Laundry - we dread them, but we can’t live without doing them. Another massive chore in our to-do lists, it’s no surprise why washing machines have become a household staple. A tip of the laundry basket, punching of a few buttons and voila – fresh, clean clothes!
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But with brands aplenty, which models should you be seriously considering for faster, cleaner (and more efficient) laundering? We've scoured the net and rounded up 5 of the most highly rated washing machines with stellar reviews* from homeowners online.
*Reviews are collated from various online sources, including review sites, brand websites, product listing sites and online forums.
Before you start shopping…
Not all washing machines are made equal (or fit your home). Here are some shopping tips to help you select the right kind of washer.
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Short on space? Pick front loaders instead of top ones, as they can be stacked with a dryer on top.
Besides, most front loaders are energy and water efficient. Top-load machines can use up to 3-times as much water as front loads. As a result, it also uses more energy to heat up the water, rendering a top-load less power efficient as well.
Interior Designer: Voila
On the other hand, top loaders are favoured for faster washing times and have a bigger capacity, due to its design. Plus, they can be opened mid-wash for users to add in more clothes.
All our washers listed here have a capacity of 7 - 8 kg, which is the most popular capacity type and is sufficient for a 4-person household.
1. Bosch WAK24160 SpeedPerfect 7kg Washing Machine
Best All-Round Branded Washing Machine
Loading Type: Front-load
No more 2-hour long or repeated cycles for the perfect cleanse. Like its namesake, the Bosch WAK24160 is all about speeding up the process and comes with a whole host of time-saving options. There’s a FreshenUp, quick-clean program for lightly soiled clothes, and the machine offers 10 different cycle modes (the shortest 15 minutes) for flexibility. The 7kg washing machine even helps you to save on water and costs – thanks to its ActiveDrum technology that ensures only an adequate amount of electricity and water is used.
What Users Say:
Pros:
- Great at washing delicate materials (like silk and wool)
- Fast spin speed (1200 rpm) cleans clothes thoroughly and reduces the wetness of garments.
- Options for 15 and 30 minute cycles great for quick washes.
- Quiet and not prone to shakes during cycles
Cons:
- Limited loads for shorter washes.
- Not as flexible in terms of washing options or temperature for different types of clothing.
Buy Now: $1,499 on Lazada
2. Electrolux EWF85743 7.5kg Washing Machine
Best Washing Machine for No-Brainer Cleaning
Loading Type: Front-load
As one online reviewer puts it, ‘even a 4-year-old could use it’. So, if you’re the type who doesn’t want to sweat the small stuff – the Electrolux EWF85743’s easy-to-use design might be up your alley. Homeowners appreciate the user-friendly interface featuring just 4 main buttons, plus it’s large 'XXL' door for simple loading and unloading. The washing machine doesn’t get in the way of daily life too, as users have raved about its quiet, steady operation.
What Users Say:
Pros:
- Quiet when washing and spinning
- Easy to use interface with Child Lock features – great for families with small kids
- Water saving and comes with quick 20-minute washing cycle
Cons:
- Drainage pipe not as efficient at clearing residual water, and may pool.
- Touch buttons can be hard to press and are not as sensitive
- Washing cycle is relatively long for heavier loads
Buy Now: $554.90 on Lazada
3. LG WFT7400 7kg Washing Machine
Best Budget Friendly Branded Pick
Loading Type: Top-Load
This washing machine might be less expensive than its other counterparts, but it doesn’t skimp on functionality! Besides being a branded model, the LG WFT7400 does the basics well – think Turbo Drums that mimic handwashing for a gentler wash, a self-cleaning Tub Clean function and despite being a top-load model - 3 ticks for water efficiency (yay for cheaper water bills!). Buyers love its relatively compact size, making it great for tight corners.
What Users Say:
Pros:
- Uses less water (8.9L)
- Fast spin speeds of up to 1400 rpm
- Compact size that’s smaller than most alternatives
- Ample preset washing options – for quick cleaning, jeans, wool, extra cleaning, etc.
Cons:
- Many buttons may make it difficult to navigate around
- Top load design means it cannot be stacked or fitted under countertops.
Buy Now: $396.10 on Lazada
4. Fisher & Paykel 7.5kg QuickSmart Washing Machine
Best Fancy Smart Washer for Powerful Cleaning
Loading Type: Front-Load
Here’s one for the clean freaks – when it comes to getting fresh, dirt-free clothes, Fisher & Paykel’s QuickSmart series is not here to play. Many homeowners gush over the washing machine’s thorough yet gentle (and silent) cleaning – thanks to the appliance’s SmartDrive technology, which uses a built-in computer to sense the contents of the drum and change its tumble and spin actions accordingly.
Beyond the fancy stuff, users have also highlighted its incredibly fast spin speed, which ensures thoroughly clean clothes with less dampness.
What Users Say
Pros:
- A variety of options for type of wash, time and temperature
- Water and energy saving – built-in water heater for hot washes reduces energy consumption
- Quiet operation for most types of clothes. Will be slightly noisier on a faster spin, however.
- Can pause cycle to add in more laundry – and resume as usual
Cons:
- Cycle times drag longer than expected, as the machine’s self-balancing smart function may take time to readjust and resume washing in between cycles.
- Has a tendency to leak laundry water out during washing.
Buy Now: $868 on Lazada
5. Beko EV7102 7kg Washing Machine
Best Low-Cost, Fuss-Free Alternative to Big Brands
Loading Type: Front-Load
Made in Europe and a $300+ price tag? You can sign us up anytime for this quality washer from Beko. What it lacks in sleek design or fancy functions, it makes up in good ol’ features and reliability. But what most homeowners love most about the machine is it’s 3-year warranty period (a year more than most major brands), along with its quality make. Only quip? The appliance doesn’t come with a timer indicator, which can prove difficult if you’re in a rush.
What Users Say:
Pros:
- Ample warranty coverage of up to 3 years
- Fast spin speed (up to 1400 rpm)
- Washing is thorough and clothes come out less creased than other alternatives
Cons:
- No temperature and timing control
- Not the quietest during operation
- Cycles take longer in general – at least 30 minutes for the fastest wash.
Buy Now: $385 on Lazada
Hey there - just so you know, all products listed in this article are independently curated by us. By clicking and purchasing from our Lazada links, you will help to support our research and work by allowing us to earn a share of sales - here's a big thank you in advance! Do note that prices listed are accurate as of 13 October 2017.
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