Your Complete Laundry Guide - How to Shop for the Right Washer and Dryer
March 04, 2010 Appliances 3 comments
Between work, family and actually having some fun once in a while, finding time to do laundry can be tricky. To get the job done right, you need the right machines. Whether you're upgrading your old washer and dryer or shopping for a washer and dryer for the first time, be sure you have all the facts first. From washer and dryer types, to various functions and features, there's a lot out there so follow this complete shopping guide for washers and dryers.
Washer types: Washers come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Be sure to pick the right washer type for your home and budget.
- Conventional washers: A conventional washing machine is your typical washing machine - you load clothes from the top and it usually uses about 40 gallons of water per load. A general rule is that conventional washers don't save much energy.
- Energy Star washers: Energy star washing machines are often front load washers, but there are some top load models. These washing machines are built to cut back on energy use - they use about 35% less energy than regular washing machines.
- High efficiency washers: High efficiency washers cut back on energy and water usage. In addition to being good for the environment, high efficiency washers get your clothes cleaner. If you're serious about water and energy conservation (and saving money in the long run) this type of washer is for you.
- Front load washer: Front load washers are just how they sound. The clothes go in front, instead of the traditional top loading washers. Why opt for a front load washer? They typically use less water and energy than top load washers. If you wash a lot of delicates, you might consider a front load washer since they cause less wear and tear. Front load washers work by tumbling clothes in water instead of using an agitator (as top load washers do), making front load washing machines are easier on your clothes. They are also stackable with your dryer if you're tight on space. The down side? These washers tend to be more expensive than top load washers.
- Top load washer: You're probably familiar with this style of washer - you load the laundry in the top and the washer cleans your clothes by circulating them with an agitator. Many homeowners prefer this model because it's easy to load and unload. Top load washers are also less expensive than front load washers and are available in Energy Star and high efficiency models.
Washer cycles: Whether you're single or having a growing family will definitely affect your laundry schedule, so shop for your washer accordingly. Invest in a washing machine with the functions you need - and forget about the ones you don't.
- Normal: This is your everyday washer cycle for average sized loads with typically clothing - think cottons T shirts and jeans. This option is a standard for all washing machines, but if you wash a lot of delicate fabrics, large loads, or other special items, you should shop for a washer with more bells and whistles.
- Delicates/hand-wash: The delicate cycle simulates hand-washing for specialty products. This cycle is slower and more gentle than the normal cycle, soaking clothes more than agitating them. If you wash a lot of silk items, for example, be sure to shop for a washer with a delicate option.
- Extra soak: Worried a normal cycle might not cut it for your dirtiest laundry? The extra soak option gets clothes extra clean by soaking them for longer. So if dirt and grass stains from baseball season are a constant woe, extra soak could be your life saver.
- Express wash: Do you find yourself always scrambling to get your laundry done before that big day at work (or big night out on the town)? Express wash cycles let you cut down on your laundry time by washing clothes in faster cycles.
- Bulk wash: Towels and sheets and jeans oh my! If you find that you're washer is always stuffed, shop for a washing machine with a bulk wash option. Bulk wash cycles are made for your heaviest loads.
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