What to Look for When Purchasing a Washing Machine and Dryer
How to Choose a Washer and Dryer
Whether you live in an urban apartment with limited space to wash and dry your laundry, or in a countryside house with lots of open space, having a washing machine is a necessity.
A washing machine saves you time and effort when it comes to cleaning your clothes. Making a dryer also makes the drying process much faster. These machines have become a part of our lives and it's hard to imagine life without them.
So are you wondering how to choose a washer and dryer? Read on to find out what things you need to consider when making a purchase.
Choosing the Correct Capacity
The size of your washing machine should be dictated by your family size. Washing machine capacities are measured in kilograms. A family of one to two people may do well with a 5-6 kilogram washing machine.
A family of two to three may do well with a washing machine with the loading capacity of 7 kilograms. Keeping this in mind will help you figure out the capacity you need for your family.
There are a wide range of washing machines you can choose from, but here are the three main types:
- Front loader
- Top loader
- Top loader – twin tub
All of these washing machines have pros and cons. Washing machines that have a lower loading capability use less energy and water per load. But if you have a big family you will have to do more loads, hence using more water and electricity overall.
Washing Functionalities
You should opt for a washing machine and dryer that have the most functions and features. The most important features you should look for when buying a washing machine and dryer are:
- Air dry function: The air dry function helps dry thick clothing while it's still in the washing machine.
- Smart rinse: Smart rinse is a functionality that lets you control the amount of water the washing machine uses to rinse your clothes.
- Memory wash: You don’t have to program your machine to wash the way you want it to every time. Newer machines have a memory wash function that remembers what setting you had your washing machine on last.
If you choose wisely, a washing machine and dryer that have lots of functions and features will save you money on your water and electricity bills. Having a washing machine that has the memory wash function will help save you time as well.
Warranty and Guarantee
You should compare the warranty and guarantees of different washing machines and dryers to see which are most likely to last the longest. Also, some of these machines come with an extended warranty. It might cost you a little bit more up front, but it is far better than having to replace or repair your washing machine and dryer out of pocket down the road.
Energy and Water Consumption
Energy and water consumption are very important factors that impact a buying decision. You should check the energy consumption rate on the washing machine and dryer you are thinking about purchasing.
Also, ensure your washing machine uses the minimum amount of water. Certain washing machines use less than 13 gallons, and that water saving goes a long way.
Types of Washing Machines
There are different types of washing machines for different types of applications. Check out the following types to see which suits you best.
Front Loader
This is the most common washing machine in many households. Front loaders are loved by many because of their versatility to any space constrictions. They are loaded in the front and have various modes and functions depending on the model.
You may have to buy an external dryer if your front loader doesn’t have a built-in drying feature. This machine usually has a big capacity and can wash bulky garments while not taking up too much space in your home. If you go for this machine, you should consider buying the washer-dryer combo.
Top Loader
Top loaders are washing machines that are loaded at the top. You can get a washer-dryer combo for this type of machine, simplifying the purchasing process.
The water consumption of this machine may be more compared to some other types. However, this machine usually comes with a lot of cool features that sometimes are not available on front loading machines.
Top Loader – Twin Tub
This version of the top loader has two loading chambers where you put your clothes. This helps you wash, rinse and dry your clothes faster than a machine that has one chamber. Finding a washer-dryer of this type is much easier than the other two types. However, it has the disadvantage of requiring much more space.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know exactly what to look for, finding the right washing machine and dryer is not as difficult as you would have expected.
Choosing the right type of washing machine and dryer according to your family size and goals will help you save money on water and electricity. Once you know what you want, you can start researching the best washing machine brands and models to narrow down your choices.