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Best washing machines for large families

We talk you through how to choose a great washer for a large household, plus the models that scored well in expert testing.

large_pile_of_clothes_in_washing_basket_and_washing_machine
Last updated: 02 October 2025

If you have a big family or household, it likely means you spend more time than most doing mountains of laundry. (Lucky you!)

It also means you need a washing machine that's up to the task – one that's not only big enough to cope with the piles of school uniforms, towels, bed sheets or dirty gym gear, but one that's also easy to use, reliable and makes light work of a grubby, stained load.

And there's even more to consider, such as how much your machine will cost to run, and how long that load is actually going to take – we know time is often of the essence!

So if you're on the hunt for a new washing machine that can handle your bottomless loads of laundry, we've rounded up some expert advice.

Plus, for CHOICE members only, we'll reveal the top scoring washing machines for large households.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

What size washing machine do you need?

First up, how big a washing machine does a large family actually need?

Washing machines start at a capacity of around 6kg – this is the dry weight of the load of the washing you can fit into it. But 10kg-plus machines are now commonplace, and you can even find a few with a truly cavernous 18kg capacity!

While size definitely matters, you might not need as much capacity as you think. Most of us only wash about 3.5kg of laundry at a time – about a full laundry basket's worth – irrespective of our washer's capacity.

You might not need as much capacity as you think ... most of us only wash about 3.5kg of laundry at a time

So you might be OK with a smaller washer if you just pack more in it. CHOICE experts recommend that when using the cottons program you can wash as much laundry as you can literally stuff in. Don't worry if you can barely shut the door on a front loader!

But if you are looking at a gargantuan machine, then you should make sure it'll actually fit in your laundry. That will mean different things depending on whether you're buying a top loader or front loader.

"Front loaders are generally a standard size – it's usually the internal drum that is larger – so they'll likely fit into your existing cabinetry. But don't leave it to chance!" says CHOICE laundry expert Denis Gallagher.

"Measure your space carefully – including doorways and halls. There's no point buying a big machine if you can't get it into the house."

Measure your space carefully – there's no point buying a big machine if you can't get it into the house

Denis Gallagher, CHOICE laundry expert

You'll also need to account for a front loader's door. You won't be able to fit a big load in if the door can't open all the way.

"Top loaders can vary considerably in size, so don't assume they'll all fit your current laundry set-up, especially if you're sizing up to a larger-capacity machine," says Denis.

"It's also important to check overhead – are there any cupboards or the like that could get in the way of the lid opening?

"Larger top loaders can also be deeper, so if you're shorter or have any physical restrictions, it can be harder to reach the washing at the bottom of the drum."

Do bigger washing machines cost more to run?

A larger machine will not only cost you more to buy, but will cost you more in both water and energy. So it's important to buy the right size of washing machine for your family, and not go too big – think Goldilocks and go for 'just right'.

It also means that when buying a large machine, it's even more important that you choose one that scores well on water and energy efficiency.

Our washing machine reviews include details such as 10-year running costs, water efficiency, how much water and energy a machine uses per cycle, and more to help you buy better.

Which washing machine brand should you buy?

A number of brands have likely cropped up in your research, including big names such as Samsung, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, LG and Westinghouse. 

Our experts test machines from all of these brands and more, and we certainly find that some are better than others.

We've also gathered data on brand reliability for washing machines over the past six years from CHOICE members and members of the public, taking into account things such as the number of breakdowns, the types of problems owners experience and how satisfied people are with the brand.

We name Australia's best washing machine brand each year based on our test results and on feedback from our members on brands' reliability and owner satisfaction.

Here are the results for 2024.

Best front loader washing machine brand: Miele

And these are the scores for the top five brands:

  1. Miele – 82%
  2. Bosch – 79%
  3. LG – 79%
  4. Samsung – 75%
  5. Westinghouse – 73%

Best top loading washing machine brand: LG

And scores for the top-ranking brands:

  1. LG: 72%
  2. Fisher & Paykel: 70%
  3. Haier: 66%
  4. Samsung: 65%

What is the most reliable washing machine brand?

Along with the CHOICE Best Brand, we also name the most reliable washing machine brand, based on feedback from owners about their machine's reliability.

Here are the results for 2023.

Most reliable washing machine brand: Bosch

And scores for the top-ranking brands:

  • Bosch: 90%
  • LG: 88%
  • Samsung: 87%
  • Miele: 86%

It's important to remember, though, that even good brands sometimes produce poor performers, so you should still check results for individual models in our washing machine reviews.

top loader washing machine with towels

Top loaders can be a better option for a very large and busy household, simply because cycle times are shorter.

What's better: Top-loading or front-loading washing machines?

In general, front loaders deliver better performance, gentleness and water efficiency than top-loading machines.

But their water efficiency comes with a tax of longer cycle times – a full capacity load can take up to several hours.

If you've got multiple loads to do, then time is probably a luxury, so a top loader might be a better option for your situation.

In general, front loaders deliver better performance … but their water efficiency comes with a tax of longer cycle times

With their higher water consumption, top loaders tend to have much faster programs, so you can power through whites, coloureds, delicates and duvets – and get them all on the line with enough daylight to dry thoroughly.

Still prefer a front loader? Just load it the night before and use the delayed start function so it's done at dawn if you've got multiple loads to get through. Then start the second cycle early for the best chance of same-day drying.

Should you consider a washer-dryer combo?

Think a washer-dryer combo is a good option for a full house? Think again.

Two appliances in one is a space saver, but their drying capability isn't suitable for large quantities of laundry.

This is because their drying capacity is typically only half their washing capacity, so if you do a full load of washing, you'll need to take half out and dry it in two lots.

Plus, drying takes ages in these types of machines – up to six and a half hours. You're better off with a stand-alone washer and dryer.

What are the best washing machines for large families?

We independently test and review dozens of new washing machines each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed washing machine testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. 

If you're not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which washing machines are best for big households. Our experts reveal the highest scoring top-loading and front-loading machines for your large family.

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The best front-loading washing machines for large families

lg wv9 1610w

The LG WV9-1610W is the frontrunner for large front-loading washers.

LG WV9-1610W

  • CHOICE Expert Rating: 78%
  • Capacity: 10kg
  • Price: $1299

Not only is this the highest scoring large front loader from our tests, it's also the cheapest of all the large models our experts recommend – so it's great value for great performance.

Long cycle times are one downside for most front loaders, but this one delivers a great wash in a reasonable time frame – just 88 minutes a cycle – making it the fastest recommended machine in our review, if you buy a model that was produced after 23 August, 2024.

Not only is this the highest scoring large front loader from our tests, it's also the cheapest of all the large models our experts recommend

Units produced after this date included software updates to deliver a much faster wash cycle. Units with a serial number starting with 408PNxxxxxxx have this improved cycle time performance.

However, the software update can't be carried out online so if the machine you're looking at was manufactured before this date, it can't be updated and will take longer to carry out a wash load in the default mode.

Read the full LG WV9-1610W review.

lg wv9 1412w

Top of the 12kg washers: the LG WV9-1412W.

LG WV9-1412W

  • CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%
  • Capacity: 12kg
  • Price: $1499

Households of five or six (or more!) people are likely looking at a machine that's 12kg or larger, and this LG model received the top score for its size.

It's also the best of all the large models at removing dirt from your clothes, it delivers excellent rinse performance, and it's water efficient.

This LG model received the top score for its size

Downsides? Its excruciatingly long cycle time: more than 4.5 hours! And it has the highest running costs of all the large machines in our review, so you'll spend more time and money getting your clothes clean.

But if you have plenty of time on your hands, this LG is a winner.

Read the full LG WV9-1412W review.

lg wv10 1412b

This 12kg machine has a large capacity, but also a larger price.

LG WV10-1412B

  • CHOICE Expert Rating: 73%
  • Capacity: 12kg
  • Price: $1699

It's the same size as the machine above, but $200 more expensive. Is it worth the extra? Yes and no.

While it may cost more upfront, it'll cost you $600 less to run over 10 years, so you'll more than recoup your costs there.

And it has a shorter cycle time – but only by 16 minutes. Time is money, but a quarter of an hour isn't really going to make much difference, especially when these two machines have incredibly long cycle times of more than four hours.

It was on par with its 12kg cousin on a number of tests (or just a smidgen behind) for dirt removal, rinse performance and water efficiency, and was similarly rough on clothes, with both machines scoring in the low 60s for gentleness.

It's the same size as the machine above, but $200 more expensive. Is it worth the extra? Yes and no

It does have the edge for spin efficiency, though, so your clothes won't be quite as wet out of the washer which means they'll dry faster. Is that time an important factor? Hard to say.

With its dark grey exterior, it's also better looking – but since most machines are tucked away in the laundry you probably won't get to enjoy it much.

However, if you're looking for a 12kg machine this is a good buy and it's recommended by our experts.

Read the full LG WV10-1412B review.

The best top-loading washing machines for big families

The vast capacity and faster wash programs of many top loaders make them an enticing product for households regularly confronted with huge mounds of laundry.

Just be aware that their washing performance is generally not as good as a front loader, and they use a lot of water, plus they're not as gentle on your clothes.

Our experts only recommend one large-capacity top loader, and it's from LG. We've named LG as Best Brand for top loaders for 2024.

On average, LG top loaders outperform competitor brands by a strong margin in our testing, with seven of the best performing top loaders in our tests coming from LG. And based on feedback from washing machine owners, LG top loaders are the most reliable on the market.

lg wtl9 12b

The top of the tops: This LG is the highest scoring top loader overall.

LG WTL9-12B

  • CHOICE Expert Rating: 73%
  • Capacity: 12kg
  • Price: $1499

This LG is the top scorer of all the top-loading machines in our review, regardless of size.

It has the highest score for dirt removal of all the top loaders in our review, and it's the most water-efficient as well as being one of the quietest.

This LG is the top scorer of all the top-loading machines in our review, regardless of size

It was marked down for not being very gentle on clothes, but that's to be expected with top loaders, and its 90-minute cycle time is the longest of all models in our review.

However, it impressed our experts on every other metric.

Despite its size, it has the lowest running costs of all the top loaders in our test, but at $1499 it's the second-most expensive to buy – but for performance like this, we think it's worth it.

Read the full LG WTL9-12B review.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.