Choosing the right washing machine for your household is one of the most important appliance decisions you will make.
Whether it’s helping you get through those piles of muddy kids’ sports uniforms on a Saturday morning or giving you fresh smelling sheets on a Sunday evening, a good washing machine is worth its weight in gold. Because just as a great washing machine can make your life easier, a dysfunctional one is almost guaranteed to ruin your week.
Compared to the increasingly popular front loaders, the humble top loader typically offers more space for larger loads of laundry, easier accessibility and, in many cases, a lower price point as well. Plus, they come with the added benefit of simply being able to lift the lid mid-cycle and pop in that forgotten sock.
So, if it’s time to upgrade your top loader, it’s also time to think about what you want in your new machine. Whether it’s a compact size for a small laundry room, a large capacity for a big family or a specific type of wash cycle, we guarantee there’s a top loader that offers what you’re looking for.
2024’s best top load washing machines
- Haier 8kg Top Load Washer, $688, The Good Guys
- Westinghouse 6kg Top Load Washer, $596, The Good Guys
- Westinghouse 12kg Top Load Washing Machine, $1,321, Appliances Online
The best top-load washing machines to buy in 2024
Haier 8kg Top Load Washer
from $688, The Good Guys
Best for: all-rounder
There’s a reason the Haier 8kg top load washer is one of the most highly-rated washing machines on the market.
With 12 specialised wash cycles including the handy hygienic cycle, an impressive 4 star WELS water rating and a power spin speed of 750rpm, this washing machine is guaranteed to make your laundry routine easier. Plus, with an 8kg capacity, the machine suits almost any household size.
Sizes: 1015mm x 580mm x 590mm
Colours: White
Materials: Durable toughened-glass lid
Key features:
- 8kg capacity
- Soft-close lid
- 12 washing cycles
Available at:
- $703 from Appliances Online
Westinghouse 6kg Top Load Washer
from $596, The Good Guys
Best for: compact laundry rooms, small households
A small laundry room doesn’t mean compromising on a powerful washing machine.
This 6kg Westinghouse Top Load Washer offers 12 specialised wash cycles including a gentle wash, an auto water level sensor and a good 3.5 star WELS water rating. Plus, the machine’s safety glass lid and durable build will see it last through the years.
Sizes: 975mm x 575mm x 640mm
Colours: White/Black
Materials: Premium safety glass lid
Key features:
- 6kg capacity
- Delay end option
- Gentle drum
Available at:
- $602 from Appliances Online
- $599 from Bing Lee
Westinghouse 12kg Top Load Washing Machine
from $1,321, Appliances Online
Best for: large laundry rooms, families
Large households will appreciate the increased capacity and power of the Westinghouse 12kg Top Load Washing Machine. With a child-safe lid, auto-water level sensor and convenient delay end function, this is the ultimate family washing machine.
Sizes: 1095 mm x 670 mm x 720 mm
Colours: White/Black
Materials: Galvanised Steel
Key features:
- 12kg capacity
- Delay end function
- Auto water level sensor
Available at:
- $1,299 from Bing Lee
Kogan 8kg Top Load Washing Machine
from $369, Kogan
Best for: affordability
If you’re looking for a washing machine for under $400, this Kogan 8kg Top Load Washing Machine is a great choice.
With a decent 3.5 star water rating, delayed start setting and 8 wash programs, this machine comes with many of the features of a more expensive washing machine without the high price.
Sizes: 556mm × 566mm × 922mm
Colours: White/Grey
Key features:
- 8kg capacity
- Delay start function
- 8 washing programs
LG Series 5 10kg Top Load Washing Machine
$1,058, Appliances Online
Best for: smart homes
With its clever ThinQ smart control features, the LG Series 5 can be operated remotely, making it the perfect choice for tech-savvy homeowners.
The washing machine also comes with six optimised washing cycles, including a healthy allergy care cycle to reduce exposure to common household allergens.
Sizes: 1040 mm x 632 mm x 670 mm
Colours: White
Key features:
- 10kg capacity
- LG ThinQ smart control
- Six washing programs
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washing Machine
$1,118, Appliances Online
Best for: health and hygiene
With the UV Sanitise wash option, the Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washing Machine is the ideal choice for those wanting to take bacteria elimination to the next level.
The washing machine also features a robust glass lid, smart auto load sensing and cycles to suit every type of load and fabric.
Sizes: 1095 mm x 640 mm x 650 mm
Colours: White/Grey
Key features:
- 10kg capacity
- UV sanitise wash option
- Auto load sensing
Top loader vs front loader washing machines
When it comes to deciding between a top load or front load washing machine, there’s not one right choice – but there might be a right choice for you.
While front loaders have become increasingly popular in recent years, the reliable top loader washing machine may be better suited to your household.
The pros of a top loader washing machine
- Accessibility: Top load washing machines are taller than front loaders, requiring less bending and physical strain when loading and unloading the machine.
- Faster cycles: Top loaders typically offer faster cycles, which may suit families and households who need to do multiple different loads of washing a day.
- No lid lock: Most top load washing machines will allow you to pause the cycle and add another item mid-wash, which is perfect for when you have forgotten to add a sock.
- Weight: Top loaders are often lighter than front load washing machines, which may suit renters who need to regularly move their machine.
- Capacity: With many top loaders offering a capacity of more than 10kg, you’re going to get through more of your washing.
The cons of a top loader washing machine
- Energy efficiency: Top loader washing machines are often less energy efficient than front loaders, so you have to be careful about the model you choose.
- Noise level: Top loaders are typically a little noisier than front loaders due to their design.
- Space requirements: Generally top loaders are larger than front loaders, making them harder to squeeze into a small laundry.
How to clean a top loader washing machine
Experts recommend that your top loader should be cleaned at least twice a year, and there are a few ways to do this effectively.
The easiest way is to run the machine on a long hot cycle. While you can do this without adding any products, you can add vinegar and bicarb soda if you prefer.
“Add two cups of white vinegar to your machine’s detergent compartment. Mix a quarter cup of baking soda with water and add it to the drum and gasket,” said Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, in a recommendation to Home Beautiful.
After you have run the machine on its longest and hottest cycle, you can remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers (if they are removable) and wash them in hot, soapy water.
You shouldn’t forget to clean the lint filter, which may be located on the central agitator or behind a hatch in the drum. To do this, simply remove the filter from the machine and clean it with hot, soapy water.
You might also like to wipe down the outside of the machine with a microfibre cloth to finish the job.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
