Buying a new washing machine is an investment, so make sure you get one that will make you happy for many years. With our advice, you can avoid making costly mistakes. We'll go through our top 10 washing machine buying advice.
You don't have to buy a new washing machine every year. Given the high expense of this essential household equipment, you shouldn't rush out to buy the first washing machine you see.
Consider the following: How much space do you have to set it up? Which type should it be? What services should the future household helper provide? What is the spin speed? Is it a front load or top load washing machine? Capacity? What is the energy efficiency class?
Buying a washing machine: 10 most important tips
To help you make your selection, we've compiled a list of 10 general guidelines for purchasing a washing machine. This enables you to spot sales tactics, avoid poor purchases, and even get a deal on a discontinued model.
Don't get lost thanks to our tips!
Tip 1: clarify the question of space
Which is better, a front loader or a top loader? If they can be built under, front-loaders can be easily integrated into a kitchen unit: They usually have space for a dryer at the top but require space at the front.
Generally, the narrower top loader fits better in smaller bathrooms. In addition, you may load it with forgotten stuff even after the application has begun, making it relatively easy on your back. Then there are front loaders with a shallower depth (about 44 cm instead of 60 cm) - these are generally pricier than regular machines.
Tip 2: estimate the capacity
Home, work, and sports: calculate the quantity of washing you'll need before purchasing. A capacity of three kilograms is enough for singles. Families with two or three members should go for a 5-kilo model. Six to eight kilos is sufficient for a four to five-person household, whereas eight kilograms or larger capacity is required for six or more persons.
If the smaller drum is adequate, the narrow front loader with a five-kilo drum may be suitable. However, a big drum does not always make sense, especially if you live alone or as a couple, and also make use the many different washing programs and thus wash in many smaller portions.
Tip 3: Spin perfectly
It's logical: the higher the spin, the dryer - but also more wrinkled - the clothes. Thus, the revolutions per minute are a matter of personal preference and whether or not you possess a dryer. 800 revolutions per minute are suitable for delicate materials. However, for towels, it should be at least 1,200 revolutions per minute.
If you then dry your clothing, you need to ensure that your next washing machine has a minimum of 1,400 rpm. This significantly reduces the amount of power consumed during the subsequent drying process. This is because washing machines use less energy than dryers to heat the laundry. In summary, your new device should have two tour settings and at least 1,200 rpm.
Tip 4: focus on water consumption
An average five-kilogram drum should use about 40 liters of water every wash cycle. If the drum weighs 8 kg, 60 liters is a fair estimate. To ensure accurate comparisons, always convert water usage to liters per wash and kilogram.
The majority of appliances include an energy-saving button or an eco-friendly wash cycle. Although this saves water, it increases the washing time. NEW aqua sensor capabilities automatically regulate water supply based on load size, which is beneficial if the drum is partially filled.
Tip 5: read the label correctly
The EU energy label displays whether the washing machine is a low-cost model or a high-cost energy guzzler. When shopping for a new washer, look for A ++ and A +++ ratings.
Here's how it works: The energy efficiency class is calculated by the amount of energy consumed during a cotton washing cycle at 40 degrees (partial load) and 60 degrees (full and partial load). The EU calculates based on 220 washes each year. As a result, this number considers power usage.
There are also details about water usage on the label, which I appreciate. But, again, we're not talking about a single wash cycle here, but rather 220 washing cycles a year. So the maximum amount of water used by a 6-kilo machine each wash cycle at 60 degrees is 11,000 liters.
For a quieter washing machine, helpful in apartments, aim for a spinning guidance value of approximately 70 decibels (dB). It's as loud as a vacuum cleaner three feet away. Additionally, there are washing machines equipped with a night program. Here, the machine washes quietly but for a more extended period.
Tip 6: You need these functions
Water protection system (Aquastop), short program (pause), and eco button are part of a decent washing machine's mandatory program. These machines soak the clothes longer yet do not overheat them, which is the primary energy element in washing machines. Other programs reduce water usage by half, which is beneficial if the drums are half full. The rinse hold option is handy if you can't hang your clothing right away.
The laundry stays in the last rinse water and waits for you to finish the program with this option. Although it is not required, a remaining time indicator shows you how long the washing machine will run. This presentation, however, is frequently inaccurate. At the conclusion, a signal tone tells you to remove the clothes from the drum. For working individuals, the time preselection process should be engaging.
Depending on the model, you may program the washing procedure to begin or end in hours. Extras like a load sensor that weighs the laundry and displays the recommended dose on display provide excellent washing outcomes. The automated dosing system, which administers the detergent automatically, is exceedingly uncommon but incredibly handy.
This is the terminology used by Siemens machines, for example, when they refer to themselves as i-Dos. A signal tone tells you to empty the drum. For working individuals, the time selection process should be engaging. Depending on the model, you may program the washing procedure to begin or end in hours.
Additional features, such as a load sensor that determines the weight of the laundry input and the appropriate dose suggestion displayed on display, provide ideal washing outcomes. The automated dosage system, which administers the medication automatically, is exceedingly uncommon but incredibly handy. This is the terminology used by Siemens machines, for example, when they refer to themselves as i-Dos.
Tip 7: weigh up special programs
Modern washing machines have an increasing number of extra features, but they typically come at a cost. Do you truly require these extras? And how frequently are the extra fees truly worth it? You may either use the mild programs or take your item to dry cleaning if necessary. Additionally, interior lighting is more of a luxury in suitably bright spaces.
Tip 8: Is a washer-dryer combination worthwhile?
With the washer-dryer, you get the benefits of both a washing machine and a condensation dryer in one appliance. However, this is only true if you do not wash more than half a drum because dryers require a greater drum volume than washing machines to handle the same amount of clothes.
A washer-dryer combo under 500 dollars seldom manages half a drum load each dryer cycle. If you typically fill the drum, you must initiate two drying operations. Again, it only makes sense if you rarely wash and don't have a changing room or a separate dryer.
Tip 9: clarify user-friendliness
Even the best features are meaningless if the washing machine is difficult to operate. As a result, the following things should be included on your checklist: How easy are the buttons to operate? Without a handbook, do I comprehend what is on the control panel, particularly for functions that I rarely use?
Is the drum opening big enough to readily feed even thicker materials into the machine, such as down comforters or bed linen? Because there are machines in this area with very big hatches. Is the lint filter simple to access, open, clean, and close? Anyone who buys online and cannot check the machine in person should read customer reviews in online shops.
Tip 10: Finally, the brand check
From AEG to Whirlpool, we've got you covered. There are a plethora of manufacturers to choose from. We won't make a sweeping judgment now, but we do suggest detailed comparisons. Be cautious with unidentified machinery.
These are typically cheaper washer, but support and replacement parts might be lacking. Nonetheless, you do not dismiss an enticing offer from an unknown brand. This might be the work of one of the large corporations.