Buying a washing machine is more challenging than just walking into a store and choosing the first one you see. Here are a few things to look for and consider when you want to buy your first reliable washing machine.

Front Load vs Top Load

The first thing you will notice when looking through store catalogs and browsing Boxing Day washing machine deals is that you will see front and top-loading washing machines.

Top-loading washing machines are typically cheaper at first but often cost more down the road as they sometimes require more maintenance. While they are more budget-friendly, they use more electricity and water.

On the other hand, front-loaders are more expensive upfront, but they are more energy efficient, use less water, spin faster, and are easier to use for wheelchairs.

Size

Reliable washing machines, whether they are front or top-loading, are not small appliances. Not only do you need the correct plumbing available, but they take up a large portion of your kitchen laundry room.

Buy a machine that is big enough for your needs, not necessarily the biggest one available. For example, you may need to do multiple cycles with a small front loader, but it won’t cost much money as they are more energy and water-efficient.

Space Saving Washer-Dryer

If you have minimal space, you can also consider purchasing a washer-dryer. Once again, they do tend to be more expensive, but they give you the best of both a washing machine and a dryer but in a single machine.

Capacity

Size and capacity aren’t always tied together, but capacity should be a primary consideration when choosing a reliable washing machine. There are multiple capacities available, ranging from compact to extra large.

A good rule of thumb to use is that a medium or regular-sized washer can handle approximately 6 lbs of laundry, while an extra-large machine can handle approximately 21 lbs of laundry.

Wash Cycle Types

Another factor to consider is the amount of wash cycle types the machine offers. Your wardrobe won’t be filled with clothes that all require the same care and wash type, and a silk shirt requires a different setting compared to curtains.

Look for a machine that covers the most amount of material types and wash cycles. You want something that can clean whites, colors, delicates, remove stains and smells, etc, not just something that runs soap through your items for an hour and is then finished.

Spin Speed

The speed at which the machine spins is also a factor to consider. Most modern machines will change the speed of the spin depending on the cycle option you choose, as faster speeds are great for quick drying, while slower speeds are necessary for more delicate materials.

Noise

Size and capacity aren’t always tied together, but capacity should be a primary consideration when choosing a reliable washing machine. There are multiple capacities available, ranging from compact to extra large.

A top-loading machine, for example, typically makes more noise than a front-loading one, while washing items at high speed can be exceptionally loud. Think about the noise the machine will make when placing it in your house; keeping it as far away from the bedrooms as possible will keep everyone happy.

Energy Efficiency

The way energy efficiency is determined will differ depending on the country you live in. However, researching your country’s rating will allow you to choose a machine that allows you to save money instead of burning through electricity every time you use it.

Depending on the country you live in, the way energy efficiency is determined will differ. However, doing research on your country’s rating will allow you to choose a machine that allows you to save money instead of burning through electricity every time you use it.

Stackability

One aspect of the machine you won’t consider is its stackability. For washing machines, stackability means putting a dryer or another washing machine directly on top or underneath it.

This is an important consideration if you are short on space and need multiple machines, as where the pipes are placed, and the design of the machine will determine if you are able to do this or not.

Special Features

Finally, a reliable washing machine today will have a handful of special features that make washing that much easier to do. One popular feature is known as “delay start,” which allows you to set the machine to turn on when energy rates are at their lowest.

An auto-dispensing feature allows you to save time and money on laundry detergent as the machine is able to calculate how much it needs depending on the size of the load and how dirty the laundry is, and then it takes what it needs from the stockpile.

Choosing A Reliable Washing Machine

As you can see, there are a lot of considerations when choosing a washing machine, but if you know what to look for, you are sure to pick one that will not only last for many years but will also make washing easier than ever.