Thursday, February 14, 2008

Buying a Washing Machine

Buying a Washing Machine

There are two styles of washing machines: top-load and front-load. A top-load washing machine is usually cheaper, but also less energy-efficient, so it may end up costing more in the long run. Compact and easier to to store, this type of washing machine has a limited loading capacity of less than 5 kg. A front-load washing machine is energy efficient, but more expensive at the time of purchase. It also requires the use of a special detergent, which is considerably more costly than the regular kind. A front-load washing machine has the advantage of being able to accommodate a dryer on top or providing some flat work surface. This type of washing machine also can handle a larger load. Another consideration when choosing a washing machine is programming. New washers come with a series of preset programs, such as automatic washing, delicate linens, short wash cycle, and anti-wrinkling. This added benefit takes the guesswork out of washing, as the machine estimates the necessary water temperature, washing time, and strength of spinning. When buying a washing machine, it pays to consider a dual machine that combines washing and drying functions. The major disadvantage of this type of machine is the fact that the drying function is generally not as strong or effective as with a separate tumble dryer. However, a dual machine is a great space saver and usually cheaper than buying a washer and a dryer separately. A high-quality washing machine will cost between 500 and 1000 US dollars (USD), although cheaper models are available. Many manufacturers concentrate on quantity over quality. As a result, it is possible to buy a washing machine for 200 USD, but it will probably only last a few years. Buying a reconditioned washing machine is a good alternative for those looking for a trusted brand at an affordable price. Washing machines from such manufacturers as Miele and Siemens are high-quality even when not new.

The main difference between a top loading and front loading washing machine is how the clothes are placed inside. A top loading washing machine has a hinged lid on top, allowing the clothes to be placed inside a horizontally-oriented watertight tub. In the center of this tub is a device called an agitator. The agitator's job is to swirl the clothes through the soapy water. A front loading washing machine has no central agitator, but uses gravity and side-mounted paddles to agitate clothes. Once the front door is closed, it remains locked mechanically until the washing cycle is complete.
One advantage of a front loading washing machine is an increased capacity. Since there is no central agitator, the vertically-oriented drum can hold at least 20 to 30% more clothing per load. For a large family, this could mean running only three loads in a front loading washing machine compared to five in a top loader. Fewer loads often translates to savings in utility bills and water usage.A front loading washing machine is also gentler on clothes and generally quieter to operate. Instead of a centralized agitator literally grabbing clothes and thrashing them, the blades of a front loading washing machine gently pick up the clothes and allow them to drop into the soapy water. The soil is still removed by an agitating action, but gravity does most of the work. Gentler agitation can extend the lifespan of clothes significantly. As top loading washing machines age, they tend to become noisier and more likely to become unbalanced. A front loading washing machine rarely becomes unbalanced from the weight of heavy items.Another advantage of a front loading washing machine is less water and detergent usage. A top loading washer must use enough water to cover the highest level of the clothes. A front loading washing machine, on the other hand, only uses enough water to cover approximately the lower third of the tub at most. The clothes are drawn through the water, not the water through the clothes. Detergents designed for front loading washing machines use a lower sudsing formula, and are meant to release different cleansing agents at different water temperatures. In fact, a front loading washing machine often contains its own heating element to keep the water at an ideal temperature for washing.Many consumers also find that a front loading washing machine removes more water during the final spin cycle. This often translates into shorter drying times, which equals savings on electricity. In addition, a front loading washing machine can work in conjunction with a stackable dryer to save space in the laundry room. A standard top loading washing machine cannot be stacked with a standard electric dryer. Manufacturers' attempts at a stacked top loading combination often limit the washer lid's range of motion. No such design problem exists with a front loading washing machine.

1 comment:

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