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.
On this page:
- What size washing machine do you need?
- Do bigger washing machines cost more to run?
- Which washing machine brand should you buy?
- What is the most reliable washing machine brand?
- What's better: Top-loading or front-loading washing machines?
- Should you consider a washer-dryer combo?
What size washing machine do you need?
First up, how big a washing machine does a large family actually need?
Washing machines start at around a capacity of 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, 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 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:
- Miele – 82%
- Bosch – 79%
- LG – 79%
- Samsung – 75%
- Westinghouse – 73%
Best top loading washing machine brand: LG
And scores for the top-ranking brands:
- LG: 72%
- Fisher & Paykel: 70%
- Haier: 66%
- Samsung: 65%
Top loaders can be a better option for a very large and busy household, simply because cycle times are shorter.
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.
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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