8 front-loader washing machines that will lighten your load

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:

• $1399, Bing Lee

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

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:

• $886 (usually $1199), Appliances Online
• $849, Bing Lee

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
• $899 (usually $1099), LG
• $1099, Bing Lee

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

Streamline and simplify your laundry routine with this front-load washing machine by Samsung. Featuring AI control technology that personalises and adapts to your washing cycle based on your laundry needs and habits, it’s the top-of-the-line washing machine you’ve been searching for. Plus, with its Hygiene Steam cycle, you can eliminate common allergens and bacteria from your clothes with ease.

Why we love it:

• Large 12kg capacity
• AI control technology to personalise your washing cycle
• Hygiene steam cycle
• BubbleWash and BubbleSoak functions effectively remove dirt from clothes

Also available at:

• $1449, Samsung

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:

• $777 (usually $999), Appliances Online
• $899, Bing Lee

The UltimateCare 500 washing machine by Electrolux features an AddClothes function for times when you’ve started your load just to notice you’ve forgotten to add a t-shirt you’ve left hanging on a chair. Plus, with its fast and flexible cycles, it allows you to have shorter washes for urgent jobs.

Why we love it:

• 1200rpm spin speed
• UltraMix detergent system
• Durable eco-inverter motor that is quiet and efficient
• 3XL drum opening for easy loading and unloading
• VapourCare option removing up to 99.2 per cent of dust mites and similar allergens
• Fast and flexible cycles that suit your schedule
• AddClothes function for forgotten garments