Choosing the Right Washing Machine

The washing machine is an indispensable part of today’s life. Buying a new washing machine is a personal decision and differs from family to family. Various reasons factor in this decision. Whether you need to pack in a lot of work clothes after a long day of roofing or lawn mowing. Hence, it is safer to do your homework to avoid choosing the wrong machine. Learn about the many different types and models before heading out to buy your new washing machine. If you’re getting older and unsure if you’ll be able to afford one in the future talk to your retirement planner. An informed decision helps you prevent an appliance repair pretty early in its life.

Front Load or Top Load?

The first question that arises before buying your washing machine is the loading feature. Front Load or Top Load. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the deets for both types. Do not forget to check with your retailer for appliance repair company details for when the need arises.

Front Load

As the name says, a front loading washing machine has the loading door on the front of the machine. It is famous among the masses for a reason. The drum is horizontal facing the front of the machine. Loading and unloading happen through the front making the task much easier. Even though expensive than its counterpart, the machine is energy efficient. Usually, the front-loading machines have extensive wash programs.

Pros

• Fits neatly among the under your work area or in your laundry room and better for smaller spaces.
• Low water usage for large loads.
• More capacity than top loaders.
• Gentler on the clothes.
• Extract more water during its spin cycle, which reduces the drying time.
• The washer and dryer can be stacked since the loading is in the front.

Cons

• Since the spin cycle is quite fast, it can be noisy and can vibrate. Unless secured properly can cause appliance repair.
• Long wash times, often 60-120 minutes.
• Have a problem with molds.

Top Load

Contrary to the front loader, the top loader loads and unloads from the top. Hence, it is ideal for people with mobility issues. The controls are also located on top by the side of the door. These machines are more traditional and inexpensive. Top-loading machines are of two types; the high efficiency(HE) machines and those built with an agitator. The traditional ones use an agitator to spin the clothes, while the HE machines use the motion to move the clothes to clean.

Pros for Agitator Top Loader Pros for HE Top Loader

• Inexpensive compared to others
• Best suited for people with back issues
• Shortest cycle times
• Cleans better, even the most soiled ones

Pros for HE Top Loader

• More capacity than agitators
• Energy-efficient than agitators
• Comparably quiet
• Less water usage
• Short drying time

Cons for Agitator Top Loader

• Harsh on the clothes
• Longer drying time
• Noisy

Cons for HE Top Loader

• Harsh on fabrics
• Deep tubs make access difficult
• Long wash times
• Laundry can tangle due to the spinning motion

You Might Want to Look at These When Buying Your New Machine

The first step in buying a washing machine is gathering knowledge. Frequency of usage, size of your load, heavily soiled or lightly soiled, location of your machine, accessibility to appliance repair, etc, work into your decision. Apart from that, you also need to consider the cost of the machine and how it works in your budget (ex. if you can afford a new roof or commercial painting) Another decision-making point is the availability of new technologies and features.

Energy Rating

When it comes to energy consumption, it is worth spending the extra money and buying one that energy efficient. It reduces water and electricity usage by 25-30% in the long run. The most efficient machine comes with a rating of A+++. Preferably, look for energy efficiency of at least A+ or better. Higher the grading, the more features available in the washing machine. The energy-saving aspects include variable temperature control and sensors to determine the rinse cycle.

Capacity

Your washing machine is a long term investment that should yield results for a good 5-10 years without many appliance repair issues. And your load size plays a big part in that. When choosing a washing machine for your family, take your family size, and how heavily you use your machine into consideration. Here’s a guide to the capacity depending on family size.\

• 6-7kg and under – A small family with 1-2 people.
• 7-9kg – Average family
• 9+ – Larger Households

Remember, you’ll also need the space to accommodate larger machines.

Spin Cycle

The spin cycle happens at the end of the cycle and extracts the excess water from the clothes. A higher spin speed means your clothes would be damp and would require less drying time. Most machines these days come with at least 1200 rpm which is adequate for the family. However, if you regularly wash towels, it is better to go for 1600 rpm.

Special Features

While the above factor much in your decision to purchase a washing machine, you could also consider these special features that save time and are convenient. Make sure an appliance repair is taken care of at the earliest for your machine to perform at its maximum efficiency.

• Automatic Laundry Dispensers – This nifty little gadget holds your detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. At the right time of the cycle, it dispenses the amount enough for one load.
• Temperature Control – While washing machines use preset temperature for each load, the temperature control decides the ideal temperature necessary for the selected setting.
• Rinse Cycle – An extra rinse cycle is useful if you are particularly sensitive to the detergent residue. It removes even stubborn stains and pet hair.
• Tub – Stainless steel withstands higher temperatures and spins, thereby extracting more water and reducing the drying times.

Latest Technologies Available

The latest models are packed tight with technology that saves time, water, and electricity while also looking after your clothes. It doesn’t hurt to have additional features for your comfort. But, in case of any issues better call your washing machine repair company.

• Turbowash – It is perfect for busy people. Your wash is ready in 30 minutes or less. It uses pressured nozzles to spray water and clean your clothes.
• Steam Wash – For the heavily stained and soiled clothes, steam wash uses steam to remove dirt. In a few models, it also removes 95% of allergens.
• Cold Wash – Your wash need not be done on hot water every time. Coldwater works the same with exaggerated washing motions to clean the clothes as meticulously as hot water.
• Twin Wash – Washing machines with twin wash lets you add a pedestal washer to your machine. You can wash a larger load in the front loader, simultaneously washing another smaller load on the pedestal washer.
• Smart Wash – Download the compatible app to your mobile. Use the app to start, stop, and even delay the load. You can also conduct a washing machine repair by using the app to troubleshoot.