With technology infiltrating every corner of our homes, it’s no surprise that even your trusty washing machine is now being labelled “outdated” and “past its prime.”
Today’s smart washers, decked out with cutting-edge tech, have turned the chore of chucking on a load of laundry into a job more akin to powering up one of Elon Musk’s starships.
Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, AI-powered settings, and advanced energy-saving features, these wow-worthy washing machines have replaced the simplicities of laundry day in to something from another planet.
But with their often-hefty price tags, are they a clever investment or an unnecessary luxury?
Build-it has decided to wash away the spin and determine whether these high-tech machines are worth cleaning out your wallet.
Smarter laundry, smarter living
Despite all the extra modes and buttons, smart washing machines are actually designed to make laundry simpler and more efficient.
Their Wi-Fi connectivity means you can control your machine remotely via a smartphone app – starting, pausing, or even scheduling loads from anywhere.
No more rushing home to unload wet clothes or worrying about forgotten cycles; you could even send your socks for a spin while sipping a cocktail from the other side of the world.
Many models even send notifications when a cycle is done or allow you to download custom programs tailored to specific fabrics.
AI and sensor technology take things further, automatically adjusting water levels, temperature, and spin speeds to suit each individualised load.
This ensures your clothes are cleaned efficiently while reducing wear and tear on the washer itself, preventing faults or costly repairs.
Energy efficiency is another common feature among smart washers, with most boasting high energy ratings and eco-friendly cycles that use less water and electricity than traditional machines without the common compromise in performance.
Premium models can even calculate the ideal detergent amount, preventing wastage to help recoup some its cost one wash cycle at a time.
Is the spin worth the spend
While their tech-heavy nature can be a drawback for those who aren’t tech-savvy, the real stain on smart washing machines’ reputation is their typically premium price tag.
Basic models with minimal smart features start at around $600, while high-end smart washers can climb to $2,000 or more.
The value they offer depends mainly on your needs and lifestyle. For time-poor households, the convenience of remote control and automated settings can be a game-changer, streamlining laundry day and reducing hassle.
And despite the initial outlay, smart washers’ often boast eco-friendly cycles, energy-efficient designs, and precise detergent control, allowing users to save on water, electricity, and cleaning products over time which ultimately helps to offset their higher upfront cost.
However, removing all the teched-up spin, if you’re unlikely to use the advanced smart features, you may prefer a more straightforward approach.
If this sounds like you, a standard model will serve your needs just as well — often at a fraction of the price.
Build-it’s top smart washer picks
If tech is no challenge and your heart is set, Build-it has picked out our top three smart washers to suit every budget.
Haier HWF95ANB1 9.5kg Front Load Washing Machine (Graphite)

Price: Budget – $699
Smart Features: Wi-Fi enabled with remote access and future smart home capability. Features a 4.5-star water rating and a 4-star energy rating.
Samsung DV80T5420AW 8kg AI-Enabled Heat Pump Dryer

Price: Mid-range – $1,549
Smart Features: AI Dry System monitors temperature and humidity in real-time. Samsung SmartThings integration offers intelligent laundry advice, scheduling, and troubleshooting. Features a 9-star energy efficiency rating for ultra-sustainable drying.
LG WXLC-1116B 16/9kg Front Load Washer & Dryer Combo

Price: Premium – $2,099
Smart Features: AI Direct Drive for intelligent fabric care, Allergy Care and Steam+ Cycles, and ThinQ Wi-Fi connectivity.