7 Factors to Consider before Purchasing a Washing Machine
With several inventions happening every day, the human race is dependent on various appliances and gadgets more than ever, and the trend is continuing. A few appliances provide you comfort, a few simplify your task, and a few increase your productivity. Among the home appliances, the washing machine has become an indispensable part of your everyday life, and imagining a house without one seems inexplicable.
Thus, investing in a good washing machine is essential in today’s world as almost every single individual leads a hectic schedule, and relying on the best device will be the perfect thing to do.
Now, in this day of globalization, consumers are spoilt for choice; and it is only wise to take advantage of the multitude of options available. The features and options of today’s washing machines are far better and attractive than older variants. Besides choosing the type of machine that you wish for including a front loader, top loader without an agitator, traditional top loader, etc., various other factors must be considered.
Given so many choices, you might get confused with choosing the right one. Here are a few factors that have been highlighted for you to get clarity before buying the appliance.
Here are the important factors to consider while buying a washing machine.
The dimension of your laundry space
Before heading towards the store, the first and foremost thing you must do is measure the size of your laundry room with the help of a measuring tape. If the available space is small and you bring a large-sized machine home, then you might face problems in placing your new laundry washing appliance. You must also check the doorways for getting an idea whether you will be able to bring the machine in with ease or not. For those who have sufficient space, it won’t be a problem at all. But those who have limited space must opt for a front loader.
Conserving electricity and water
Traditional top loaders must be filled entirely with water for washing and rinsing cycles. But it is not the same for front loaders. Those who want to save electricity must choose an energy star model over non-rated models as such models decrease water and electricity use by 35% and 20% respectively. But, you must keep in mind that your original cost might vary on the basis of utility costs and your usage rate
Fight tough stains
If you have to deal with severe stains on clothes on a regular basis, then you must look for a machine that consists of presoaking cycles or special stain-remover. You may also opt for washing machines that have a steam feature. In accordance with relevant studies, front loaders provide better cleaning results than the top loaders.
Capacity of the machine
If you have multiple wash loads, then you must choose a machine that has more capacity. Washing machines that fit more towels, clothes, etc. reduce the number of wash loads and save energy costs too. While choosing a large capacity basin, you must also be sure that the machine consists of a dryer for handling larger loads.
Wash settings
The majority of modern day machines possess water level options as well as preset wash programs such as ‘gentle wash’ meant for delicate clothes. You may customize your preferred settings and save it accordingly. You may adjust the settings through a touchpad or touchscreen, rotary controls, etc. If you are looking for a washing machine within a limited budget, then picking from the ones consisting of rotary controls would be the best for you as they are the cheapest.
Material of the tub or drum
The drums are either made up of plastic, porcelain, stainless steel, or enamel. Plastic and porcelain are cheaper than the other two. Enamel tubs tend to chip and rust, but the ones made of plastic are more durable. The most durable and the best tubs are those that are made of stainless steel as they possess the ability to withstand high spin speeds.
Budget
Last, but not the least, the budget is an essential factor that you must consider before you buy a washing machine. While the most advanced features might attract you, you should know that the machines that feature the latest technologies and features are among the most expensive. Strike a balance between your needs and your budget, and make the best possible choice.
Besides these factors, you may also consider factors such as temperature control, spin cycle, pre-soak, time delay, a soil sensor and load sensing.
Even after considering the factors mentioned above, you must go through numerous washing machine reviews as well as ratings available on online shopping portals. By checking the reviews, you might get a better idea of the washing machine that is perfect for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.