8 Things to Consider When Buying a New Washing Machineย ย A washing machine is one of those appliances you don't think about much until you need a new one and then suddenly there's a lot to consider. Type, capacity, spin speed, noise level, warranty, the long list of specifications can feel overwhelming quickly.ย ย But Betta is here to help! Our washing machine buying guide offers a simple overview of the most important things to think about before you buy, so you can walk away from the decision confident you've chosen the right washing machine.ย ย 1.ย Types of Washing Machinesย The first decision to make is the machine type as it shapes all other considerations. Both front loaders and top loaders are good machines, but the right choice depends on your household. Letโs break down both washing machine types so you can narrow down your decision and pick the perfect design for your home:ย ย Front Load Washing Machinesย Front load washing machines use a horizontal drum that tumbles clothes through the water. They use less water overall than most top loaders whilst being gentler on fabrics. Front loaders also have higher speed spin cycles, so clothes come out with less residual moisture which reduces drying time. The front load washing machine also makes it easy to stack a dryer on top which is ideal for compact laundries or those looking for a space-saving solution.ย ย ย The caveat to this is that loading the washing machine requires bending down which is less ideal for people with lower mobility. Front load washing machines also tend to sit at a higher upfront price than equivalent top loaders which is something to consider if youโre looking for a budget-friendly washing machine model.ย ย ย Top Load Washing Machinesย Top load washing machines load from the top, which means no crouching down and is an ergonomic advantage for anyone with a bad back. This type of washing machine also tends to complete cycles faster and has a lower upfront cost. Modern impeller top loaders (those without a central agitator post) have also significantly closed the gap on efficiency with front loaders and offer more drum space relative to their capacity. If efficiency is the priority but budget or ergonomics push you toward a top loader, an impeller model with a 4-star WELS water rating is a strong middle ground.ย ย Picking Your Washing Machine Typeย As a general rule, if you prioritise long-term running costs and fabric care, a front loader delivers the better result. But if youโre concerned about the upfront cost, cycle speed and loading convenience matter more, a top loader is for you. Still stuck? Visit our expert staff in-store at your local Betta, to get tailored advice from our professionals.ย ย ย 2.ย Washing Machine Capacityย Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms and is the dry weight of laundry the drum can handle per cycle. Getting the capacity right is an important factor to consider, as a washing machine that's too small means running multiple loads per wash day. But get one that's too large and it wastes water and energy on cycles that are never full!ย ย ย Donโt know where to start? Our experts have provided a brief breakdown below to help you choose the right washing machine capacity for your home:ย ย 5โ7kg Washing Machines: Well-suited to singles, couples and smaller apartments. Handles everyday loads efficiently without wasting resources on an oversized drum.ย 8โ10kg Washing Machines: The sweet spot for most Australian families of 3โ4. Covers school uniforms, bed linen and mixed loads with ease.ย 11โ14kg Washing Machines: For larger families, bulk washers or households that regularly launder heavy items like doonas, towels and workwear without wanting to split loads.ย 14kg+ Washing Machines: Serious capacity for high-volume household laundry or extended families. Worth considering if you consistently find yourself running back-to-back loads.ย Our expert tip: If you regularly wash doonas, rugs, couch covers, sleeping bags or bulky winter items, we recommend sizing up from your usual washing machine capacity estimate. An 8kg machine handling a queen doona is working at its limit and won't clean as effectively as a 10kg model with the same load.ย ย 3.ย Noise Level: More Important Than You Thinkย Washing machine noise is one of the most underrated purchase considerations, until you're lying in bed listening to the spin cycle rattle through the wall at 11pm. Noise matters whether you're in a detached house, a townhouse or an apartment, and even more so if your laundry is adjacent to a bedroom or living area.ย ย The thing to look for is an inverter motor (sometimes called a Direct Drive motor). Washing machines with an inverter motor run much quieter and with less vibration than other motor designs. Bosch front loaders are consistently considered the quietest machines available in Australia, while LG's Direct Drive models are also very quiet and a popular choice for apartment living.ย ย Our expert tip: If noise is a priority, make sure to check the product spec sheet for a decibel (dB) rating. Anything below 72dB on wash is considered quiet for a washing machine!ย ย 4. Energy and Water Efficiency Ratingย Every washing machine sold in Australia carries an energy rating label and a WELS water efficiency rating. Both use a star system, more stars mean more efficient. The important thing to know is that these are two separate ratings: a machine can score well on energy and poorly on water, or vice versa. Always check both before comparing models.ย ย The quickest win on running costs? Wash in cold water wherever you can. Heating water is what uses most of a washing machine's energy, and switching to cold cycles can reduce your washing machine's energy use by up to 80% per load compared to a warm wash.ย ย When comparing models, donโt rely on star ratings alone, compare annual kWh. Similar-rated machines can use different amounts of energy, and a lower kWh will cost less over time.ย ย 5. Warranty: Know What's Covered Before You Buyย This is where we all get caught out as many of us donโt know what to look for in a washing machine warranty. The first aspect to consider is that not everything is covered under the warranty and this is completely standard. But the most important (and expensive!) piece of machinery that should be included in the warranty is the motor. Make sure you know what exactly is protected and for how many years, then weigh up which brand suits your needs more.ย ย Many washing machine brands also offer extended motor warranties that are worth looking for. For example, LG backs many models with a 10-year motor warranty, while Bosch offers a 10-year motor warranty on select models and Fisher & Paykel cover their motor for 5 years.ย ย Before purchasing, make sure to check how long the standard warranty is, whether the motor is covered separately and if there are any conditions that could void the warranty (like using a washing machine in a non-conditioned space like the garage).ย ย ย Our expert tip: A longer motor warranty is a good sign that the brand backs how well the washing machine is built.ย ย ย 6. Wash Programs and Features: Match Them to How You Do Laundryย Modern washing machines come with far more programs and features than most people will ever use. Before getting dazzled by a long feature list, think about the types of loads you wash regularly and which programs or features would improve your routine.ย Washing Machine Programs Worth Havingย There are some programs that are worth investing in to make your laundry day easier! Here are our top washing machine program picks:ย ย Quick Wash: A shorter cycle (typically 15โ30 minutes) for lightly worn clothes that need a freshen up. One of the most-used programs on washing machines.ย Delicate/Wool: A gentler cycle for fibres you wouldnโt want to put through a standard wash.ย Hygiene/Allergy Cycle: Runs at high temperatures to kill bacteria and allergens. Great for households with babies, pets or anyone with allergies.ย Eco Cycle: Uses lower temperatures and longer soak times to deliver a comparable clean with less energy and water. Ideal for regular mixed loads where cycle time is flexible.ย Smart Features Worth Consideringย Outside of the classic programs and cycles, modern washing machines now also offer smart features to transform your washing experience. Our favourites include:ย ย Auto-Sensing / Smart Load: Sensors detect the weight of the load and adjusts the water level and cycle length to reduces water waste.ย Delay Start: Set the machine to start at a specific time, ideal for running cycles during off-peak energy hours or having a load ready when you wake up.ย Add Items/Pause: Lets you add a forgotten item mid-cycle. Itโs a small feature, but one of those things you'll appreciate having.ย 7. Ease of Use: The Controls Matter More Than the Spec Sheetย A machine with 20 programs is only useful if you can find the one you want. Before buying, think about which members of your household will be using it day to day and what expectations they have in terms of simplicity and control. Some people want a simple dial and a start button. While others are happy with a full touchscreen. Neither is better than the other, it just depends on what you prefer!ย ย ย The washing machine door design is also a worth considering. For front loaders, this includes how wide the door opening is. As a wider door makes it much easier to load and unload, especially with bulky items like towels and doonas.ย ย 8. Budget: Think Total Cost, Not Just Upfront Priceย Washing machine prices in Australia range from around $400 for a basic top loader through to $3,000 or more for a premium front loader with advanced features. The upfront price is only one part of the cost equation.ย ย One thing worth keeping in mind is a cheaper machine with low energy and water ratings will cost more to run every week. Over 10 years, the difference in running costs between an inefficient and an efficient machine can easily exceed $500. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves you more in the long run.ย ย ย Ready to Find Your Next Washing Machine?ย Browse Betta's full range of washing machines online or visit your local showroom to see the models in person and get advice from our in-store team. From front loaders and top loaders to washer dryer combos, we stock a wide range of models from trusted brands including Samsung, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Hisense and more. ย Washing Machine Buying FAQs What features should I prioritise when buying a washing machine? The four most important features to prioritise are capacity (matched to your household size), spin speed (1200 RPM or above for efficient drying), energy and water star ratings (higher stars = lower running costs), and motor warranty (look for brands offering 5โ10 years on the motor). Beyond those, auto-sensing load detection and a cold wash program are the features that deliver the most practical efficiency benefit day to day. What should I look for when choosing between a front-load and top-load washing machine? Choose a front loader if energy and water efficiency, fabric care and spin speed are the priority, they outperform top loaders on all three. Select a top loader if upfront cost, cycle speed and ergonomic access matter more. Check out our Buying Guide for a side-by-side comparison. Is noise level important when choosing a washing machine? Yes, particularly for apartments, townhouses and any home where the laundry is close to living or sleeping areas. Look for machines rated below 72dB on wash and below 80dB on spin. Boschย front loaders are consistently the quietest available in Australia; LG Direct Drive models are also notably low vibration. How much should I spend on a washing machine in Australia? Most households find good, reliable options in the $700โ$1,500 range, which covers solid mid-range front and top loaders with high efficiency ratings. Entry-level top loaders from around $400 are a practical choice for smaller budgets. Always factor in running costs alongside the upfront price, a more efficient machine often pays the price difference back over its lifetime.
