One of the hardest workers in the household is the humble washing machine. Simplifying a once-tiresome chore to something much more manageable, we have the modern-day washing machine to thank for all the extra time we’ve gained to do things we enjoy (like sipping a mocktail under the afternoon sun).
When it comes to choosing a washing machine for your laundry room, there are a few elements to consider, such as the size of the laundry room, the quality of the model, as well as whether you’d like to opt for a front loader, top loader or a washer/dryer combo.
If you’re looking to save on space, a washer/dryer combo is your best bet – two units in one. However, if you prefer having separate units for these (very different) tasks, opting for a front-loader washing machine is still a relatively space-saving option. It opens up the vertical space in your laundry room to store extra laundry essentials such as laundry powder, baskets, and more.
So, if you’re looking to invest in a new front-loader washing machine, you’re at the right place. Below, you’ll find our top picks and everything you need to know before you make your purchase.
2025’s TOP FRONT LOADING WASHING MACHINES
- Best overall: BOSCH Series 8 9kg front load washing machine
- Best budget buy: Kogan 7.5kg front load BLDC inverter washing machine
- Best for families: LG 10kg front load washing machine with steam
- Best quiet performer: Westinghouse EasyCare 9kg front load washer
- Best washer-dryer combo: Samsung 8.5kg front load washer dryer
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The best front-loader washing machines 2025
01
BOSCH Series 8 9kg front load washing machine
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 in (or to take anything out, too). Plus, with its ActiveWater Plus technology, designed to use sensors that optimises 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:
- 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:
- $1395, The Good Guys
02
Kogan 7.5kg Front Load BLDC inverter washing machine
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 perfectly cleaned. Plus with a brushless DC motor, it’ll operate quietly all day (or night) long.
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:
- 16 wash programs
- 7.5kg capacity
- Delay start function
- Brushless DC motor quiet and energy efficient
03
Westinghouse EasyCare 9kg front load washer
Perfect 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 reduce your wash times, and its Delay End function can be used to 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:
- Durable inverter motor for quiet operation
- Time Adjust and Delay End functions to make your laundry work around your schedule
- Extra-large door and opening making it easy to use for bigger or bulkier loads
- Plus Hygiene function uses water vapour to neutralise 99.9% of common household allergens and bacteria
- Auto water level sensing
Also available at:
- $809 (usually $1199), Appliances Online
04
LG 10kg front load washing machine with steam
The perfect laundry solution for the entire family, this LG front-loader washing machine is designed to use 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 operate to cater to the washing needs of the aforementioned delicate fabrics.
Why we love it:
- Motion Wash technology that combines 6 motions to imitate hand washing
- Direct Drive motor with artificial intelligence to detect weight and fabric softness to optimise each load
- ThinQ compatible so you can monitor your cycle remotely
- It uses the power of steam to remove common allergens, pollen and bacteria
Also available at:
- $898, The Good Guys
- $891 (usually $1099), Binglee
05
Samsung 8.5kg combo front load washer and dryer machine
Looking for a time saving solution for your laundry woes? The Samsung Smart Washer Dryer combo front-loader washing machine will fit the bill just nicely. With the QuickWash program being a total game-changer in the laundry space, you can 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. 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. If you’re looking to take the guesswork out of laundry, consider your search over – you’ve found your new front-loading washing here.
Why we love it:
- QuickWash program for short or urgent cycles
- BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions to remove dirt effectively
- StayClean drawer prevents build-up of detergent
- DrumClean cycle to reduce odour-causing bacteria within the drum without using harsh chemicals
06
Fisher & Paykel 8kg front load washer
This front-load washing machine by Fisher & Paykel features nine wash cycles, SmartDrive technology for a gentler and quieter cycle, and an intuitive control panel, making it a worthy contender for your laundry room. 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.
This Fisher & Paykel front-load washing machine boasts a 4.5-star water rating and a 4-star energy rating.
Why we love it:
- 9 fabric care cycles for every load type – from delicate to heavy
- Easy-to-use control panel with wash boost options such as Rinse+ and Pre Wash
- SmartDrive technology for a quieter and smarter cycle
- Quick cycles for urgent loads such as Vortex Wash
Also available at:
- $713 (usually $999), Appliances Online
The essentials
A “best” washing machine is nothing without its routine. Below are a few essentials you will need to tackle your laundry routine with ease.
Eco-friendly laundry detergent
sheets, $39.90 at Vivus Green
Softening fabric freshener,$30 at Nontre.co
Laundry liquid concentrate,$35 at Nontre.co
Joseph Joseph Tota 90L
laundry basket, $199.95 at Amazon
Compared to its rival – the top-loading washing machine – there are a few key differences worth considering. From space-saving features to customisable wash cycles, below we list the advantages of buying a front-loading washing machine.
Energy and water efficiency: As the drums of a front-loading washing machine are horizontal, it uses gravity to help tumble clothes, which, as a result, requires less energy and water to operate.
Gentler on clothes: Its drum design rotates horizontally to tumble your clothes. This means there is no need for a central agitator (found in top-loader washing machines). Agitators are more abrasive in comparison.
Space-saving design: One of the main reasons many choose to opt for a front-loader washing machine is the fact that vertical space in your laundry can be used optimally. Some like to use this extra space to install a dryer or storage solutions for laundry day needs, such as laundry powder, baskets, and more.
As with any purchase decision, whether a specific model is ‘better’ depends on your needs and preferences. There are pros and cons for both front-loader and top-loader washing machines.
As mentioned, front-loader washing machines are known to be more energy and water-efficient than top-loader washers. Along with a lighter electricity and water bill, a front-loader washing machine is also a good option if your laundry room is smaller, as you can free up vertical space in your laundry for other storage needs. However, the most notable disadvantage of a front-loader is the need to bend down to load your washing machine with your clothes. If bending over isn’t an issue for you, then a front-loader will be perfect.
In comparison, a top-loader is a good option for those who use their washing machine often, as loading and unloading your laundry will be much easier on the back. Furthermore, top-loaders have a lower initial cost in comparison to front-loaders. However, in exchange, a top-loader washing machine features an agitator which is known to be more abrasive on clothes. So, if you love your silks, woollens, and more, a front-loader washing machine may be more suitable for you.
The lifespan of a front-loader washing machine will depend on the model you purchase, how you maintain it, and how often you use it. A good-quality front-load washer generally lasts between 10-15 years.
To maximise the lifespan of your unit, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on use and maintenance.
