With increasing demands for energy efficient home appliances, all appliance manufacturers
consistently improve the performance of their products. As washing machines are
a necessity in all homes, this sector has seen a tremendous turnout of quality products
in recent years. Manufacturers vie with each other in perfecting their models and
fitting them with features that make them hard to resist.
When you are about to buy a new washing machine there are a few factors that need
to be considered carefully. So read on…
Which loading type is for you?
Deciding on the loading type is one of the first choices that a prospective buyer
has to make. Front loading or top loading are the two options to choose from.
Front Loading
Washing Machines
Can be either free-standing machines or built-in models. The front loading option
makes it easy to integrate these machines under existing worktops and cabinets.
Front loading washing machines may be either only washers or a combination of washer
and dryer. Some models, especially those made for built-in installation, are designed
to accommodate tumble dryers on top.
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Top Loading
Washing Machines
A very popular choice among customers. People love the amount of space they can
save with these machines. As far as usage goes, top loaders are easier to access
than front loaders. The elderly and infirm may prefer top loaders for this very
reason.
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An efficient spinner is essential if you want your washing
to dry quickly. If you have a washing machine with a tumble dryer and
have a separate dryer, then a spinning speed of up to 800 rpm (revolutions per minute)
will suffice. In the absence of a tumble dryer, you will need a spinning speed of
at least 1000 rpm.
Some machines offer you choices of speed in spinning. This enables the user to set
speeds as per the requirement of the wash load. Delicate clothes need very little
spinning while heavy loads with materials like linen need a high spinning speed.
Scrutinize the warranty offered by the manufacturer. What kind of warranty should
a customer look for? Nearly all manufacturers offer a one year warranty. What customers
need to analyze is what the warranty covers. Warranties may cover all parts and
labor for a specific time period and then cover only certain parts for specified
time limits. These standards differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Typically,
customers should look for the basic one year warranty and strong service records.
Deciding upon the ideal size
Ask yourself a few questions. How much space can you spare
for a washing machine? How many times do you do your laundry in a week? What kind
of fabrics are included in your typical wash load?
A compact washing machine can handle a limited amount of weekly washing needs. Even
those who do not have enough space to spare can opt for compact models. A 4-8 lb
capacity washing machine is ideal for a family of just two members. More washing
can always be handled by more number of runs. Even compact models offer you models
with tumble dryers.
A full size washing machine typically runs in the 8-10 lb range and is appropriate
for large wash loads, linen, curtains and a mix of fabrics. A large capacity washing
machine with a powerful spin would be an ideal choice for a family with two children.
Most of these machines also have half load and quick wash options.
A large family with three or four children are machines will probably want a larger
machine with a capacity of 10-12 lbs or more. Large sizes do not mean less efficiency.
These large washing machines boast of features similar in all respects to full size
machines. The only drawback of these machines is the amount of space needed to house
them. Kitchens will definitely not be able to accommodate large washing machines.
Separate utility laundry rooms are a necessity if you want a large washing machine
installed.
Running washing machines with full loads is considered economical. Hence, it might
make sense to buy a slightly large machine and run it just once or twice a week
for optimal energy and water efficiency.
Wash tub sizes are given in cubic feet. Large machines may have tubs with a capacity
of 2-2 1/2 cubic feet. The super-large category of machines will have tubs with
a 3-3 1/2 cubic feet capacity. The amount of clothes in the wash tub should not
exceed three-fourths of its capacity. Three-fourths or less than that will leave
enough space for the clothes to rotate.
Features to consider before buying a washing machine
Most washing machines available in the market nowadays
have several useful features. Automatic program settings calculate the amount of
water needed and adjust time settings automatically. Delayed start options allow
users to benefit from off peak rates. Choice of settings for delicate wash cycles
and heavy wash cycles make washing of different types of clothes easy. Short wash
cycles and anti-wrinkle settings are very useful for delicate clothing.
The running of your washing machine is going to add to your utility bill. So choose
an energy efficient one. Use the yellow EnergyGuide stickers to evaluate energy
efficiency. Remember, lower ratings translate into higher efficiency. Front loading
machines are more energy efficient than top loading ones. However, top loading ones
are easier to use as there is no bending involved. Convenience always has its price
after all.
Look for the presence of control features like Delayed Start Timer, Time Remaining
Indicator, End-of-Cycle Signal, Digital Display Dial Controls, Electronic Touch,
and Fuzzy Logic. Then analyze the relevance of these features for the kind of washing
you plan to do. If they make sense, go ahead and buy a washing machine equipped
with the features you want.
Automatic dispensers are a boon to washing machine users. Multiple dispensers can
be loaded with different items like detergents, fabric softeners and the like. ‘Intelligent’
washing machines use the contents of the dispensers at the right time during a wash
cycle, with the help of preprogrammed settings.
Automatic temperature control enables the wash load to be washed at the optimum
temperature as per requirements. The temperature of the water entering the washing
machine does not matter in the least. Before water reaches the clothes, the automatic
temperature control ensures that the water is at the temperature needed as per the
selected wash cycle.
Some machines may give you a ‘damp dry’ option. This is good option to choose if
the clothes you are washing may shrink or wrinkle. ‘Express dry’ is a feature that
proves to be a boon for drying small loads in a hurry. The use of high heat for
this process gives you dry clothes that are ready to use as soon as they pop out
of the machine. Features like ‘extra rinse or warm rinse’ may be used for heavy
clothes. People with sensitive skin who may show an allergy to detergent residues
will find this feature very useful. Delay start is a good option for those who want
to avoid the noise made by a washing machine during certain times of the day. This
feature can also be used to take advantage of off peak utility rates.
A washing machine equipped with a water level controller will save you a lot of
water usage. Four or five water usage levels will cover the water requirement adjustment
for most wash loads. Washing machine tubs may be made using plastic, porcelain-enamel
or hardy stainless steel. The material used will have a direct bearing on price.
Porcelain-enamel may chip and give way to rust with time. Plastic is durable and
lasts for a long time, however, stainless steel is the best of all. The durability
of stainless steel is reflected in the comparatively high prices.
Price ranges for washing machines
Washing machines to fit all budgets and washing needs are
available in the market. Low washing frequency and a tight budget? You can find
a washing machine in the $180-$350 price range. You can go in for the lowest available
capacity. Washer dryer combinations are great space savers. Several programming
options allow the user to choose a convenient setting.
Washing machines can be purchased for as little as $250-$300. Of course, the type
of machine available in this range will be a very basic, no frills one. If you want
a few convenience features added, the price range also increases accordingly. Moderately
priced washing machines in the $350-$450 price range have most of the models that
are generally used in homes. Both these categories feature top loading machines
with capacities up to 3.2 cu/ft. End-of-cycle signal is a common feature. Some manufacturers
offer a choice of pleasant colors for the outer drum. Most of the top loading machines
in this category can handle wash loads weighing up to 18 lb.
Some manufactures like KitchenAid and Haier make top-loading models in this price
range. These are however small machines with a capacity of 3 lb for built-in models
and up to 8 lb for freestanding models. Settings like delayed start, delicate linen,
wash-no-spin, easy-ironing and the like are available on most washing machines.
Of course, the addition of conveniences like these pushes up the price.
Enter the $450-$650 price range and you can have your pick from front loading washing
machines from all the leading washing machine manufacturers. Most of the 2.9- 3.2
cu/ft washing machines in this category are feature-packed and come with Energy
Star Compliant stickers. Features like dial controls, electronic touch, multiple
wash presets, automatic water level settings and multiple temperature settings make
these machines very versatile. GE, Maytag, Kenmore, Whirlpool and Frigidaire are
the leading manufacturers in this category.
Slightly larger, feature packed top-loading washing machines made by the market
leaders can be bought in the $650-$850 price band. Washing machines with capacities
ranging from 3.2 cu/ft to 5.7 cu/ft are available in this category. Most manufacturers
offer all-in-one washer/dryer combinations. Some like Frigidaire offer top-load-drum-stacked
washer/dryer models. Large top-loading washing machines from some manufacturers
like Whirlpool can be purchased in this price range.
Washing machines priced $850 and above are all top-of-the-line models packed with
all the features a user could ever want. Whopping 22 lb capacities coupled with
attractive features give users good value for their money. Delayed Start, Time Remaining
Indicator, Digital Display, Timer, End-of-Cycle Signal, Dial Controls and Electronic
Touch are a few of the features that most top-of-the-line models are equipped with.
Several wash presets ranging from delicate to hot sanitary washes makes it possible
to meet all kinds of washing needs.
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