Wishing for a new Washing Machine? Let Bi-Rite be your Fairy Washmother
At Bi-Rite we always say that a good appliance purchase is the one that’s right for you and your family, and washing machines are no exception. A good washer will fit seamlessly into your life as if it was always there, and you have trouble remembering the ancient machine you had before which made a high pitched whining noise and smelled faintly of cabbage.
Choosing the right washing machine for your family may not be as straightforward as you think - this guide is designed to help you make the right choice.
Choosing a washing machine for your family can be tricky choice with the wide range of machines available on the market today. Where to start? Top loader or front loader? 7kg or 12kg? By carefully selecting the right machine for your needs you can save money on both water and electricity, as well as time that you could be spending alone, staring at a wall or with your family making precious memories.
Things to consider when choosing a washer:
- Family Size (and whether this number is going to grow!)
- Washing frequency - do you wash all the time or are you a washing weekend warrior?
- How your laundry room is set up - how big the gap for your washing machine is and what you have space for
Top Loader or Front Loader?
There are a few key differences between top load and front load washing machines. Top loaders are often cheaper to buy, can have a larger load capacity and have a much faster cycle time. Front loaders are considerably more energy efficient, have higher spin speeds for faster drying time and use significantly less water than top loaders.
| FRONT LOADERS | TOP LOADERS | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| More energy/water efficient | Longer cycle times | Cheaper to buy | Uses more detergent |
| Faster spin speed for better drying | More expensive to buy | Larger capacity | Limited installation options - can’t have a dryer stacked on top |
| Generally clean better and gentler on clothes | Require cleaning around the seals | Faster wash times | Slower spin speed |
| Flexible installation - can have a dryer stacked on top | Selected models you can’t add clothes mid cycle | Easier to load/unload | Uses more water |
Washing machine sizes
Small (2kg - 5.5kg)
- Suitable for households of 1-2 people
- Smaller washers will require you to do the washing more frequently, go smaller if you prefer to wash every couple of days or throughout the week
Medium (6kg - 8.5kg)
- Suitable for households of 2-4 people
- Great for growing families doing regular washes throughout the week
- Great for couples looking to do less regular washing (weekly).Â
- These can usually handle washing 1 Queen size linen set
Large (9kg-12kg+)
- Suitable for households of 4+
- If you’re thinking about having children in the near future, sizing up to a larger washer will be beneficialÂ
- A great option if you’re a family of 4 looking to do bigger load of washing less frequently (weekly)
- These can usually handle washing 1 King size linen set or multiple single linen sets
| FAMILY SIZE | IDEAL WASHER SIZE | BENEFITS |
| Single / Couple | 6kg | Supports weekly wash loads. Bed linens may have to be washed in multiple loads. *6kg fits 1 double linen set. |
| 3-4 People | 6.5kg-8.5kg | Perfect for growing families. Allows for weekly OR more regular washes. *7kg fits 1 Queen linen set. |
| 4+ | 9kg-12kg+ | Great for big families who go through a lot of laundry, allowing you to do less frequent loads. Can wash multiple sets of linen. |
