CHOICE's Whitegoods Team Lead, Matthew Steen, explains why part loads provide a more accurate indication of machine performance.
A washing machine is a big investment
Our report will save you money for years to come and goes beyond the sales hype to reveal:
- Which of the cheaper models perform best.
- How to save hundreds of dollars on running costs every year.
- Which brands need the least repairs.
Choose the right type of washing machine
Use this report to decide:
- Whether a front loader or top loader is best for you.
- What optional features you need and what you can do without.
Models Tested
# Asko W6444
Asko W6884
Bosch WAE20262AU/01
Bosch WAE22462AU
Bosch WAS24460AU
Electrolux EWF10831
# Electrolux EWF12821
Electrolux EWF14811
Fisher and Paykel MW513
Fisher and Paykel WA70T60FW1
Fisher and Paykel WA70T60GW1
Fisher and Paykel WH60F60W
Hoover VHD8144D
LG WD14030D6
# LG WD14060D6
LG WT-H550
Miele W1913
Miele W5741
Miele W5835
Miele W5903
Panasonic NA-140VG3
# Samsung SW65V9W
Samsung SW70SP
Samsung WF0754W7V
Simpson SWT 554
Simpson SWT704
# Simpson SWT801
Whirlpool 6AWTW5700XWO
Whirlpool WFS1055CD
Whirlpool WFS1274CD
# Newly tested models.
Note: We regularly test washing machines and add them to our existing list of tested models. We have left currently available machines in our full load comparison table as well. These will be depleted over time as models become discontinued as we've ceased testing on full load - some may be repurchased and tested on part load. You can check previously tested models in our discontinued models list.
CHOICE independence is guaranteed
These independent ratings are only available through membership with CHOICE Online because no one tests products like we do. Arm yourself with our unique and exclusive information and make your next purchase with confidence.
How we test
How do we choose the models we test?
We get details from manufacturers about their models, then use marketing information listing the most popular sellers to help us make our selection. Most of our washing machine tests are also done for our sister organisation in New Zealand, so models that are available in both countries are often chosen. Our buyers then go out to stores and buy them as you would.
How do choose the program you run to test the machine?
Over the years we've received many responses to our product use surveys that our members return - these ask what programs you use. Because of this feedback from you, CHOICE use a set of criteria which is generally a normal, cold wash. When this doesn't exist on a machine, we use the closest approximation to a normal, cold wash. Because of this selection, you'll sometimes see differences between what the energy label says on the machine and our results. This is because manufacturers try to get as good an energy and water label as possible, because the more stars they have, the better the chance a consumer will buy at point of sale. Unfortunately often this means the program the manufacturer selects is not what consumers will choose at home.
How do you test washing machines – do you just bring in your dirty laundry?
Down in the lab our testers subject all washing machines to the same round of rigorous scientific tests. First, using a normal cold-water wash cycle, they test each machine to see how it shifts tough stains from specially prepared cloths that have been attached to a standard wash-set of linen. After the wash cycle has finished the testers use a special machine to examine each cloth to see how much light is reflected from each stain, which allows them to calculate how much dirt has been removed. This machine is more sensitive than the human eye: differences in the dirt removal scores of 6% or more are visible.
What makes up the overall score?
- Dirt removal 40%
- Rinse performance 20%
- Water efficiency 15%
- Spin efficiency 10%
- Gentleness 15%
As the majority of Australians wash in cold water, we apply a small penalty in our overall score to models that can’t do a proper cold wash (at around 20ºC) on their ‘normal’ cycle. While the higher wash temperature might slightly increase a machine’s scores for dirt removal and rinse effectiveness, it also means it’s using more electricity than it would if it were able to do a true ‘cold’ wash: our penalty compensates for this.
What we measure
- Rinse performance This is a measure of how well the machines keep the dirt suspended in the water rather than depositing it back on the clothes, and how well they rinse out the detergent — our testers add a marker chemical to the wash. At the end, they take a sample of the water remaining in the clothes to determine the amount of chemical that’s left — the less there is, the better the rinse.
- Water efficiency Water flow meters are connected to each machine to measure water use. To compare efficiency between different-sized machines, we calculate the amount of water used per kilogram of the test load of washing. The lower the water consumption per kilogram of clothing, the higher the efficiency score.
- Spin efficiency The test load is weighed before and after each wash. The higher the score, the more water is removed, which means the washing takes less time (and energy, if you use a dryer) to dry. We use the maximum spin speed (some machines let you vary the speed).
- Gentleness To check for fabric wear, we attach swatches of easily frayed fabric to the garments in each load. The area of the swatch is measured before and after the wash – the less fraying, the gentler the machine is assessed to be and the higher the score it’s given.
- Noise levels The maximum noise level is recorded during the spin cycle and is measured one metre away from the machine and one metre above the ground. Typically, the noise level of these machines is similar to that of a normal conversation (around 65 dB). It’s not an absolute noise measurement – the acoustics of your home will determine exactly how a machine sounds in use – but it’s a good comparative measure.
- Energy efficiency According to 2008 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 74% of Australians use cold water in their washing machines, and CHOICE’s own 2006 survey similarly found that 55% of subscribers use a cold-wash program in their homes. So we test at cold to better reflect consumer habits.
- A major effect of washing in cold water is that the machines use a lot less energy, as they don’t have to heat the water (or your hot water system doesn’t have to do it for them). So energy efficiency is no longer considered in the overall score.
- Durability Durability testing is a very long and costly process, so by the time we get results for a model, it probably won’t be on the market any more. Instead, we ask our readers whether they’ve had any problems with their washer, and whether they’d buy the same brand again. To see which brands fared best, go to the appliance reliability section of this report.
How do you estimate the running costs?
This is an estimate of how much it’ll cost you over 10 years (the average life of a washing machine) for water and electricity, if you wash the equivalent of one load every day using a normal cycle. The calculations are based on 22 cents per kWh for electricity and $1.50 per 1000 L for water. For simplicity we’ve excluded depreciation and interest costs (if you borrow to buy the machine), as well as the cost of detergent – people use different amounts and the price varies considerably between brands.
What’s a ‘recommended retail price’?
This is supplied by the manufacturer and is what they recommend stores charge. You can often get a better price than this by shopping around or using CHOICE Shopper.
