Washing Machines Buyers Guide

Your Mantra to Clean Clothes

With homes being run by more and more working moms, it is very essential for every household to own a washing machine. This makes the laundry work faster, easier and even cheaper. Washing machines have come a long way ever since there invention. The market is strewn these days with a great number of latest models that have innumerable features. Hence, you should be very careful and perform a thorough study before you invest in a washing machine.

Types of washing machines

There are primarily two types of washing machines available in the market. Of course, you will find a huge number of varieties in these two types. There are various makes and models that come with several additional features. However, the fundamental types of machines remain the same.

The first type of washing machine is the front-load washing machine. As the name suggests, in this kind of a washing machine you will be required to load the dirty clothes from the space provided in front of the unit. The other variety of washing machines is the top-load washing machine. Unlike the front-load washing machine, the top-load machine requires you to load the washing machine from the opening provided on top of the machine. Besides the methods of loading dirty clothes, there are quite a few differences between these two models of washing machine.

The top-load machines are generally cheaper than the front-load ones. However, you will notice that the latter model requires considerably less water in comparison to the former model and is therefore more effective in terms of energy. The inconvenience that you would have to face while loading a front-load unit is that you would need to bend while putting the clothes in. This is not so in case of the top-load one.

Warranty

Washing machines are generally not minor investments. Hence, you would not want your unit to give up its ghost after you have used it only a few times. Make sure that the unit you are purchasing has a fairly long warranty period during which the company will undertake any kind of repair and maintenance work of the unit. Most companies allow a warranty period of a year after which they provide services for certain parts of the machine only. It is good if your machine offers a longer warranty period but this should not be your only deciding aspect while purchasing your washing machine.

Size and space

Washing machines are available in a variety of sizes these days. The conventional machine would have a width of 27 inches approximately while a compact one would have a width of about 24 inches. You can find washing machines that can be carted around and hence, you can put them away at any convenient place that allows enough space for the unit. There are certain front-load units that have compact dryers, which make the unit even smaller and more space saving. You can even find machines that have a combination of washer and dryer. The dryer may be either operated by gas or by electricity. The combination may have a dryer installed above the washer or a two-in-one unit of a washer and dryer. The latter one is a cheaper option but the performance of the washer may get affected by the dryer or vice versa.

Final decision

While making the final decision what you will need to consider is the cost of the machine and also the cost of running it. The top-load unit is a cheaper variety but the front-load one proves to be more efficient. You will have to keep in mind your budget and requirement and thereby come to a decision. Also, compare and contrast various makes and models in order to strike the best bargain.

Key Features

Key Features   Weight Capacity   Volume Capacity   Load Type		With over 1900 washing machines on the market, key features such as Weight Capacity, Volume Capacity & Load Type are important factors when buying. These features not only effect the performane and quality of the washing machine you choose, but also the price. Shown below are price guides for a selection of washing machines focusing on the key features: Weight Capacity, Volume Capacity & Load Type.

Weight Capacity 5.46 Kg £208.00 3.5 Kg £331.00 2.99 Kg £397.00 5.99 Kg £459.00 10.09 Kg £634.00 * 5.99 Kg £459.00

Volume Capacity 1.94 cu/ ft £295.00 14 cu/ ft £391.00 2.12 cu/ ft £513.00 1.62 cu/ ft £565.00 1.91 cu/ ft £773.00 * 2.12 cu/ ft £513.00

Load Type Top Loader £263.00 Front Load £422.00 Top Load £537.00 * Front Load £422.00

* Taking into account all current washing machines on the market the most desirable would be a washing machine with 5.99 Kg Weight Capacity, 2.12 cu/ ft Volume Capacity and Front Load Load Type.

Price Guide

Min    £161.01 Avg    £443.93 Max    £1,820.00		Washing Machines cost anywhere from £161.01 for a basic washing machine with few features to around £1,820.00 for a fully featured washing machine.

Brand Guide

Popular Brands     Hotpoint     Zanussi     Bosch     Whirlpool     Indesit     Hoover		The most popular washing machines brand is Hotpoint. The most expensive washing machines brand is Maytag. If you're looking for a bargain then look out for Swan branded washing machines as generally they offer the cheapest washing machines.