Collaborative post: Picking out a new kitchen appliance can be daunting, especially when it is a big-ticket item like washing machines. With so many new and advanced features to consider, along with capacity, size, and energy consumption, making an informed decision that will best suit your family’s needs is vital.
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Front-Load vs Top-Load
When choosing to buy a new washing machine, the very first decision you need to make is whether you want a front-load or top-load model. While each design produces the same outcome, both carry pros and cons that make them better suited for different households.
Front-load generally offers better cleaning results and can be more economical with space if you choose the stackable options. The spin action is also usually more gentle on the clothes. Top load washers are more comfortable and convenient to load because they require no bending. The cycles tend to be faster, and you have the ability to pre-soak clothes in the drum before starting.
Electricity Consumption
With the price of electricity continuing to increase and the need to reduce environmental impact at an all-time high, electricity consumption is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a new washing machine.
Appliances that carry the Energy Star rating are generally 10-20% more energy-efficient than those without, which can help you save money in the long run and lower your carbon footprint.
Auto Dispense
If you hate having to perfectly measure out your detergent each time you put a load on, having an auto dispense feature will be something you will want. Newer washing machines come with this clever capability that calculates the right amount of washing liquid needed based on the load size and soiling levels and dispenses the ideal amount from its stockpile.
The same feature can carry over to softeners, too, allowing you to run several washing cycles without having to pick up a bottle. If your family has a habit of wasting detergent, this will be a complete game changer to breaking this costly issue.
Available Settings
Having enough settings and cycles will give you more versatility when choosing the best setting for your clothes based on color, fabric, and individual washing needs. However, choosing a model that comes with too many options can clutter the control panel, with many being left entirely unused.
Steam options are beneficial for those who want extra sanitization. Extra rinse cycles will help users with sensitive skin, and quick wash cycles are equally appealing to individuals on the go and busy families. While eco-settings are still somewhat uncommon to find, more and more brands are committing to doing better for the environment, making them an included feature with newer releases.
Capacity
Capacity is an important component when choosing the perfect washing machine for your family’s needs. Larger families will require a higher capacity, a term used to refer to the size of the drum in the machine.
While you can simply run more loads to keep up with your laundry needs, this will lead to increased water and electricity consumption, plus tie up your time to load and unload the clothes. Additionally, it will cause your machine to work more than necessary, which could affect the appliance’s lifespan. Overloading the capacity is a surefire way to damage your device, so purchasing the correct size is crucial.
Size & Dimensions
Most washing machines are similar in size, but dimensions can vary depending on brand and model. If space is limited, you will need to consider how to fit your appliance comfortably while allowing for the necessary space required for ventilation, electrical wires, and a drainage pipe.
Furthermore, you have to ensure there is enough space to open the door properly. For many, choosing models that can be stacked will help save space and utilize smaller areas around their homes more effectively.
Smart Features
If you love having the latest tech and prefer to have appliances that can connect to one centralized system, you are going to want to buy a washing machine with smart connectivity. This will enable your new purchase to join an established smart home system, allowing you to monitor and control it from your phone.
The exact features available vary depending on the brand and model you choose, with some offering remote start features, the ability to add additional cycles, and the ability to self-diagnose any faults. Furthermore, you will be able to monitor water and electricity consumption better.
Reviews
When buying any big-ticket item, like expensive tech devices and kitchen appliances, it is vital to read online reviews before making a purchase. This will allow you to better understand how the machine works in the real world and how it performs across different environments.
Be mindful of repeated faults or issues mentioned and consider whether they will significantly impact your own usage. While we all possess unique needs, and what works for one person may not work for another, reviews are the best way to gain an unbiased, realistic idea of how products work.