Are Kmart washing machines any good? Review

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Just when we thought Kmart couldn’t do better, the department store is now offering its own range of Anko-branded white goods online, including washing machines! It’s true, you can now buy a washing machine online at Kmart – but is it worth it? Here’s our expert review of Kmart’s washing machines below and how they compare to other budget buys from Kogan and ALDI.

Please note: Kmart washing machines are available for purchase exclusively online in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania (subject to availability). Kmart devices come with a 12 month warranty.

Kmart washing machine review

Kmart sells both top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines under the Anko brand. The economy department store range of washers can be described as simple, yet functional with basic features like delay start, eco mode, quick wash, warm wash and programs for various fabrics as well as prewash settings and overheating protection. The range of Kmart washing machines includes the following models:

• Kmart 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine: RRP $349*
• Kmart 6kg Front Load Washing Machine: RRP $399*
• Kmart 8kg Top Load Washing Machine: RRP $419*
• Kmart 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine: RRP $439*

Kmart 5.5kg Top Load Washing Machine – $349

This washing machine from Kmart lets you customize your wash cycle with eight wash programs, including Normal, Mixed, Heavy, Quick 15 Minutes, Jeans, Delicates, Bulky/Heavy, and i-Clean (Drum Clean Cycle). It also offers a quick mode, a delayed start function and a “memory logic” that restarts your machine in the event of a power failure. This top loader also comes with fuzzy logic that automatically detects load size and sets the proper wash settings, a glass lid to check your wash, and an LED display that lets you know the progress of your wash cycle. It has a durable exterior finish and a stainless steel interior drum and retails for just $349. This model comes with a three star WELS water rating.

Kmart Anko 6kg Front Load Washing Machine – $399

This Anko washer comes with 15 preset washing functions, including 15 quick, 45 quick, rinse and spin, spin only, eco cotton, delicate, jeans, cold cotton, etc. It also has an LED display that informs and alerts you of the progress of your wash cycle, a 24-hour delay start function, as well as an extra rinse function and a prewash function. . It retails for just $399. This model boasts a four-star WELS water rating.

Kmart Anko 8kg Top Load Washing Machine – $419

This is Kmart’s largest capacity washing machine and comes with eight wash programs including Normal, Mixed, Heavy, Quick 15 Minutes, Jeans, Delicates, Bulky/Heavy and i-Clean ( drum cleaning). There is also a fast mode feature and a delayed start feature for those looking to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. This model also has a memory program that will resume your cycle where it left off in the event of a power outage. Other features include fuzzy logic (adds soap and water and corrects spin direction based on soil level), LED display that tracks your cycle progress, glass lid, indicator variable water level, child lock and overheating protection. This Anko washer also comes with a three-star WELS water rating and retails for $419.

Kmart Anko 7.5kg Front Load Washing Machine – $439

The most “expensive” model in the Kmart range is this 7.5kg front loader which comes with 15 preset wash functions to help you tailor your wash to your needs and preferences. Some programs include quick 15 minutes, quick, 90°C warm wash, rinse and spin, spin only, eco cotton, delicate, jeans, cold cotton, etc. Other features to look forward to include a 24 hour delayed start, LED display for cycle monitoring, overheat protection and a shallow 40cm depth. This Anko model comes with a four-star WELS water rating and sells for $439.

Our opinion : “Kmart’s range of washing machines offer basic features that are still enough to get an efficient, bespoke clean without paying too much up-front,” says Megan Birot, Canstar Blue’s editor for home and the style of life.

“Most of the models in the lineup also come with adequate energy and water efficiency to get the job done without increasing your utility bills.”

Kmart washing machines vs Kogan washing machines

Kmart’s 8kg top load washing machine performs better than Kogan’s generic 8.5kg top load washer on all fronts, including having more wash cycles to meet various laundry needs, more safety features including auto-balancing, and better overall water efficiency. Kmart’s model is also slightly cheaper than Kogan’s workhorse, although the latter comes with a longer 24-month warranty.

Here’s a quick comparison here.

Kmart washing machines vs ALDI washing machines

Kmart’s 7.5 kg front loader is on par with ALDI’s 8 kg Stirling model in terms of washing programs for all types of fabrics (although Kmart’s model has more prewash functions) and basic features like delayed start and child lock. However, ALDI’s model has a lower water efficiency rating. It also costs less – just $399.

Here’s a quick comparison here.

Looking for more Kmart product reviews?

Are Kmart devices any good?

Yes – Kmart devices are generally considered to be of good quality if you take into account the price you pay and the largely positive online reviews. Kmart is often rated five stars for value for money and ease of use in our consumer ratings for devices, although Australians generally rate the department store lower on overall customer satisfaction, compared to larger brands and premium brands. That said, Kmart still works well for small kitchen appliances like air fryers and toasters.

Compare front load washers