However, with more choice available, the task of finding the perfect washing machine becomes a lot more difficult. What are the most crucial features that you should be looking out for? And what should you be considering when finalising your decision?
If you’re on the hunt for an efficient washing machine that breathes new life into your clothes, then allow us to make the decision much easier. This article will take you through each and every one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your new washing machine. Let’s get started!
What Should You Consider When Looking For The Perfect Washing Machine?
Price
The first thing you are going to want to consider is your total budget. How much do you plan on spending on your new washing machine? Are you willing to push the boat out and spend a little more on an advanced model? Maybe you want to spend a little less? As you consider your options, make sure to always refer to your budget!
Many of the other factors to consider when buying a washing machine will affect the overall price. These factors include the size of the unit, its energy rating, and its smart features. If you’re looking to save money on your new washing machine, then we would recommend opting for a slightly smaller or less advanced model.
Don’t forget that washing machines will have an overall operating cost! Washing machines use varying amounts of water and energy, which can directly affect your bills every month. If you are looking for a more affordable washing machine, then it is worth considering a more energy-efficient model that uses less water.
Whenever you are buying new white goods for your home, make sure to carefully consider your budget. The price of a single washing machine can be affected by a number of things.
Luckily, purchasing energy-efficient washing machines is easier than ever before. Many modern washing machines are able to automatically adjust the amount of water being used. They can adjust depending on the weight of the laundry load in the drum! This takes away a lot of the guesswork, and helps you to use far less water! This benefits your bills, and the environment!
Energy Rating
This very naturally leads us to the next important consideration: the energy rating! All major home appliances are subjected to the same rigorous procedure. This procedure is designed to determine the overall energy efficiency of any given appliance. The less energy an appliance uses, the greater its energy rating is. This also has a direct impact on your energy bills each month!
Products are ranked on energy consumption based on an “A-to-G” scale. Products that rank as “A” use the least energy, while rank “G” products use the most energy.
The most energy efficient washing machines tend to rank around a “C” on the energy rating scale. As such, if you’re environmentally conscious, or you simply want to cut down on energy bills, then you’ll want to look out for the energy rating at every opportunity.
Size
Size is another factor that can directly affect both the price and energy rating of a given washing machine. Generally, the larger the unit, the more expensive it will be, and the more energy and water it will need to consume.
Of course, you’re going to need to make sure your new washing machine fits in the door. Most importantly, however, you’re going to need to consider the amount of space available for the entire unit. Do you have a spot ready for it? What are the dimensions of the space? Will the machine fit?
You’ll need to find a space that allows room for the washing machine to move around slightly. Don’t forget that, when your washing machine is in action, it will vibrate. If your washing machine is too close to anything else, such as other appliances, it will be liable to make much more noise! Space is also important for ensuring that the machine does not overheat while in use. After all, you don’t want to have to replace your brand-new washing machine after only a year of use!
Finally, make sure to consider the space for the door of the unit. It would be frustrating to find the perfect space for your washing machine, only to find that there’s not enough room to open the door! If you’re stuck for floor space, why not opt for a Toploader washing machine? Toploaders allow you to open the unit from above, to simply drop your laundry right in.
Capacity
Size is also an important consideration for the perfect washing machine. It goes hand-in-hand with the capacity of the unit. Of course, the larger the unit, the greater the capacity in the central drum for your laundry.
While the capacity of your washing machine will affect its overall price, it’s worth considering if you have a large household. Do you have numerous children with their own school uniforms? Then you’ll need to ensure you have enough capacity to keep their uniforms looking fresh every week!
If you wash more clothes in one go, or you have a family to consider, then we strongly recommend opting for a washing machine with a greater capacity. This will save you a lot of money in the long run, as you will be able to cut down on the number of cycles needed to wash everything.
Spin Speed
One factor that many people tend to overlook is the spin speed of the unit itself. Spin speed, of course, refers to how quickly the central drum can spin. The faster the drum spins, the better it is able to whip moisture out of your clothes after washing. A faster spin speed makes drying your clothes far easier. However, some clothes, especially delicates, require much lower spin speeds. As such, it’s essential to look out for a washing machine with adjustable spin speeds.
Washing machines tend to range between 1200 to 1600 rpm at top speed. Of course, the higher the spin speed, the more costly the unit will be. So make sure to weigh your desired spin speed against your desired budget!
Noise
No one wants a noisy washing machine. If you simply can’t stand the sound of that final spin, then you’ll want to consider the total noise level of your chosen unit. Luckily, major manufacturers are always transparent about noise levels. So you can easily choose based on your preferences.
If you want a quiet washing machine, then you will want to look for one with a decibel level between 50 to 75. Anything above 75dB would be considered loud.
Leading names in the world of washing machines, such as LG, are always seeking to improve their products. As such, many of the best washing machines come with noise-dampening technology! Just make sure to keep in mind that noise-dampening might cost you a little more.
Smart Features
Our homes are becoming smarter every year, thanks to easier integration with the most important of appliances. In fact, many modern white goods can be controlled entirely using your own smartphone. Want a washing machine that you can easily control and monitor remotely? Then why not spend a little more on some smart features?
Wifi-compatible washing machines can send information to your connected smart device, even when you are out of the house. This makes it easy to track an ongoing wash, start a new cycle, or even identify faults within the unit.
Smart features are hugely beneficial. They can allow you to easily stay on top of the health of the machine, while also helping you to carefully monitor energy usage. Want to cut down on the amount of energy your washing machine uses? Many smart-washer apps allow you to easily monitor energy consumption and set certain limits!
Should You Go For A Washer Dryer?
If you’re short on kitchen real estate, but you want the added features of a tumble dryer, then you may want to opt for a washer dryer. With the functions of both a washing machine and tumble dryer, washer-dryers are great for those with busy lifestyles.
With a washer dryer, you can quickly chuck in all of your clothes, set them for a quick wash, and allow the machine to dry them at the end of the cycle.
However, you should always keep in mind that washer-dryers cost a lot more than standard washing machines. They will also consume significantly more energy!
What Is The Difference Between A Freestanding And Integrated Washing Machine?
If you’re looking to create a beautiful kitchen space, you’ll want to consider whether you want an integrated or freestanding washing machine.
Integrated washing machines are units that are in some way built into the design of your kitchen. They’re usually hidden behind a cabinet door. Such washing machines are great for creating a uniform sense of space. Freestanding washing machines are the standard washing machines you find in most households.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Freestanding Washing Machine?
One of the benefits of a freestanding washing machine is the fact that you can place it anywhere in your kitchen. This allows for much greater freedom when it comes to arranging the space. However, you’ll have to make sure that your chosen spot provides easy access to water and power, and that the washing machine can access drainage.
You might also need to carefully consider the overall look of the washing machine. If you’re going for a particular colour or design style in your kitchen, you’ll need to choose a washing machine accordingly.
What Should You Consider When Buying An Integrated Washing Machine?
If you’re planning on installing an integrated washing machine, you may have to search around a little more to find the perfect unit. You’ll need to be sure that the machine not only fits into the specific space but that it has access to power and water.
When choosing an integrated washing machine, your options may be much more limited, when it comes to size.
Integrated washing machines are great for creating a sense of space in your kitchen. However, you’ll need to spend a little more time planning out the installation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Consider When Buying A Washing Machine?
There are a number of things you should consider when buying a washing machine. The most important considerations involve price, size, noise, energy use, and overall capacity. If you want to spend a little more, then you could also opt for a smart washing machine that you can control entirely through your phone.
How Long Should A Washing Machine Last?
A good washing machine should be able to last you up to around 12 years. Of course, the expected lifespan of any washing machine will be directly affected by how you use it. If you take good care of your washing machine, you can expect it to last even longer than 12 years!
Is It Worth Repairing A 10-Year-Old Washing Machine?
If your washing machine is older than ten years, you would be served better by replacing the unit with a new model entirely. Washing machine repairs can be very costly. If you were to repair a significantly old washing machine, it would likely encounter new problems in a short space of time. Replacing your washing machine with a new model is more cost-effective.
Can Washing Machines Last 20 Years?
The expected maximum lifespan of a washing machine is around 12 years. However, it is more than possible for a specific washing machine to last more than 20 years. However, in order for a washing machine to live that long, it would need to be cared for and maintained very frequently.
