If you are planning to buy a washing machine for your home well this Washing Machine Buying Guide that I have written will help you make an informed purchase decision. I will walk you through important things to consider before you buy a washing machine and discuss what features I feel you should look for in a washing machine. I’ve used washing machines of all levels for years, but now I am excited to share what I know with you!
You can go through our recommended washing machines by following this article on Best Washing Machine in India for the best recommendations.
Size
The size of the door opening is an important consideration when choosing a new washer. If your laundry room has a small door, look for one that will make it through without hitting anything along the way. A smaller door can mean smaller loads too—typically washing machines with larger capacities have higher doors that may not work well for shorter users or those with mobility issues.
For most homes, getting a standard-size washer is probably fine. But before committing, measure its height, width, and depth (including any molding around it) and compare these dimensions with both your home’s dimensions as well as those of any other appliances or furniture near where you plan to put it.
Load capacity
When a washer’s capacity is listed, it refers to the weight of the dry clothing that can be washed in it at one time. This is important because the type and size of washer you should get depends on your laundry needs, which are likely different from other people’s. If you live in a small home, or do fewer loads of laundry every week than most people, a smaller-capacity washer might be sufficient for you. On the other hand, if your household has more than two or three people and you wash all your clothes with each load, a larger-capacity unit would probably benefit you.
If you’re unsure about which size to get, think about how many people are in your household and how often those individuals tend to do their laundry. Also consider the amount of space available where you will put the washing machine; depending on whether or not there is space for drying racks or an adjacent dryer–or even just enough room to spread out clean clothes that have been removed from the washer–you might want one size over another.
Front load vs. top load
If you’re debating between a top loader and a front loader, the decision is likely going to come down to price and energy efficiency.
While top loaders are generally less expensive, they also use more water and energy than front loading models. But there’s one place where top loaders can get the edge: heavily soiled clothes.
Those who tend to do lots of work around the yard or garden—or maybe have kids that like to play in the mud—will want to look for a top-loading model with an agitator for optimal cleaning power. Without one, you might find your clothes coming out dirtier than when they went in.
Front loading washers are typically more energy efficient than their top-loading counterparts, but keep in mind that this will not only help you save some money on your monthly utility bills; it also helps save our planet’s resources as well. Another benefit of front loaders? They tend to have a longer life expectancy than other washer models. In fact, many owners report having theirs for 20 years or more!
Last but not least, if noise is an issue for you (maybe you have kids who need their naps) then look no further than the great selection of quiet-operating washers available today at Best Buy!
Water usage
In terms of water usage, we are all probably aware that laundry uses a lot of water. With this in mind, it’s important to consider how much your washing machine is going to use when determining which is the best washing machine for you.
Front loaders tend to be a little more efficient than top loaders, with some new models using as little as 14L per wash. When looking at water ratings, look for a machine with a water rating of 3.5 stars or more—the higher the rating, the more efficient the model.
Temperature settings
The temperature of the water you use when washing your clothes can have a big impact on how clean they come out and how long they last. Hot water does a better job at cleaning, rinsing and sanitizing than cold water because it breaks down the oils in dirt particles. Hot water also has greater disinfectant properties than cold, making it useful for some items that are prone to germs—like socks and underwear—and for items that may be infected with bacteria or fungi.
However, hot water uses more energy than cold, so using hot all the time will increase your utility bills. Additionally, newer detergents are designed to work effectively in cool temperatures without compromising on stain removal or other cleaning capabilities. Also, delicate fabrics labeled “hand wash” or “dry clean only” should be washed in cool water to prevent shrinking, fading and wear-and-tear over time. Lastly, some items like wool sweaters should never be exposed to heat because it makes them shrink; heat exposure is one of the most common ways people ruin their favorite sweaters.
Some washing machines have a sanitization cycle that prevents bacteria buildup on clothing while still using cooler temperatures; however they cost significantly more than standard machines because of their special features and components.
Energy efficiency
You might not think about it too much when you’re at the store, but energy efficiency is important for you and for the environment. The less energy a washing machine uses to perform its function, the better! If a washing machine is rated as high-efficiency (HE) then it’s going to save on your energy bills—and that’s one of the main benefits of these washers. While HE washers are more expensive, they cost less than conventional washers over the long run because they use so much less energy. In addition to saving you money and keeping costs down on household utility bills, these machines also generally use less water than conventional models.
You’ll see three main ratings used on washing machines: low-efficiency (LE), mid-efficiency (ME) and high-efficiency (HE). Most modern washers are HE or ME—and we wouldn’t recommend buying anything LE unless it’s all you can afford.
Noise level
If you’re sensitive to noise, this is an important consideration. After all, you don’t want your machine to become a source of irritation! Here are some key points on noise:
How loud is the machine?
Washing machines are rated based on the sound they make when in use. If you look at a label or website carefully, the manufacturer should provide decibel (dB) levels for both “in use” and “spinning.” The former refers to the amount of sound emitted when the washer is washing and spinning clothes around; the latter refers to how much noise it makes when extracting water from them after each cycle. In general, anything that exceeds 75 dB could be considered noisy—and if it goes over 85 dB, it will be difficult for you to hold a conversation in the same room as your machine. Having said that, some people find certain noises relaxing—so if you have no problem with white noise or other ambient sounds (like traffic), then this may not be so important for you.
What does “decibel level” actually mean?
A decibel is a unit used to measure sound intensity—the louder something is, the higher its decibel rating will be. For example, here are some common sounds and their corresponding decibel ratings:
- Rustling leaves: 10 dB
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
- Vacuum cleaner: 70 dB
- Chainsaw: 110 dB
Design
Your new washing machine will also have to fit in your home, so make sure you’re comfortable with its design. Some design features that may affect your decision include:
- Color: You can find almost any color combination for a washer and dryer, from the traditional white or gray to black, stainless steel and even red. Try to choose a color that complements the rest of your home, especially if you plan on leaving these appliances out in plain sight.
- Style: Front-loading washing machines are typically more expensive than top-loaders, but they’re usually gentler on fabrics and more energy efficient. They also tend to be quieter while running. High-efficiency models are front loaders that use less water and energy than standard washers, which may help you save money in the long run. Top-loaders can be more convenient if you have trouble bending over or reaching down into the bottom of a drum. However, some agitator models are rough on fabrics, require more maintenance than front loaders and don’t wash as thoroughly since their tubs aren’t as deep.
- Height and width: If you have limited space for your washer and dryer or want them to fit under a countertop, measure the area where they’ll go before shopping for appliances to avoid buying something too big for your home. Consider whether one appliance is better suited to another room—a compact portable washing machine might work better in a small bathroom or kitchen rather than next to its bulky counterpart in an already cramped laundry room.
Special features
When deciding which washing machine is right for you, it’s important to look at all of your options. Here are some special features that you will find on some washing machines:
- Anti-stain
- Anti-allergy
- Tumble drying
- Stain removal
- Steam technology
- Anti-wrinkle
- Smartphone app connectivity and control (you can select the wash from your phone, even if you’re not home)
- Voice activation (You can tell your appliance to start a wash cycle!)
Choose a machine that matches your needs and lifestyle.
To find the best washing machine for your family, take into account the following things:
- How much space do you have?
- How many people will be using it?
- What is your laundry room layout? Here are some tips.
- Do you need a specific color or style? You can check out our great selection here.
Doing laundry isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do, but when you purchase a washing machine with the right features and settings, you may even enjoy doing laundry.