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Having a reliable washing machine and dryer is essential for most Australian homes, and with so many different options available, we understand that finding the right appliances for your needs can be challenging. With top brands such as Samsung, ASKO, Euromaid, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, and more, you're sure to find the ideal model for your home.
Our laundry buying guide outlines the important considerations you should make in order to make the right choice. We'll take you through the different kinds of washing machines and dryers so you can make the best decision for your household.
Size
What size washer and dryer is right for me?
Whether you’re buying a washer or dryer the same size, larger, or smaller than the one you’re replacing, it’s essential to research the new dimensions and thoroughly measure your intended space. It’s also important to check where the new machine's connections are. Some washing machines will have their water inlet and outlet hoses located to the side of the appliance, which means if your old washer's connections are at the back, you may need to allow for an increased width to accommodate these few extra centimetres.
It’s important to consider clearance for the opening of the lid or door and to be aware that washers will generally need some extra space at the back or side of the machine, for connection. We also recommend a few extra centimetres of space all the way around the appliance if possible, to ensure proper ventilation.
Capacity
How do you find your household capacity?
The capacity of your new laundry appliance will depend on the following factors: household size, the frequency of use, and the dimensions of the intended space
Washing machine and dryer capacities are measured by the weight of your laundry when it's dry. You can estimate how much dirty laundry will fit into a washer or dryer based on the guide below.
Washer Size | Ideal For | T-Shirts | Bedding |
5 kg | Single or couple | 25 | 1 Single doona |
7 kg | Small household | 35 | 1 Single or double doona |
8 kg | Medium household | 40 | 1 Queen doona |
10 kg | Large household | 50 | 1 King doona |
Types of Washing Machines
Top Loader Washing Machines
A top loader is a washing machine that features a lid at the top of the appliance. These units are larger than front loaders and allow for easy loading and unloading due to their height. Great for families and those with a lot of space; however, an important consideration before purchasing a top loader is ensuring that you do have enough space above the machine to open the lid. Top loaders will either feature an agitator or a low-profile pulsator. An agitator runs through the centre of the machine and helps to balance the distribution of laundry and reduce tangling. A low-profile pulsator or agitator, however, is shorter and reduces friction on your clothing during the cycle.
Top loader benefits | Ideal for |
- Easy to add clothes during the cycle | - Larger laundry spaces |
- Comfortable loading and unloading | - Those who wash a lot of bulky items |
- Simple to use | - Anyone who requires easy loading and unloading |
Front Load Washing Machines
Front loaders are washing machines that have the door located at the front and are generally more water, energy and detergent efficient when compared to top loaders. They also provide a more gentle wash and can reach higher spin speeds for faster drying times. Front loaders fit well in laundry rooms with limited space, and can often have a dryer stacked on top when using a compatible stacking kit or rubber mat.
Front loader benefits | Ideal for |
- Water efficient | - Those who need to stack a dryer on top |
- Higher spin speeds | - More compact laundry spaces |
- Gentle washing | - Those who like to often do delicate and quick washes |
- Ability to stack a dryer on top | - Households that do not have a dryer |
- Ideal for smaller laundry spaces or to fit under a bench | - Those who are conscious about water and energy usage |
Twin Tub Washing Machines
Dual load or twin tub washers feature two compartments, one for washing and the other for spinning. Washing in a twin tub is quite a manual process and requires filling and draining of water and transferring of the laundry between the wash and spin tubs. A benefit of the twin tub washing machine, however, is that it can be situated almost anywhere, as it doesn't necessarily require a water connection, rather you can just fill it up manually.
Benefits of a twin tub washing machine | Ideal for |
- Simple to operate | - Caravans |
- Saves on water | - Situations where there is no option for a direct water supply |
- No direct water connection necessarily required | |
Washer Dryer Combos
A washer dryer combo features both a washing machine and dryer in a single unit. They can wash and dry your clothes, often in the one cycle, and are ideal for households that do not have the room for a separate dryer or for people with busy schedules away from home for most of the day.
Washer Dryer benefits | Ideal for |
- Ability to wash and dry in the one machine | - Laundries that do not have room for a separate washer and dryer |
- Condenser dryer (no venting required) | - Busy households that are not often home |
- Ideal for smaller laundry spaces | - Those on a more limited budget |
Types of Dryers
Vented Dryers
Vented dryers are designed to emit heat and moisture from a vent either at the front or rear of the machine. Vented dryers in smaller laundries can cause a build-up of moisture, providing conditions for the growth of mould; to avoid this, be sure to check that your property allows for outside ducting, especially if you are in a unit or apartment. A major benefit of vented dryers is that they are the only type of dryer that can be mounted on the wall. Vented dryers will have a wall-mounting kit supplied and most will also come with a reversible decal for the control panel so you can wall mount the dryer upside down for easier use.
Benefits of Vented Dryers | Ideal for |
- Low upfront cost | - Those on a limited budget |
- Wide range to choose from | - Laundries spaces require the dryer to be hung on the wall |
- Can be stacked on top of a front load washing machine | Households that only occasionally use their dryer |
- Wall-mountable | - Many different sized households due to the range of sizes available |
- Smallest capacities available | - Laundries with good ventilation or the option to duct outside |
Condenser Dryers
Condenser dryers pass heated air through the dryer’s drum, which is then cooled using a heat exchanger. This cooled air is then condensed into water vapour and is either collected in a tank or drained right into your sink or drain pipe, depending on the model. A condenser dryer is ideal for smaller laundry rooms where outside venting is not possible, as these models don’t expel hot air into the room. It's important to note that these dryers cannot be wall-mounted due to their weight.
Benefits of Condenser Dryers | Ideal for |
- Easy installation | - Smaller laundries that cannot accommodate ducting |
- Self-cleaning condenser (certain models) | - Those who wish to stack the dryer on top of a front load washing machine |
- Can be stacked on top of a front load washing machine | - Households who wish to reduce the risk of mould growth in their laundry |
- Less heat and moisture emitted when compared to vented dryers | |
Heat Pump Dryers
Heat pump dryers are a type of condenser dryer that passes heated air through the drum, but instead of using a heat exchanger they use smart, heat pump technology, which not only condenses the humid air into vapour, but it also conserves and recycles much of its heat within the dryer instead of exhausting it into the surroundings. This technology makes heat pump dryers the best on the market, especially in terms of energy efficiency.
Benefits of Heat Pump Dryers | Ideal for |
- Extremely energy efficient | - Those who are conscious about energy usage and who wish to save on their electricity bills |
- No hot air or moisture emitted | - Households that use their dryer often |
- Can be stacked on top of a front load washing machine | - Those who wish to stack the dryer on top of a front load washing machine |
Gas Dryers
Gas dryers use gas to dry items instead of electricity. The upfront cost of a gas dryer is generally higher but they are less expensive to run, saving in the long-term. They are also very energy efficient and gentle on fabrics. It is important to know that external venting is required for gas dryers for safe emissions of fumes.
Benefits of a gas dryer | Ideal for |
- Relatively inexpensive to run | - For those who wish to save on electricity |
- Energy efficient | - Laundries that have a gas outlet |
- Gentle on fabrics | |
Washer and Dryer Packages
Saving money with a washer and dryer package. Our bundled packages provide shopping convenience and offer fantastic savings on most of your favourite laundry brands. These packages include a washing machine and a dryer of the same brand and are beautifully matched, with some even including a compatible stacking kit or anti-vibration rubber mat.
Benefits of Packages | Ideal for |
- Cost savings | - Households that are looking to purchase both a washer and dryer |
- Matching brands | - Those who like their appliances to be of the same brand |
- Can include compatible accessories such as stacking kits | - A variety of needs. We have created packages with top and front loaders, along with various types of dryers |
Efficiency
Energy
Energy efficiency should be an important consideration, especially for those who frequently use their laundry appliances. Washing machines are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 whereas dryers can now reach up to a 9 star rating. Heat pump dryers are by far the most energy efficient dryers on the market and are ideally suited to homes that use their dryer on a daily basis, although they typically have higher upfront costs compared to condenser and vented models.
Water
Washing machines carry a label that shows their water efficiency rating that's measured on a scale of 1 to 5. The more stars, the more water-efficient the machine, although this is only accurate when comparing star ratings between machines of the same capacity. For example, an 8kg machine will use more water than a 5kg machine, even if they have the same water rating. Washers with lower litres per wash and higher water ratings are going to be more environmentally friendly and will reduce your water bills.
Connection and Installation
To ensure a smooth, hassle-free installation, make sure your intended space is fitted with the correct connections, and that there's enough room for the machine itself, allowing extra centimetres for the hoses and connections at the back or side, depending on the model.
Be sure to check if your new machine requires connection to only a cold tap or both hot and cold taps. For those whose taps are located a distance away from where the new washing machine will be placed, extension hoses can often be purchased directly from the manufacturer. In this case, be sure to strictly follow instructions or have a professional come and connect the extension for you so as not to risk any leaking or disconnection.
If you want to stack or wall mount your dryer, for both safety and warranty purposes, we recommend getting in a professional. Often, stacking kits are more complex than most people expect, so it’s crucial that these are set up correctly.
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