Washing machines have become an essential household appliance for most individuals and families in Australia. There’s nothing wrong with heading down to a Laundromat nearby every once in a while. Still, you could save a lot of time and money in the long run by getting your washing machine. However, every household has different laundry requirements, making buying a washing machine a personal decision. More importantly, modern washers sell from around $500 to $3,000 easily, depending on the type, brand, features, size, etc.
In this post, we’ll share how to choose a washing machine while considering several factors, including price and needs.
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Washing Machine
1. Drum Size/Capacity
The first thing you need to do is figure out your laundry needs by considering your family lifecycle. If you live alone, you should suffice with a 2-cubic-foot one, which is the standard size available in the market. This size is perfect for a typical 5Kg load. If you have a large family, consider washing machines with a minimum of 4.2 cubic foot drum size. Brands like LG even offer 5-plus cubic-foot options.
Secondly, the types of clothes and fabric you’re planning to wash could also influence your size decision. For example, blankets and sheets take more space as compared to jeans and shirts, and you need to ensure that you don’t fill a machine with more than a third of its volume. Lastly, the size of a washing machine could also depend on how frequently you wash your clothes. For instance, if you do your laundry 3-5 times every week, you don’t need a large machine. If you prefer doing laundry on weekends, get a large one.
2. Tub Material
Most washing machine tubs are made of either stainless steel or plastic. Plastic tubs are generally more economical than their steel counterparts but cannot withstand high spin speeds, meaning they’re not as durable as steel machines.
3. External Size
Along with the drum size, you’ll also have to consider the washing machine’s external size to ensure it fits where you intend to keep it perfectly. Traditionally, most washers measure around 28 inches wide and 30-35 inches deep, with varying height dimensions according to the brand.
4. Spin Cycle
The spin cycle is a feature used to dry clothes. The higher its revolutions per minute, the faster the cycle will dry your clothes. For thicker clothes like jeans, you should opt for machines with a spin cycle up to 1000 rpm. For softer fabric, you should suffice with 300-500 rpm.
5. Automatic or Semi-Automatic
You can either buy a fully automatic machine that takes care of all the washing at the touch of a button or a semi-automatic one that comes with two tubs. Using this type, you have to move your clothes from one tub to the other for drying. While this doesn’t sound as convenient as using a fully automatic one, it can help you save water and pause between washing cycles.
6. Top or Front Load
This difference refers to the washing machine door’s position, which can either be on the side of the top. Top-loader machines are more convenient due to a simpler loading and unloading process. Plus, you can also add clothes during wash cycles. In terms of cleaning, front-loader washing machines are much gentler with clothes and better with larger items, such as comforters or pillows. Moreover, top-load washers are much noisier than their counterparts due to less complex motors and suspension systems. Hence, they’re far more inexpensive.
7. Price
Price is another major deciding factor when it comes to buying a washing machine. Fortunately, washing machines are available at an abundance of prices due to several types, sizes, features, and brands available.
8. Features
Modern washing machines are much more advanced than previous-generation models. You can find options with features, such as speed and temperature control, automatic shut off, auto-dispense, built-in sink or faucet, and even mobile applications.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to choose a washing machine, you can look for exclusive deals at different online appliance stores or local electronic stores near you. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Fisher & Paykel are transforming the laundry industry by reimagining products that have been around for decades and introducing stunning new designs and technological features. As long as you remember to do your homework before splashing out your cash, you can pick the perfect washing machine for your needs in terms of all the factors mentioned above.
