When searching for a new washing machine one of your biggest considerations, after price, will be the capacity of the machine. Before you run out and buy a new washer there are a few things you will want to know about washing machine capacity that will help you make the most informed decision.
Capacity refers to the amount of laundry a washing machine can wash in one load.
Washing machine capacity is specified in kilograms. They range from about 5kg all the way up to 14kg to suit a variety of households, with the most commonly purchased size in Australia being between 7.5-8.5 kilograms.
It’s important not to confuse capacity with the actual product weight of the washing machine. When a washer is referred to as a 7kg front loader, that is referring to the load capacity.
A question that is often asked of us is if the capacity of a washing machine is measured in wet or dry laundry?
Capacity is always measured in the weight of dry laundry and should not be confused with dryer capacity which is instead, measured by the weight of damp laundry.
So, for a 7kg washing machine, you can expect to fit a maximum of seven kilograms of dry laundry.
Be aware however, that the total capacity for the machine does not mean that this full amount can be washed for every cycle. For example, a 7kg washing machine will only wash the a full 7kg load on specific programs.
A good place to start when trying to pick the best-sized washing machine for your household is by estimating your average load weight. You can roughly estimate this by using the table below or for a more accurate measurement, fill a laundry basket and use your bathroom scales to calculate the weight.
Also, consider how your household will grow in the future, a bigger family or more housemates will affect your household capacity and the frequency of which your washer will be used. If you expect your household to grow, perhaps consider looking for a larger machine that can handle the household needs and not run up your energy bills.
The table below will give you an idea of what different sized washing machines are capable of.
Washer size | Ideal For | T-shirts | Bedding |
|---|---|---|---|
6 kg | Couple | 25 T-shirts | 1 Single doona |
7 kg | Small family | 35 T-shirts | 1 Single or double doona |
8 kg | Medium family | 40 T-shirts | 1 Queen doona |
10 kg | Large family | 50 T-shirts | 1 King doona |
For larger households with a lot of bedding to wash, you may want a machine that can handle bulky loads.
Large items like blankets, curtains and doonas need space to wash properly. You will want a washer with a capacity of at least 6kg to efficiently wash a doona from a single-sized bed - anything smaller and the machine will struggle.
If this sounds like you then consider choosing a washing machine with a special bedding or bulky cycle as this will provide added care and ensure that you get the best wash results.
When you choose a washing machine try to keep the following things in mind: your household size, how often it will be used, and how much physical space you have available.
For your washing machine capacity, you will want to consider your average washing load. Picking the right size washer for your household is important as this will help you avoid overloading or underloading which can result in unnecessary water and energy usage.
We hope this guide has been helpful and will assist you in choosing the best new washing machine for your home. But if you still have any questions or would like some more advice, please give our Sales and Support Team a call on 1300 000 500, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
