The best front-loading washing machines to save space and time

Live a busy lifestyle? We feel you. And so does the BOSCH Series 8 front-load washing machine. Equipped with flexible features to work with your schedule rather than against it. Forgot to add a garment hanging behind your door? This unit has a handy ‘Reload’ function that lets you open the door during specific stages of the cycle to add forgotten items (or take anything out, too).

Plus, with its ActiveWater Plus technology, designed to use sensors that optimise water usage, it’s easy to see why the BOSCH Series 8 is a crowd-pleaser. This German-made front-load washing machine boasts a five-star water rating and a four-star energy rating.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 9kg
• Warranty: 2-year warranty
• AntiStain feature
• EcoSilence Drive to ensure longevity, efficiency, and quiet operation
• Reload function to add or remove clothes mid-cycle
• VarioPerfect function that works with your laundry habits
• VarioDrum technology to distribute water evenly and more effectively

Also available at:

• $1444, The Good Guys

With 16 washing programs to choose from and intelligent Fuzzy Logic technology that automatically determines the load size, this front-loading washing machine will ensure every load is deeply cleaned. Plus, with a brushless DC motor, it’ll operate quietly all day, or night, long.

Choose from colours graphite or white ($379), as well as your maximum load capacity (7.5kg – 11kg). This unit boasts a 4.5-star water rating and a 4.5-star energy rating to ensure an efficient wash while helping you save on your utility bills.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 7.5kg
• Warranty: 1 year
• 16 wash programs
• Delay start function
• Deep clean steam wash
• Secure child lock
• Drum clean function
• Brushless DC motor
• Quiet and energy efficient

Great for medium-large households, the Westinghouse 9kg front-load washing machine can wash 9kg of dry laundry per load. With 15 types of washing programs to choose from, you’ll find one that works for each unique load without a hitch. You can also use its Time Adjust feature to increase or cut your wash times, and its Delay End function can set your washing to finish when you’re ready.

And if you’re finding yourself doing laundry in the evening, you’ll be pleased to know that this model is equipped with an inverter motor that regulates vibration for a quieter cycle, so you can binge your evening Netflix show with no disruptions.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 9kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• Durable inverter motor for quiet operation
• Delay start function
• 3 fast wash programs
• Auto-water level sensing

Also available at:

• $726 (usually $1199), Appliances Online

The ideal laundry solution for the entire family, this LG front-loader washing machine uses artificial intelligence to wash and look after your garments thoroughly. With Motion Wash technology, this washing machine combines six motions that imitate handwashing to ensure your prized pieces get the love and care they deserve. Plus, if your wardrobe consists of delicate fabrics such as wool, the LG front-loading washing machine features specially designed programs that cater to the washing needs of delicate fabrics.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 10kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• 4.5-star energy rating
• Motion Wash technology that imitates hand washing
• AI to optimise cleaning
• ThinQ-compatible to monitor your cycle remotely
• Steam functionality

Also available at:

• $794, The Good Guys
• $799, Bing Lee

Looking for a time-saving solution for your laundry woes? The Samsung Smart Washer Dryer combo front-loader washing machine fits the bill. Its personalised AI technology ensures that your prized pieces are always looked after by remembering your washing habits to suggest the best cycles for you and automatically selecting a drying course for prime results.

Meanwhile, the QuickWash program lets you run a quick load for any garments you may have forgotten in your main wash, or if you want to wash gym clothes immediately after a workout. If you’re looking to take the guesswork out of laundry, consider your search over.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 8kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• QuickWash program for short or urgent cycles
• Hygiene steam wash
• BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions to remove dirt effectively
• StayClean drawer prevents build up of detergent
• DrumClean cycle to reduce odour-causing bacteria

This front-load washing machine by Fisher & Paykel features nine wash cycles, including Everyday, Heavy, Delicate and Eco. It also features SmartDrive technology for gentler and quieter cycles, and an intuitive control panel that lets you easily adjust wash temperature, spin speed, pre-wash and extra rinse options. Plus, with its fast and flexible cycles, such as Vortex Wash, you can run a quick 30-minute cycle for urgent jobs without compromising fabric care. It boasts a 4.5-star water rating and a 4-star energy rating.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 8kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• 4.5 water rating
• 9 fabric care cycles for every load type
• Easy-to-use control panel
• SmartDrive technology for a quieter cycle
• Quick cycles for urgent loads

Also available at:

• $678, Appliances Online

With a perfect 5-star Energy Star rating, this front-load washing machine is one of the best value-for-money models on the market. It features a wide range of wash programs, including Mix, Cotton, Super Quick + Prewash, Wool, Eco 40-60, Sportswear and Delicate. It can also steam your clothes or bedding, or lightly rinse them, and families with toddlers will definitely appreciate the child lock.

Worried about your machine breaking? Don’t be; the TCL 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine comes with a three-year warranty, so you’ll get a good dose of peace of mind.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 7.5kg capacity
• Warranty: 3 years
• 5-star energy rating
• Wide-opening door
• Delay start function
• Spin speed up to 1400RPM

Also available at:

• $399, Betta
• $399, Appliance Central

Despite being the most affordable washing machine on this list, this model still packs quite a punch. It boasts a perfect 5-star energy rating and falls within the top 20% of most energy-efficient products on Appliances Online’s site. The machine also features a lockable door and auto balance technology for steady washing. Choose from 16 wash programs, including Delicate, Spin and Super Quick.   

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 7.5kg
• Warranty: 3 years
• 5-star energy rating
• Steam Assistant
• Inverter motor
• Honeycomb crystal drum

The Hisense 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine is among the most water-efficient and environmentally-friendly, using only 64 litres per wash on the setting Cotton, 40C, 1400rpm with Extra Rinse pressed three times. The 16 washing programs include Sportswear, Bedding and Allergy Care.

An Auto function takes the guesswork out of laundry, and a Quicker Wash lessens your wash time. If you’re really pressed for time, use the quick 15-minute program that’ll quickly wash loads up to half a kilo.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 7.5kg
• Warranty: 3 years
• 4.5-star water rating
• 1400rpm maximum spin speed
• Quick 15-minute wash

Also available at:

• $491, Bing Lee
• $599, Appliances Online
• $444, Harvey Norman

Despite the ASKO PF Front Load Washer’s 1400rpm speed, it’s surprisingly still quiet and completely vibration-free. Both its inner and outer drums sit on four shock absorbers to keep your washer stable and as still as possible. Choose from 21 programs, including Hygiene and Allergy care cycles for specialised garment treatment.

A Green program uses less energy and water, while Speed’s great if you’re in a rush. For a deeper clean, go with the Intense mode.

Why we love it:

• Capacity: 10kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• 5-star energy rating
• 1400rpm spin speed
• 21 wash programs
• Sensitive Choice, endorsed by the Asthma Council
• Completely vibration-free

Also available at:

• $2199, Appliances Online