Washing Machine Buying Advice

Our Washing Machine Buying Advice offers a complete buying guide for anyone in the market for a new washing machine package, whether they happen to be novice or expert. Enjoy!Washing Machine Buying TipsBudgetSet yourself a budget and stick to it - it's as simple as that. Washing machines are vital to a busy household but they are also extremely expensive - not just to buy, but to maintain. Always do your research before making such a potentially big purchase - as a guide, the average washing machine will set back around £300-400.Take Your TimeTechnology moves so fast that next year's must-have is very soon last year's vintage - so if you bide your time and wait for the right moment, you can get some great bargains. Check your local stores for sales.Drum CapacityDrum capacities are normally ranged from 6kg to 10kg, but washing machine technology is developing very quickly and we think that larger drums will arrive on the mainstream soon. Think about the size of loads you will have - whether you have a big family or live alone will have a bearing on what you should buy.Wash ProgrammesThe number and type of wash programmes is also important - if you don't use your washing machine often, we recommend a minimal range, but large families may benefit from a larger variety of programmes. Other considerations should be ease of use, timing facilities and the range of other features that typically come with a modern washing machine.Washing Machine TypesThere are many types of washing machine available - your situation will decide which one you require..ToploadersTop loaders are suitable if you have a narrow space and don't want to use the machine under a counter. If the top loader is American-style, it will be wider, use more water than a front loader, but have a larger capacity. Whether the top loader is European- or American-style, you won’t have to stoop when loading laundry.IntegratedAn integrated machine is a front loader covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, the machine will be completely hidden.Semi-integratedA semi-integrated machine is normally a front loading washer which is covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, you won't see the machine, except perhaps the controls.Washer DryerWasher dryers are a very useful item if you are short of space in the kitchen, however there are a number of drawbacks you should consider before you purchase. Washer dryers are not suitable for large families who want to use it for the drying as washer dryers tend to have a reduced load size for drying, so you may need to remove some washing first. In this situation, we would recommend a separate washing machine and tumble dryer - so long as you have the space.Washing Machine FeaturesIn general, the more features your washing machine has, the more expensive it will be. There are a dizzying array of features available these days, but these are the key things to look out for..Spin SpeedThe faster the spin the more water is removed from the clothes - but also, the more your clothes will crease. You need to ask yourself how many times you would use such a fast spin - on sheets and towels, for example - and if you will mainly be using a normal 1000 spin, to protect your clothes from creasing. Don't forget, a faster spin speed is normally more expensive and it also puts more stress is on the machine. On average, most people will find a spin speed of 1100-1200 sufficient.Loading OptionsFront-loading machines are the standard type because they are the most popular and are designed to make maximum use of space, being easily installed under a worktop. They can also be stacked with a tumble dryer. Top-loading washing machines have smaller capacities but are still popular, one of their few advantages being that you do not have to bend down to load them.NoiseSome modern washing machines create a lot less noise than others. It is only when you are in the same room as a washing machine that you appreciate just how noisy it can be. If it is destined for the kitchen rather than a utility room you might be wise to choose a model that has a low decibel output.ProgramsHere are some of the major wash programmes you may find on a washing machine.

*Pre-wash. To remove any heavy soiling from the fabrics before the normal wash cycle starts.*Cottons – Linens. A more vigorous programme that can usually be set to run at between 30C and 95C.*Easy Care. For synthetics that require a lighter wash - reduces creasing. This usually operates at between 40C and 60C.*Wool. Works with cold water or to a maximum of 40C. Uses larger quantities of water but the agitation is minimal.*Hand-wash. Useful for those really delicate items such as your best woollen garments and anything woven from silk. Temperatures between 30C and 40C.*Fast-wash. Does exactly what it says. Freshens up clothes rather than thoroughly washing them. The time that this programme takes to complete varies with machine models. If you think that this facility might be important to you check the time given by the manufacturer.*Reduced load. This is useful if you only have a small wash to complete that will only partially fill the drum. It is also more economical as it has the advantage of reducing the amount of water and electricity used.*Reduced ironing programme. Sadly, for those that hate ironing this will not actually make that much difference. Theoretically the machine using a slower spin speed reduces the creasing of the clothes. You will not find an appreciable difference when using this programme with clothes washed on a normal cycle.*Rinse hold. This may help with reducing the ironing if you are unable to remove the clothes from the machine as soon as the programme has completed its cycle.Washing Machines: The EnvironmentBecoming ecologically aware also lets you save some money, so is well worth considering. Most modern day washing machines are designed with environment-consciously, so even if you want to wreck the planet, you might not be able to with a washing machine!RatingsAll machines now carry a EU energy label when displayed for sale. The most efficient energy rating shown on machines is an 'A' (in green) and the lowest a 'G' (in red). These give a range from optimal to poor, depending on the combination of wash performance and energy and dry-spinning efficiency. You will find the following info on the stickers:

*Energy consumption per KWh/cycle.*Washing performance A to G.*Spin-drying performance A to G.*Drum capacity in cotton per kg.*Water consumption.*Noise levels at washing and spinning.

From the info on this label you can easily compare energy efficiency between models.TemperatureThere are now detergents available containing enzymes that make washing at lower temperatures very effective. The Energy Savings Trust recommends that you use a temperature setting of no higher than 30C. This will save you money on your electricity bill and you will also be doing your bit to reduce the harmful emissions from power stations.CostsYou can work out exactly how much it is going to cost to run any particular machine by looking at the ECR (Energy Consumption Rating) printed on it. This is measured in KWh (kilowatts per hour), and you simply multiply this by the hourly cost of your domestic electricity supply that you will find on your electricity bill. ECR figures for the same types of machine will give you a good comparison point for relative running costs, but when comparing different machines with varying levels of capability the ECR figure will not be the best index because of the other variables involved.Wash CyclesEnergy efficiency is a major selling point nowadays, and once you have settled on a suitable machine with the right wash programmes and a good ECR rating, you can consider the fastest wash cycles available from the different manufacturers. Washing machines may use a lot less water than formerly, but a standard cycle can still take just as long. This may be one of your main considerations if you have a busy and hectic lifestyle.Water UseAs a general rule, look for a machine with lower water usage as the volume of water as well as the programme being used will determine the energy consumption that will be reflected in your energy bills.Smart Washing MachinesIf you are not overly concerned about washing machines taking over the planet, you could buy one that is fitted with Fuzzy Logic computer circuitry. This is an advanced feature that endows the machine with a primitive intelligence. Fuzzy Logic allows the washing machine to navel-gaze at its own load and to make fine-tuning adjustments during the period of the wash cycle, to optimis performance and reduce energy consumption. Water temperature, time of wash, spin speed and rinse performance are all constantly monitored and tweaked by the minute to create the optimal wash cycle. These machines earn performance ratings higher than 'A'.

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