Last updated on April 28th, 2024
Washing machine capacity is typically measured in kilograms (kg), representing the weight of dry clothing the machine can comfortably wash in a single cycle. Capacities range widely, from compact 5kg models, up to large 12kg+ models.
Washing Machine Capacity by Household Size - A Rule of Thumb
As a guide, the larger your household, the larger the capacity you’ll need:
- Washing machine average size is around 7kg
- The best size of washing machine for two people is 5kg to 7kg
- The best size of washing machine for a family of 4 is 7kg to 9kg
- The best size of washing machine for a family of 6 is 10kg+
The above rule of thumb simplifies washer selection, but it is not very reliable. Household size is not a reliable measure of what size washing machine is most appropriate for your needs. You should place more importance on how frequently you like to wash, and the largest items you’ll wash.
Laundry Frequency
Individuals who do laundry frequently, including those from large families, may find a 7.5kg washing machine to be more than sufficient. For example, a 7.5kg machine can accommodate the laundry needs of a single person washing twice a week or a family of six managing two loads on a weekday and six over the weekend. This equates to over 16 washes or more than 120kg of laundry weekly. Considering that a standard wash cycle lasts about an hour, running the machine continuously could process over 1000kg of laundry in a week. This capacity is ample for the entire streets needs, and probably the next one over as well. Therefore, the necessity for a larger capacity washer does not necessarily increase with family size; it’s more dependent on the laundry frequency.
Bulky items
If you’re dealing with bulky items like duvets, blankets, or doonas, a larger washing machine may be necessary if you frequently need to wash these items. For less frequent washing, you can usually cajole a smaller machine into doing the job albeit slowly and with intervention. Although an 8.5kg washing machine, such as the Fisher Paykel front loader, can accommodate a super king duvet, it will struggle to balance the heavy load prior to the spin cycle and may attempt to do so for up to 45 minutes before conceding defeat with an Out of Balance error. Running 3 spin cycles is the way to get a result, starting at a lower rpm (500 RPM), then increasing to 800 RPM and finally 1100 RPM. While an 8.5kg machine suffices for occasional large loads, anyone regularly washing substantial items should consider a machine with a capacity of 10kg or more not only to streamline their laundry process, but to avoid premature wear on their washing machine.
Space Considerations
When selecting a washing machine with a capacity over 8.5kg, or a toploader design, it’s important to consider the unit’s dimensions, particularly for those who frequently move house. Standard washing machine spaces typically accommodate units up to 600mm in width and 850mm in height. Front loaders with a capacity over 8.5kg and all top loaders are not guaranteed to fit into a standard space.
Budget Considerations and Efficiency
For those who do laundry less frequently, opting for a washing machine with a larger capacity can be more time-efficient, enabling the washing of more clothes in fewer loads. While these larger machines are generally pricier to buy and run – owing to increased water and energy consumption – maximizing their capacity can lead to greater efficiency per kilogram of laundry compared to fully loading a smaller machine. On the other hand, if you find yourself doing laundry more frequently, a smaller machine fully loaded will be more economical to run than a larger machine half full, and with a lower initial purchase price.
Marketing Hype
Claims about washing machine capacity by manufacturers often prioritise marketing over genuine functionality. For example, Fisher and Paykel marketed both 8.5kg and 8kg front loaders that were, in fact, identical in every way, including drum size and mechanics, with the 8.5kg variant priced higher. More recently, they rebranded their 7.5kg models as 8kg and similarly upgraded 8kg models to 9kg without any actual physical changes. Samsung’s 10kg bubble washers, too, were advertised as 10kg machines, yet the manual specifies a 2kg limit for sheets. I don’t mean to single out Samsung and Fisher and Paykel; as a specialist in repairing these machines, especially Fisher and Paykel, I’m particularly familiar with their intricacies. So too is it worth noting that Fisher and Paykel machines are well built and, it’s possible they initially underreported their machines capacities for better customer satisfaction, but market competition has forced a reassessment of their strategy.
Nevertheless – I have no doubts these marketing strategies are common across the industry. This makes it especially difficult for consumers to select the right washing machine for their needs. A practical tip for consumers is to measure the drum’s diameter and depth themselves, offering a more accurate assessment of capacity when compared to other models.
The Last Cycle: Summing Up Washing Machine Wisdom
Choosing the right washing machine capacity involves more than considering your household size; it’s more important to understand your laundry habits, the frequency of washes, and the types of items you’re washing. Space, budget and efficiency are also important factors. Be mindful of marketing gimmicks and assess the machine’s capacity independently to ensure it meets your needs. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate washing machine capacity will lead to more efficient and economical laundry management, saving time, energy, and resources in the long run.