Which Washing Machine
A guide to making the Right Choice
When purchasing a washing machine, deciding which model is always a difficult decision as they all look so similar and all claiming to do the job of making your washing look whiter than your neighbours when it’s blowing in the breeze on the washing line.
You have to ask yourself what are your requirements? There is a vast range of washing machines on the market so just what do you look for when buying a machine? How do you decide which one is best to suit your particular requirements, especially with regards to value for money and reliability?
The following information should help you decide. First, where you want to situate the washer, either in your kitchen or utility room do you require a worktop to go over it? The choice of front loading or top loading machines is available. Front loaders being the most popular as top loaders are unable to be sited under worktops.
What size of load do you tend to wash? Many front loading washing machines are available with a large drum capacity of 53 litres taking a full 6Kg wash load this makes loading and unloading easier and helps keep creasing to a minimum. Top Loading machines can take as much as 10Kg
To help you choose which washing machine would be suitable for you, manufactures now have energy efficiency labelling. This was introduced by the EU and all washing machines must display this label the most efficient rating as “A” and the least efficient is “G”.
Another feature to look for in a washing machine that only takes in cold water i.e. Bosch, AEG, and Siemens this is a benefit these days as most programmes are 40°C and detergents are designed to start working at lower temperatures. Machines that work with ready-heated water actually miss out on some of the cleaning process due to the new cleaning detergent design. So therefore cold fill not only saves energy, but delivers a first class performance.
Look at washing machine with a shower system wash. This ensures optimum wash results; water enters the drum from three sides for quick and effective distribution. During the cycle water gently bathing the wash load ensures gentle washing and optimum usage of water in the drum.
As our washing machines become ever more energy efficient their washing performance just keeps on improving thanks to intelligent technology. For example Bosch logixx models can detect if the rinse water is clear and so delete a rinse cycle completely ensuring there is no wasted energy.
Manufactures now realises that we live a busy lifestyle so many have add features like...
Handwash wool - An exceptionally gentle woollens handwash program which runs at only 27rpm (usual speed50rpm) with a soft wash action and special spin to ensure that everything stays in good shape.
Silk Handwash - An especially caring programme with not only a gentle wash but a gentle spin of only 600rpm.
Freshen up –This gives clothes the lightest of washes without using detergent –particularly useful for freshening up stored clothes or eliminating the smell of smoke from lightly worn clothes. It cuts down on the wear and tear of clothes and reduces energy usage
Reduce ironing – It spins the laundry at intervals, gently tumbling the load during the spin cycle. At the end of the spin phase a gentle rotating action keeps laundry free and fluffy. The result is a reduced creasing easier ironing and easier day for you.