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Washing Machines

A good washing machine can reduce the drudgery of washing (or trips to the laundrette) and save your clothes from excess wear and tear. The latest, smartest models have many programmes for different fabrics and soil levels, so that your clothes get the right kind of treatment.  The most basic models start around £150, but to get all the special features you'll need to cough up a bit more. Keep in mind, though, that the lifespan of a washing machine is usually 10-20 years, so an expensive one is an investment.

Washing machines are rated on a scale from A-G, although occasionally excellent models will rate AA or AAA. These ratings are based on energy efficiency, quality of wash, and the effectiveness of the spin cyle for drying clothing.

Keep in mind that if you have a large family and tend to do several loads of laundry a week, you will need something large, cost-effective (efficient consumption of water, energy, and detergent), and durable. There are three main kinds of washing machine, which are discussed below.

Washing Machine Options

Standard Top Loader 

Advantages

  • Least expensive option; start at £160, and good models cost around £400-600.
  • Tried-and-true technology.
  • Uses regular detergent.
  • Easy to load and you can add items mid-cycle.

Disadvantages

  • May be too harsh on some clothing.
  • Uses more water and more energy per load.
  • Can be prone to unbalanced loads.
  • Can be loud.

Top-Loading High Efficiency Washers 

Advantages

  • Uses less water, energy, and detergent.
  • No central agitator, which theoretically, makes it less harsh on clothes.
  • Like standard top loader styles, items can be added mid-cycle.

Disadvantages

  • Gets best results with special, more expensive HE detergent.
  • More expensive -- start around £500.
  • May be harsh on clothing.
  • Newer technology may not have all the kinks worked out yet.

Front-Loading Washers 

Advantages

  • Older technology means it is tested; works best of the three washer types.
  • Usually quieter than top-loading models.
  • Larger capacity.
  • Stackable with a dryer.
  • Use less water, energy, and detergent than a standard top-loader.

Disadvantages

  • Can cost as much as £1000.
  • Can't add things mid cycle, and more difficult to load/unload.
  • Work best with HE detergent

Important Features

Once you have determined what kind of machine you want, it is time to think about other features.

Size

  • In general you should buy the largest machine you can based on your space and budget.
  • Even singles or couples may still have large items to wash, especially linens.

Noise

  • Where will you put the washing machine?
  • If it's going next to a living room choose the quietest model possible.

Buttons and Knobs

  • Some machines have sleek electronic displays with lots of touch-pad buttons.
  • Electronic buttons may not be as durable as an old-fashioned knob or dial. This is particularly true of lower-end top-loading machines.
  • On high-end machines, especially the high-efficiency ones, you may not have a choice.

Settings

  • Watch out for models that try to lure you in with lots of different pre-programmed settings.
  • A few such as Bright Colours, Whites, and Delicates are nice, but you probably don't need more than six or seven.
  • Usually the conditions used in those extra settings can be duplicated with the right combination of intensity, water temperature, and soak time on any other machine.

Porcelain vs. Stainless Steel

  • Stainless steel is preferable for the tub.
  • It won't rust or chip, and is sturdier than porcelain.

Automatic Water Controls

  • Temperature Control - automatically chooses the correct temperature for each cycle.
  • Level Control - adjusts the water level automatically to the size of the load of laundry.

Space-Saving Models

  • Compacts 
    • They tend to be smaller, handling from 8 to 12lbs. of clothing.
    • More expensive; however, they are quiet and perform as well as their larger counterparts.
    • Top Manufacturers: European brands Asko and Miele.
  • Stackable 
    • This is an optimum choice for those who want the quality and modest prices of side by side washer and dryer models.
    • Larger than compacts, they can handle larger loads.
  • Laundry Centres 
    • One unit model: if it breaks, that might mean that the whole thing needs to be replaced.
    • Usually about 6ft. tall and as narrow as the compacts.
    • Sometimes the quality of the two components are not equal.
    • Still contains two separate machines, unlike a washer-dryer.
  • Washer-Dryers 
    • Combine a washing machine and a tumble dryer into one machine.
    • Good for households with low laundry needs; takes a long time to do one load, since you can't start a second load while the first one is in.
    • Not recommended for larger households.
    • Prices start around £450, which is less than buying two separate machines with the same number of features.

Major Manufacturers

Related Products

Tumble Dryers 

Laundry Detergent 

Laundry Baskets 

Laundry Hampers 

Mesh Wash Bags 

External Links