Best-Rated Front Loader Washing Machines

See Our Ratings Methodology.

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Most Satisfied Customers | Miele

Aussies have rated Miele as a repeat winner in Canstar Blue’s latest front loader washing machine ratings, with the brand rated five stars across all categories, including performance, design, value for money, ease of use, features & functionality, and overall satisfaction.

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How we rate front loader washing machines

Our review compares front loader washing machines on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which front loader washing machine they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 1,273 Australians for their feedback on the front loader washing machine(s) they’ve purchased and used in the last five years.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their front loader washing machine brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a front loader washing machine brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Performance: the front loader washing machine consistently performed as expected when cleaning clothes and fabrics, with no drop in performance over frequency of use.
  • Design: the front loader washing machine has an aesthetically pleasing and functional design.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality and performance of the front loader washing machine.
  • Ease of use: the front loader washing machine is easy to use, with settings easily identifiable, and came with sufficient instructions.
  • Features & functionality: the front loader washing machine has a number of features and settings to help with performance and functionality (i.e. various wash and temperature settings, programmable timers, etc.).

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Miele
  • Westinghouse
  • Samsung
  • LG
  • Haier
  • Fisher & Paykel
  • Bosch
  • Electrolux
  • Hisense

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


Best front loader washing machine brands in Australia

  1. Miele
  2. Westinghouse
  3. Samsung
  4. LG
  5. Haier
  6. Fisher & Paykel
  7. Bosch
  8. Electrolux
  9. Hisense
  10. Other front loader washing machine brands

Not sure which front loader washing machine to buy? Check out our buying guide below.

1. Miele


Miele front load washing machine review

Ratings result

Miele was rated five stars across all categories, including performance, design, value for money, ease of use, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Miele is known as a high-end appliance brand, with many of its washing machines featuring the TwinDos automatic detergent dispensing system, said to help save up to 30% of detergent compared to manual dispensing, and improve wash results. Miele’s washers also come with SingleWash, allowing households to clean lighter loads of 1kg, plus a PowerWash program to wash small loads with less water and energy. The range additionally uses a honeycomb drum to ensure gentle garment care, according to the brand.

Miele has various front loader models on offer, with its range sitting between 7kg, 8kg and 9kg capacities, with a select number also compatible with Miele’s range of dryers to be stacked atop of each other, allowing for more space-saving options for those with a cramped laundry area.

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2. Westinghouse


Westinghouse Front Loader Washing Machine

Ratings result

Westinghouse was rated four stars across all categories, including features & functionality, ease of use, value for money, design, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

While its range may not be as extensive as some other brands, Westinghouse offers a number of capacities within its EasyCare front loader range to help families get the laundry done, with models ranging from 7.5kg to 10kg capacities. With multiple washing speeds and functions, Westinghouse front loader washing machines also include delay-end options to help you time your washing around your life, along with auto water level sensing to ensure the machine washes to the fabric type and level.

Other features on select models include the PreMix+ technology, which blends the detergent with the water and pressure sprays it onto the fabrics insides, reducing detergent residue and ensuring that your clothes get the full benefits of the wash.

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3. Samsung


Samsung front load washing machine review

Ratings result

Samsung was rated four stars for performance, design, value for money, ease of use, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

South Korean tech and appliance giant Samsung offers various front loader washing machines with sleek appearances and different finish types to suit any laundry room. Perhaps you’re into the black appliance trend – well, Samsung has you covered in that department. Capacities are on the large side, offering between 7.5kg and 12kg, making the Samsung range potentially more suitable to larger households.

Samsung is one of the few brands to boast pause-cycle functions to add in more clothes – Samsung calls it ‘AddWash’. With large capacities and AddWash features, some models also include cycle times of as short as 15 minutes, a steam wash cycle to help clean the machine and your fabrics, along with BubbleWash and BubbleSoak features to help remove stubborn stains.

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4. LG


LG front load washing machine review

Ratings result

LG was rated five stars for value for money, with four stars for performance, design, ease of use, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

South Korean electronics giant, LG boasts a fairly large range of front load washing machines. Models range between 7kg and 17kg in load capacity, so you’re likely to find one for every household size. Some standout functions include TurboClean, which apparently cuts rinse cycles by up to 30 minutes, TrueSteam to remove tough stains by using ultra-high temperatures to convert water into steam, and AI DD, which measures the weight of each load and softness of the fabrics to determine what it believes would be the best fitting ‘washing motions’ to ensure a thorough and gentle clean.

If you’re in the market for a clothes dryer as well, the LG WashTower may be an option to consider, with the package featuring a front loader and dryer stacked on top of each other, ideal for those lacking on space, or prefer the convenience of not having to go to far to finish the laundry.

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5. Haier


Haier Front Loader Washing Machine

Ratings result

Haier was rated five stars for value for money, with four stars for all remaining categories, including features & functionality, ease of use, design, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Haier is one of the most popular appliance brands around the globe, partly thanks to its extensive range spanning across dishwashers, microwaves, fridges, freezers and more. In the laundry space, however, Haier offers a solid selection of front loader washing machines, with load capacities ranging from 7.5kg to 10kg.

The brand offers Direct Motion washers that use direct drive motor technology, eliminating the drive belt in traditional washing machines to allow the motor to directly drive the drum. This is said to effectively reduce the vibration from the machine and help reduce energy consumption. Haier also peddles a ‘TwinTasker’ machine with independent wash cycles, to wash each load separately or at the same time!

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6. Fisher & Paykel


Fisher & Paykel front load washing machine review

Ratings result

Fisher & Paykel was rated four stars across all categories, including features & functionality, ease of use, value for money, design, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Fisher & Paykel is one of the leading appliance manufacturers across the globe and has come a long way since first setting up shop in New Zealand in the 1930s. It sells several front loaders in capacities typically ranging from 8kg to 11kg, making them some of the larger machines readily available.

The range can generally be broken into multiple collections – Series 3, Series 5, Series 7, Series 9 and Series 11. One of the standout features includes the ActiveIntelligence function, which automatically adjusts the wash time and amount of detergent dispensed to match the level of soiling in each load. There’s also the 20-minute Steam Refresh Cycle, which is designed to minimise creasing as well as remove odours from lightly worn clothes (or garments that smell a little musty from being stored in the closet for a long time) without having to run a full wash cycle.

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7. Bosch


Bosch Front Load Washing Machine

Ratings result

Bosch was rated four stars across all categories, including performance, design, value for money, ease of use, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Bosch is another high-end German manufacturer, well-known for making feature-rich front loaders and numerous other household appliances. Some of its front loaders are still made in Germany, with many models boasting WELS water efficiency ratings of four stars or higher. Some are claimed to use as little as around 60L of water per cycle, which is around half the consumption of some other top loaders.

The Bosch range includes the brand’s ‘iDOS’ water and detergent saver, which automatically senses the exact amount of detergent and water the machine needs for each load. The drum detects the load weight, fabric type, and degree of soiling, and adjusts the levels accordingly, taking some of the guesswork out of your laundry loads.

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8. Electrolux


Electrolux Front Loader Washing Machine

Ratings result

Electrolux was rated four stars for design and features & functionality, with three stars for ease of use, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Electrolux is a Swedish brand, with a number of front loader washing machines available to purchase, although it may not have the range of some other brands. With capacities ranging from 7.5kg to 10kg, Electrolux models also feature an Add Clothes function, Vapour Refresh to minimise wrinkling, and an EcoInverter claimed to help you use less electricity. Certain Electrolux washing machines also come with a Woolmark Certified Woollen cycle, specifically created for handwash-only items, although these functions vary between models.

Many models feature more than 10 washing programs – including quick washes – and with the ability to save your favourite program, while some models also include an extra-large door opening to ensure those larger capacities can fit in more easily, and save you from bending too far down.

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9. Hisense


Hisense Front Loader Washing Machine

Ratings result

Hisense was rated three stars for performance, design, value for money, features & functionality and overall satisfaction, with four stars for ease of use.

Editor’s notes

A Chinese manufacturer known primarily for its range of TVs and fridges, Hisense offers a number of front loader washing machines, although may not offer the range of some other brands available on the market. With capacities ranging from 8.5kg to 10kg, the Series 5 and Series 7 washing machines from Hisense feature a 4.5 star or higher energy rating, along with steam function, quick wash modes and auto dosing.

Some Hisense models also feature ConnectLife compatibility, which allows you to access smart features like energy monitoring via the app and your washing machine. It also includes Smart Wizard, allowing you to specify the load type and dirt level, allowing the machine to select the temperature and water load to help clean your fabrics.

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Other front loader washing machine brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

  • AEG
  • Beko
  • Euromaid

  • Kogan
  • Solt
  • Whirlpool

Front loader washing machine buying guide

The laundry can be one of those things that can quickly get away from us, with the dirty washing pile something that mysteriously seems to grow overnight. But to tackle it, you’ll want something that can handle how much washing your household has, as well as ensure that it doesn’t skyrocket your energy and water bills.

Canstar Blue’s buying guide gives you all the intel on what to consider when buying a front loader washing machine, with plenty of helpful articles to answer additional questions.

How does a front loader washing machine work?

A front load washing machine works by tumbling your clothes – it picks clothes up and drops them into the water in a circular motion. It doesn’t use an agitator or impeller as a top load washing machine would. Instead, it relies on gravity for its tumble action in the drum. This helps to reduce the amount of water used per load as you don’t need clothes to be completely submerged in water. You can still expect a gentle wash despite its tumble action.

Is a front loader or top loader washing machine better?

Determining whether a front loader washing machine or top loader washing machine is better will ultimately come down to the washing needs of your household, the space your laundry has, and how much money you have on you to spend on a new washing machine. Front loaders generally have a larger capacity and can be more energy efficient, but are also larger in size and cost more, meaning those with smaller laundries or smaller washing needs may find top loaders better suited to their needs.

How much do front loader washing machines cost?

Front loader washing machines can cost anywhere between $600 and $5,000 depending on the brand and model, along with how many features and how much capacity each model comes equipped with.

According to Canstar Blue’s latest research, shoppers were spending $757 on average for their front loader washing machine.

How to clean a front loader washing machine

Cleaning your washing machine can seem somewhat ironic, but can be crucial if you want to get the most out of your machine (and ensure your clothes actually come out clean). There’s a number of ways to clean your washing machine, including using home-remedies such as vinegar, along with proper cleaning products, each with its pros and cons for you to consider.

What to consider when buying a front loader washing machine

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to buying a front loader washing machine, with the main points outlined below:

  • Capacity: How much washing you need to get done will play a big part in what machine you get, as there’s not much point in getting a small washing machine when you have a mountain of laundry to do, similarly with getting a large machine when you only have to wash for one or two people. Washing machine capacity generally also correlates with water and energy use, and initial upfront costs too, meaning it’s best to look at how much you’re actually washing to figure out what size machine you need.
  • Efficiency: As something you’ll likely be using a few times a week, it’s important to look at the water and energy efficiency ratings of models to determine how much they’ll cost you on your next utility bills.
  • Features: A washing machine that fits in around your life timetable can be a godsend, with some machines featuring ‘add in’ functionality for when you forget to add that one sock to the wash, or have timers that allow you to start a wash in the middle of the night or on your way home from work (provided you’ve set it up beforehand). Features like this allow the laundry to be a well-oiled machine and ensure you step out looking fresh.
  • Price: As with any purchase, how much of a budget you have to play with will play a big part in what brand and model you walk out the door with, with basic models costing less, while larger machines or those that come with additional functionality coming at a premium.

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past Ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s front loader washing machine ratings:

  • 2022: Miele
  • 2021: Fisher & Paykel
  • 2020: Miele
  • 2019: Miele
  • 2018: Miele
  • 2017: Miele
  • 2016: Miele
  • 2015: Miele
  • 2012: Electrolux
  • 2011: Miele

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