Washing Machine Reviews

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If you find this site useful please help us to remain a valuable resource for people looking for washing machines, by returning to provide your own feedback / washing machine review.

Washing Machine Buying Tips

First of all a good washing machine should be lasting for 10 to 20 years, and that is why it is important to get your investment right and spend a bit of time to make sure that you pick the right one. We always recommend having a good look through the consumer reviews for particular feedback on brands and models. Remember to first pick your budget and stick to it.

Washing Machines should be seen and not heard!

A good thing to consider is how much noise the washing machine will make and where it’s going to be located in the house. If it’s going to be close to a place where you or your family spends a lot of time, then you may want to consider quieter models.

Make sure that you know exactly how big a space you have to fit the washing machine into. Being off by just an inch, or two can be a real problem. Washing machines don’t squeeze easily! Buying a washer dryer will also have obvious advantages for space in that you won’t need a separate dryer! Also looks wise will it fit in with the rest of your kitchen appliances?

User Friendly?

Try and go for a washing machine that is going to be as user friendly as possible. Some of the more advanced models can come with user manuals as thick as telephone directories! However, as with all technology the essential functions are always a fraction of this. As a general rule of thumb it’s best to look for a model that has controls which are easy to read. Touch pads aren’t always better, or easier.

Need your clothes quickly?

Would a machine that has a quick wash cycle be useful? Some manufacturers produce machines that can wash smaller loads in as little as 15 minutes. Bosch for example has ‘speedperfect’ which can reduce wash time by 60%.

Also a programming function, or delayed start function allows people to run washes when they choose such as when they’re out, or at night time when there may be cheaper electricity rates.

The Drum?

The drum is where the clothes go. Make sure it’s made from stainless steel, or plastic, that way it will not scratch, or rust. Most models these days will be made from these materials, so generally there is not too much need to worry. Also make sure that the lint trap can be reached easily, so it is a simple job to clean it.

Think about whether you would prefer a front loader, or a top loader. Front loading models often use less water and power and so are cheaper to run, they also don’t use an agitator and so can be gentler on clothes. Other advantages over a top loading model include that they are generally quieter and smaller, so they can fit into a more confined space. However, top loaders often have a bigger capacity, so may be advantageous if you have a lot of washing to do.

So how big do you need?

Different brands will refer to different loads as being either high, or low capacity. So it’s wise to be a little more exact, and be aware of what your average loads are. Loads are measured in pounds, or kilos in Europe, so compare your average load with what each brand or model can take. As an average, a front loader will take around 10 – 20 pounds (6kg’s – 10kg’s) of washing. A bigger capacity obviously allows more clothes to be washed which will be necessary for families, but it can also allow people to wash more less often, which may make life easier for singles and couples…

Spin Speeds = Drying Costs / Time…

How dry do you want the clothes to be when they come out of the machine? Washers today tend to vary from 1000 to 1600 speeds. A 200 increase leads to 10% drier clothes. Although a higher spin speed can potentially damage more delicate clothes, don’t worry, if the machine has programs for delicate clothes, they can be set to adjust their spin speed according to the type of clothes being washed.

It is also useful to find models that offer hand wash cycles, as well as automatic temperature controls.

Energy Efficiency?

The energy efficiency of a machine is very important. We normally recommend going for a higher efficiency model. Although the cheap washing machine, may appear to be a great deal, a more efficient one that is a bit more expensive to buy initially can save a lot of money over the longer term, considering that you should be using your washing machine for at least 10 years. A more efficient model will also be greener as well.

If you are unsure about just how much a more energy efficient machine will save you, then it’s now actually possible to work out how much a washing machine will cost to run. The ECR (Energy Consumption Rating) is now printed on machines. The ECR is measured in KWh (kilowatts per hour), and then this figure is then multiplied by the cost of the electricity from your supplier which is listed on your bill.

The different ECR ratings are a good comparison, but the water usage should also be taken into account when making comparisons. Obviously, using a lower amount of water will have less cost involved as well as having a lower environmental impact.

Another great feature available on many models today is Fuzzy Logic. It basically gives a washing machine a little bit of intelligence. Not enough for them to take over the planet though, so there’s no need to worry! It means that the washing machine can adjust according to the load to optimize it’s performance and be as energy efficient as possible. It can monitor and change the water temperature, wash time, spin speed and rinse performance to create the most optimal wash. A fuzzy logic washing machine will have energy ratings from ‘A+’ to ‘A+++’

Finding the Best Washing Machine Deals

Finally, at the Washing Machine Reviews we always recommend shopping around for the best washing machine deals when you have found the particular washing machine you want. This allows you to compare prices, as there can often be a big difference between the different retailers. Many online retailers will offer big discounts, as the overheads for retailers selling online are less and they are often the best place for cheap washing machines. Also make sure to get a good warranty for any washing machine that you do buy, most machines should now come with a 2 year warranty as standard and better quality manufacturers are offering 5 – 10 years. And so ends our round up of how to choose a washing machine.

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