Front Loader Washing Machine Recommendation

Lmystershopper23 on 23/02/2025 - 23:12
Last edited 23/02/2025 - 23:25

I’m looking to buy a new 8.5kg front-load washing machine and have narrowed it down to four options:

LG WV5-1208W - 2 year warranty
CHiQ WFL85PL48G1 – 5-year warranty
Haier HWF85AN1 – 2-year warranty
Hisense HWF3S8514 – 3-year warranty

I recently bought a second-hand CHiQ washer, and it stopped working after 9 months, so I want to make sure I pick a reliable brand this time.
If you own any of these models (or similar ones from these brands), I’d love to hear your thoughts!

How’s the performance? (Cleaning quality, noise level, water usage, etc.)
Any issues or breakdowns?
Customer service experience?
Would you buy it again?
I appreciate any feedback—thanks in advance!

Electrical & Electronics Washing Machine

Comments

  • Drakesy on 23/02/2025 - 23:19
    +2

    Get a front loader,
    better on your clothes and IMHO provides a better wash

    • mystershopper23 on 23/02/2025 - 23:26

      Opps sorry, I actually meant front loader but somehow mixed up in the title. Thanks.

  • soan papdi on 23/02/2025 - 23:32
    +7

    Bosch

    • mystershopper23 on 23/02/2025 - 23:35

      Tbh I have read good things about the brand but it's out of my budget.

      • JimmyF on 24/02/2025 - 09:08
        +1

        The cheapest Bosch is $800, your budget is $600?

    • Kelpei on 24/02/2025 - 15:45

      Agree, I've had my Polish made Bosch front loader for nearly 4 years. I bought it used, it must have been about 3 or 4 years old at the time.

    • Aldonis on 24/02/2025 - 16:30
      +1

      I have a Bosch that had the board die just outside the warranty period. Bosch honored the warranty and had it repaired free of charge so they get my reccommendation

  • altomic on 24/02/2025 - 00:20

    my current machine is a haier. had it for 5 years. hasn't skipped a beat.
    previous machine was an LG lasted 15 years - main board died

    either haier or LG.

    what happened with the ChiQ?

    • mystershopper23 on 24/02/2025 - 00:32

      Cool, thanks for the insights!

      Giving me an error 'EC' I tried troubleshooting but I guess the motherboard is having issues.

      • Darayus on 24/02/2025 - 09:29
        +1

        Chiq is 5 years warranty. initiate warranty claims and get if fixed.

        • mystershopper23 on 24/02/2025 - 09:43

          I bought it second hand off marketplace not sure if they gonna ask a receipt but no harm in trying.

          • altomic on 25/02/2025 - 16:27

            @mystershopper23: EC error = water flow error.
            I'm assuming its not filling with water- yes.
            2 potential fixes -
            1- Detach the hose from the back and remove the little plastic filter from the valve, reattach hose and see if it works.
            2- the valve is stuck closed. Refer to youtube clips about trouble shooting this issue. Too much detail to type. Maybe a new inlet valve is required. ~$10 on ebay.

  • skid on 24/02/2025 - 08:56
    +1

    Have the LG WV5-1208W and it has been running for over 2 years with no problem.

    It is quiet, cleans well, doesn't use a lot of water nor power. It is slimline as well so takes up less floor space.

    Haven't needed LG support yet as it has been reliable.

    Yes, would buy it again (owned LG before this one too). It is good value for money.

  • onetwothreefour on 24/02/2025 - 10:16

    I have a Samsung which I have had for about 9 years now. It has had a number of problems but Samsung have been good at fixing them even outside of warranty.

  • 82norm on 24/02/2025 - 10:55
    +3

    Bosch series 8 or whatever it is now. Never misses a beat, avg 7 full loads a week and just works.

    • Protractor on 24/02/2025 - 11:22
      +1

      I feel the same way about our F & P Washsmart 8.5KG machine. Flawless,reliable and so user friendly. Been going gangbusters for years.7 or 8? I forget. If and when it dies will get the latest equivalent. I would not even have the 4 choices here on my list.I'd save some more cash and up my aspirations.Fridges and WM are the sort of thing you want to buy and move on . Stick to the better stuff from the getgo.

      • mystershopper23 on 24/02/2025 - 11:52
        +1

        I'd love to have a Bosch too but given my budget at the moment and urgent need, I have narrowed down to Haier or LG.

        • Protractor on 24/02/2025 - 11:54
          +1

          If you really want a Bosch,or other better brand, see if you can scrounge a good deal or 4 x payment option.?

  • eek on 24/02/2025 - 14:23

    I've owned the 10kg version of that LG washer for a couple of years now. Have 2 boys since birth and its handled a lot of dirt/vomit/poo etc. Excellent machine. Can recommend. Cleans better than my old F&P front loader. Pretty quiet, doesn't use much power or water.

    Had one 'service call out' when I thought it was leaking but someone had just added too much detergent in it. Service department was an overseas call center (Philippines guessing by their accent). Sent a person out next working day to inspect. Technician was good, friendly and say these don't break down too often. Parts are usually readily available or up to a week away. It's quiet, has a wifi app to monitor it, change settings, wash cycles etc

    • heal on 24/02/2025 - 21:30

      My wife has never wanted a front loader but since she hasn't touched the washing machine in years (I'm not complaining) I'm going to get a front loader. Because of the comments here, I think I'll get a Bosch and go for the WGB25600AU. A couple of q's…
      1. How does the wifi work? Is it a notification that the load is complete or is there other functions. I like the idea of wifi as I can't hear the washing machine from the lounge room.
      2. Can you stack a dryer on top and if so do you buy a stacking kit?

      • eek on 25/02/2025 - 10:23

        I wanted a Bosch one initially however we were still in the midst of COVID and was 8-10 weeks away and I couldn't be bothered driving to a laundromat every day with two very young kids at the time and mountains of laundry so went with the LG which was available for next day delivery. Has a decent warranty and longer warranty on that direct drive motor which is very smooth and quiet.

        1. Wifi allows you to turn on and off the machine. View in detail what each setting/wash cycle is and what it does. Can download and load custom programs onto the machine for you to use, remote on/off, set timer…but you still need to load and unload the machine in person :P Yes gives notifications on when cycle is finished. Also has onboard diagnostics, firmware updates.

        2. I think you should be able to stack a dryer on top. Probably a proprietary LG bracket and LG dryer? Note some heat pump condenser type dryers are really heavy and might not be suitable. I don't have one stacked on top- mine lives in under my bench. Download and check the user manual to see if it can be stacked.

        • heal on 25/02/2025 - 21:45

          but you still need to load and unload the machine in person :P

          Haha, I have kids for that. Thanks for the reply, I reckon I will just get one and see later if it stacks on top. Have the dryer wall mounted anyway above the top loader so no biggie if it doesn't stack.

  • miwahni on 24/02/2025 - 21:35
    +1

    I have no idea of the model number of my LG but I bought it in 2008 and it's still going strong. Touch wood I've had no problems with it so far. Would definitely buy again.

  • petestrash on 27/02/2025 - 01:16

    I had a 8kg Samsung for 15 years without skipping a beat, until it did a few weeks ago.

    I looked at 10kg machines (just missed out on stock of the 10kg Electrolux on here)

    I checked reviews on product review, these are obviously biased towards people who have had problems with their appliances, but it does show how well the manufacturers honoured their warranties and how quick the machines were fixed. I was surprised at how poor Hisense and LG appear to perform in laundry appliances.

    In the end I bought a 9kg Samsung WW90T504DAW for $643.15 from Retravision.

    I've only had it for 3 weeks. But happy enough so far.

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