Anna Walner, Kristina Matisic
What to Look For
Size
Most washers are full size, between 27 and 29 inches and are permanently connected to your plumbing system. Compact units are available which work well in smaller spaces like apartments. You can even find washers that can be connected to your kitchen sink and then rolled out of the way when not in use. Laundry centres are washer/dryer combo units and can be found in full or compact size.
Water & Energy Use
Given washing machines use more energy than any other appliance in the house, it’s important to try and conserve energy where possible. In Canada, the EnerGuide label shows how much electricity in (kWh) the washer uses per year; the lower the number, the more efficient the machine will be to operate. In the US, washing machines with an Energy Star rating will clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers. Front-loaders use less water and energy than top-loading washing machines. Due to tougher energy restrictions you’ll soon start to see top-loaders becoming more energy efficient.
Standard Features Cycles
- a wash cycle is a three-part sequence of wash, rinse, and spin
Agitator Speed
- most washers have two speeds: regular and slow
Water Temperature Control
- sets the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles
- most front-loaders heat the water in the machine; this is more energy efficient than using heated water; internal heating also allows you to choose the exact water temperature, according to fabric, colour and amount of soil
Water Level Control
- most have a water level control
- others have preset levels for small, medium, large and extra large loads
- some front-loaders self-adjust the water level according to the amount of water the garments absorb
Tubs
- washers have an inner and outer wash tub; outer tubs are made of steel or plastic; inner tubs may be porcelain, steel or polypropylene
Capacity
- no industry standard; so may see variety of terms, such as “extra large” or “super capacity plus”
Control Panel
- either rotary dials, push buttons or electronic touch controls
- touch pad controls found on high-end models
- an added plus are lights or signals that indicate cycle
- stacked equipment combines controls in one area, either at top or bottom; controls located at bottom of dryer are easier to see and reach
Extra Features
These are features that aren’t required for basic operation of machine but can offer some added conveniences.
“Smart” Technology
- lets machine control amount of water and its temperature and adjust load imbalances
- even lets the user program wash cycles best suited to certain types of clothing or family members, such as a soccer player with weekly loads of grass-stained shorts
Automatic Lock
some top-loaders have an automatic lock during the spin cycle to keep children from opening the lid; most front-loaders lock at the beginning of the cycle
End-of-Cycle Signal
- sounds a bell or chime when wash is done; useful if washer is in the basement or otherwise out of sight
Extra Rinse
- some models feature an optional extra rinse; may be worthwhile for rinsing baby clothes or if family members are allergic to residues from laundry products
Small Load Basket
- designed for a very small load or delicate wash
- basket fits over agitator and water is pumped directly into baskets, reducing the amount of water being used
Hand Wash Agitator
- some models have a removable agitator, with a smaller agitator inside for washing delicate items
Time-Delay
- some washers have a time-delay feature that lets you program the washer to start at a later time, such as when your utility rates are lower. Rates will vary across North America, and in some aras they will even change during the day.
Cost Top-loaders are generally less expensive than front-loaders, some of the new front-loaders can be more than double the price of the average top-loader. Although front-loaders cost less to operate, the savings are not likely to make up the price difference over a washer’s typical life span. But keep in mind that without an agitator, front-loaders are much kinder on your clothes. Buying a more expensive model can get you a larger capacity and features that give you more flexibility, but not necessarily cleaner clothes.
Warranties and Guarantees Be sure to check warranty and guarantee before buying a new washing machine. One to two year warranties on parts and service is standard. Find out what parts and services are covered, for how long, and who is going to stand behind it, the manufacturer or dealer. If you choose a newer more sophisticated model, especially front-loaders, make sure there is reliable local service that is familiar with repairing your type of washer. If a warranty card accompanies product, mail it immediately and always keep bill as proof of purchase.
What's Out There
Top-loaders
Probably the most common type of washing machine, top-loaders fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing, then agitate it throughout the wash cycle. The agitator is in the center of the drum and moves the clothes around in the washer. The agitator can be hard on fabrics and fine washables. On the plus side, loading clothes into a top-loader means no stooping that might aggravate a sore back. Also, unlike a front loader, you can add any forgotten items once the cycle has already begun. They’re less expensive than front-loaders but they do use more water, and thus more energy – and they do make more noise than front-loaders.
Front-loaders
These washers have been long used in European countries and are now growing in popularity in North America. They get clothes clean by tumbling them into water; the clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, and then dropped into the water below. With no agitator, this design makes them gentler on clothing and more adept at handling unbalanced loads. Typically, front-loaders can handle larger loads than top-loaders because there is no agitator taking up space in the drum. The machine regulates the amount of water depending on the load size so this requires a special detergent, which produces less suds. Front-loaders are more expensive than top-loaders too, but use less water and energy than top-loaders, so they cost less to operate.
Our Tests
We tested four new washing machines, two top-loaders and two front-loaders on a load full of mud drenched white t-shirts.
| Brand |
Type |
Some Features |
Cost |
| GE (entry level) |
Top-loader |
6 cycles; 3 temperatures; 2 water levels |
$629 |
| KitchenAid/Whirlpool |
Top-loader |
Larger capacity; 6 cycles |
$759 |
| Frigidaire |
Front-loader |
Multiple spin speeds; auto temp control; auto water level adjustment |
$1099 |
| Miele |
Front-loader |
Microprocessor monitors spin speeds and water levels, making necessary adjustments |
$2500 |
We made sure that each shirt was as dirty as the next and we used the same brand of detergent, but specially formulated types for each machine. The shirts all came out quite similar. So, we asked an expert washing machine repairman to give us some help picking a winner. It really does come down to style of washer you want and which, if any, features are important to you. Top choice for economical top-loader goes to the KitchenAid/Whirlpool. If you decide on an energy efficient front-loader his pick was the Miele.
After You Buy
Efficiency Tips
- consider the Energuide rating when making purchase
- locate washer close to hot water tank to reduce heat loss in connecting pipes
- choose a wash time depending on the size of load and soil level; longer washes are harder on your clothes; 8-10 minutes is enough for most laundry
- wash full loads
- always choose cold water rinse; not only saves energy but clothes will rinse cleaner and wrinkle less
- turn water-heater thermostat down to 120 degrees F
- use hot water only for very dirty, oil soiled clothes
- use the right amount of detergent to avoid having to wash or rinse load again
Usage Tips
- know the maximum load size of washer
- always load it so all items can circulate freely
- don’t overload the washer as it strains the motor and transmission
- if you live in an area with hard water, add a quarter cup of water-softening agent and use a little less detergent
- use the recommended amount of detergent
- keep the top of the appliance clean; things like bleach can eat the metal and paint
- make sure it is installed on a sturdy floor, or machine will “walk”
Maintenance
- once-a-year preventative maintenance is enough for most major appliances
- you can reduce need for service calls and add to life of you washer by following some general maintenance tips:
1. read instruction manual to understand how appliance works and to find out about the care it requires to operate efficiently
2. repairs, when necessary, use only an authorized service center
3. replace rubber fill hoses every five years; hoses can deteriorate, lose flexibility, explode and cause flooding
Thanks To Our Experts… Washing machine repairman Don Broatch for selecting the best washers and giving his educated recommendations on washing machines.
While a washing machine isn’t an appliance you’ll have to replace very often, when it is time to buy a new one it’s a big investment and you want to get it right. When it comes down to it, all washing machines are going to wash and clean your clothes. But you will find differences in energy efficiency and the amount of noise a machine makes, as well as some of the bells and whistles you can get. So, we’re going to try to help you get your clothes clean without cleaning out your bank account.
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