This refers to the type of washing machine and dryer. In this case, all are front loader washers and condensor dryers.

CHOICE recommends currently available washer dryer combos that score at least 70% overall, 75% for wash performance and 60% for drying performance.

We apply a penalty to the wash performance scores for washer dryer combos which take too long to wash. Starting at 90 minutes, the penalty increases the longer the cycle takes.

The overall score is made up of wash performance (70%) and drying performance (30%).

The drying performance score is made up of energy efficiency (60%) and drying time (40%).

The wash performance score is made up of dirt removal (40%), rinse performance (20%), gentleness (15%), water efficiency (15%) and spin efficiency (10%). Models with cycle times longer than 90 minutes receive a small penalty.

The machine we use to measure this (a spectrophotometer) is more accurate than the human eye; differences of about 6% are visible.

This is a measure of how well the machines keep the dirt suspended in the water rather than depositing it back on the clothes, and how well they rinse out detergent. We add a marker chemical to the wash, and measure how much remains after the cycle - the less there is, the better the rinse.

To check for fabric wear, we attach swatches of easily frayed fabric to the garments in each load. The area of the swatch is measured before and after the wash – the less fraying, the gentler the machine.

Flow meters are connected to each machine to measure water use. To compare efficiency between different-sized machines, we calculate the amount of water used per kilogram of the test load. The less water per kilogram of clothing, the higher the efficiency score.

The test load is weighed before and after each wash. The less water remaining in the clothes the higher the score, and the faster your laundry will dry. We use the machines maximum spin speed.

We take a 3.5kg load of dry laundry, wet it to 90% saturation and measure how much time and energy it takes to dry it. The energy efficiency and drying time scores are based on the amount of energy and time used per kilogram of clothing.

If the dryer has a sensor to determine when the clothes are dry and automatically turns off, we use it, otherwise we test using the timer. The longer the drying time, the lower the score.

The total amount of water used during the entire program washer dryer cycle.

The amount of energy used during the entire washer dryer program cycle we selected.

The total amount of time taken to complete the washer dryer program cycle we selected – this can vary widely, up to six hours.

The maximum noise level is recorded during the spin cycle of the tested program and is measured one metre away from the machine and one metre above the ground. Typically, these appliances are as noisy as a normal conversation (about 65dB).

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating isn't included in our total score. N/A means there's no rating for that company.

Taken from our brand reliability survey, this does not add to the overall score. Scores refer to the brand only, not the particular model. In this case, we've used scores taken from washing machines.

Taken from our brand reliability survey, this does not add to the overall score. Scores refer to the brand only, not the particular model. In this case, we've used scores from our washing machine reviews.

The energy use as stated on the label, based on 365 uses per year.

The energy use on the label, based on 52 uses per year.

The wash program stated on the energy label of the machine. Manufacturers tend to choose a program that uses the least power and water to attain the most stars possible, even though our findings are that many people won't use this program. Most people use a normal wash.

The dry program stated on the energy label of the machine. Manufacturers tend to choose a program that uses the least power and water to attain the most stars possible, even though our findings are that many people won't use this program.

Energy star rating based on a formula that incorporates the energy used per wash and the claimed capacity of the machine in kg.

Energy star rating based on a formula that incorporates the energy used per dry and the claimed capacity of the machine in kg.

A comparative measure of the water efficiency of a washing machine. The more stars, the higher the efficiency. For washer dryer combos, the label must state how much water is used for drying, but it doesn't count towards the star rating.

For washer dryer combos the WELS star rating logo must display how much water is used for drying, but it doesn't count towards calculating the stars.

A comparative measure of the water efficiency of a washing machine. The more stars, the higher the efficiency. For washer dryer combos, the label must state how much water is used for drying, but it doesn't count towards the star rating.

Stated warranty of the machine - not the parts. You're still covered by the Australian Consumer Law regardless of the manufacturer warranty.

Most models have a claimed origin somewhere on the model itself. This should be taken with a grain of salt, as it's rare that all the materials for a product came from the one country.

Recommended retail price at time of testing.

This is an estimate of how much it will cost for water and electricity over 10 years if you wash the equivalent of one load every day using a normal cycle and dry three times a week, based on 40 cents per kWh of electricity and $2 per 1000L for water. Running costs don't include detergent, the largest cost of running a washing machine.

Total cost of ownership (purchase price plus running costs over 10 years), not taking detergent into account, which is the most expensive part of doing your laundry.

The claimed drying capacity of a washer dryer. Note that dryer capacity is lower than the washing capacity in all machines due to the need for air to circulate when drying.

The claimed washing capacity of a washer dryer. Note that drying capacity is less than the washing capacity in all machines, so you may need to dry in two goes if washing a full load.

The weight of the washing load we used to test the machine, measured in kilograms. This shouldn't vary unless an extra run has been done on a lower claimed capacity machine.

We test on a normal, cold wash or the closest approximation to it. You'll sometimes see differences between what the energy and water labels say on the machine and our results, because manufacturers may have used a different program for registration.

Since most Australians wash in cold water, we apply a small penalty in our overall score to models that can't do a proper cold wash (our water is at 20 degrees C) on their 'normal' cycle.

Some machines have both hot and cold water inlets (H&C); others can connect to cold water only, and have on-board heaters for warm washes. Check the maximum temperature recommended for the hot-water inlet. Many manufacturers recommend a lower temperature than most hot-water systems deliver - particularly solar hot-water systems meaning you may need a tempering valve.

Washers require a minimum water pressure for water to flow into the machine and function. Check your local water supplier for the water pressure to your house, as this will differ.

Where washers accept a hot water source, there can be a cap on how high the temperature can be before it affects the hose or internal mechanisms. Usually this can be regulated by your heater, or a tempering valve can be fixed to the inlet if your water temperature is higher than accepted.

The dimensions listed are the smallest dimensions in which the washer will fit according to the manufacturer.

A fast-wash option reduces the length of the selected program or is a faster cycle in itself. These programs are only suitable for small, lightly soiled loads.

This can help you save water, energy and time by automatically adjusting the water level according to the load and/or fabric type. Some machines also adjust the washing action.

The machine automatically detects and redistributes an out-of-balance load, either by spinning slowly before the full spin cycle or by taking in more water. An imbalance usually happens when a single item (such as jeans or a towel) is put into the machine and the spin makes the machine bounce around from the weight being thrown about.

You can change the spin speed on some programs. A higher spin speed will result in drier clothes, which dry faster and use less energy in the dryer, however lower spin speeds mean fewer creases and fluffier towels.

Some machines have an extra-gentle wash cycle for garments labelled as only suitable for handwashing - including woollens, silk and cashmere. The program uses different washing actions such as less water.

An extra rinse feature can be useful if find detergent residue on your clothes, or if your skin is sensitive to detergent. Some washers have it as an extra run added to the end of a program, or as a simple single run (rinse and spin) once the primary program is finished.

Like front loaders, washer dryer combos don't need lint filters because they're gentler on clothes.

'Delay time' or 'time delay' is a feature that lets you program the wash to start at a specific time in the future, to take advantage of peak solar generation time, off-peak power, or just to have your laundry finish in the morning as you're waking up.

Time remaining display will give you a rough estimation of how long the load will take to wash. This can fluctuate wildly as some washers use sensors to detect how dirty your wash is, the type of load you've put in and how much you've put in to adjust the timing.

Most front loaders allow you to pause the wash in the first moments of pushing the start button, but after water gets to the door, its a no go unless you cancel the wash and start again.