Washing Machines
When it comes to buying a new washing machine 
, you want to get the best you can afford. Find a washing machine that fits your needs and is large enough for all of the laundry you may wash. If you're in the market to purchase a new washing machine, an energy efficient machine can cut your annual electricity costs in half.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine
The first step is deciding between the three different types of machines. They are ordered below by price, which may play a factor in your buying decision. You will also need to take into account the convenience of each one as well as their capacity. If you have a large family and tend to do several loads of laundry a week, you will need something large, cost-effective (efficient consumption of water, energy, and detergent), and durable. Read on to find out more.
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Standard Top Loader
Advantages
- Least expensive option; good models cost around $500.
- Tried-and-true technology.
- Uses regular detergent.
- Easy to load and you can add items mid-cycle.
Disadvantages
- May be too harsh on some clothing.
- Uses more water and more energy per load.
- Can be prone to unbalanced loads.
- Can be loud.
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Top-Loading High Efficiency Washers
Advantages
- Uses less water, energy, and detergent.
- No central agitator, which theoretically, makes it less harsh on clothes.
- Like standard top loader styles, items can be added mid-cycle.
Disadvantages
- Gets best results with special, more expensive HE detergent.
- More expensive.
- May be harsh on clothing.
- Newer technology may not have all the kinks worked out yet.
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Front-Loading Washers
Advantages
- Older technology means it is tested; works best of the three washer types.
- Usually quieter than top-loading models.
- Larger capacity.
- Stackable with a dryer.
- Use less water, energy, and detergent than a standard top-loader.
Disadvantages
- Can cost as much as $2500.
- Can't add things mid cycle, and more difficult to load/unload.
- Work best with HE detergent
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Important Features
Once you have determined what kind of machine you want, it is time to think about other features.
Size
- It is highly recommended that you buy the largest machine you can for your space and budget.
- Even singles or couples may still have large items to wash, especially linens.
Noise
- Where will you put the washing machine?
- If it's going next to a living room choose the quietest model possible.
Buttons and Knobs
- Some machines have sleek electronic displays with lots of touch-pad buttons.
- Electronic buttons may not be as durable as an old-fashioned knob or dial. This is particularly true of lower-end top-loading machines.
- On high-end machines, especially the high-efficiency ones, you may not have a choice.
Settings
- Watch out for models that try to lure you in with lots of different pre-programmed settings.
- A few such as Bright Colors, Whites, and Delicates are nice, but you probably don't need more than six or seven.
- Usually the conditions used in those extra settings can be duplicated with the right combination of intensity, water temperature, and soak time on any other machine.
Porcelain vs. Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel is preferable for the tub.
- It won't rust or chip, and is sturdier than porcelain.
Automatic Water Controls
- Temperature Control - automatically chooses the correct temperature for each cycle.
- Level Control - adjusts the water level automatically to the size of the load of laundry.
Space-Saving Models
- Compacts
- They tend to be smaller, handling from 8 to 12lbs. of clothing.
- More expensive; however, they are quiet and perform as well as their larger counterparts.
- Top Manufacturers: European brands Asko and Miele.
- Stackable
- This is an optimum choice for those who want the quality and modest prices of side by side washer and dryer models.
- Larger than compacts, they can handle larger loads.
- Laundry Centers
- One unit model: if it breaks, that might mean that the whole thing needs to be replaced.
- Usually about 6ft. tall and as narrow as the compacts.
- Sometimes the quality of the two components are not equal.
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