Washing Machines

When it comes to time and labour saving home appliances, washing machines stand head and shoulders above the rest. While you can hand-wash a load of dishes in half an hour, try washing your family's daily accumulation of dirty laundry by hand and see how long it takes. Odds are, you have never had to face that chore. That's how widespread the use of washing machines is today.

Choosing a washing machine should be an easy job, shouldn't it? It's not one of life's more important decisions, but you will be using your washing machine for many years, so it's worth careful consideration. Our Washing Machines Buying Guide will help make your decision the right one.

Types of Washing Machines

 There are two basic types of washing machines: top loading washing machines and front loading washing machines. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages.

Top loading washing machines are the most commonly purchased. The basic top loading machine fills with water depending on the size of load you are washing. Basic models are not very water-efficient, because the clothes need to be completely submerged in the water as they are being agitated. Other drawbacks to these older style top loaders are that the loads get easily unbalanced and they can be very noisy.

Newer, high efficiency top loading washing machines require less water because they tumble, agitate,lift and drop the laundry during the wash cycle. They also have faster spin cycles, which results in faster drying times. While basic top loading washing machines will only wash a maximum of 16 pounds of laundry, high efficiency models will wash up to 20 lbs without becoming unbalanced.

The biggest disadvantage to front loading washing machines is that it is a little difficult to keep clothes from spilling out when the door is open, especially with big loads. Also, while it's easy to toss that dirty towel you forgot about into a top loader even when it's in the middle of washing, this is not so easily accomplished with a front loader. Otherwise, there are many advantages to front loading washing machines:

Capacity

Top loading washing machines must have an agitator. This takes up valuable space. Front loading machines let gravity do the work of tumbling the clothes, so an agitator is not needed. A smaller front loading washer can wash the same sized load that it takes a large, high efficiency top loading model to wash.

Space Saving

Along with not having to allow space for an agitator, front loading washing machines allow you to stack the dryer on top of them. The only way this can be accomplished with a top loading machine is if you have the dryer mounted on a shelf high enough to allow you to open the washer lid.

Efficiency

Front loading machines get to work as soon as you start them up. As the clothes tumble, water starts spraying onto them. When the water level reaches a certain level, the clothes dip into and out of the pool of water at the base of the bowl. This saves a great deal of water: an important consideration in these resources and energy conservation conscious times.

Wear and Tear

Front loading washing machines tumble clothes, while top loading washers agitate them. Front loading machines are therefore much gentler on your wash than top loaders.

Features to Look For

Buttons or Knobs?

Less expensive washing machines have a simple knob for adjusting for load size. More expensive washing machines have push button controls. These are really a matter of personal preference and add nothing to the machine's efficiency. More advanced electronic temperature, delicate cycle and other controls are similarly a matter of personal choice.

Dispensers

If you want bleach or fabric softener dispensers, make sure to look for them on the model you choose. Also note that high efficiency and front loading washing machines usually require a special low-suds detergent.

Auto Balancing

Better washing machines have automatic balancing features that save you the chore of having to re-adjust the load if it gets out of balance. There is nothing more frustrating than coming back to the machine and finding that it shut off mid-cycle because all the clothes got heaped up on one side of the tub during a spin cycle.

Polypropylene Plastic or Stainless Steel Tubs?

Stainless steel is a nice, but not necessary feature to have in a washing machine. Usually, plastic tubs last at least as long as the machine. If you do prefer the sparkling look of a stainless steel tub, you're in luck, because there are actually more of those on the market than plastic tub machines. You needn't pay more for one, either, if you shop around for the best deals.

Water Efficiency Rating

In our opinion, the water efficiency rating should be a major consideration when you purchase a washing machine. Australia has been having serious water shortages in many areas. If everybody had 4 Stars or above rated washing machines, it would make a big dent in our collective water savings.

Load Capacity

Small washing machines have a load capacity of as little as 4kg, while large capacity home washers can handle up to 10kg. For an average family of 4, a 7kg machine is usually sufficient.

What Should You Purchase?

While it seems like we are leaning towards front loading washing machines, this is not entirely the case. Top loading washing machines are generally cheaper than front loading washers. They are also very easy to use: just throw the clothes in and away they go. For singles, couples and smaller families, a top loading machine might be just the ticket. For better performance, you can choose a high efficiency model. Also bear in mind ergonomics. You have to bend down a great deal more to reach inside a front loading washing machine. This can be difficult or even dangerous for the elderly or those who are prone to back problems.

If you do a lot of washing and have a large family, then you should seriously consider a front loading washing machine. According to most surveys, they wash more efficiently and give a cleaner wash. They also have a faster spin cycle, so whether you air or machine dry your wash, it will dry faster.

The Bottom Line

Washing Machines vary considerably in price. You can find deals for under $500 while the most expensive models cost up to $4000. Since you can buy a $500 machine with a stainless steel tub and a two year warranty or a $3000 washing machine with the same features, what's the difference?

The biggest differences between low end and high end washing machines are in the controls, quietness of performance, water saving efficiency and load capacity. Cheap washing machines under $500RRP will have manual controls, tend to be noisy, have a water saving rating of only one or two and a 4 to 6 kg load capacity. An expensive washing machine will come with electronic controls with a multitude of customizable wash features, run quietly even while spinning at high speeds, have a water efficiency rating of 4 or 4.5 Stars and a load capacity of up to 10 kg.

We have already stated that, in our opinion, the water efficiency rating is an important consideration. You don't need to spend $3000 to get a washing machine with a 4 Star efficiency rating. Many washers in the $700+ range have this rating and you can find special deals for even less. For this reason, we recommend paying a little more for a high efficiency rating and then let your budget and desire for extra features determine how much more you want to spend.

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