Four Things to Consider When Buying a Washing Machine

Washing machines have become an essential part of our daily lives, making living easier than ever. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best one might be challenging. Aside from how well it cleans, factors such as budget, features and capacity should be considered to ensure that the purchase is worthwhile. It is important you choose a washing machine that you can work with easily and is not complicated, however, if you need some extra help with your washing cycles and settings, you may want to check out this page to learn more

Capacity and Size

Large machines are ideal if you have a spacious laundry room or if you need to wash bulky things. Medium or small-sized washing machines will not work for a large family because they will not only cost you more money in utility bills, but they will also take you longer to finish all your clothes.

However, this is not the case for a small family because a washing machine with a medium capacity will do. If you want a more accurate estimate of how much capacity you require, you can use the weighing scales to weigh the laundry. It may not be as precise as you would like, but it is a good starting point to determine how much capacity you need.

Semi-automatic Washing Machines vs Fully-automatic Washing Machines

The next factor in choosing a washing machine is whether you want semi-automatic or fully automatic washing machines.

Semi-automatic Washing Machines

Semi-automatic washing machines have two drums, each with its purpose. The first is for washing, while the latter is for drying. When using a semi-automatic washing machine, most tasks must be performed manually. This means that you must fill the tub with water, drain it when finished, remove all the garments from the washing tub, and the list goes on. 

It sure is a lot of work, but it is worthwhile to purchase because it uses less energy. You get to control the amount of water you use, and you can add or remove garments in the middle of a wash cycle, which most fully automatic will not be able to do. Not to mention that all semi-automatic washing machines are top-loaders, which means you can just raise the lid and add them at your convenience.

Fully-automatic Washing Machine

On the other hand, fully-automatic washing machines require little to no human intervention. Forget about manually pouring water or switching compartments for drying because the machine does it all. Once you have loaded it with your clothing, you can sit back and relax while it washes them. This allows you to save time while also ensuring that the clothes are delivered neatly and stain-free.

With all these features, it is no surprise that the machines are pricy than the semi-automatic models. Not only is it more expensive, but it is also heavier, uses more electricity, and requires a steady supply of water. Regardless of the cost, it is well worth it, especially if you are busy and have little time for house chores.

Front-Loading vs Top-Loading Washing Machine

If you choose a fully automatic washing machine, you should be aware that there are two types: front-load and top-load washing machines.

Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loading washing machines function by gently spinning your clothing in a tumble motion and repeatedly depositing it into the washing machine water. Though that may seem harsh, front-loading washing machines are gentler on fabrics and handle uneven loads far better.

Front-loading washing machines are more expensive than top-loading machines, but they require less water and energy. Keep in mind that front-loaders have far longer wash cycles as well despite the fast-wash mode because they use less water.

Top-Loading Washing Machine

Top-loading washing machines are lighter, less expensive, and wash clothes much faster than front-loaders. However, top loaders consume a lot more water and are harder on your clothes. This is because of the impeller or agitator that is used inside to move and wash the clothing.

Agitators are conical, screw-like devices that quickly remove dirt but can be hard on clothing. Impellers are elevated discs on the bottom of your washing machine that rotate and produce turbulence in the water. Impellers are preferable since they take up less space, allowing for more capacity in a smaller top-loading washing machine.

Wash Programs

There are a few wash programs to look for when buying a washing machine. One of them is the quick wash feature, which can be found on fully automatic washing machines. They are intended to wash your garments thoroughly in a shorter length of time.

Normally, washing and drying your clothes takes 30 to 45 minutes but these programs normally have a limit on the number of pieces they can accept. Keep an eye out for the daily wash feature too. This simple feature saves time and water while washing garments that you use every day.

There is also a pre-soak function for severely dirty clothing. Before starting the usual wash cycle, the washing machine will properly soak and spin the garments.

Other than that, look for a function that can wash cotton in hot water and another that can wash non-cotton goods such as polyester and viscose in a gentler wash.