What you need to Know about Capacity
When choosing a washing machine, capacity is an important factor, especially for busy households. While larger drums may seem appealing, capacity alone doesn’t guarantee better performance.
So what does Washing Machine Capacity actually mean?
Whether your country measures it in Drum Volume or KG’s, the starting measurement for everybody is the same: drum volume in cu ft or in litres. So does a bigger number in cu ft, litres or a rating in Kg’s mean you can process more laundry in a ‘bigger’ machine? Not necessarily.
Government formulas base their KG capacity on drum volume – this is the capacity rating you see listed on the machine. This is an outdated and flawed system and doesn’t take into consideration improvements in wash technology – it does NOT measure how much of that tub is actually usable for clothes, water and the best washing action. This is a major source of confusion when purchasing a top load washer.
The below video shows how a Speed Queen Top Load Washer, with a 3.2 cu ft capacity rated tub size, can hold the same load size as other competitors with larger capacity rated tubs.
It’s important to understand that the raw capacity of the tub is not necessarily the same as the actual usable capacity. Therefore, be careful not to read too much into the Kg rating of different washing machines.
Many competitors fall short in addressing common issues with large capacity top loaders that impact performance and convenience. Speed Queen® has tackled these challenges head-on with its superior design, offering solutions that redefine reliability and efficiency.
Competitor Challenges
- Out-of-Balance Loads
Many large-capacity machines lack advanced suspension systems, leading to frequent cycle interruptions and manual rebalancing - Insufficient water levels
Larger drums often fail to fully saturate clothes, compromising wash quality—especially for bulky or heavily - Durability Issues
Washers built with plastic or lower-grade metal tubs are more vulnerable to corrosion, odour build-up, and wear over time—raising real concerns about long-term durability. - Extended Cycles
Standard machines often exceed one hour for full loads, making laundry a time-consuming chore
Speed Queen® Advantages
- Optimised Capacity
Designed to handle large volumes with ease, Speed Queen® machines ensure thorough cleaning with full tub wash action and deep fill options - Commercial-Grade Durability
Features like galvanized steel outer tubs and stainless steel inner tubs (backed by an 18-year warranty) ensure long-lasting performance - Efficient Cycles
Full loads are completed in under an hour, saving time and energy - Advanced Suspension Systems
Minimizes out-of-balance interruptions, ensuring smooth operation even with bulky or uneven loads - Built-in Motor Protection
A thermal overload safety mechanism prevents burnout, making it ideal for heavy-use.
How to Choose the Right Capacity?
When selecting a washing machine, consider your household size and laundry habits:
Smaller Households
(1-2 people), handling around 35 T-shirts per load.
A 7kg machine is sufficient for light loads and occasional washing.
Medium to Large Households
(4+ people), accommodating approximately 50 – 65 T-shirts per load.
A 10,5kg machine offers a balance between capacity and efficiency, ideal for regular laundry needs.
From practical testing, an average 4 person household completes about 6 loads of regular laundry per week (excluding seasonal items such as blankets and curtains). Factory testing confirms that our machines are designed for 10,400 cycles, equating to up to 25 years of use in a typical home. Based on 8 loads per week over 45 weeks per year, this demonstrates both the washer’s longevity and the number of loads an average family can complete, highlighting just how much laundry a Speed Queen ® can handle.
Real Life Benefits
Time Savings
Faster cycles and reduced drying/ironing times mean more laundry done in less time.
Energy Efficiency
Fewer re-washes and shorter drying times reduce electricity consumption
Convenience
Large capacity machines like Speed Queen® allow families to wash bulky items safely and effectively.
While washing machine capacity is important, it’s equally vital to consider the machine’s design, durability, and ability to handle heavy loads. Speed Queen® stands out with its commercial-grade construction, efficient cycles, and superior cleaning performance—making it the ideal choice for households seeking reliability and convenience.
By understanding your laundry needs and choosing a machine that balances capacity with functionality, you can ensure optimal results for every load—saving time, energy, and money in the long run.
What’s in a Load?
Though load sizes will vary a little depending on the washer’s capacity, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Built to Last
No Load too Tough for this Washer Dryer set
What makes a washer and dryer legendary? Toughness. And we’re not just talking about durability. We’re talking about built-to-withstand-anything performance!
Speed Queen® homestyle washers have been put to the test and have proven they can withstand extreme conditions and abuse—ranging from full loads and wash cycles with marbles, cowbells, golf balls and beyond. From billiard balls and garden tools to hockey pucks and baseballs, if our machines hold up under these conditions in our test lab, imagine how long they will last in your home.
See the results of just one such testing:
