How to buy washing machine

 Things to know before buying a washing machine.

1What is the best washing machine for me?

Buying a washing machine is a deeply personal decision, especially since no household has the same laundry requirements. Before you buy a washing machine there are a few factors you need to consider.

Size

How much space do you have? If you only have a tight or narrow space in which to install your washing machine, that may factor in your decision when it comes to picking the right machine. For fully-automatic washing machines, a top load machine may be narrower than a front load one, for example.

Price

The price of the washing machine is a deciding factor when it comes to finding the right washing machine. Depending on your budget, how much you can pay may also skew you towards certain machines. You can see more about the price ranges in our washing machine buying guide.

Eco-friendly

Having an economical washing machine is not just good for the environment, but can also help you with the bills. While the cost of the washing machine may initially be higher, you may end up saving on the bills as they can save power or water in the long run, so the long term running costs of the washing machine are much lower than for a washer that’s not eco-friendly.

Fully-automatic or semi-automatic

Washing machines come in two variants – fully-automatic, which does everything for you at the touch of a button, and semi-automatic, which can come with two tubs. If you use a twin tub semi-automatic washing machine, this means you may need to move your clothes from one tub to the other during the washing process. These machines can also use less water and allow you to pause between cycles. However, if you’re after a convenient wash, a fully-automatic washing machine will do everything for you.

Top or Front Load

The difference between a top and a front load machine primarily lies with the position of the door of the washing machine, being on the top or on the side, but each machine has different pros and cons. Find out more about the different types of washers.

Child Locks

If you live in a house filled with curious children, you may want to buy a washing machine that comes with child lock functions. This can either be on the door or a program that can’t be changed once the machine is going.

Capacity

Do you have a big family? The size of your household and projected laundry loads play a big part in your washing machine requirement. You can get a variety of washing machine sizes, for example, a washing machine with a capacity of 6-7kg should be ideal for a family of four. If there are fewer people in your house, then you may want a smaller machine, and if you’re a bigger family than opt for a larger machine.

Ease of use

If you’re buying your first washing machine or you find some aspects of owning a washing machine overwhelming, you might want to prioritise ease of use when choosing a washer. Are the labels on the controls clear? Is it easy to set the programs or dose the detergent? When it comes to which washing machine is good for you, see if the machine you’re looking to buy has a clear and functional control panel that makes it easier for you to use.

Features

Various features, like speeds and settings, depend on what you’re looking for in a machine. For some, having too many features can make things confusing. Possible features include fast cycles, specific cycles catering to whites, woollens or delicates. Some ultra-modern machines even have sensors that do things automatically so you don’t have to worry about getting the right program in gear.

1.  TYPE:  it isais semi-automatic or fully-automatic machine? This will depend on what your needs and budget restrictions are. See more about the difference between semi-automatic washing machines and fully-automatic washing machines in our other articles.
2. Wash settings. Many fully-automatic washing machines offer various programs for different washes, like delicate wash or wool wash. Some can be customised, and you can even save your favourite settings so you have them on hand. What kind of features are you looking for?
3. Spin cycle. Depending on the fabric and the type of clothes you want to wash, the spin cycle, denoted by the revolutions per minute (rpm) is important. Delicates should only be spun on a cycle of 300-500rm, while more robust items can go to 1000rpm.
4. Efficiency. How efficient is your washing machine when it comes to saving power and water? An economical washing machine means savings in the long run.
5. Size. Top load machines tend to be narrower than front load fully-automatic washing machines. Do you need to put your washing machine in a tight corner? Or can you afford the extra space and you need a larger washing machine for larger loads, which brings us on to the next point.
6. Load capacity. If you have a large family you’ll want a washing machine which can take larger loads, as opposed to a person with a small family or a single person.
7. Does it have a dryer? If you live a busy life and you don’t have time hang out the washing, a washing machine with an inbuilt dryer might be a suitable option for you.
8. Material of the drum. The material of the washing machine drum can come in varieties, such as plastic, stainless steel or even porcelain enamel, with steel being the more expensive version and the most durable. Also, enamel is perhaps less durable than the other materials, even if it’s cheaper.
9. Is it a top or front load? There are various pros and cons for top and front load machines, you can read about the difference between a top or a front load machine in our article.
10. Does it have pre-soak? If you have kids who like to get messy, or you have a many tough stains, you might want to invest in a washing machine with a pre-soak cycle.