Washing machines · the two designs
Front load vs top load: the numbers
Medians across the washing machines in the index, from the brands whose prices are checked daily, priced where a tracked retailer lists them (checked 28 Oct 2026).
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| Front load | Top load | |
|---|---|---|
| Current models | 193 | 61 |
| With a tracked price | 86 | 33 |
| Median best price | $1,299 | $899 |
| Median energy a year | 261 kWh ($84) | 360 kWh ($115) |
| Median labelled cycle | 5 h 14 m | 2 h 07 m |
| Median water, test cycle | 86 L (10 listed) | 108 L (32 listed) |
| Median spin speed | 1400 rpm (114 listed) | 800 rpm (38 listed) |
| Washer-dryer combos | 42 | 0 |
The endpoints
- Front load: cheapest tracked is the Haier HWF75KW1 (7.5 kg) at $499 Check price; the least energy on the label is the Bosch WGH25400AU at 181 kWh a year.
- Top load: cheapest tracked is the Haier HWT60AA1 (6 kg) at $499 Check price; the least energy on the label is the LG WTX3-08W at 181 kWh a year.
Sources and method
Figures are the Australian Government's labelled test results, which assume one warm wash a day on the labelled program; running-cost dollars apply 32¢/kWh to that basis. The register records a water figure for a minority of models, so the water medians carry their counts. Cycle length is the labelled program, usually the eco program — everyday programs run shorter. Every model behind these medians is in the front load and top load lists, or the full filterable table.