So, what size washing machine do you need? For most homes, the answer comes down to how many people live there and how often you wash. A couple usually does fine with 6kg to 7kg. A family of four typically needs 7.5kg to 9kg. Bigger households, or homes with doonas and bulky loads, do better with 9kg or more.
We’ve sold and delivered washing machines across Perth for years, and the same pattern shows up again and again. People either buy too small and end up running extra loads every week, or they buy a huge machine and never fill it. Below is the rule we actually use with customers in our Welshpool store, plus what to buy for your household size, and how to check it will actually fit your laundry.
The quick rule for washing machine size
Here’s a simple table you can use as a starting point.
| Household | Suggested capacity | Typical use |
| 1 to 2 people | 6kg to 7kg | Couples, share houses, singles |
| 3 to 4 people | 7.5kg to 9kg | Small to medium families |
| 5 or more people | 9kg to 11kg | Large families, bulky loads |
This lines up with what most manufacturers recommend too, and it’s a good place to start before you get into the details of your own laundry habits.
Sizes by household: 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 or more people
Singles and couples
A 6kg to 7kg washing machine covers most one- and two-person households. You’ll get through a normal week of clothes, sheets, and towels without needing back-to-back loads. If you work from home or exercise daily, you might wash a little more often, so lean toward 7kg rather than the smaller end.
Families of three or four
This is where 7.5kg to 9kg machines earn their keep. School uniforms, sports gear, and regular bedding all add up fast, and a machine in this range keeps you from washing every second day. Many of our customers in this bracket tell us the extra kg over a smaller model paid for itself within a year, simply in fewer cycles and less time spent in the laundry.
Households of five or more
Once you’re washing for five or more people, go for 9kg or above. We stock several top loaders and front loaders in this range, and they’re a common choice for larger Perth families who want fewer loads each week. If you regularly wash king-size bedding or heavy work uniforms, consider sizing up again to 10kg or 11kg.
How to measure your laundry space before you buy
Capacity matters, but so does fit. Before you commit to a size, grab a tape measure and check the width, depth, and height of your laundry nook. Most standard machines are around 600mm wide, though larger capacity models can sit deeper front to back.
Leave a little extra room around the machine for airflow and for the door or lid to open fully. If your laundry is tight on space, a front loader is often the better pick, since it can sit under a bench or have a dryer stacked on top. Check your water inlet and drain hose position too, since older homes in Perth sometimes have these set up for a top loader only. A quick measure now saves a return trip later.
Don’t forget bulky items like doonas and towels
Kg per person is a useful starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Doonas, thick towels, and bedding take up far more drum space than their weight suggests. A queen doona can fill a mid-sized drum on its own, even though it barely tips the scales.
That’s worth remembering before you settle on a size. CHOICE’s research on washing machine loads found that most households rarely wash a truly full load anyway, so it’s fine to size for your everyday washing and simply take bulky items to a larger machine or laundromat now and then, rather than buying oversized for one or two loads a year.
Front load or top load: does capacity work the same way?
Not quite. A front loader tends to fit slightly more laundry for the same drum size, since the tumbling action uses space more efficiently and doesn’t need room for an agitator. Top loaders are often faster for a single quick wash and easier on the back if bending down isn’t ideal. They also tend to cost a little less for the same rated capacity, which matters if budget is a bigger factor than drum size.
If capacity is your main concern, browse our front loader washing machines range, where you’ll find tested and reconditioned models across most of the sizes above.
Thinking about a washer dryer combo instead?
Some smaller households consider a combo unit to save space, but combo capacity works a bit differently to a standalone washer. If you’re weighing that option up, we’ve covered the trade-offs in our recent post on washer dryer combos versus separate washer and dryer units, which is worth a read before you decide.
Recommended machines by size
Once you know your rough kg range, the next step is finding a machine that fits your laundry space and budget. Every washing machine we sell is tested, cleaned, and backed by a 90-day warranty, so you’re not gambling on a random second-hand find.
Head over to our washing machine range to filter by capacity and type. Our Welshpool store carries stock across the small, medium, and large ranges, and we deliver Perth-wide if you’d rather not lug a washer home yourself. If you’re upgrading, ask our team about trading in your old machine when your new one is delivered.
FAQs
What size washing machine for a family of 4?
A 7.5kg to 9kg washing machine suits most families of four. If school uniforms and sports washing pile up fast in your house, lean toward the higher end of that range.
How many kg of washing machine do I need?
It depends on your household size, but a rough guide is 6kg to 7kg for one to two people, 7.5kg to 9kg for three to four, and 9kg or more for five or more people.
Is a bigger washing machine better?
Not always. A bigger drum means fewer loads for a large household, but it can waste water and power if you’re regularly running small loads in it. Match the size to your actual laundry, not the biggest number on the shelf.
What size washing machine for a couple?
Most couples do well with a 6kg to 7kg machine. It’s enough for regular clothes, sheets, and towels without running the machine half empty every time.
Still not sure which model fits your space? Give our team a call or drop into the Welshpool store. We’ve got a 5.0 Google rating from over 500 Perth customers, and we’re happy to talk through your laundry setup before you buy.
