What Is a Fair Price for a Washer and Dryer in Australia?

Alex

Buying a washer and dryer used to be simple: walk into the shop, grab the cheapest combo, and hope it lasted through a few years of school uniforms and weekend bedding changes. But now? With dozens of models, energy star ratings, and techy terms like “heat pump dryer” or “inverter motor”, it’s easy to overpay—or worse, underspend and regret it.

So, what’s a fair price in today’s market?

Here’s the short answer:

A fair price for a quality washing machine in Australia is between $600–$1,200, while a good dryer falls between $500–$1,500, depending on type, size, and features.

What affects the cost of a washer and dryer?

Let’s be real—this isn’t just about brand names. A bunch of practical (and sometimes sneaky) things influence price:

1. Load capacity:

6–7kg washers are fine for singles or couples.
8–10kg washers suit families—cost more, but save time.

2. Energy and water efficiency:

High star ratings cost more upfront, but significantly less to run. Over a decade, a 5-star machine could save hundreds.

3. Features and tech:

Delay timers, steam cycles, Wi-Fi control, auto-dose detergent—cool, but not always necessary.

4. Dryer type:

Vented dryers are cheapest but heat your laundry room and use more energy. Condenser and heat pump dryers cost more but are better for small spaces and long-term bills.

Real example:

A Melbourne family of five replaced their old top loader and vented dryer with a 9kg Bosch front loader and 8-star heat pump dryer. They spent $2,400 but saved $150–200 a year on bills—and their laundry actually dried in winter.

How long should a washer and dryer last?

According to CHOICE, the average lifespan is:

Front loader washer: 10–12 years
Top loader washer: 7–10 years
Heat pump dryer: 12–15 years
Vented dryer: 5–8 years

Paying more upfront for reliability can be a smarter choice. Cheap models tend to break down after 3–5 years—right when they’re out of warranty.

Are washer–dryer combos worth it?

Yes... and no.

Pros:

Space-saving
One machine does both jobs
Great for apartments

Cons:

Smaller drying capacity (usually 50% of wash size)
Takes longer to dry
More expensive to repair

Expect to pay $900–$1,500 for a decent combo unit. But if you do lots of laundry, separate machines tend to perform better.

Should I buy new, or go second-hand?

If you're tight on budget, buying a used washer or dryer can work—but it’s a bit of a gamble.

Used appliances (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree):

Pros: $100–$400 bargains
Cons: No warranty, unknown wear, pickup-only hassle

Look for units under 5 years old, from trusted brands like Bosch, LG, Electrolux, or Fisher & Paykel. If it’s older than that, you might spend more on repairs than the machine itself.

When’s the best time to buy?

Retailers often discount appliances during:

End of financial year (June–July)
Boxing Day sales
Black Friday (late November)
Stocktake clearances

And here’s a pro tip: ask to buy floor stock. You can often save 10–20% just because the box is missing.

What brands are trusted in Australia?

Based on user reviews and CHOICE testing:

Top washer brands: Bosch, LG, Miele, Fisher & Paykel
Top dryer brands: Electrolux, Bosch, LG, Asko
Best combo units: LG, Haier

Avoid ultra-budget models with unfamiliar names unless you’re okay with potential reliability trade-offs.

FAQs

Q: Is it cheaper to run a heat pump dryer long term?

Yes. It uses up to 60% less energy than vented models. The higher upfront cost often pays itself back within 3–5 years.

Q: Can I finance or Afterpay laundry appliances?

Absolutely. Major retailers like Harvey Norman and The Good Guys offer interest-free plans—but watch for hidden fees.

Q: Do laundromats make more sense than buying machines?

It depends. If you’re renting short-term, moving often, or living solo, it might be cheaper to just search for a laundromat near me and pay as you go.

Final Thought

A “fair price” isn’t just about what’s on the tag—it’s about how well the machine serves your needs over time. Whether you're doing a quick load after work or ploughing through weekend linen mountains, getting the right washer and dryer can change how you feel about laundry altogether.

And for those in-between phases—moving house, travelling, downsizing—it’s comforting to know that there’s always a laundromat near me that’ll take the load off. Literally.