Washing machine buying guide
When you buy a washing machine, you’ll naturally want to choose the best washing machine for your needs. With so many washing machines in the UK to choose from however, it can be difficult to know what type would be best. To help you decide, this guide explains the five top things to consider when finding the best washing machine for you:
- A small and space saving washing machine or large washing machine?
If you don’t have much room to store your washing machine, you’ll probably want to compare washing machines. Fortunately, these days you can get a small washing machine but still enjoy a load capacity of 6kg, which is 20 per cent bigger than the traditional 5kg capacity.
If you have a big family a large 9kg or 10kg washing machine can reduce the number of loads you do, which saves time and energy. The latest large capacity washing machines also don’t take up that much more room than a small and compact washing machine because it’s the drum inside that’s bigger.
If you’re looking to buy a large washing machine, bear in mind that a 10kg load washes. If you’re looking to reduce the number of loads you do therefore, just make sure you can regularly fill a full load – otherwise you’ll find yourself doing lots of half loads.
- Front loader washing machines or top loader washing machines?
Front loader washing machines are the most popular choice in the UK because they are small and compact, making them suitable for being fitted in a kitchen. More importantly, the best front loader washing machines have a bigger load capacity and yet are also far more energy and water efficient, making them the best choice if you want to reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint.
Top loader washing machines are less popular in the UK because their larger size means they usually need to be stored in a utility room or garage. Top loader washing machines are useful however if you find bending and kneeling to load front loader washing machines difficult.
- Best rated energy and water efficient washing machines
With rising utility bills and more people wanting to play their part when it comes to conserving the environment, the best rated energy and water efficient washing machines are fast becoming the most popular choice. Choosing one of the best rated energy and water efficient washing machines means as well as lower energy and water consumption, you’ll get better performance than what you’d expect from a standard washing machine.
If you want to buy one of the best rated energy and water efficient washing machines in the UK, look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo. This logo means the washing machine is guaranteed to save energy.
Also look at the washing machine’s energy rating. A-rating indicates the best energy efficiency while ‘G’ indicates extremely poor energy efficiency. The ‘A’ rating can also be further broken down, with the best rated washing machines receiving an ‘AAA’ rating – that’s A for energy efficiency, A for wash performance and A for spin drying performance.
- Washer dryer machines
If you don’t already own a tumble dryer or don’t have room for a tumble dryer, dryer washing machines can be a great choice. Dryer washing machines save space and the initial cost of purchasing a washer dryer is much less than if you were to buy a washing machine and tumble dryer separately.
While dryer washing machines clean as well as a standard washing machine, the drying performance typically isn’t as good as a standalone tumble dryer. They also tend to have a smaller drying capacity than washing capacity, so you may not be able to dry all your clothes in one go.
- Spin speed
Spin speed is important because it will determine how quickly water will be extracted from the wash and ultimately, how dry the machine will leave your clothes. Spin speed is measured in RPM and you’ll find washing machines range from 800-1600 RPM.
Unless you are washing delicates, such as wool or silk, the faster the spin speed the better. Also, if you will be tumble drying your clothes, a fast spin speed is important because every increase of 200 RPM will reduce drying time by 10 minutes. For this reason, it’s best to buy a washing machine with an A-rating for spin performance.
If you regularly wash delicates, make sure you buy a washing machine with variable spin speed as a lower speed will protect your clothes and ensure they stay in great shape.