subject: Properties And Features To Look For In A New Washing Machine [print this page] With such a vast range of different brands and models for kitchen appliances its hardly surprising that man people can simply feel overwhelmed by the prospect of having to buy a new washing machine. Where once there would be a few options and a handful of features, now there are more brands and models than might seem necessary and so many features that many people own a washing machine for years and still dont know what half of the buttons and dials do. This being said there are a few pointers that can help you to make sure that you buy an appropriate and effective washing machine for your needs.
Size The size of the machine that you choose to buy is of great importance for a number of reasons. Firstly you must consider the space that you have available, be it in a utility room or in your kitchen. Most washing machines are designed with the intention of fitting them under a kitchen unit, as this seems to frequently be where people put them, however this is not always the case and there some models that will vary. For example, people using their utility space might well benefit from having a machine that opens upwards. It is also important to consider depth too; many people dont have much space in their kitchen and therefore could benefit from a narrower design.
Capacity This is obviously linked into the size, but should be considered individually. Think about how much washing you do and how regularly. If you rarely find that you fill a washing machine that it might be more economical to consider a smaller model or at least one with a half load setting. In contrast if you have a whole family to cater for then a larger machine may be more appropriate.
Spin speed This determines how dry your clothes are when they come out; spin speeds can range from 800rpm to 1600rpm. A 200rpm increase will result in 15% dryer clothes, however it will cause more noise, potentially shorten your machines life span and cost more money.
Energy efficiency It is always worth checking the energy efficiency rating for appliances not just for the sake of the environment but for your own financial gain. Trading standards have an eco energy labelling system that runs from A++ to G, try to buy products with a grade of A or higher. Also remember these ratings only apply to the machine when it is running at its most economical setting.
