Most people have a washing machine nowadays – in fact it is a real pain trying to manage without one!
But before you go out and buy a brand new machine for yourself, bear in mind that not all washing machines are created as equal. Have a read through the following points to see what options you have, and then you will be much better placed to buy the right machine for you.
Washing Machines from our Featured Retailers
Where do you want to put your washing machine?
Most machines are a standard size so they can be put underneath a standard height kitchen worktop. But do you want to see your washing machine, or would you prefer it to be hidden?
You can get integrated washing machines but they are not as widely available as other integrated appliances are. They do have the advantage of looking just like any other ordinary kitchen cabinet when they are not in use though.
What does load capacity mean?
This basically refers to the amount of washing you can fit into a single load. The majority of machines will take a 5kg load, which is quite a lot. But you can get washing machines that can take as much as 7kg, which is nearly half as much again.
Think about the amount of washing you do on a regular basis before you buy your machine. If you have a big family you would almost certainly benefit from having a bigger machine, even though it will cost more to buy.
Choosing your spin speed
Most washing machines give you a choice of spin speeds to go for when you wash your clothes. These are better than buying a cheaper machine which only has one speed, since you can change it to suit the type of clothes you are cleaning.
Basically speaking, the faster the machine can spin your clothes, the drier they will be when you take them out. This means they will be dry and ready to wear again a lot faster than they would be otherwise. It also means you won’t have washing hanging on radiators indoors as often – or for as long!
Should you opt for a machine that offers you more programmes?
It’s normally a good idea to do this, yes. If you look at the instrument panel of any washing machine you will be able to see what cycles and materials it is capable of washing. Common programmes include ones for washing woollen items, ones for washing cottons and perhaps even one for washing silk.
Think about the clothes you have now and see whether the machine you are looking at would be capable of washing them all. You should expect to set more money aside if you want to buy a machine with more programmes on it.
Why are energy ratings so important?
We have heard a lot about energy ratings for all kinds of appliances lately, and this applies just as much to washing machines as to other appliances too.
An energy rating is basically a single letter that is applied to an appliance. For example, the letter A signifies a better energy rating than an appliance rated with the letter G.
So in essence then a washing machine that has a better energy rating will be more efficient, use less water and result in lower electricity bills and water usage than one which doesn’t have a good rating.
What is fuzzy logic all about?
Sounds strange, doesn’t it? But this is becoming the norm now in modern washing machines.
The idea is that the machine is constantly evaluating what is happening with your wash, so it will only use the minimal elements needed to get a successful result. If it can use less water, then it will do. The same applies to the washing powder and to the spin speed, along with various other factors.
In short, buying a washing machine that takes advantage of fuzzy logic technology is generally a very good idea.
In conclusion
As you can tell, no two washing machines are really alike nowadays! This is a good thing though, because it gives you a great amount of choice. And since prices vary quite a bit as well, you should be able to find just the right machine for your needs, without spending too much money either.
One final thing – not all washing machines are white and boring now. You can get several different colours and many different designs, so don’t be afraid to choose something different that really does the job!