Bargains

How to Buy Washers

Basic washing machine technology hasn't changed much in decades, but materials and controls have gradually improved reliability and performance. Almost all machines are top-loaders but front loaders are enjoying a resurgence of popularity driven by their space-saving and water conservation features. Your choice can be guided by capacity, features, and price.

Features

Top-Loading vs. Front-Loading: Front-loading washers have recently experienced a rise in popularity. Much like commercial washers, they load from the front through a gasket sealed door. When deciding between the traditional top-loading and front-loading machines, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Front-Loading Pros:

Uses less water, which lowers utility bills. This savings can, over several years, offset the typically higher cost of the machine.
Extracts more water during the spin cycle which can save time (and therefore money) by reducing time in the dryer.
Can be stacked with a dryer on top to conserve space.
Uses a wash process that is more gentle on clothing.

Front-Loading Cons:

Special detergent is required for front-loading machines. It is frequently a bit more expensive than regular laundry detergent.
Costs more. Front-loading machines can cost 30-40 percent more than an equivalent top-loading machine.

Top-Loading Pros:

Includes a wider variety of available models, colors and features.
Offers easier access to the wash tub.
Uses regular detergent.

Top-Loading Cons:

Costs less initially, but is less energy-efficient.
Cannot easily be stacked to save space.
Wash process is rougher on clothing than front-loading machine.

Capacity: In general, capacity ranges from 2.5 cubic feet to 5.5 cubic feet. For the heavy user, large loads are the most economical and efficient way to wash.

Number of Speeds: Most washers have between one and four speeds for wash/spin. Multiple speeds (Normal/Fast, Normal/Slow, Gentle/Fast, and Gentle/Slow) may allow you to fine-tune the wash/spin to certain load combinations. Heavily soiled towels, for instance, may benefit from a Gentle/Fast setting; this gives you a medium wash speed, allowing thorough cleaning while minimizing damage to the nap, and then a fast spin, to extract the water from this highly absorbent material.

Number of Wash/Rinse Temperatures: The number of wash/rinse temperature combinations is generally from three to five. Three (hot/cold, warm/cold and cold/cold) are typical. Warm/warm appears on higher-end models. Top-of-the-line models use heat sensitive switches to control water temperature.

Number of Wash Cycles: Regular, Delicate, and Permanent Press are the manufacturer's predetermined combinations of temperature and speed to best clean the fabric type indicated. Heavy Soil, Prewash, Presoak and others, expand these preconfigured wash options. Delicates, for example, will most likely be washed in a combination of slower speeds and milder temperatures to protect the fabric.

Number of Water Levels: A choice of water levels allows you to fill the tub to a level to match your load and avoid water waste. Some high-end models offer infinitely variable control of water level.

Dispensers: Allow automatic dispensing of bleach and/or fabric softener at the appropriate time during the wash cycle. If you regularly use bleach and/or softener, this feature is a near essential convenience.

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