Top Loader Buying Guide (2024)

Choosing The Right Washing Machine For You
Space
Size
Water Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Speed
Wash Cycles And Programs
Care Considerations
FAQs

Buying a new washing machine can be stressful. It's not only cost that's a factor, things like size, capacity, energy and water efficiency all need to be considered. So if you're stuck trying to figure out the right top load washing machine for you, use our guide to make your decision easier.

1. Choosing The Right Washing Machine For You

There are plenty of things to consider when purchasing a new washing machine. You might be thinking about the dimensions to fit into your space, types of cycles and capacity for your household. This top loader buying guide allows you to discover the best washing machine for your family's needs.

TOP-LOADER OR FRONT-LOADER

When it comes to choosing between top-loader and front-loader washing machines, there are benefits to each.

Top-loaderwashing machines generally have a larger drum and quicker wash cycle, which can be valuable to people with a high and regular volume of laundry. In addition, the convenient design of a top loader makes for easy loading, and the straightforward design means the model is able to be more cost-effective.

There’s also the benefit of being able to open the machine and add more items mid-cycle. Considering a front-loader? View ourfront-loader washing machine buying guide here.

2. Space

The size of your household’s laundry area, as well as the volume of washing itself, is a big factor in what size washing machine you should buy.

Consider the space in which the washing machine will sit - is there room for a top-loading lid to open fully, or will you need a dryer positioned above it? Having your top-loader washing machine positioned next to a sink makes for easy transfers when soaking stained items, and a shelf within easy reaching distance means less potential for messy spills with detergents and fabric softener.

The average dimensions of a smaller top-loader washing machine are about 945mm(H) x 547mm (W) x 515mm (D), whereas a larger model averages around 1023mm (H) x 690mm (W) x 730mm (D).

3. Size

The amount of people in your household or family will directly determine the best-sized top-loader washer for you.

If you’re on the fence about which model is the right choice, we recommend choosing the larger of two options, given your needs may increase with house guests and into the future.

Household size	Top-loader capacity
1-2 people	6kg
2-3 people	7kg
3-4 people	8kg
4-5 people	9kg
5-6 people	10kg
6 or more people (or families with small children and a high volume of laundry)	11kg/12kg

4. Water Efficiency

While it is true that front-loader washing machines are generally more water-efficient than top-loader models, there are several ways in which you can make your laundry habits much more efficient.

Choosing low water levels instead of high, and ensuring you do full loads instead of smaller loads can make the best use of your water supply. The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is an Australian government initiative that helps consumers understand the way their whitegoods use water through labels that convey vital information.

The star rating at the top correlates with how water-efficient a product is, and can be used to compare across different models. These labels will also list the product’s rate of water consumption, which on a washing machine correlates with the litres of water used per wash, and the load capacity of the machine.

5. Energy Efficiency

Likewise, Australia’s Energy Star-Rating scheme allows consumers to compare their products with similar models to understand how much energy they consume. The more stars, the more energy efficient.

All Westinghouse top-loader washing machines include a range of features allowing you to control the amount of energy consumed in a wash cycle, including cold, normal, warm and hot wash options, giving consumers the ability to choose according to their needs for individual wash cycles.

There is also the added benefit of our eco rinse cycles, available across all models.

6. Speed

The spin cycle on your washing machine works to extract moisture, as well as prevent creases from setting in. While clothes will never be fully dry after a spin cycle, removing excess moisture reduces their drying time overall, whether in an electric dryer or on the line.

All Westinghouse top-loader washing machines come with four spin-speed options: 800rpm, 650rpm, 550rpm and No Spin. You should always choose the highest spin speed that is appropriate for the weight and type of laundry load.

For example, lower spin speeds are best for delicate or lightweight fabrics, as this can protect garments. Higher spin speeds are perfect for denim or towels that need additional wringing out before drying.

7. Wash Cycles And Programs

Understanding the features and wash cycles of your Westinghouse top-loader washing machine will help you get the best results for each load of washing you do.

Fast wash programs	Whether it’s a fast 20 minute wash because your favourite top needs a freshen up, a 45 minute mid-week daily wash or a Fulload 60 program after a muddy weekend of sport, our Fast Wash Programs mean you can get on with your day – without delay.
Delicate cycle	For your most loved garments, the delicate cycle will treat them with utmost care, so you can continue to wear them on those special occasions.
Bedding cycle	Everyone loves fresh sheets and you can make them feel like new again with our bedding cycle.
EcoSave	For normally soiled whites and colours, the EcoSave function will not only clean your clothes but it'll save on energy consumption too.
Extra Dirty	This function is perfect to clean those sports clothes the kids have been running around in.

8. Care Considerations

There are certain measures you can take to keep your Westinghouse top-loader washing machine in excellent condition.

These include cleaning the coin-trap which is located inside the centre agitator alongside the lint trap. There is also a mesh cover at the end of the drain hose which can become clogged over time; as such it’s a good idea to remove and clean it regularly.

9. FAQs

Do top-loaders clean clothes better?
All Westinghouse washing machines clean clothes to the highest possible standards, regardless of whether they are top-loader or front-loader models. There are of course benefits and disadvantages to both, but top-loaders are capable of cleaning clothes quicker and are less prone to sitting water in the seal which can cause mildew build-up over time if not cleaned regularly.
How long is a normal wash cycle?
A ‘normal’ cycle on a Westinghouse front-loader model averages just over an hour, giving your laundry a quick, efficient and quality clean every time.
Can I remove clothes mid-cycle?
Yes. One of the major benefits of a top-loader washing machine is the fact that they allow you to open the lid mid-cycle to add or remove clothes.

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