I have a Bosch front loader, 5.5 kg from memory (may be 6.5kg) and I love it. Always use powder and use a hot wash about once a week. It also has a 15 min cycle which I LOVE LOVE LOVE with kids' clothes. It's the most power efficient and water efficient (56L per wash) on the market when I bought it.

I have a Westinghouse dryer which I got a builder mate to hang on the wall. Dryers are much of a muchness - they all suck power like nothing else. I have an external door open when the dryer is on, as otherwise the laundry can get mouldy.