Washing Machine Buying Guide
Buying the right washing machine is important since it is one of the most used and longest lasting appliances in your home. The last 5 years has seen a huge change in the capacities and energy efficiencies of the residential washing machine.
There are basically three types of washing machines available: traditional top load, high efficiency (HE) top load, and front load. The traditional top load machine is what we all grew up with and the front load machine is what we saw at the laundry mat. The high efficiency top load machine is relativity new and is a hybrid of the two.
When selecting a new machine you need to ask yourself a few questions:
- How much laundry per week?
- What type of laundry?
- Size of laundry room?
- How do you do laundry (i.e. hot or cold water, delicate or heavy duty)?
- Cost of utilities
Tradional Top Load Clothes Washer
This style is the least expensive to buy, but will be the most expensive to operate long term. A normal wash cycle takes about 40 minutes and uses 40 - 50 gallons of water. It also has a lower final spin speed than the HE machines. This adds to longer drying times and more electricity used per load. The capacity of these machine are also the smallest.
Front Load Washing Machines
These high capacity machines made a comeback to the U.S. market about 8 years ago with the introduction of the Maytag Neptune and the Whirlpool Duet. These machine can use as little as 12 gallons per load. The spin speeds are also much greater, as much as 1300 RPMs compared to a traditional speed of 600 RPMs. Most models can be stacked to save space. The cost of HE washers are more, but can save over $100 per year in energy costs.
High Efficiency Top Loading Washers
These machines are a hybrid between a top load washer and a front load washer. It provides the easy access to the wash tub like a top loader while providing the energy efficiency of front loader. Some models use a agitator in the center of the wash tub while others rely on a wash plate on the bottom to turn the clothes over. The agitator-less models allow you to wash large bulky items like a front load washer.
Features to look for:
- Onboard Heater - This feature is found on a majority of front load washers today and a few HE top loaders. It will maintain the water temperature throughout the wash cycle and can boost the water temp to sanitize clothes.
- Silver Care - This allows the clothes to be sanitized with cold water. Very energy efficient and great for delicate items. This is a feature of Samsung washer models WF337A, WF317A, and WF208.
- Pre-wash and Oxy Cycles - Great for stain removal or for using laundry boosters like OxyClean.
- Matching Top Load Dryer - Fisher and Paykel has this convenient feature. It allows you to lift the clothes right out of the washer and into the dryer with no bending over. Models: WL26CW1 , IWL16 , GWL15
- Steam Washer - LG and Whirlpool both make a steam washer.