What to look for When Buying a New Washing Machine

Are you currently in the market to buy a new washing machine or tumble dryer?

Making that purchase isn’t as simple as it sounds. You’ll need to consider a few factors to get the most use for your new appliance.

What Load Capacity Do You Need?

It’s easy to assume that a washing machine or dryer can be loaded up to the brim and work, right? This is what most consumers get wrong the first time they buy a new washing machine. Any respectable salesman will bring up the topic, ‘how many clothes do you wash on a daily basis?’, then recommend the machine with the appropriate load capacity. Simply put, the more clothes you want to wash the higher the load capacity you should get.

Opting for a smaller dryer or washer because it’s cheaper will cost you more in the long run in energy and water bill aspects. Plus, that’s more work for you and more time spent.

Does Brand Matter?

The short answer is yes. If you want to avoid headaches in the future then we suggest getting a washing machine that has a popular and recognizable brand. While branded machines cost more than their cheap counterparts you get greater value in terms of reliability and use. Also, these machines tend to need replacements and repairs over time, and you won’t want to get stuck with a tumble dryer you can’t use just because there are no spare parts available for it.

It’s wholly recommended that you get a branded machine so you can avoid problems down the line. It may cost more but it’s worth it in the end.

Top Loading or Front Loading?

Washing machines and dryers have evolved over the past decade or so. Before you could only choose top loaders but washing machine manufacturers have innovated and introduce front loading products.

Top loaders are yesterday’s tech and are cheaper compared to their front-loading counterparts. They operate on faster cycles and are easier to use. However, due to its design they tend to use more water and have fewer features. On the other hand, front loaders use less energy and water and offer a plethora of programs and features. They wash better but then tend to have a longer wash cycle. They’re also more expensive.

Semi Automatic or Fully Automatic?

After covering most of the basics, you’ll be presented with several types. There are 2 in 1 washer and loaders, and fully automatic machines that can do the job even when you’re doing something else.

Fully automatic washing machines only need you to load the clothes up, put in detergent and fabric conditioner. After an hour or so you can come back and the clothes will be clean and dry. Semi automatics will require constant input in terms of loading and unloading from washer to dryer. This way you gain more control but you’ll still need to keep an eye on things.

You can expect fully automatic machines to cost more than their semi-automatic counterparts. However, they tend to be newer and have advanced energy saving features.

What’s Your Budget?

Price is an important element in any consumer endeavour. For one who needs a new washing machine or dryer, the right product will have all the features you want at a price you can afford.

Features and novelties will often take a back seat in the more important matters- capacity and brand. It’s better to buy a washing machine or tumble dryer that has the right capacity and is the brand you want. If you shop with this thinking you’ll have a machine you can depend on for years to come!

Brand New or Used?

Brand new is generally a better purchase as you’ll be buying an appliance you’ll be using almost every day. However, if you have severe budget constraints them a used item may be a viable option.

Final Thoughts…

These are the things you need to think about when buying a new washing machine or tumble dryer. Load capacity is perhaps the most important factor, followed by type and then brand. Money saving features such as energy efficiency and water efficiency are bonuses that come with newer models. If you have a bit more, consider a fully automatic washer so you can do more in your time.