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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.

You are probably aware of the Italian company Smeg. Even if you don't recognise the name you will have seen their products in your local appliance stores - they're the ones that make you think "wow! That is a cool dishwasher ", for example. And lets face it - dishwashers are rarely cool. Renowned throughout the world for their emphasis on style, elegance and sophisticated design combined with quality engineering and performance, Smeg are principally famed for their 1950's themed refrigerators. That tradition is continued with their range of WMFAB16 free standing washing machines.  Presented in four different colours; pastel blue, black, pink  and cream (left), it must be said that they look rather splendid. But as someone once said, never judge a book by its cover - or in this case, a washer by its colour. Aesthetics are all well and good, but when it comes to washing machines performance is key. So does the WMFAB16 range stand up to the rigours and expectations of modern living, or is it full of old flannel? Lets take a look.

Hello there, welcome and thanks for looking us up. Please feel free to have a look around, we hope you find our little site helpful. We built shopexplorer as a response to becoming a little bit jaded by endless searching for products, having to click on vast numbers of sites with a large variation in quality and typically ending up with unhelpful reviews packed full of jargon which seemed designed only for the technically minded. You see, we believe technology is our friend. That it can improve our lives, make things easier for us and provide us with a bit of fun all at the same time. It's nothing to be scared of, but we understand that sometimes talking "tech" gets in the way.

Lots of big guns took to the IFA floor today to show off their new wares. Whilst Sony hogged the limelight yesterday, today has seen pretty much everyone else claiming to be the best. We've had a look at the day's events and thought we'd share the highlights with you.

Every year, the Electrolux Design Lab run a competition for undergraduate and graduate industrial design students, with a top prize of 5,000 Euro and six-month paid internship at one of the Electrolux Group’s global design centers up for grabs for the winner.