A Washing Machine That Washes

Hello,

I'd like to take upon your wisdom to choose a washing machine. After reading pro and cons about top or front loader, I think I'd like a front loader. Trying to find specs on washing machines is quite challenging as the naming/models, the country of production or even benefits between each of them is quite difficult to gather. It's much easier to pick a TV or a PC …

So far I think Ozbargain likes Bosch, LG and Samsung but would any of them wash whiter than the other? What I need is quite simple: going out without smelling bad nor having stains from whatever food I had. It seems there is quite much more to it as there is quite a diversity of machines and I feel like picking one is like playing roulette. My wallet can take about $800 for a new one and I don't mind the noise, nor do I need it to be pretty, as it will be in the garage.

Thank you for taking the time to read!

I'd be grateful for any recommendation

Edit: I don't actually smell nor have stained clothes, I meant "What I need is quite simple: a washing machine that washes without breaking nor do a poor job"

Comments

  • Make sure you leave the door and soap drawer open when the washing machine is not in use.

    If you leave them closed then the machine will grow mould and your clothes will end up smelling.

  • +1

    Another vote for Bosch.

  • +3

    if your budget allows go for a bosch. else may be lg?

    i would not spend extra for smart features in a washer. go with something that has good length of hassle free warranty. if you like to do big loads go with 8kg or higher.

    i use a lg washer/ dryer combo. 5th year running without any problem.

    • Do you know what model you have? I was looking at the wv7 series

      • Not sure if the model I have is still being sold. It's LG 7.5kg washing / 4kg drying combo. wv7 series is good :)

  • going out without smelling bad

    Try to maximise outdoor drying time. Clothes that dry indoors all the time tend to have a musty smell that's hard to get rid of.

  • +1

    After having used both front loaders and top loaders over a number of decades, I'd never choose a front loader. The only "advantage" they have is they use less water than top loaders. However, even that aspect is a two edged sword. Sometimes the only thing that will do the job is a generous amount of water, which is exactly where top loaders crush front loaders.

    Don't be fooled by gimmicks such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. The ability to set water level and temperature, length of cycle, option for additional soak cycle and a delayed start is sufficient.

    The marketing departments try to convince people that somehow their washing machines have some amazing technology that washes better. It's all marketing spin (pun intended). The basic combination of water and agitation is all that the washing machine does. The detergents and fabrics have a much greater impact on the results.

  • +2

    Increase your budget and go for this one.
    Highly recommended

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/electrolux-eww7524adwa-7-…

  • Chuck it in the wachine…

  • Do people still use top loading machines? Yeah, it takes less time but way too much water. And the technology is like 50 years old.
    Really, manufacturers should make front loaders that wash as quick as top loaders.

    • you'll find it's likely that the time is also inversely proportionate to the water, that's why the eco setting uses less water but takes longer to wash. So eco if you are saving water, but not necessarily electricity.

      Having said that yes I generally agree that unless you are washing for a football team a front loader should be fine

  • +4

    I have a Samsung front loader dryer/washer combo, about 12 years and running.
    5 years ago, it died (spider that rotates the drum broke) and I assumed it was the motor. Samsung said motor is under warranty but not the labour so quoted approx $500 to repair but motor part was free (if it was motor).
    I decided to open the machine and inspect, read a few forums (turns out its a common problem), picked up a second hand part for about $100 and fixed the machine. 5 years on its going strong but I'm sure the spider will break again soon.
    Not sure if I would be happy recommending $1500 machine that breaks in 6-7 years.

    • +2

      I must say THANK YOU for taking the effort/pain to fix it by yourself. It's up to the individual how they interpret your effort but you saved a worthy machine (that required some attention) from being dumped to waste yard. You should be proud of yourself. The planet needs more people like you :) .

  • Honestly, go to appliances online and pick the capacity you want and go for the cheapest there is.

    Here you go https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/product/7kg-front-load-e…

    Don’t waste your money with brands. Use a good detergent and the right wash cycle.

  • +1

    I had an Eletrolux that lasted 9 years, where the fault that killed it was a failed inlet valve. Not too bad for $800 and being used 5-6 times a week.

    • +1

      Got an Asko now. Going on 2 years.

    • Lucky you. Just bought an electrolux less than 3 month ago and this is the worst brand i ever own. The seal came off, clothes are barely wash and even the dryer doesn't dry… and their warranty are as bad as the brand. Now, i have to wait 3 weeks to get someone to look at the washer … and i'm talking about a brand new washing machine. Can't even get a refund from the retailer as i supposed to be "fixed under warranty"…. So, i would recommend people to stay away from this brand.

  • We use LG front loader.

    You need to use the correct wash cycle for the correct items.

    IE, sports clothes work best for with the sports cycle washing, etc.

    Also, try and wash not just colours together, but also fabric type. ie, don't wash your jeans with sports clothes.

  • Miele for Life

  • +1

    Just bought a Kogan 10kg Inverter Front Loader for $539 delivered, it's half the price of any other 10kg I could find. Will let you know how it goes in 5-10 years time but my feeling about washers is that they all work, just get the one that is the right size for you and pay as little as possible

  • Throw some vinegar in!

  • +2

    Definately Miele.

    Spent the big dollars a few years back and still going… Mom and dad have since gone thru an LG and a Samsung, and still didn't have 1600rpm spin and near on silent wash.

    The 2 things that make Miele and Asko is simple. Inner and outer stainless steel drum and cast iron counterweights instead of cheap concrete.

    • +2

      Curious to know if you're suggesting the concrete counterweight will fail before the cast iron.

      • ROTFLMAO.

      • The concrete can crack in transport and later on fail (quite common), it's also more likely to fail in house moves and basically renders the machine useless.
        It's also mounted across the top of the drum, rather than on the front of the drum so has more of a downward rather than a balanced effect.

        • Arh, learnt something new, thanks.

  • +1

    $800 is a budget too small for a Miele unfortunately, otherwise I would recommend one with automatic washing liquid dosage.

    For $800 buy a simpler machine without any bells and whistles from a more expensive producer. It can be with less programs or no indication of time to finish etc, but mechanically same quality. happy shopping!

  • With a front loader, you can build them into your cabinets, or store them under the bench in the laundry. Saves space. That's my choice.

    Top loaders you need top access.

    What do you need more in a washer?

    Better space management or maybe 15mins better washing time?

    • +1

      We have our front loader mounted on a specially built bench. We have a pull out table underneath it. It makes it much easier to put the clothes in to the machine and take them out into the basket. The dryer sits next to it so if we want to use the dryer we drag them out onto the table and scoot it across to put in the dryer.

      • That's an interesting idea.

        Is it half way height to a normal bench, so you don't need to bend down or is it on a normal bench height 900mm?

        • +1

          Let me get back to you when I’m home. I’m 5 ft tall so “normal” is a tad relative.

  • +1

    Any deal you can get on an LG machine and you won’t go too far wrong.

    Also consider Haier. Real up and comer. Or some may say already made it. Depends on who you ask.

    https://www.productreview.com.au/c/front-loading-washing-mac…

    https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/haier-hwf75aw-seri…

    https://www.binglee.com.au/haier-hwf75aw2-7-5kg-front-load-w…

    $529 for 7.5 kilo machine. Great value.

    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/haier-7-5kg-front-load-washi…

    Read HN above for 405 more reviews.

    https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/front-loader-washi…

    • +1

      Thanks, I had a look and I feel like every brand has the same type of issue at some point, I never thought of a Haier and since I don't need any of the "smart" features, I might go for one once EOFY comes around in 2 months

  • Bought a refurbised current model Fischer and Paykel front loader 3-4 years ago and was amazed at how far washing machine technology has advanced. Bear in mind the last machine I know of is at least 15 years old. The new one was practically silent, dry cycle spins up a lot faster and being refurbished it was only $500 (RRP I think was $1500).

  • -1

    Stop chasing trailer trash washing machines. Spend the extra and obtain a superior machine.
    I have a Samsung FL wash and dryer…… fantastic machine.
    But you have to spend the $

    • 'you have to spend the $'

      lemme guess - 'you get what you pay for' ?

      a platitude preferred by dodgy salespeople …

    • I am no expert but a washing machine is basically a drum filled with water that spins at variable speed. Having this technology for so long, it’s surprising that manufacturers haven’t been able to come up with something that doesn’t break every two mornings. I am not against spending money but I don’t think $800 is peanuts concerning this type of appliance. Your logic of spending isn’t flawed but it’s quite a fallacy, spending more doesn’t save you from issues

      What is the model of your machine?

  • Bosch Serie 8 Owner here. Love it, a great machine!

    I find washing will smell if left in the washing machine too long- and that's about it.

    The sooner you remove it and hang it out to dry, the less chance of it smelling once it's dry. It's that simple.

    That being said, if I do leave it in too long, I run it on the 15 min quick wash and chuck in some more anti-bacterial liquid to kill the mildew causing the smell.

    If you're going to bed and want to run it over at night, use the time delay so it starts running early in the morning- not finishing through the night and sitting there for a few hours.

    Ive started giving my washing machine a clean with those pine-o-clean solutions every three months or so too.

  • Fisher and Paykel - Definitely A Washing Machine That Washes. Have been using it regularly for past 5 years and hasn't skipped a beat :)

  • I've got a Hisense front loader, only complaint after 5 years of near daily use is that it's starting to get noisy on a max spin.

    Whatever you decide on, don't use fabric softener. It does nothing to your clothes and gunks up the machine.

    • That'll be the bearings which are basically a death sentence for a machine with a plastic outer drum.

  • I know its off-topic but there seems to be a lot of laundry experts here.`Does anyone know if you can use a clothes dryer on its side?
    You can use it right side up (obviously) and even upside down, but it will only fit where I want it go when it's on its side….
    Help!

    • Appliance repairer here, it will work on its side but I wouldn’t recommend it.

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