A washing machine is a kitchen appliance used to clean clothes and linens. It operates by agitation, and then spinning, or tumbling three times per cycle, throwing water at high speed against the clothing. The early washing machines were hand-cranked, but an electric motor was later added. The washing machine’s use of water, coupled with the easy availability of drainage facilities made it a convenient appliance for cleaning items too delicate for laundering by hand.
Washing machines are typically front-loading in Europe and Australia while top-loading in the United States. We may help you with this washing machine buying guide, regardless of your delivery location.
Each machine is different, with various washing capacity but a typical modern washing machine has an internal drum, normally made of painted steel but sometimes of stainless steel or aluminium alloy with a plastic coating. The drums are usually open at the top but in some designs, they may contain a perforated agitator across the whole width or length of the drum. The agitator is a vertical, rotating cylindrical device with short “teeth” which protrude from its surface and can be made of plastic or metal depending on the washing machine design.
Standard Washing Machine Dimensions
Washing machines are made in a range of sizes to accommodate the number of laundry items to be washed. Standard washer sizes are generally around, with the larger industrial machines reaching. These designs use anywhere from 3 to 5 gallons (11-19 litres) of water per wash load. The smallest washing machines, which are used in apartments or smaller homes, usually hold about 6 kg (13 lb. Larger home units typically have a capacity between and most residential-sized units run on normal house current at either 120 V or 240 V and draw 13 A on startup and 4-6 A while operating. Commercial-grade appliances may draw 30 A or higher and require special electrical hookups.
Washing Machine Dimensions
The most common home washer for a family of four needs at least 20 cubic feet (0.5 m3) when loaded with water and clothing. This allows enough space for the machine to agitate freely without tangling or damaging the load. The size is determined by the manufacturer’s maximum size recommendation based on available space in a typical home laundry room. In Europe, washer sizes are expressed in litres or cubic decimeters (dm3). Typical capacities range from 400 to 800 dm3 for a top loader and from 600 to 1,100 for a front loading machine. Top-loaders also have a greater height requirement due to the vertical spinning mechanism.
Washing Machine Dimension
The most common home washer for a family of four needs at least 20 cubic feet (0.5 m3) when loaded with water and clothing. This allows enough space for the machine to agitate freely without tangling or damaging the load. The size is determined by the manufacturer’s maximum size recommendation based on available space in a typical home laundry room. In Europe, washer sizes are expressed in litres or cubic decimeters (dm3). Typical capacities range from 400 to 800 dm3 for a top loader and from 600 to 1,100 for a front-loading one. Top-loaders also have a greater height requirement due to the vertical spinning mechanism.
Washing Machine Dimensions Australia
Washing machines have been sold since the mid-20th century in a wide range of sizes from small, compact 150 L capacity machines for apartment bathrooms to large, high performance 2,500 L and larger models for commercial laundry operations (or homes with many occupants).
Standard washing machines have a width of 600mm and a depth of 600mm. They are usually 850mm high. Most Australians use a front-load washing machine with varying washing machine capacity. The most common dimensions are listed below.
Standard Washing Machine Size
It depends on the overall floor space but, a washing machine usually has these dimensions:
- Standard width: 600mm
- Standard depth: 600mm
- Standard height: 850mm
Top Load Washing Machine Dimensions
A top load washing machine usually has these dimensions:
- Standard width: 400mm
- Standard depth: 600mm
- Standard height: 900mm
Top Loader Washing Machine Dimensions
If you have a very big family or go on frequent holidays, it is worth considering an extra-large capacity top load washer. These are usually 600mm wide and 800mm deep but can be more than 1 metre in width. The average height for these machines is 900mm to 1,100mm.
Front-load Washing Machine Size
Front-loaders hold more water than top-load machines. Consequently, these washing machines can wash at lower temperatures, producing far better results on newer, low energy detergents. However, front loaders are also generally bulkier and require more floor space in your laundry. For this reason, it is often worth considering the dimensions before you buy. The standard size for a front loader is almost always 600mm deep (with most manufacturers offering models up to 850mm), but widths vary with some 600mm wide models available if you have the space or require an extra narrow machine for an awkward area in your laundry. The standard height for all front-load washers is around up to 900mm tall.
Front-load Washing Machine Dimensions
These machines can hold more than 8kg and their larger tubs make them suitable for large family households. Alternatively, you may want to consider one if your household goes through a lot of laundry in a day, these machines may save you time and energy since they do not need to be emptied as often. The average capacity for this type is 9kg or about 13kg including the weight of the tub. Some Aussie manufacturers offer 11, 12 and even 14kg models if your budget allows.
Front Loader Washing Machine Dimensions
If you are limited on space in your laundry, choose either a half-size or full-size washer. A half-size washing machine is usually 400mm wide with an average capacity of around 60 litres (16 cu ft). This is good for smaller families of up to four people. If you have more people in your family or require more storage space, consider buying a full-size machine at 600mm wide with an average capacity of 120 litres (31 cu ft) or larger.
Washing Machine Sizes Australia
The standard washing machine size in Australia is between 85 litres and 120 litres. Front-loaders typically have a greater capacity than top-load machines, with some models holding as much as 130 litres
The standard width of a top loader is 600mm, although many manufacturers offer smaller or larger models. The depth is often around 600mm but can vary from 400mm to 800 mm depending on the size of your laundry room. The height of these machines is usually about 830 mm to 1120 mm tall.
Washing Machine Height
The standard height of a front loader is about 900 mm tall. They can be anywhere between 750mm and 1050mm tall. If you are short, consider buying one of the shorter models available on the market today. Some manufacturers even offer ultra-low front loaders that are only 450 mm tall for people with knee problems or bad backs. Washing machines are available in a range of capacities. The standard size is between 62 litres and 68 litres for top-loaders, 82 litres to 131 litres for front loaders. Half-sized models are available with smaller capacities of 42 litres to 50 litres, while full-sized units have higher capacities, ranging from 85 litres to120 litres.
Washing Machine Depth
Standard front load washing machine dimensions are about 850mm deep by 600mm wide with an average capacity of around 100 litres (26 cu ft). Widths can be anything from 400 up to 1200mm for extra-large models. The typical height is about 900mm to 1100mm tall.
The average top-load washing machine available in Australia has a capacity of between 85 and 120 litres (21 and 31 cu ft). Front-loaders, on the other hand, can accommodate anything between 70L or 110L up to a whopping 180L. Front-loaders also take up less room in your laundry because they stack on top of one another
What Size Washing Machine
Top load washing machines typically weigh 60 kilograms (130 pounds) or more, so they require at least two people to move them for installation and servicing. Front-loaders generally weigh around 45 kilograms (99 pounds). If your home does not have the space for two people to lift a top loader, or if you have back problems, consider buying a front loader.
Washing Machine Measurements (inch)
Typically, front-loading washing machines measures approximately 25 inches wide by 27.5 inches deep by 33 to 34 inches tall
Dimensions for top-loading washing machines are typically 28 inches wide by 29.5 inches deep by 35 to 36 inches tall
A half-size top loader for smaller spaces is 23 to 24.5 inches wide and28 inches deep. Full-size top-loaders are 27 to 28 inches wide and 29 to 30.5 inches deep, while full-sized front loaders are 29 to 30.5 inches wide and 32 to 33 inches deep
A half-sized front loader is typically 24.5 to 25.5 inches wide by 19 to 20.25inches deep. Full-sized front loaders are 27 to 28 inches wide and 21.75 to 23.75 inches deep
Washing Machine Size Guide
Stacked washer/dryer units are generally 600mm deep, however, there is no average capacity for these washing machines. They have an inbuilt water heater and the washing cycles are longer than normal to compensate for the lack of a direct drain option. These units are good if you want to stack your appliances or place them out of the way and they are convenient for homes where there is no space for a drier.
A half-sized washing machine weighs about 40 kilograms (88 pounds) and can hold up to 40 litres (9 cu ft) of water. A full-sized unit weighs 90 kilograms (200 pounds) and holds up to 88litres (22 cu ft) of water.
Standard front load washing machines dimensions are about 850mm deep by 600mm wide with an average capacity of around 100 litres (26 cu ft). Widths can be anything from 400 up to 1200mm for extra-large models. The typical height is about 900mm to 1100mm tall.
A half-sized washing machine weighs about 40 kilograms (88 pounds) and can hold up to 40 litres (9 cu ft) of water. A full-sized unit weighs 90 kilograms (200 pounds) and holds up to 88litres (22 cu ft) of water.
Vented Dryers
Vented dryers are typically 850mm wide by 645mm high with an 80-litre drum volume. Some models come standard with silver side panels which make it easier to match existing kitchen cupboards, but can be removed if necessary. The vented dryer range has five basic colours: white, cream, black, silver and graphite.
The average vented dryer is 850mm wide, 785mm high and 700mm deep with a drum volume of around 80 litres (23 cu ft). This size allows enough room to load between 10 and 15 large towels or six to eight-bed sheets at one time. If you require more capacity than this, consider buying the largest model
Washing Machine DimensionsSstandard
In the past, washing machines used to be able to hold as much as 10kg of clothing. Now, with all the new technology and advanced wash programs available on some models, you can fit up to 14kg of clothing into a modern machine. However, a modern top load washing machine only holds about 8kg of laundry.
Size of Washing Machine
There is a super capacity front loading washing machine which is designed for those who want the convenience and energy efficiency of front-load washing combined with the capacity and user-friendliness of a top loader. These machines also feature ‘direct drive’ transmissions rather than belts for better reliability. They are usually 650mm deep but can be as shallow as 600mm (not recommended if you often wash bedding or large items like rugs). There are also models for top-loading washing machines, for when you have too much laundry in your laundry room.
Front-load vs Top Load Washing Machines
The front loader is much smaller than a regular top loader washing machine. This prevents the user from overfilling the washer tub which in turn may shorten the life of their washing machine.
Front-loaders are more energy-efficient than top-loading washers, saving you money on hot water and electricity.
Top loaders are noisier than front loaders because they depend on vibration to get your clothes clean. Front-loaders use less water to get the same amount of clothing clean, which means that they waste less water, use fewer resources and save energy by not heating so much water. They also wash better at lower temperatures, preserving your fabrics and making them last longer, while using 50% less detergent than top-loaders. Whichever your choice is, there are various deals for both types, just make sure they fit in your laundry rooms.
