Washing machine buying guide: How to choose a good washing machine?

Choosing the right washing machine can make daily laundry easier, more efficient and gentler on your clothes. The best option depends on your household size, laundry habits, available space, budget and the features you use most often.

If you are wondering how to choose a good washing machine, which washing machine model is good, or what washing machine size to choose, this guide will help you compare the key factors before buying.

What should you consider before buying a washing machine?

Before buying a washing machine, think about how you wash clothes at home. A household that washes uniforms and daily clothing every day may need a different model from a household that washes large bedding and towels once or twice a week.

Key things to consider include:

• Washing machine type
• Washing capacity
• Physical size and dimensions
• Spin speed
• Energy and water efficiency
• Fabric-care programs
• Hygiene features
• Smart or automatic functions
• Warranty, service and replacement parts

For Malaysian homes, space is also important. Condominiums, apartments, landed homes and compact laundry areas may require more careful planning around door clearance, water inlet, drainage and power outlet position.

Which type of washing machine is good?

Most washing machines are either front load or top load models. Both can clean effectively, but they suit different lifestyles and spaces.

1. Front load washing machines

Front load washing machines are loaded from the front and are often chosen for fabric care, water efficiency and advanced washing features. They are suitable for modern homes, condos and users who want gentle washing performance for everyday clothes, delicates and larger laundry loads.

Front load models can also be a good choice if you plan to stack a compatible dryer above the washer, depending on the model and stacking kit.

2. Top load washing machines

Top load washing machines are loaded from the top, making them easy to use without bending down. They are practical for users who prefer simple loading and unloading, or households with enough vertical clearance above the machine.

Before choosing a top load washer, check that there is enough space to open the lid fully, especially if the machine will be placed under shelving or cabinetry.

3. Front load vs top load washing machine comparison

If your priority is advanced fabric care and energy efficiency, a front load washing machine may be more suitable. If your priority is easy loading and everyday convenience, a top load washing machine may be a practical choice.

Read more: Front load vs top load washing machines: 11 key differences

How to choose washing machine capacity

Washing machine capacity is one of the most important factors when buying a new washer. Choosing the right capacity helps you wash efficiently without overloading the machine or wasting water and energy on loads that are too small.

What does washing machine capacity mean?

Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms of dry laundry. For example, a 9kg washing machine can wash up to 9kg of dry clothes in one cycle.

This does not mean you should fill the drum completely every time. Clothes need enough space to move during the wash, so avoid overloading the machine.

Washing machine capacity guide by household size

For many Malaysian households, an 8–9kg washing machine is a flexible choice for daily clothes, uniforms, towels and regular bedding. Larger households or families that wash bulky items often may prefer a 10kg, 11kg or 13kg washing machine.

Should you choose a bigger washing machine?

Traditionally, it is recommended to opt for the minimum washing capacity for your needs. However, many modern washing machines come with intelligent sensor technology that adjusts water levels and wash settings based on the load.

This means you can consider a higher capacity model, such as a 10kg, 11kg or 13kg washing machine, especially if you often wash bedding, towels or larger family loads.

Washing machine load capacity

Now that you know how to choose the right washer based on washing capacity, it’s time to talk about load capacity or load size. Load capacity is basically about how many pieces of clothes you can put in your washing machine in each cycle. 

Here is a brief guideline on washing machine capacity and the corresponding number of clothes it can load for your reference: 

To give you a more itemized idea, here is a breakdown of what various load sizes might look like: 

Washing machine size and dimensions guide

Besides capacity, you also need to check the physical size of the washing machine. The machine must fit your laundry space, and there must be enough clearance for doors, hoses, ventilation and safe use.

How to measure your laundry space

Before buying, measure:

• Width of the installation space
• Height from floor to shelf or counter, if any
• Depth of the available area
• Door or lid opening clearance
• Rear space for hoses
• Position of water inlet and drainage
• Power outlet location
• Floor level and stability

If you are buying a front load washing machine, make sure there is enough space in front of the machine to open the door and load clothes comfortably. If you are buying a top load washing machine, check the space above the lid.

Common washing machine dimensions

Actual dimensions vary by model, so always check the product specifications before purchase.

Installation space checklist

Before installation, make sure to:

• Leave side clearance for ventilation
• Leave rear space for hoses and connections
• Check door or lid opening space
• Ensure the floor is level
• Confirm water inlet and drainage access
• Keep the power outlet safely positioned
• Follow the official installation manual

Good installation helps reduce vibration, noise and long-term performance issues.

Spin speed: what RPM is good for a washing machine?

Spin speed is measured in RPM, or revolutions per minute. A higher spin speed removes more water from clothes, helping them dry faster after washing.

However, higher RPM is not always suitable for every fabric. Delicate fabrics, wool and special garments may need lower spin speeds to reduce stress on fibres.

As a general guide, front load washing machines often offer higher spin speeds than top load models. Always check the garment care label and choose the right program for the fabric.

Energy and water efficiency

Energy and water efficiency matter because washing machines are used frequently in most homes. An efficient washer can help reduce long-term running costs while still delivering strong cleaning performance.

When comparing models, look for:

• Energy-saving programs
• Water-efficient washing
• Inverter motor technology
• Load sensing or automatic adjustment
• Eco wash options
• Suitable capacity for your household

Since 2010, a new EU energy rating system has been introduced which utilises the energy efficiency index (EEI) to classify washing machines. The ratings range from A-30% (or A+++) to D, with A-30% representing the highest efficiency and D being the least efficient. It is advisable to purchase a washing machine with an EEI of at least A-10% (or A+) to ensure optimal energy efficiency.

Good news: All Electrolux washing machines are energy efficient, boasting ratings of A-30% and higher. For example, some Electrolux energy efficient washing machines are even rated at an impressive A-50% in terms of energy efficiency.

Read more: 9 washing machine energy saving tips

Key washing machine technologies to consider

The latest washing machine technologies are designed to provide optimal cleaning performance and make your life easier. If your top priorities are maximum convenience and achieving the best possible clean, here are some key features to look for when buying a washing machine:

• Delicate care program: This is a specialised program to protect your treasured garments, using a reverse cradle action, for a reduced wrinkle wash.
• Automatic mixing of detergent and softener: This function is designed to protect every fibre by optimally blending water, detergent, and softener before entering the drum, conserving the life of your clothes.
• Automatically-tailored washing programme: This feature automatically optimises the programme for the actual laundry load to save resources and avoid over washing. Smart sensors save the time, water and energy used, while ensuring even small loads are washed with precision.
• Self-cleaning feature: Self-clean function helps to maintain the performance of your washing machine if run on a regular basis. For more manual cleaning tips, read our complete guide on how to clean a washing machine.
• Connectivity: A smart laundry is only one push away with the Electrolux Life App. Connect your laundry appliances to your phone for convenient customised care. 

What washing machine brand is good?

A good washing machine brand should offer reliable performance, suitable model options, fabric-care technology and dependable after-sales support. Since a washing machine is a long-term appliance, it is worth choosing a brand that fits both your laundry needs and service expectations.

What to look for in a good washing machine brand

Consider these factors when comparing washing machine brands:

• Range of capacities and machine types
• Washing performance
• Fabric-care technology
• Energy and water efficiency
• Hygiene features
• Warranty and service support
• Availability of parts
• Customer reviews and ratings
• Clear product information

A good brand should make it easy to compare models by capacity, features and household needs.

Why choose Electrolux washing machines?

Electrolux washing machines are designed to support modern laundry care with practical capacity options, fabric-care programs and energy-efficient technologies. Based on the current guide, Electrolux offers different UltimateCare series to suit various household needs, from everyday washing to advanced fabric care.

Electrolux washing machines include features such as EcoInverter motors, HygienicCare, Quick Cycles, UltraMix, WoolCare, AI SensorWash, AutoDose and Wi-Fi connectivity depending on the series. This makes it easier to choose a model based on your preferred level of care, convenience and technology.

Which Electrolux washing machine model is good?

Below are our recommended Electrolux washing machines, selected to suit different household sizes, laundry loads and fabric-care needs.

1. Electrolux 11kg UltimateCare 700 front load washing machine EWF1143R7WC

• Best for: Medium to large households that want an 11kg front load washing machine with smart stain care, vapour refresh and connected laundry features.
• Key features: SensorWash helps remove up to 53 stains, while IntelliQuick selects the best load-based programme for more efficient care. This model also refreshes clothes with vapour, provides gentle care for delicates with DelicatesPlus, and includes Sanitise to remove 99.99% of common bacteria and viruses.

2. Electrolux 9kg UltimateCare 500 front load washing machine EWF9023P5WC

• Best for: Small to medium families who want a 9kg front load washing machine for daily clothes, uniforms and regular laundry.
• Key features: UltraMix helps prevent visible detergent residue by dissolving detergent before it reaches your clothes, while the 45-minute full-load wash supports efficient laundry care for busy households. The Sanitise function removes 99.99% of common bacteria and viruses.

3. Electrolux 13kg UltimateCare 500 front load washing machine EWF1343P5WC

• Best for: Large families or households that need extra capacity for bedding, towels and heavy laundry loads.
• Key features: CareDrum provides a larger capacity with a new cushion design technology to help care for clothes during washing. UltraMix helps prevent visible detergent residue, while the 45-minute full-load wash supports efficient washing even with larger loads.

Explore Electrolux washing machines to find the right model for your family size, laundry routine and fabric-care needs.