Choosing a Washing Machine That Suits A Household

  A washing machine is the ultimate convenience for washing clothes, sheets, towels and under garments.  Without a washing machine, the options are trekking to the Laundromat with baskets in tow or paying the high cost of dry cleaning. 
Centuries ago washing clothes was a back-breaking task done on a wash board.  Today there are so many washing machine options; it can become overwhelming to shop for this useful household appliance. 

Top-Loading Versus Front-Loading 
Basically, there are top-loading washing machines and front-loading models.  Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.  The top-loading machine is most popular in the United States, Canada and Australia and the front-loading washer is the top choice in Europe and the Middle East. 
Top-loading washers complete loads more quickly and are easy to access.  Front-loading washing machines are use energy and water more efficiently and do not use a spindle that may cause fabrics to wear.  A front loader uses about 10 gallons of water per full load and a top loader uses around 40 gallons of water per full load. 

The Cost and Lifespan of Washing Machines 
The general lifespan of a washing machine is ten to twelve years.  However, a washing machine may last for a shorter or longer period of time depending on how frequently it is used.  The average cost of a top-loading washing machine is $400 to $600 for an average machine.  There are less expensive models that may holder smaller loads or have few features as well as pricey models that have a multitude of functions to choose from. 

Washing Machine Terms and Functions 
The price difference between various washing machine models is based on the different features that may be included.  Consider the following popular washing machines functions: 

• automatic dispensers to dispense laundry products such as detergent, bleach and fabric softeners at the proper time;
• automatic temperature control to mix hot and cold water to ensure the right temperature in the washer tub;
• capacity is the size of the washer tub and how much it will hold;
• controls can be rotary, touch pads or touch screens;
• extra rinse and warm rinse options to change the standard rinse selections;
• speed combinations such as gentle, normal or heavy duty to change the spin speeds based on the type of laundry being washed;
• stackability applies to certain front-loading washing machines that will let the use place a dryer on top to save space;
• time delay options allow the user to load the machine and then have it start later; and
• water level control to allow the user to match the water level to the size of the load.

Additionally, the tub of the washing machine may be made from plastic, porcelain-enamel or stainless steel.  Plastic is inexpensive and durable.  A common option is porcelain-enamel but can chip or rust.  Although stainless steel is extremely durable, it can be a costly option. 

Washing Machine Brands 
There are a variety of washing machines brands to select from.  The largest modern manufacturers of appliances are Whirlpool and GE, with GE manufacturing RCA and Hotpoint lines.  Whirlpool manufactures lines such as Roper, KitchenAid and many Kenmore models at Sears.  Maytag is renowned for making washers and dryers and has a good reputation.  Popular manufacturers of front-loading washers include Frigidaire, Asko, Maytag and Kenmore. 
The typical warranty offered on a washing machine is one year and often an extended warranty is available.  An important factor for users to verify is whether technicians are available in their area to serve the brand of choice. 

The Green Washing Machine 
Washing machine manufacturers are launching more efficient products in response to the Department of Energy's requirements to improve energy efficiency over the next several years.  Shoppers can look for the yellow EnergyGuide stickers to find newer models that offer greater efficiency. 
Using hot or cold water also has a large impact on the cost and efficiency of a washing machine.  For example, a load of wash done in a hot water cycle will cost around 30 cents while a load done in a cold water cycle will cost about 2.5 cents. 

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