How to Buy a Washing Machine

Tips on buying a wasing machine

1. First, decide how much wash you do every week. Do you do two loads on Saturday, or do you find yourself washing two loads of clothing every day? Knowing how much you wash will help you decide the size, or capacity, of the machine you need. Smaller loads can be handled by slimmer stacking units. Someone who washes big loads constantly will want to buy a machine big enough to take on such tasks.

2. You also need to know the dimensions of the space where you are putting the washing machines. Washing machines are sold by load capacity, but if you cannot fit a specific model in the space where it needs to go, there’s no point in buying it. So, take out the tape measure and figure out the height, width and, if necessary, the height of the space where the washing machine will sit.

3. The big divide in washing machines is between front-loading models and top-loading models. Top-loading models once dominated the laundry room. They often have greater capacities and they require less bending over to add and remove laundry. Top-loaders, however, use much more water and electricity to run, thus costing more to operate than front-loaders. As water and electricity have become more scarce, the resource-efficient front loader has caught on in the U.S. Technological advances have allowed for large-capacity front-loaders to be developed, and their ability to remove dirt with much less water than a top-loading model is truly amazing.

4. Once you decide on a top or front-loading design, make sure the model you chose has all the operating options you want. Can you adjust the water level to account for the size of the load? Can you adjust the water temperature and the spinning speed to wash delicate clothing gently and heavily soiled clothing vigorously? You may even want a machine with an option to run clothes on an energy saving cycle.

5. Don’t forget your budget. You’ll need a clothes dryer to go with that washing machine, so make sure you buy something you can afford.

Caution

Check out the energy rating included in the specifications of the washing machine and on yellow stickers prominently displayed on most models. The lower the energy efficiency rating of a specific model, the less energy it will consume. And the more money you will save on electricity bills.

Where to buy a washing machine

It’s easier than ever to buy a washing machine online. Try one of these well-known retailers–

Abt Electronics has a selection of European and U.S. washing machines. Find every kind of design, as well as commercial washing machines for washing a lot of clothing each and every day.

Sears sells a great variety of washing machines, as well as washer-dryer combinations. The front-loading models now come in several bold colors.

At Best Buy, you will find several types of washers, including front-loading, top-loading and portable models for smaller spaces.