1 - Wants & Needs
That a washing machine should be able to effectively clean your clothes is an obvious requirement, and all washing machines do that.
What you need to evaluate is the number of different wash programs that can be set in a washing machine. The wash programs determine whether you can set separate wash cycles for a delicate wash (for all your delicate silks), a heavy wash (for bed sheets and curtains), or a normal wash (for daily wear). The greater the number of wash programs your washing machine offers; the greater its versatility, in terms of ability to wash different types of clothes.
Another important consideration is the availability of space to keep your washing machine. The space available to keep your washing machine determines the size and type of washing machine you can opt for. If you intend to place your washing machine under the counter top, you may have to opt for a front loading machine.
| If you have a narrow space to keep your washing machine and you don’t intend to keep
it under the counter top, you could opt for top loading machines. If you do not have space to keep your dryer unit, you
could opt for a washer-dryer, or a stackable front loading machine. You could stack your dryer unit on top of such front
loaders. The washing machine you choose, should have the capacity to handle your washing load. The capacity (wash load) of the washing machine is expressed in terms of the weight of clothes it can wash. Washing machines range in capacity from 4-8 kg. A 4 kg washing machine can meet the washing requirements of one or two persons. For a family of 4 or 5 you would need a machine that can handle a load of 6-8 kg.
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2 - Types
Depending on how clothes are loaded into the washing machine, they are classified as:
2.1 - Front Loading Machines
Clothes are loaded into these machines from the front-side of the machine. The wash tub in front loading machines is
mounted horizontally and hence they are also known as H-axis washing machines. Front loading machines provide more
effective cleaning; require less water, and offer better drying than top loading machines. As front loading machines
require less water for cleaning, they consume lesser amount of energy for heating water when compared to top loading
machines. On the flip side, front loading machines are more expensive than top loading ones. Also, front loaders sometimes
require special (low foaming) detergents. Front loading machines are more compact in design than top loading machines and
can be easily fitted under counter tops. Some front loading machines are stackable, i.e. dryers can be stacked on to them.
This saves on floor space required for keeping the dryer.
2.2 - Top Loading Machines
Top loading machines are also known as V-axis machines as the wash tub is mounted vertically. In top loaders, clothes are
loaded into the machine from the top. This means that you need not bend while loading clothes; or while taking them out
from the machine. This also means that you cannot stack the dryer over the machine. The dryer has to be kept along side
the top loading machine; which means you require additional floor space for keeping your dryer. Top loading machines,
although less expensive than front loading machines, consume more water and energy. On the plus side, regular detergents
can be used in top loading machines and there are a wide variety of brands and models to choose from
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3 - Specifications
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We have already considered specifications such as type of washing machine and load capacity, let us
look at three other specifications which need to be considered while buying a washing machine:
- Spin Speed
- Energy consumption
- Number of wash programs
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3.1 - Spin Speed
Effective spinning is the key to quick drying. Besides drying clothes, the spinning speed also facilitates in removing
detergents from the clothes being washed. A higher spinning speed increases the drying efficiency, by aiding faster
extraction of water from the clothes. Typically, spin speeds range from 800 to 1500 rpm. If you use a dryer to dry your
clothes after washing, a machine with a drying speed of 800 rpm (revolutions per minute) should suffice. If you don’t
use a dryer, choose a machine with a spinning speed of at least 1000 rpm. Spin speeds can be fixed or variable. In machines
with fixed spinning, the tub spins at a preset fixed spinning speed. In machines with variable spinning speeds, the user
can select the speed at which the tub spins. This enables the user to select slower speeds for drying delicate materials,
which could be damaged by fast drying.
3.2 - Energy Consumption
Some manufacturers mention the energy and water consumption per cycle. This data can prove helpful while comparing washers
of similar types and capacity. Remember, higher energy consumption translates into higher energy bills. Washing machines
having the Energy Star label are considered to be much more energy efficient than those that do not have them.
3.3 - Number of Wash Programs
Preset wash programs simplify the task of setting up a wash cycle to suit your wash requirements. Preset programs have a
preset wash/rinse/time/temperature sequence. They also select the water level and type of drying required. A higher number
of preset wash programs means you have a greater choice while selecting wash programs that are in tune with your washing
requirements.
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4 - Washer/Dryers
An article on washing machines would be considered incomplete without mention of a washer-dryer. A Washer-Dryer combines the functions of a washer and a dryer into one unit. They offer a solution for situations where space to install a separate washer and dryer is a constraint. However, washer-dryers at times, have the limitation of being unable to dry the entire wash load at one go. This means, that you may be required to load the machine multiple times to dry your entire wash load. A washer-dryer may be adequate for situations where the amount of laundry done doesn't warrant a full sized drying machine.
| Choosing a washing machine which is in synch with your washing needs, availability of space and automation requirements can considerably reduce the drudgery involved doing your laundry. It is therefore important that you carefully look into all aspects of usage before you buy a washing machine. |
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