Washing Machines Buying Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Washing Machines, Washer Dryers, and Tumble Dryers
Choosing the right type of laundry appliance for your home is crucial to make your washing experience easy and efficient. With various options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. This guide aims to help you make an informed choice when purchasing your new washing machine, tumble dryer, or washer dryer.
Washing Machines
Top Loading - With a larger capacity, top-loading washing machines can hold bigger loads. However, it requires more space and cannot have items placed on top of it.
Vented - A vented tumble dryer extracts damp air produced during the drying process and discharges it through a 2m plastic hose. The hose needs a window or door to dispose of the damp air.
Tumble Dryers
Vented - Similar to the vented washing machine, this type of tumble dryer disposes of damp air through a hose.
Condenser - A condenser tumble dryer collects the damp air in the form of water, which needs to be manually emptied after drying. Some machines can dispose of the water automatically if plumbed.
Heat Pump - A heat pump tumble dryer is quieter and more energy-efficient than the other types of tumble dryers. It uses a lower drying temperature and recirculates warm air, reducing energy consumption.
Washer Dryers
A washer dryer is suitable for those who have limited space and cannot accommodate both a washing machine and a tumble dryer. However, larger families may find it challenging to wash and dry clothes simultaneously.
Fit Type for Laundry Appliances
Integrated - Integrated laundry appliances are ideal for those who prefer a tidier-looking kitchen. They can be hidden within cupboards, providing extra room for small spaces.
Freestanding - Freestanding laundry appliances offer the freedom to place them wherever you want in your home, subject to a water supply source.
Spin Speeds
The spin speed of washing machines, washer dryers, and tumble dryers ranges from 1000 to 1600 rpm (revolutions per minute). The faster the spin speed, the more water extracted, reducing drying time. The faster the drying spin speed, the less moisture remains in the clothes after a shorter cycle.
Capacity
The drum capacity of your washing machine, tumble dryer, or washer dryer determines how much laundry you can wash in one go. As a rough guide, 1kg is one outfit.
5-6kg - Suitable for 1-2 people
7-8kg - Suitable for 3-4 people
9-10kg - Suitable for 4-5 people
11kg+ - Suitable for 5+ people
Programmes
Washing machines and washer dryers come with various programmes to suit different washing needs, including:
Quick wash/Economy wash - For smaller and lightly soiled clothes, can be cleaned in as little as 14 minutes.
Extra rinse/Allergy Care/Baby programme - To remove excess detergent and allergens for those with sensitive skin.
Wool programme/Silk Wash - For delicate materials, using a lower temperature to prevent shrinkage or damage.
Cotton wash/Synthetics - The most common wash for everyday items.
Drain Spin - To remove the remaining water after a cycle and speed up the drying process.
Pre Wash - To loosen up dried-on marks and dirt before a regular cycle.
Mixed Load - To skip separating colours and delicate items. The cycle runs on a lower temperature and slower spins to avoid damaging clothes.
Half-load function - For smaller loads, using half the water and half the time of a full load.
Delicate wash/Hand wash - For a gentle wash with fewer spins to prevent damage to delicate items.
Sports programme - For heavily soiled sports clothing that requires a higher temperature and more spins to clean them effectively.
