with front loaders now the go-to for many people. Top loaders, however, do have a couple of key advantages that will continue to make them a more practical choice for some.
Front load washers: Front-load washing machines have gained popularity due to their energy efficiency and water efficiency. With advanced technology and features, they provide thorough yet gentle cleaning. Front-loaders often have larger load capacities, ranging from 8kg to 12kg or more, making them ideal for larger households. Their wash cycles are usually longer, but they consume less water, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
Top load washers: Top-load washing machines are generally more accessible for loading and unloading laundry, though larger items can become twisted around the central agitator. With shorter wash cycles, they are convenient if you need a load of laundry cleaned quickly. While top-loaders may have slightly smaller load capacities, typically ranging from 6kg to 10kg, they can still accommodate the laundry needs of most households.
For a handy summary of the pros and cons of each style of washer, read Top loader vs. front loader washing machine: Which is right for you?
To choose the right size washing machine, you need to consider the size of your household, the frequency of laundry, and the types of items you regularly wash, from muddy sports kits to large bath towels and doonas. The right size machine can save you from either having to wash multiple loads or, on the other hand, from wasting energy running bigger laundry appliances than you actually need.
The right size washer at the right price
Appliances Online has a wide range of washing machines of all sizes from top brands like Samsung, Bosch, Miele, Haier, Whirlpool and Fisher & Paykel - and Appliances Online will Price Match eligible* items.
Get the perfect size new washing machine sooner, with FREE delivery
Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery reaches 95% of the Australian population, and you will usually receive your new washing machine the day after you order it (Mon-Fri). We’ll also take your old washer away for recycling, keeping it out of landfill. For more tips on choosing the right size or type of washer for you, check out our Laundry Buying Guide or call 1300 000 500 to chat with a member of our friendly team 24/7.