Buying the wrong washer can really cost you down the track – in electricity and water use as well as service calls and mangled clothes. With a market that's vast and getting vaster, we look past the spin and get right down to which washers clean the best and cost you the least in the long run.
Washing machines
Washing machines
We look past the spin and get right down to which washers clean the best and cost you the least in the long run.
Review and compare
                                    
                                        
                                        Washing machine reviews
                                    
                                    We test both front and top loading washing machines in the CHOICE labs, including models from Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Miele, Samsung and Simpson, to find out which models deliver the best washing performance.
                                
                                
                                    
                                        
                                        Washer dryer combo reviews
                                    
                                    We test washer dryer combos in the CHOICE labs including models from Bosch, Electrolux, LG, Samsung and Miele.
                                
                        Buying guides
                                    
                                        
                                        What to know before buying a washing machine
                                        
                                    
                                    Our expert guide on front loaders, top loaders, key features, energy use and other essential info.
                                
                        Articles
                                            
                                                
                                                Should you use the eco mode on your kitchen and laundry appliances? 
                                            
                                            It will save water and electricity (and therefore, money!), but will the eco function on your washer give good results? 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                The best top-loader washing machines on a budget  
                                            
                                            These top-loaders topped our tests: They'll blitz your washing but not your wallet. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                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. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Washing machines to avoid buying 
                                            
                                            Need a new machine? Avoid these washed-up top loaders and front loaders that rated lowest in our lab tests.  
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                The best front loader washing machines under $1500 
                                            
                                            These energy-efficient machines will clean your clothes without cleaning out your wallet. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                10 washing machine mistakes you probably don't even know you're making 
                                            
                                            Lift your laundry game and save money, energy and water. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                6 key lessons from our latest washing machine lab tests 
                                            
                                            These expert insights will help you dodge the duds and find the best performer for the best price. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Things you didn't know you could put in the washing machine (and things you can't) 
                                            
                                            Let your washer do the work on these common household items. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to cut your laundry costs by more than $1100 a year 
                                            
                                            These simple tricks will save you money on electricity, water, detergent and more.  
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                The new rule that could change how you do your laundry 
                                            
                                            Incidents involving children becoming stuck in washing machines are sparking change. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How we test washing machines 
                                            
                                            The rigorous lab testing that helps you find the best washer for your laundry.  
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                5 things you should know about front loader washing machines 
                                            
                                            Front loaders come with plenty of pros and some cons – here's what you need to know if you're buying a new washer. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Which type of washing machine uses up to 70% less water? 
                                            
                                            We share the most water-efficient washers. Plus, how to save money on your laundry costs. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Are washer dryer combos any good? 
                                            
                                            Are combination washer dryers a great two-for-one, or are they double-trouble? We find out. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                The  most efficient washing machines 
                                            
                                            How to choose the best performing washing machine that's better for the planet and your wallet. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Why does my washing machine smell so bad?  
                                            
                                            Neglecting these laundry jobs can have some pretty gross side effects – and cost you more money.   
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                A guide to finding an accessible washing machine 
                                            
                                            What to know when choosing an accessible washing machine for people living with disability, an injury or low vision. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to do your laundry during a pandemic 
                                            
                                            Here's how to do your washing to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other viruses. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How do washing machine star ratings work? 
                                            
                                            We investigate the system and explain why ratings for energy and water use rarely tell the whole story. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                A guide to using washing machine greywater 
                                            
                                            Recycle the run-off after washing your clothes. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to clean shoes in a washing machine 
                                            
                                            Want to make your shoes all sparkly and clean again? Here's how... 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to clean your washing machine 
                                            
                                            Save money and fix common washing machine faults like a pro. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How long are washing machine cycle times? 
                                            
                                            We explain common washing machine cycle times and how you can save time and money in the laundry. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Do you really need a larger washing machine? 
                                            
                                            Manufacturers are continuing to push the limits of their appliance capacity, but most people aren't washing full loads as it is. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Auto-dosing washing machines – are they worth it?  
                                            
                                            We compare automatic detergent dosing systems with regular laundry detergent for cost and performance. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Should you buy a top loading washing machine? 
                                            
                                            We look at whether they're a top choice, or scraping the bottom of the barrel. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Front loading washers – what are they and should you buy one? 
                                            
                                            We outline the pros and cons to help you figure out which type of washing machine makes sense for your household. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Should you buy a Kmart washing machine? 
                                            
                                            The budget retailer offers a range of cut-price washing machines. Here’s what you need to know. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                5 ways to make your washing machine last longer 
                                            
                                            Ensure your washer doesn’t meet its maker anytime soon. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                6 signs it's time for a new washing machine 
                                            
                                            Watch out for these clues that your machine is about to give up the ghost. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to install a washing machine 
                                            
                                            Putting in a new washing machine can be a straightforward process – just follow these steps. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to stop a washing machine from moving 
                                            
                                            We'll help you make sure your machine doesn't walk right out the door. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to safely move a washing machine 
                                            
                                            Our expert tips will help the process go smoothly when you eventually move house. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Samsung washing machine recall 
                                            
                                            The dodgy machines sold between 2010 and 2013 caused hundreds of fires and fire-related incidents in Australian homes.  
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                5 things CHOICE's laundry expert would never do 
                                            
                                            Ashley Iredale explains why he never uses fabric softener and isn't a fan of top loaders. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Water-wasting washing machines to avoid 
                                            
                                            These thirsty models from Kmart Anko, Fisher & Paykel and Simpson scored lowest for water efficiency. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to give your laundry routine an eco-friendly makeover 
                                            
                                            Make sure your appliances and cleaning products are tough on stains, but easy on the planet. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Ask the expert about washing machines 
                                            
                                            Our experts answer reader questions. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Laundry fact or fiction? 
                                            
                                            We bust some common myths about doing your laundry. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Splurge vs save: Cheaper washing machines that rival more expensive models 
                                            
                                            We compare expensive and affordable top loaders and front loaders to help you choose the best. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Clothes washing symbols explained 
                                            
                                            Your guide to interpreting laundry care symbols so you can take better care of your clothes. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How to keep your towels soft and fluffy 
                                            
                                            Our laundry experts give top tips for how to get that plush hotel feel back into your towels. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                Samsung shocker: The washing machine that scored 0% for water efficiency 
                                            
                                            This top loader is one of the least water-efficient washing machines we've ever tested. 
                                        
                                    
                                            
                                                
                                                How much can you save by choosing a water-efficient washing machine? 
                                            
                                            Spending a little more upfront can actually save you water and money over time. 
                                        
                                    Related
How to buy a great clothes dryer
Are you a budding dryer buyer? We show you how to choose the right one for your needs.
What to know before buying a washing machine
Our expert guide on front loaders, top loaders, key features, energy use and other essential info.
Vacuum cleaner reviews
We test the latest full-size vacuum cleaners in the CHOICE labs, including models from Dyson, Electrolux, Miele and more to find the best performers.