Washing machines are essential home appliances that inject efficiency into your lifestyle by making it possible to clear laundry with the touch of a button. Moreover, advances in cleaning technology make washing machine upgrades necessary. However, shopping for a new washing machine is challenging, given the vast number of brands and models available on the market; they vary in efficiency and performance.
Fortunately, this post has you covered, taking the grind out of washing machine shopping by helping you identify essential appliance features. So, keep reading this buyer’s guide to help you purchase a washing machine that meets your needs and then some.
1. Consider Your Household Laundry Needs
Washing machines feature different drum capacities rated in kilograms kgs, with smaller models ranging from 5kg-6kg and larger models 11kg-12kg capacities. A washing machine’s drum capacity determines the laundry volume it can clean in one cycle. Therefore, washing machines with drum capacities on the lower side of the spectrum are ideal for smaller households and vice versa for high-capacity models.
However, besides household size, laundry frequency influences a washing machine’s ideal drum capacity. For example, smaller households that do laundry frequently may find a high-volume washing machine more efficient.
Nonetheless, you can maneuver the load capacity conundrum by purchasing the LG twin washing machine. An LG twin washing machine features two separate wash compartments with separate settings. Therefore, you can wash two separate loads at different settings simultaneously. The mini/ pedestal washer carries 2kg-3.5kg, allowing you to wash fewer items on demand rather than waiting for your laundry to accumulate.
Before purchasing, always check the product specifications and manufacturer’s household volume recommendation for each washing machine model to enjoy maximum efficiency.
2. Consider The Washing Machine Type
Washing machines are available in diverse models categorized based on their functionality. Here’s how some of the common washing machines compare;
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Top Load Vs Front Load Washing Machines
Top load washing machines feature a vertically placed drum opening cavity. Therefore, have an ergonomic design that is easier to load than front-load machines.
The machines have an agitator that moves the clothes in the drum cavity in a churning or twisting motion during the cleaning cycle. However, the churning motion causes the clothes to clump together, hence ideal for smaller loads.
However, top load machines clean clothes faster than front-load machines and utilize less energy than the latter. They are also cheaper with similar drum capacities.
On the other hand, front load washing machines feature a horizontally placed drum opening cavity and utilize gravity-based tumbling motion to wash clothes. Unlike the agitator in a top load washing machine, the gravitational pull in front-load models causes the drum to spin faster, generating a higher friction rate between clothes.
Front load washing machines clean clothes better and utilize water and detergent more efficiently than top load models. Also, the tumbling motion is gentler on fabric than the agitated motion in top-load washing machines.
However, front load washing machines are less energy-efficient and cost more. Even so, one Energy Star publication highlights that Energy Star-certified front-load washing machines are 45% more energy and water efficient than top load models with an agitator weather than an impeller. Therefore, consider the general features in each model before choosing a category.
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Fully Automatic Vs Semi-Automatic Washing Machines
Fully automatic washing machines feature one drum compartment that doubles as a washer and a dryer. They can either be front load or top load and require zero human intervention, save for loading and unloading. You can key in your preferred settings, go about your business and return to unload a clean laundry pile.
Semi-automatic washing machines have automated cycles but require human intervention. The model requires you to fill the drum cavity, drain the water, and transfer the rinsed clothes from the washer to the dryer. While most semi-automatic washing machines are top load, front-load models are also available.
3. Setting/Wash Programs
Different washing machine models have varying settings to make your life easier; some models have up to 14 different wash programs. While the bells and whistles vary across brands and models, below is an overview of the most common washing machine settings.
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Temperature Settings
The temperature control setting lets you adjust the water’s temperature based on the laundry type/ fabrics. For example, cold water is ideal for colorfast and delicate fabrics. In contrast, warm and hot water temperature settings are ideal for tough stains and laundry items requiring deep cleaning, like towels.
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Normal Cycle
The normal cycle is the optimum laundry setting ideal for diverse fabric types and moderately to heavily soiled laundry.
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Permanent Press Cycle
The permanent-press cycle is optimized to minimize wrinkling in fabrics that wrinkle easily. It utilizes a gentle spin and a shorter cycle period to minimize wrinkling, particularly in synthetic fabrics.
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Delicate/Handwash Cycle
This washing machine is ideal for cleaning delicate fabrics like satin, soft linen, wool, and embellished or bedazzled garments. It utilizes warm to cool temperatures and a gentle spin/ agitation to preserve delicate fabrics’ integrity.
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Rinse and Spin
Rinse and spin is the perfect cycle to refresh lightly worn clothes that may not require a full wash.
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Speed Wash
It utilizes a faster spin to complete the laundry cycle faster. The speed wash cycle is ideal for washing a smaller laundry volume.
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Fuzzy Logic
Fuzzy logic technology is an intuitive algorithm that modulates water use, temperature, spin speed, detergent use, wash load distribution, and wash and rinse time. It helps create an optimum balance for enhanced performance and efficiency.
4. Budget
A washing machine costs approximately $200 to $2000, depending on the brand and its features. However, while a washing machine is a worthwhile investment, it shouldn’t drain your bank. So, consider the quality features and your laundry needs against your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect washing machine for your household is easier once you establish your needs. This buyer’s guide looks at the key factors to consider before purchasing to ensure you get a suitable washing machine.