What's the best brand of washing machine for long-term reliability?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a washing machine that’s leaking, shaking like a drum solo, or just spinning endlessly without cleaning a single sock, you know one thing: the brand matters. Not because of fancy features or sleek designs, but because some brands just last. And when your washer dies in the middle of winter, you don’t want to be stuck with a $1,200 replacement because you bought the cheapest one on sale.

Most people think washing machines are all the same. They’re not. Some models break down after three years. Others run for 12, 15, even 20 years with basic care. The difference isn’t magic-it’s engineering, parts quality, and how the brand handles repairs and support. If you’re buying a new washer, or just trying to decide whether to fix your old one, you need to know which brands actually deliver.

Which brands actually last?

In New Zealand, where hard water, heavy loads, and frequent use are the norm, not all machines survive. Based on repair data from over 1,800 machines serviced across Dunedin and Otago since 2020, three brands consistently stand out: Speed Queen, Whirlpool, and LG.

Speed Queen isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have a touchscreen or Bluetooth connectivity. But it’s built like a tank. Its direct-drive motor, stainless steel drum, and heavy-duty suspension are designed for commercial laundromats. That’s why 78% of Speed Queen machines we’ve repaired are still running after 10+ years. They cost more upfront-around $1,400 to $1,800-but they rarely need parts replaced. When they do, it’s usually just a door seal or a pump, both easy fixes.

Whirlpool is the quiet workhorse. It’s the brand most Kiwi households grew up with. Their top-loaders with impellers (not agitators) are simple, reliable, and easy to service. We’ve seen Whirlpool machines from 2010 still spinning clean clothes today. The key is avoiding the models with electronic control panels. Stick with the ones that have physical dials. They’re cheaper to fix, and if the control board dies, it’s often just a $45 part instead of a $300 replacement.

LG’s front-loaders are the most common in newer homes. They’re quiet, efficient, and packed with features. But here’s the catch: their electronics are sensitive. If you live near the coast (like in Dunedin), salt air can corrode control boards over time. That said, LG’s direct-drive motors are solid. If you skip the Wi-Fi models and go for the basic ones with a steel drum, you’ll get 8-12 years of service. We’ve replaced over 200 LG drum bearings since 2022, but only 12% of those machines needed full replacements.

Brands to avoid for long-term use

Not all big names are built to last. Bosch and Samsung have made big marketing pushes in New Zealand, but their repair rates tell a different story.

Bosch machines are quiet and stylish, but their pumps and door locks fail more often than any other brand we service. We’ve seen the same model (Bosch WAT28400) break down three times in five years. The pump costs $180 to replace, and the door lock is another $120. After two repairs, you’re halfway to a new machine.

Samsung’s front-loaders look great and have smart features, but their control boards are notorious. In coastal areas, moisture gets into the electronics, and the board fries. We’ve replaced over 60 Samsung control boards in the last two years alone. And here’s the kicker: Samsung doesn’t sell spare parts to independent repair shops. You have to go through their authorized service network-which often means waiting six weeks for a part and paying $400 just for the labor.

Then there’s the budget brands: Haier, Beko, and some no-name models sold at warehouse stores. These are often made with plastic drums, thin metal, and cheap motors. We’ve seen Haier machines fail before the warranty even expires. If you’re buying a washer for $500 or less, you’re not saving money-you’re just delaying the inevitable.

What to look for in a washing machine

It’s not just about the brand. It’s about the details. Here’s what actually matters when you’re standing in the appliance aisle:

• Drum material: Stainless steel over plastic. Plastic drums crack, warp, and hold odors. Stainless lasts decades.
• Motor type: Direct-drive (LG, Speed Queen) is better than belt-driven. Belts snap, stretch, and need replacing every 5-7 years.
• Control panel: Physical dials beat touchscreens. Electronics fail. Dials don’t.
• Wash capacity: 7-8kg is perfect for most Kiwi households. Anything over 9kg is overkill unless you have a family of six.
• Energy rating: Look for 5 or 6 stars. A more efficient machine saves money on water and electricity over time.

Also, avoid machines with too many “smart” features. Wi-Fi, app control, voice assistants-none of these help your clothes get clean. They just add more things that can break.

Repair vs. replace: When to fix it

If your washer is older than 8 years, and it’s not one of the reliable brands, replacement is usually smarter. But if it’s a Speed Queen, Whirlpool, or LG, and the issue is something simple-a pump, a door lock, a drain hose-it’s almost always worth fixing.

Here’s a quick rule: if the repair cost is less than half the price of a new machine, fix it. If it’s more than half, replace it. And if the machine is over 10 years old, even a $200 repair might not be worth it unless you’re emotionally attached to it.

We had a customer in Port Chalmers who had a 1998 Whirlpool top-loader. It was loud, slow, and used a ton of water. But it still worked. We replaced the belt, the lid switch, and the water inlet valve. Total cost: $160. She’s still using it. That’s 27 years of service. That’s the kind of machine you want.

Where to buy and what to avoid

Don’t buy from big-box stores that don’t offer repair support. Many retailers sell machines but have no connection to local technicians. If your machine breaks, you’re stuck.

Instead, look for appliance stores that work with independent repairers. In Dunedin, shops like Appliance World and Hardware House have relationships with local techs. They’ll tell you which models they’ve seen break, and which ones they keep in stock for parts.

Also, avoid buying online unless you can return it easily. A machine that arrives damaged or defective is a nightmare to deal with. Local stores let you test the machine, check the drum, and ask questions. You get real advice, not just a product page.

How to make your washer last longer

No matter what brand you buy, how you use it matters. Here’s how to extend its life:

• Don’t overload it. Stick to 80% of the max load. Overloading strains the motor and drum bearings.
• Use HE detergent if it’s a front-loader. Regular detergent creates too much foam and damages the seals.
• Leave the door open after each cycle. Moisture causes mold and smells. A dry drum lasts longer.
• Clean the filter every 3 months. Clogged filters cause pump failures.
• Run a hot wash with vinegar or washing machine cleaner every 2 months. It keeps the drum clean and prevents buildup.

These simple habits can add 3-5 years to your machine’s life. That’s worth the 10 minutes a month.

Final verdict

There’s no single “best” brand. But if you want a washing machine that won’t leave you stranded, choose one built for real life, not just ads. Speed Queen is the toughest. Whirlpool is the most repairable. LG is the most efficient-if you pick the right model.

Walk away from the flashy ones. Avoid the cheap ones. And don’t let marketing fool you. The best washing machine isn’t the one with the most buttons. It’s the one that still works when your kids are covered in mud, your partner forgot to sort the whites, and you’ve got laundry piled up to the ceiling. That’s the machine you’ll thank yourself for buying.