Buying any new home appliance can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want to try the newest features, enjoy the sleek form, but at the same time, have to consider things such as selecting models with functionalities you would actually use, checking sizes, dimensions, and so much more. And when you’re in the market for a new washing machine, this rings truer than ever.
Our experts here at Garner Appliance and Mattress have put together this quick guide to help you choose a washing machine that would suit your laundry needs. We love helping our customers find the right appliances for their homes. Let’s get started!
Do you want to bend or sit when you need to load and unload clothes?
There are two types of washing machines: Front-load and top-load. Each type has their own advantages and (slight) drawbacks, so it’s important to decide which type fits your laundry habits best. For example, putting and taking out clothes on a top-load washing machine is fairly easy because of its waist-height opening. On the other hand, front-load washers require a bit of bending or sitting to load and unload clothes. Another difference is that some top-load washers allow you to add clothes mid-cycle, whereas standard front-load machines can’t be opened once a cycle has started.
And as companies continue to innovate, many modern front and top-load models come equipped with the latest capabilities to increase efficiency, water and power usage, and of course, convenience.
How much laundry do you need to wash?
Depending on the amount of washing you need to do, experts say that washing machines can last up to 15 years when well taken care of. So, to maintain the lifespan of your machine,
consider selecting a washing machine with the right capacity based on the weight of the clothes you need to wash at a single time.
Standard washing machine capacities usually range from 3 to 4.5 cubic feet, and the higher the capacity, the higher the power and water consumption. If you own bulky items such as king-sized comforters or often wash a lot of laundry in one go, a large capacity washing machine will suit your needs.
The talk about HE
If you started checking out washing machine models, you may have noticed how some are tagged with “HE” on them. HE stands for High Efficiency. Experts from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) explain that all front- load washers are high-efficiency. But what does this mean?
Some HE washing machines are designed with a gentle rotating tub to tumble and clean your clothes while using less water during the process. The slight drawback is that it takes a longer time to complete one cleaning cycle. This is in contrast to traditional washing machines that use an agitator to move clothing around. Some non-HE washers are usually cheaper and are used for more heavy-duty (also harsher) cleaning.
Space, dimensions and connections
Many households today feature a laundry area that accommodates both a washing machine and a dryer. So, when narrowing down your preferred models, keep in mind that these large machines must fit into your space. You’d also want to think about your doors and hallways which should be wide enough for your home appliances to be brought in. Of course, you can move furniture around before the laundry appliance is delivered, but the last thing you want is to be forced to return it because your doors or hallways were just too narrow for your washer to fit into.
Ready to find your next top-load or front-load washing machine?
Whether you’re replacing an old washing machine or getting an upgrade for your laundry room, front-load and top-load washers have their own unique set of advantages. It’s just a matter of personal preference and finding one that would suit your laundry habits. If you’re looking to buy a new washer, take into account the benefits of each machine type before choosing one over the other. Come check popular washing machine picks online or visit any of our Garner Appliance and Mattress stores in Raleigh, Garner, and Clayton to find the right washing machine to make doing the laundry less of a dreaded chore. If you have any questions or clarifications, give us a call or head to the nearest Garner store and let our team of laundry experts help you find the best laundry appliance for your home.