7 top loader washing machines that make laundry day a breeze
Shoppers say the simple switch makes laundry day "so easy", squeezing the functionality of a bulky appliance into a more affordable and small-home friendly alternative.
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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.
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With so many models on the market though, it can be difficult to find the best one for your needs.
Looking for a simple top loader to get laundry checked off the to-do list ASAP? Fans of the Esatto 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine say the unit packs a whole lot more than it looks and "does the job of a larger machine", but without the fiddly controls and heavy price tag.
"I'm teaching my daughter laundry skills and this machine makes it so easy!" a reviewed praised.
Or if you want the bells and whistles, the Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer lets you control your machine straight from your smartphone for total convenience.
“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," an impressed customer raved.
TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE
Haier 10kg Top Load Washer (HWT10ANB1), $999 at The Good Guys
What You Need To 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), $294 at The Good Guys
Solt 5.5kg Top Load Washer
What You Need To 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.
BEST SMALL CAPACITY WASHING MACHINE
Esatto 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine (ETLW55B), $329 at Appliances Online
Esatto 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine
What You Need To Know
Shoppers are praising this pocket rocket for its super easy to use controls and overall practicality, offering a simple alternative for households who just want a top loader that works well and doesn't cost a fortune. It packs seven of some of the most common wash programs, and includes the Fuzzy Weighting function which automatically selects the water level depending on the load weight.
"I'm teaching my daughter laundry skills and this machine makes it so easy! Love the size of our washing machine. It's the perfect size for two women. Very happy with my purchase," raved an Appliances Online customer.
"This is the perfect option for small homes or spaces, and does the job of a larger machine," another reviewed.
"It has been excellent and reliable. Even though it is only 5.5kg, it has fit all of my washing loads in perfectly (I have lots of kids washing— school uniforms, sports clothes and work clothes). I love the variety of settings/wash modes and it is not too loud. And to top it off, it came with a wonderful price; one of the most cost-effective and reliable top loaders on the market," a third posted.
BEST MEDIUM TO LARGE CAPACITY WASHING MACHINE
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer (WL1064G1), $1299 at The Good Guys
Fisher & Paykel 10kg Top Load Washer
What You Need To 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 at The Good Guys
LG 9kg Top Load Washing Machine with AI DD
What You Need You 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 horizontal and vertical dampers that work with the sensors to keep noise to a minimum.
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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Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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