Buying a new washing machine is a significant decision. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice:
1. Determine Your Needs and Space:
- Capacity: Consider the size of your household and how often you do laundry.
- Small (less than 3.5 cu. ft.): Individuals or couples. Can handle about 8 lbs of clothes.
- Medium (3.5 – 4.5 cu. ft.): Small families. Can handle about 16 lbs of clothes.
- Large (4.6 – 5.2 cu. ft.): Families. Can handle about 20 lbs of clothes.
- Extra-Large (over 5.2 cu. ft.): Large families or those washing bulky items.
- Available Space: Measure the dimensions of your laundry area, including width, depth, and height. Also, consider door swing and space for connections.
- Side-by-side: Requires ample horizontal space.
- Stacked: Ideal for limited space, with the dryer placed on top of the washer.
- All-in-one (washer-dryer combo): Best for very tight spaces, though drying capacity might be smaller.
- Compact washers (around 24″ wide): Good for apartments or smaller homes.
- Laundry Habits:
- Do you wash delicate items?
- Do you often need to wash heavily soiled clothes?
- Do you prefer to add items mid-cycle?
- Do you often forget to move clothes to the dryer promptly?
2. Choose the Type of Washer:
- Top-Load Washers:
- Agitator: A central post that twists to move clothes. Generally more affordable and offers shorter wash cycles. Can be tougher on delicate fabrics and has a smaller capacity compared to impeller models.
- Impeller: A low-profile disc at the bottom that spins to create water movement. Gentler on clothes, offers larger capacity, and typically uses less water. Can have longer wash cycles.
- Front-Load Washers:
- Tumble clothes through a small amount of water. Highly energy-efficient and use significantly less water. Gentler on fabrics and offer high spin speeds, reducing drying time. Can be more expensive and have longer wash cycles. Often stackable. Some models offer a “second chance door” to add forgotten items.
3. Consider Key Features:
- Wash Cycles: Look for cycles that meet your needs (e.g., Normal, Delicate, Heavy Duty, Quick Wash, Sanitize, Bulky Items, Hand-Washable). More advanced models offer specialized cycles like Prewash, Steam, Allergen, and Active Wear.
- Water Temperature Control: Most washers offer Cold, Warm, and Hot settings. Some have Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) to ensure the selected temperature is reached, and some even have an internal water heater for sanitize cycles.
- Spin Speed: Higher spin speeds extract more water, leading to shorter drying times and energy savings.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates the washer uses less energy and water. Check the Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) and Integrated Water Factor (IWF) – higher IMEF and lower IWF mean better efficiency.
- Noise Level: If the washer is near living areas, consider models with noise reduction features and vibration control technology.
- Automatic Detergent Dispenser: Some models automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent for each load, saving time and preventing overuse.
- Smart Features: Some washers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the machine remotely via a smartphone app, receive cycle notifications, and troubleshoot issues.
- Internal Water Heater: Ensures consistently high water temperatures for specialized cycles like sanitization.
- Load-Sensing: Automatically adjusts water levels based on the load size, saving water.
- Delay Start: Allows you to schedule wash cycles to start at a later time.
- Self-Clean Cycle: Helps to keep the washer drum clean and odor-free.
- Steam Cycles: Can help to remove stubborn stains and sanitize clothes.
- Hand-Washable Cycle: Gentle cycle for delicate items.
- Quick Wash Cycle: For lightly soiled items needed in a hurry.
- Pause/Interrupt Cycle: Allows you to add forgotten items after the cycle has started (common in front-load and some high-efficiency top-load models).
- Automatic Load Balancing: Detects and corrects unbalanced loads to prevent excessive vibration and noise.
- Removable Agitator (Top-Load): Offers flexibility to wash bulky items more easily.
- Built-In Water Faucet (Top-Load): For pretreating stains directly in the washer.
4. Research Brands and Reliability:
- Consider brands known for their reliability and customer satisfaction. Some commonly recommended brands include Bosch, Miele, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, and GE. Speed Queen is often cited for its exceptional durability.
- Read online reviews to get insights from other users about specific models you’re considering. Pay attention to comments about reliability, performance, and customer service.
- Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty can indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
5. Set a Budget:
- Washing machines range in price from basic, affordable models to high-end units with advanced features. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize the features that are most important to you.
6. Check Connections and Installation:
- Ensure you have the necessary water hookups (hot and cold) and the correct electrical outlet. For dryers, you’ll also need to consider venting (for most electric and gas dryers).
- Factor in the cost of installation if you’re not planning to do it yourself. Some retailers offer installation services.
7. Consider Energy and Water Efficiency:
- Over the lifespan of the washer, energy and water consumption can significantly impact your utility bills. While more efficient models might have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run.
8. Read the Manual:
- Once you’ve purchased your washer, take the time to read the owner’s manual. This will provide important information about proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently choose a washing machine that meets your needs, budget, and laundry requirements for years to come.