The guide below may help you decide the ideal size washing machine for your household. Please note, however, that there is no standard Washing Machine capacity. Some manufacturers have products in a wide range of capacities and configurations, some large, some small, which makes it even more difficult to know how much wash you can fit into a particular size of the appliance.
Just because you want to fit a king-size duvet cover in a front-loaded machine doesn’t mean you need a huge 9kg drum. But bear in mind this basic rule, one duvet requires about 2 litres of water when washing at 30 degrees on an economy cycle, so if you’re not filling up the whole drum it won’t be getting properly clean and it could end up heavily stained.
However, when deciding the best size for you please bear in mind your household’s usage and needs, if you have a large family who all do several changes of clothes a day then a large capacity machine may save you time and energy every week. If you just have a couple in your home that rarely change their clothes then a small capacity unit might be right for you.
Washing Machine Dimensions
Top loaders have a larger capacity, so they can hold more laundry. Large washing machines are also possible because of the extra space. For example, for an LG top-loading machine with spinning on both were hers and spin speeds of 1500 RPMs or higher, the maximum width is 805 mm (average machine is 500mm to 700mm wide).
With dimensions of 800 mm in width and depth, this product may fit any kitchen countertop where appliances may be stored or positioned side by side. This model fits most contemporary kitchens, however, traditional cooking might require minor adjustments such as moving the control panel and adding adjustable shelves depending upon your style and taste preference.
Washing Machine Dimensions Australia
The average width for a front loading washing machine is 600-700mm, and the average depth is 800mm (600-700mm deep). The typical height of a machine is between 800 and 900 mm.
In general machines under 60 cm tall are usually designed to fit under a work surface as opposed to on top of it, check if your kitchen units have enough space below them before going for a tall machine.
Size of Washing Machine
Washing machine size is important so if you are looking for a machine that has enough capacity to wash all the family’s laundry, then there are several machines that have an 8kg or larger drum size. A large washing machine is needed 7kg-14kg for three to five people. The front loading washing machine with spinning on both sides and water temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius is ideal for many families. Most models have dimensions between 800mm to 900mm in width, depth or height, so these products might fit most kitchen worktops.
When looking at the overall washing machine size, most top-loading washing machines can accommodate 4-5 kG but front load washing machines are usually only available in 5KG and 7 KG drums. If you want one which can hold more than 8KG, it may be worth checking out the “commercial” grade models.
Front-load washing machines are also more efficient at cleaning, using less electricity and water than top load washing machines. A front-load washing machine is usually deeper than top load washing machines but uses the same width. Capacity wise they have a smaller drum so if you have a larger family it can be difficult to wash your clothes in one go with these sizes. While 10 kg+ capacity washing machine size may seem appealing, remember that if you need to wait for the machine to fill up or empty after each cycle this may negate any time-saving benefits. However front loaders are usually much quieter when in operation because of the direct-drive motor, often perceived as being much “smoother” in action too.
Washing Machine Depth
For families with more than 4 members choose a front-load machine. Front-loaders are usually much quieter when in operation because of the direct-drive motor, often perceived as being much “smoother” in action too.
For medium-sized families, we recommend Front Loading washing machines with a capacity between 5kg and 10kg. If your household consists of just two people then a 3 to 4kg drum size could be sufficient. If your family is larger then opt for an 8kg or larger machine, but the best models may have a super-efficient drum that’s designed for larger loads.
Washing Machine Width
The typical front-loading washer has a width of between 600 and 700mm, a depth of between 800 and 900mm and a height of around 850-900mm.
The average top load washing machine has a width of 500mm to 700mm, a depth of 600-700mm and a height of 805 mm.
Washing Machine Height
The average height of a washing machine is between 800 and 900 mm. When looking at the washing machine size, height is crucial. Make sure you have enough headroom to open the lid of machines with top-loading access and check what under counter height is required for the drum of front loaders.
Measurement of Washing Machine
Top loading washing machines in a modern style usually have a width of 600mm and a depth of 700mm. The height varies from 850 to 950 mm. They hold 3kg to 7 kg capacity for small families. Compact models have dimensions of 550mm in width, 650mm in depth and 650 to 750 mm in height which is very useful if you do not have much space for this appliance. It may be difficult to find models that are smaller than 550mm in width because they need enough space inside to accommodate internal machinery. Top load washing machines are cheaper, but front-loaders wash the clothes better, consume less water and electricity, therefore it is a good idea to pay a bit more for this type of washing machine.
Standard Washing Machine Dimensions
Front-loading machines save space because they can be stacked on top of each other, saving around 90 per cent space compared to regular washing machines. These models require 600mm width, 700mm depth and 800mm height. They can hold 7kg to 14 kg capacity for large households. Some brands offer models up to 20kg which is enough for many larger families who might want to try out two different loads at once (especially handy if you like to wash certain items separately or have colours that could not go into the whites wash, etc).
Front-load Washing Machine Dimensions
When buying a new washing machine, always check the water efficiency label on a washing machine to ensure that you’re buying an appliance with low energy consumption. Most only have the A label now, but there are still some older models which may not be as water or energy efficient. The installation of your machine may affect its performance, if your machine is placed near a radiator or in direct sunlight, this can increase its running costs. Avoid putting washing machines on slatted floors so they don’t vibrate and it’s helpful to choose a model with adjustable feet that may allow you to level it on an uneven floor.
Top Load Washing Machine Dimensions
Knowing your type of washing machine is also important when finding out how much space you need. Top Loading machines are generally more compact than Front Loading ones, but always check dimensions before buying. It can seem straightforward but our surveys show people regularly make the wrong decision due to poor product knowledge.
Top Loading machines have a large door at the top of one side, with a small drum inside, which is usually accessed by pulling down a small hatch in the machine. They are often cheaper to buy and use less water per wash than Front Loading washing machines because they don’t require much water for rinsing cycles, but they can take slightly longer to complete a cycle as there’s no direct access to loads during wash phases anywhere else in the machine except the top.
Dryer Dimensions Australia
Front Loading models work more like a drier, where clothes are loaded into compartments in an inner drum and drawn inwards towards the centre of the unit, giving easier access for larger items or those at the bottom-middle of a load. They usually use less energy than Top Loaders because they spin clothes at very high speeds to extract as much moisture as possible during wash phases, so this means there is no need for a pre-wash phase and the final rinse uses less water.
The lack of a large top opening means front load machines usually have a smaller door in the base of the machine which would lead to lower capacities but these models can be installed above or below work surfaces so you can choose exactly where you want it to go. Remember that some front loaders come with a dryer drawer as well as a washing machine drum which is great for small spaces as it takes up less room on the floor but may need an extra power socket nearby.
Comparing washing machines side-by-side from different brands or models can be helpful because they vary in dimensions depending on how big the door openings are, where the controls are placed and if there are added features like timers, steam jets etc. Use our filter options above to sort by capacity (top loaders), efficiency (A+++), water usage (kWh/year) or spin speed (rpm). You can also look at combined machines like dishwashers and washing machines, if you want to use one appliance, check first that it may fit in the space you have available.
Which Washing Machine Size to Pick?
Top loading machines typically hold around 5kg, though some models may take up to 7kg while front loader washing machines can manage anything from 3-9 kilograms. This depends on the model and if the drum has an agitator, a small pole in the middle of the drum (usually found in ‘stainless steel’ drums) helps wash items like bedding and bulky items more effectively.
Check your room dimensions against your machine’s width, depth and height, it’s better to be slightly too big than too small. Front-loaders are usually deeper than top-loaders because you need enough space for the drawer to pull out far enough that clothes get into all parts of the drum. You’ll also need lots of headroom for the door to open fully, although some models have smaller openings than others.
Check for power points that are within reach of where you want to install your machine. Some models need access to cold water and drainage close by, while some also come with direct plumbing, so check you won’t need an extra set of hands or lots of piping. And importantly, make sure there is enough space behind (or underneath) the machine for all the cables and hoses required for installation. Some machines can be plumbed in the above worktops provided they’re made from stainless steel but not all washing machines may fit under low-level kitchen units unless their doors are removed beforehand. Careful though if your unit is attached to adjacent wall cabinets it might cause stability problems, make sure you can lift or remove the entire unit to access your machine afterwards.
Conclusion
Having the correct dimensions is important when choosing a washing machine because you want it to fit into your space properly and with enough room for the door to open fully without hitting anything if you need to move or plumb in. Whichever brand, front loader, top loader or combined there’s plenty of sizes available so whether you have a small studio flat or large family home, there should be one that fits.
Some models offer different drawers too which take up less space but still deliver good cleaning results. Other high-speed models feature quick cycles where clothes are washed at lower temperatures which helps them dry more quickly, saving you energy and time.
Fast spin speeds also help reduce drying times for your laundry so many models feature rapid and/or reverse spins and even sensors to detect the type of load you have in so it can adjust washing time accordingly. Depending on what you’re washing, it’s worth checking on the care label whether you need to remove detergent before loading your clothes into the machine.
