Gone is the age of having to wash our laundry by hand. Now, our household chores are that little bit easier with a washing machine. However, it’s important to consider upgrading your current model if it's quite old, and if it consumes a lot of power. If you are in the market for a new washing machine, there are a few things to consider to help you choose the right model for your household.
Top Loader or Front Loader?
Consider the type of washing machine you want. They each come with different pros and cons.
Top Loader
Top loaders use either an agitator (central spindle) or an impeller (small bump at the bottom of the barrel) to swirl your laundry back and forth in the water. These machines can be faster than front loaders. However they do tend to be a little tougher on clothes. You can also add extra items into the machine even after the washing process has started. There are a few cons to consider with top loaders. They tend to use more water and more energy on a warm or hot wash. For households who don’t have delicate clothing or materials, and are searching for a lower priced unit, a top loader may be all you need.
Front Loader
Front loaders turn laundry over and over to remove dirt. They can be great at using less water, and less energy when on a warm or hot cycle. They are also more gentle on clothes. However, there are some drawbacks. Front loaders can have higher levels of vibration, which can make them loud and shaky during the spin cycle. They also take longer to complete a cycle. Front loader machines tend to also make towels stiff and scratchy, particularly if the machine is very water efficient.
Spinning Capability
Consider the spin efficiency of the machine. Does it have options for different spin speeds? A spin speed of about 1000rpm will remove a decent amount of water, making it easier and more efficient to dry—particularly if you are using a dryer.
Water Efficiency
You don’t want to invest in a machine that uses too much water. That will just eat into your water bill! However, there is a balance to be found. Machines that are too water efficient can make towels stiff and scratchy. They can also leave detergent residue on your laundry!
Cold Washing
Consider cold water washes. Most detergents work just as well under cold water (between 15°C and 20°C). However, if it’s particularly cold where you live, the machine may control the cold water to make sure the temperature isn’t too cold – so that the detergent will actually dissolve properly.
Top loader machines tend to have tap connections for both hot and cold water. Whereas front loader machines often don’t have dual connections. They tend to use their built-in element to heat water for warm washes.
Size and Space
Make sure you measure the space you have at home, to make sure you have enough room for the washing machine. Most machines vibrate during the spin cycle. So be sure to account for at least 5cm of space on each side, back and top of the machine for any movement. Consider the plumbing, too – hoses, cords and plugs. Make sure this is included in your measurements, with enough space for airflow.
Make sure the lid or door will be able to open properly without obstruction from shelves or cabinetry for a top loader, or walls for a front loader.
Capacity
You want to make sure your washing machine can handle your typical load of laundry—saving you from having to do multiple loads, and hiking up the water and power bills. You can use a set of bathroom scales to help weigh your largest washing load. Simply place an empty washing basket on the scales to get the base reading. Then fill the basket with your maximum washing load. Subtract the first measurement from the second to get your ideal capacity weight.
Warranty
Make sure you purchase a washing machine that has a warranty of about 2 years to protect your purchase in case the machine breaks down. It also helps if you have an additional motor warranty. Motors can be expensive to replace, leaving you without a functioning machine for a while if you can’t afford a new motor right away. Avoid trips to the laundromat by seeing if you can get a 10 year warranty for the motor.
Shop Washing Machines with PriceMe
No matter what your requirements are for a washing machine, jump on PriceMe to ensure you get the right price for your ideal model. Our comparison tool makes it easy and quick to compare a range of models across New Zealand retailers, and their prices, so that you can score the best deal. Don’t pay for more than you need to!
Further Reading:
