7 top loader washing machines that make laundry day a breeze
Don’t break the budget with this popular washing machine that’s “perfect for small families and homes with limited space”.
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While many shoppers seem to be switching to front load washing machines for their water and energy efficiency, top loaders still hold plenty of appeal for those looking to shorten their wash cycles or keep to a budget.
Where front loaders typically have hour long wash cycles, top loaders get the job done in roughly 20-40 minutes, helping to free up your time and get your clothes cleaned quickly.
Top loaders are also incredibly straightforward by design, making them a great choice for renters and first homeowners, as well as for busy families.
RELATED: Best front loaders to buy in 2024
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With so many models on the market though, it can be difficult to find the best one for your needs.
That’s why’ve narrowed down several top-rated washers to suit different budgets and washing needs. One of our top budget friendly picks right now is the Solt 5.5kg Top Load Washer. Priced at just $399, this compact laundry staple has been dubbed by shoppers as the “perfect” size for small families and homes with limited space.
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TOP PICKS
In this article
- What is the difference between an agitator and impeller?
- What to look for in a top load washing machine?
BEST OVERALL TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE
Haier 10kg Top Load Washer (HWT10ANB1), $899, The Good Guys
• Water efficiency rating: four stars
• Energy efficiency rating: 4.5 stars
• Agitator or impeller: impeller
What you should know
This Haier washing machine might be the Cinderella of top loaders. Not only is it one of the most affordable models with a large 10kg capacity, but it also boasts good efficiency star ratings (which is handy for keeping your running costs low).
The appliance additionally uses a Direct Motor technology to minimise noise, while the lack of an agitator helps make loading bulky bedding easy since there isn’t a pole in the middle of the machine.
Other features include 12 wash cycles, four water levels, four spin speeds and three wash temperatures.
“It’s so much less bulky than my previous 6kg top loader washer but still (has a) larger capacity (10kg). I love that it doesn’t have (an) agitator, which makes washing larger items much easier. Simple to use and the black model looks very stylish,” raved a reviewer.
“Great value for money, too. Highly recommend.”
BEST VALUE TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINES
Solt 5.5kg Top Load Washer (GGSTLW55B), $399, The Good Guys
Solt 5.5kg Top Load Washer GGSTLW55B
• Water efficiency rating: three stars
• Energy efficiency rating: two stars
• Agitator or impeller: impeller
What you should know
Solt offers some of the most affordable appliances on the market and this 5.5kg top load washing machine is no exception. It comes eight wash cycles and a convenient Fast Clean System that can be used with the Jeans, Normal, Mix, Soft and Strong programs. You can also expect many of the same features found in pricier models, such as a drum clean function, delay start, multiple rinse options, LED display and an automatic unbalanced detection system.
“(I) have limited space so a top load machine was my only option. This machine is great value for money and having a delivery team set up new machine (to) take away old the machine and all packaging was an advantage,” praised a shopper.
“This machine works well. (It) was super easy to install (and) perfect size for my family of four,” another reviewed.
InAlto 5.5kg Top Load Washer (ITLW55W), $399, Bing Lee
LG 6.5kg Top Load Washer WTG6520
• Water efficiency rating: three stars
• Energy efficiency rating: two stars
• Agitator or impeller: impeller
What you should know
Another small capacity budget friendly capacity top loader worth checking out is this InAlto washer. It features seven wash programs plus a delay start function so you can tailor your cycle to suit your schedule. There’s also an intelligent Fuzzy Logic setting that will automatically choose the settings for you, similar to pricier models with auto load sensing capabilities.
“I live in a small apartment with a very small laundry closet and this little beauty fits in perfectly. Didn’t take me long to figure out how to program the sort of wash I needed for my loads. It is very powerful and my clothes come out smelling fresh, clean and lightly damp after the spin cycle gives them a good airing out,” a reviewer posted, rating it five stars.
“Amazing and impressed. Highly recommend it.”
“Great little washing machine for the price – it’s well worth purchasing. Better than I expected and also was surprised by the lint catcher which I didn't know about. First time I have bought this brand and I am happy with it,” agreed another.
ChiQ 8kg Top Load Washer (WTL79B), $599 at The Good Guys
• Water efficiency rating: three stars
• Energy efficiency rating: two stars
• Agitator or impeller: impeller
What you should know
For a relatively affordable top load washing machine with a medium capacity, ChiQ is a popular budget brand worth checking out. This compact unit boasts a one-touch M-Smart wash cycle, which weighs your load and automatically adjusts the washing time and temperature settings to minimise any unnecessary water and energy usage. You can also schedule your cycle thanks to the 24-hour delay start, allowing you to avoid peak hours or choose a more convenient time to do your washing.
“Love this machine, excellent value for the price. As a lesser known brand I was a little sceptical, but after purchasing it I would highly recommend buying,” a customer commented, rating it five stars.
BEST SMALL CAPACITY WASHING MACHINE
LG 6.5kg Top Load Washer with Smart Inverter Control (WTG6520), $599, The Good Guys
LG 6.5kg Top Load Washer WTG6520
• Water efficiency rating: three stars
• Energy efficiency rating: 2.5 stars
• Agitator or impeller: impeller
What you should know
This LG top load washing machine has switched out the agitator for an inverter control motor that moves the water in a way that mimics hand washing, giving you ample space for your load. For extra stubborn stains, you can hit the Pre Wash+Cotton cycle to give your garments an extra soak and scrub.
This LG washer is also compatible with the LG ThinQ app, which lets you ‘connect’ the machine to your smartphone to most issues without having to call a professional.
“I replaced our Fisher & Paykel of 22 years with this LG and so far I am happy with it. I like that it has no agitator and I also like the many choices of cycles,” a customer posted on The Good Guys website.
“Easy to operate. The spin cycle is much better than my previous washer,” another commented.
BEST MEDIUM TO LARGE CAPACITY WASHING MACHINE
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer (WL1064G1), $1199, The Good Guys
• Water efficiency rating: four stars
• Energy efficiency rating: 4.5 stars
• Agitator or impeller: Low profile agitator
What you should know
For those worried about the wear and tear an agitator will have on your clothes, this Fisher & Paykel top loader contains a pillow drum design for gentle treatment and a low profile agitator to reduce tangling. When it comes to cleaning, the model features 14 wash cycles, auto load sensing, and a Sanitise wash option that uses UV light to help get rid of 99.9 per cent of bacteria. There’s also a bionic lint filter to prevent lint, fibres and other debris going back into the water.
“This is a fantastic washer. The 10kg size is incredible and you can fit double the amount to my smaller one in,” praised a reviewer, rating it five stars.
“It’s surprisingly quiet, efficient and washes the clothes really well. The Wi-Fi function is really handy. To be able to remotely operate (the machine) is great knowing you can come home and your clothes haven’t been sitting in the washer too long. It (also doesn’t have) a huge agitator so you get the convenience of space like a front loader.
“All in all, I love this washer. I’ve always had Fisher & Paykel top load washers and never had a problem.”
LG 9kg Top Load Washing Machine with AI DD (WTL3-09G), $999, The Good Guys
• Water efficiency rating: three stars
• Energy efficiency rating: four stars
• Agitator or impeller: Impeller
What you should know
For a medium to large size washing machine that has enough capacity for family size loads and comfortably fit bulky items like doona covers and other bedding, take a look this LG top loader. It packs plenty of customisability with 10 water levels, five rinse and spin speed options, three temperature setting and seven wash programs. There’s also a delay start function, which lets you plan ahead between three and 19 hours for serious convenience.
Similar to other LG models, this unit comes with an AI Wash cycle which automatically picks the ‘optimal’ wash setting automatically based on the weight and fabric type detected. The machine also contains horizonal and vertical dampers that work with the sensors to keep noise to a minimum.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AGITATOR AND IMPELLER WASHERS?
Top load washing machines either have an agitator or an impeller, here are the differences between the two:
WASHING MACHINES WITH AN AGITATOR
Washing machines with an agitator have a finned or vaned column in the middle of the machine that twists back and forth, rubbing the garments together to break down dirt and stains to ensure a thorough clean. This is designed to reduce tangling and ideal for heavy duty loads, such as bulky bedding and heavily soiled items.
Keep in mind that some top loaders have a pulsator, which is essentially a low-profile agitator that’s more gentle than the full-size version.
WASHING MACHINES WITH AN IMPELLER
Washers with an impeller similarly use friction to clean clothes, but have a low-profile cone or disc at the bottom of the tub. These actually look similar to low-profile agitators but are less ‘aggressive’ on garments since they use less motion and water. The lack of a post also makes loading super easy since there’s more space.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE
If you’re set on purchasing a top load washer, here are some things to consider before you buy:
• Agitator or impeller: This is all about personal preference. Keep in mind that while some claim agitators can be too rough on clothes, causing faster wear and tear, new models will usually have technology to improve garment care (just like how top loaders with impellers have special cycles for extra dirty garments).
• Energy and water efficiency star ratings: Similar to fridges, dishwashers and other appliances, washing machines are given a star rating to indicate how efficient that product is compared to other models with the same capacity.
The more stars a top loader has, the less energy and water it will use (and the cheaper it will be to run).
• Capacity: This refers to the amount of dry laundry you can load into a machine. While it can be tempting to purchase a slightly larger size than you need ‘just in case,’ the wasted energy cost of running a half-empty machine generally won’t be worth it. Single or couples typically need around 5.5kg, while 7-8kg models are fine for households with three or four people.
• Wash programs: Top loaders generally have fewer bells and whistles than front loaders, so it’s really important to know what you need. Some models may have setting for lightly soiled items but not a dedicated woollens or delicates cycle.
• Wash options: These include different types of adjustable settings, such as spin speeds, water levels and temperature levels.
• Features: Transparent lids, soft-close lids, delay start, child lock and separate dispensers are all useful additions that can make laundry time a whole lot simpler and safer.
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