Australia’s top rated washing machines have been revealed, with Fisher & Paykel receiving the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer award for both front loader and top loader washing machines.
The awards, determined by a survey of over 1,300 Australians who have recently purchased a washing machine, saw brands ranked against six categories:
- Overall satisfaction
- Performance
- Features
- Ease of use
- Design
- Value for money
Fisher & Paykel dominated the top loader category, achieving a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every single category – a clean sweep rarely seen in these awards. They also received a top rating of five stars for almost every category in the front loader award, including overall satisfaction, performance, features and functionality, ease of use and design.
The importance of energy star ratings: more stars = more savings
When buying a new washing machine, the star rating labels should form an important part of the decision. These labels, which are mandatory, range from 1 to 6 stars, although some super efficient machines will now even have a second row of stars, up to 10.
The more stars, the more energy efficient the machine is, which means more potential savings on water and energy bills.
While a more efficient model will likely come with a larger price tag, the long-term savings can quickly offset the initial investment.
Here’s an example comparing two 8kg front loader washing machines (with a usage rate of 33.7c/kWh) doing 7 washes per week:
- A 2.5 star machine will cost you $499 to buy, but use 590kWh of energy in a year, which is roughly $199 in energy bills.
- A 5 star machine will cost you $994 to purchase, but uses just 200kWh of energy in a year, which is roughly $67.
- The price difference of $495 between the two machines would be cancelled in less than four years, with the 5 star machine continuing to be a more energy efficient option in the long run.
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| Cost comparison for 5 star vs 2.5 star 8kg front loader | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Energy over 1 year | Cost over 1 year | |
| 5 star | $994 | 200 kWh | $67 |
| 2.5 star | $499 | 590 kWh | $199 |
| Difference | +$495 | -390 kWh | -$132 |
Source: Canstar Blue. Appliance costs sourced from energyrating.gov.au energy rating calculator. Washing machines are 8kg capacity, cold water connection only. Usage rate is 33.7c/kWh, assumes 7 washes per week
Compare cheap energy plans
Choosing an energy efficient washing machine is a good way to save on your electricity bills, but you could potentially find even more savings by switching to a cheaper energy plan.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
The great debate: front loader vs. top loader
While the Canstar Blue survey results suggest that front loader machines are more popular than top loaders, there’s no denying that there are and will always be avid fans of both.
Front loaders tend to lead the charge because they are:
- More compact: often fit neatly under benchtops, ideal for smaller laundries
- More energy efficient: using typically 10% less energy than a front loader
- More water efficient: with less water used per load
- More gentle on clothes: the tumbling action is less abrasive
That said, the top loader’s ability to do a load more quickly, allow items to be added mid-cycle, and fully soak clothes is why plenty of households prefer them.
Hot wash vs. cold wash
While stubborn stains may occasionally demand a hot wash, switching to cold water for most loads still gets the job done, while making some savings.
Heating water accounts for a significant portion of a washing machine’s energy consumption. Choosing a cold wash costs almost one-third of a hot wash, with Canstar Blue research showing it can add up to an annual saving of around $88 for frequent users.
How much do Australians spend on their washing machine?
The Canstar Blue survey revealed the average spend for a new washing machine is $825, with Australians holding on to their machine for an average of nine years before buying a new one.
When buying their machines, Australians consider price the most important factor, followed by brand and then size. Just over half (51%) purchased their machine on sale, with over a third (37%) doing their research online before buying the machine in-store.
Image Source: Pixel-shot/Shutterstock
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