The sheer number of washing machines in the market today is enough to
confuse the uninitiated
The sheer number of washing
machines in the market today is enough to confuse the uninitiated. Before you
buy you should ask yourself the following questions:
How much space is there in my kitchen?
How much laundry do I wash per week?
What type of fabrics do I wash?
Once you know the answers to
these you'll be well on your way to making an informed decision.
Which washing machine?
The size of washing machine
you choose will depend on the space available in your kitchen and the amount
of laundry you do each week.
Compact
If you lack space or have a
limited amount of weekly washing, a compact machine that takes a 3-4kg load
may suit your needs, although it will have a limited range of programmes
compared with a full-size machine. If space is short, stacking a washing
machine with a tumble dryer may be an option, or you could consider a
washer-dryer.
Full-size
If you have a normal amount
of weekly laundry and a mix of fabrics to wash, go for a full-size machine
that takes a 5-6kg load. Larger capacity 7kg models are also available,
giving you room to wash items like curtains or duvets. If you use a tumble
dryer, make sure you pick a washing machine with high spin efficiency to
reduce drying times and costs. Half-load and quick wash are useful options to
have as you probably won't always have a full load.
Large
If you have a large family
and use a machine most days, then a large 8-10kg washing machine is worth
considering.
Most of the larger washing machines are American and while they were traditionally
seen as less sophisticated and less energy efficient than European models,
there are now large 8kg washing machines that are top performers. Some large
machines now employ sensor technology for a triple 'A' rating for wash,
energy and spin efficiency, so size no longer means a compromise on wash
results or efficiency.
It's worth noting that the larger exterior dimensions of these machines mean
they are more suited for use in a utility room rather than a kitchen.
Which tumble dryer?
Venting dryers
Venting machines cost less
than condensing machines, are more easily available and work faster. Hot damp
air is vented from the machine to the outside via a hose, which can either
dangle from a window or be ducted through an outside wall using a telescopic
box fitting. The need for venting does restrict where the machine can be
positioned.
Condensing dryers
The steam given off by
drying clothes is turned into moisture that's collected in a reservoir or can
be pumped away via the drains if the machine is positioned near a sink and
can be plumbed in. Drying is slightly slower compared with vented machines.
Condenser dryers have become more affordable over the last two years, and
more are being sold now than ever before.
Saving energy
Energy ratings
All washing machines and
washer dryers carry an energy rating graded from A to G for wash performance,
energy efficiency and spin-drying efficiency, with A being the best and G the
worst. All ratings are based on standard test results for a 60 C cotton wash
cycle. Tumble dryers are rated for energy efficiency. A-rated tumble dryers
are rare (though they do exist). Most will have a C or less. If you use a
tumble dryer, look for a washing machine with a spin rating between A and C
to reduce drying costs.
Fuzzy Logic
Machines with Fuzzy Logic
use sensor technology to continually monitor varying conditions inside the
washing machine, adjusting itself to ensure the best wash results using as
little water and energy as possible. There is no one standard for Fuzzy
Logic, so different machines will do different things, but a typical Fuzzy
Logic machine will control the main wash, the water intake, water
temperature, wash time, rinse performance and spin speed.
More sophisticated models weigh the load (so you can't overload the machine),
advise how much detergent to put in, assess material type and water hardness,
and check if the detergent is a powder or a liquid. Some also learn from past
experience, intelligently memorising programmes and adjusting them to
minimise running costs.
Fault diagnosis
Some Fuzzy Logic models
offer a diagnostic fault-finding system, which displays a fault code if any
problems occur. You can then ring this code through to the service centre
thus ensuring the engineer has the right parts to fix it without delay.
Update facilities
Some models have Fuzzy Logic
microprocessors that can be updated as and when new technology or programmes
come along. LG Electronics has already launched several Internet-
/network-enabled washing machines, which means when the networked home
becomes reality, these machines are ready to take advantage of any benefits
offered by direct Internet connection (eg for remote fault diagnosis or
downloading new programmes).
Fuzzy Logic machines are generally extremely simple to use, as most feature
'one touch' control. They also get the best energy ratings, and are worth
paying extra for if you wash full loads more than three times a week, as the
energy-saving features will provide worthwhile savings in water and energy
usage.
How much do I need to pay?
Prices start from just under
£200 to well over £1,000. While it's true that you get what you pay for, you
shouldn't fall into the trap of paying extra for features you'll never use.
You can buy a good, reliable machine for between £300 and £600. At £600 you
should expect features such as Fuzzy Logic, high spin speeds and fabric care
programmes for handwash-only items like silks or woollens.
It's worth paying more if you want a large capacity machine, but it's not
worth paying extra for more programmes as you'll probably only use three or
four. You'll also have to pay more if you want the machine to have a special
finish such as stainless steel or anthracite.
If you can afford it, consider machines that are built to last for 20 years
or more, compared with the usual five to eight years. These machines are made
of the highest quality materials, and use electronic controls to reduce wear
and tear, thus prolonging life. Thanks to sophisticated electronics, they use
less water and energy, have a good wash rating and are quiet. Some even have
facilities for updating the electronics as and when new technology arrives.
Washer-dryer benefits
Washer-dryers work on the
condenser method, which means that moisture given off by drying clothes must
either be pumped away via the drains or collected in a reservoir. Look for a
machine with a good choice of programmes and a high spin speed, which will
reduce drying times and save energy.
Pros
It is cheaper than buying a
separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
You will save kitchen space.
Straight-through washing and drying means that you won't have to set the
machine to dry when the wash programme has finished (as long as the wash load
doesn't exceed the capacity of the dry cycle).
Cons
You can't wash one load
while drying another.
You can't dry a full load - you can usually only dry just 2.5kg of the 5kg
wash load (or 3kg of a 6kg wash load). However, washer-dryers with a 4kg wash
and dry capacity are currently being introduced.
Drying performance is generally not as good as that of a tumble dryer; it's
slow and isn't usually energy-efficient. You would have to be prepared to
spend around £1,200 for a machine with advanced features such as turbo dry,
which speeds drying times.
If one part of the machine breaks, you are stuck with neither washing nor
drying.
Washers
Features to look out for:
Large portholes with 180 degree opening
More models are now
available with larger portholes which open fully for easier loading.
Large capacities
In the past, 5kg load
capacity was the norm. Look out for the growing number of 6 or 7kg capacity
machines, which means you can wash more, less frequently. The biggest
machines out there can offer an impressive 10Kg capacity, enough for the
largest family.
Timer saver options
Machines with this feature
let you reduce the programme time by a quarter or even a half - ideal for
when time is limited. Hotpoint has also introduced a new Fast Wash system,
which offers a cycle of just 26 minutes, for people in a real rush. The
latest machines also allow you to 'skip' elements of the wash, if you're in a
rush to get it finished.
Variable spin
Variable spin enables you to
adjust the spin speed for fabrics that crease badly if you spin them at high
speeds (like acrylic). This is also a consideration when choosing the spin
speed of your machine. The faster the spin, the more expensive the machine,
but do you really need that extra speed - especially if it's going to crease
your clothes in the process?
Timing devices
Some machines feature a
timer device that instructs the machine to begin a wash cycle at a
pre-programmed time, enabling you to take advantage of cheap-rate
electricity, or to avoid having a wash sit in the machine all day while you
are at work. Just set the machine to come on a couple of hours before you get
in - around the length of the wash cycle - and it should have just finished
as you walk in the door.
Special programmes
Delicates and wool cycles
for silk, pure wool and other easily damaged fabrics.
Long, hot washes for white cottons.
Rapid washes for light soiling.
Easy-care washes with reduced spin for acrylics.
Refresh programmes are ideal when you are short of time. They take as little
as 20 minutes to freshen up lightly soiled clothes.
Some of the more expensive machines even have a hand-wash programme; allowing
you to wash 'hand-wash only' garments such as silk and woollens.
Separate programme and temperature controls
Separate controls allow you
to select the water temperature to suit the load and the type of detergent
you are using - a useful feature that isn't possible on machines where
programme and temperature are pre-set and can't be controlled individually.
For example, you can choose a long wash at a low temperature for garments
that are badly soiled but can only be laundered at 40 C.
Braille
Servis is about to launch
machines with control panels featuring Braille in the UK soon.
Improved water penetration
Manufacturers are designing
systems that allow for more equal water penetration. This means that all your
clothes get equal amounts of water and attention, no matter how many items
you put in the machine and where particular items are in the load.
Dryers
Features to look out for:
Cool tumble
A final cool tumble reduces
creasing on most fabrics.
Large portholes
A bigger door (look for a
30cm diameter porthole) makes the dryer easier to load and unload.
Filter
The filter on vented dryers
should be cleaned at least once a week, so look for one which is easy to
reach and remove.
Heat settings
Most dryers offer two heat
settings - high for cottons and linens, low for acrylics and synthetics.
Refresh programmes
These let you take advantage
of newly available cleaning products that allow you to freshen up dry clean
only and handwash clothes in the tumble dryer. Wool Care programmes keep
woollens soft and fluffy by loosening up the fibres after they have been
dried in the open air.
Interior light
Helps you locate small items
lurking at the back of the drum. Alternatively buy a separate 'delicates'
mesh bag, which will keep them all together and stop you losing them.
Load capacity
Most machines will dry a 5kg
load. Compact machines are available, but will only dry around 2kg in one go.
American machines will dry 8kg-10kg, and are worth considering if you dry a
lot of washing each week.
Reservoir alarm
A light or alarm shows when
the reservoir needs to be emptied on condensing machines.
Reverse action
The drum reverses towards
the end of the cycle to untangle clothes and reduce creasing.
Sensor drying
This sets the degree of
dryness you want, and the machine senses the correct level and stops
automatically, saving energy and preventing over drying.
Timed drying
Most dryers have a
120-minute timer, which allows more than enough time to dry clothes, even
those spun at 800rpm.
