ConsumerReports.com<\/a> for the following intel about washing machines:<\/p>\nGeneral types of washing machines<\/h3>\n
Traditional washing machines<\/strong> are top-loaders with a center-post agitator. These machines typically wash 12-16 lbs of laundry per load. They\u2019re the least expensive, at $300 – $650, and quickest-washing type of washing machine but they aren\u2019t the most effective at cleaning clothes. They consume more energy than newer types of washers on the market and use 45 gallons of water per load.<\/p>\nHigh-efficiency washing machines<\/strong> use less water than traditional washers per load, hold larger loads of laundry (up to 20 lbs) and extract more water, which leads to a shorter drying time. They can, however, tangle and wrinkle clothing. Their cost is considerably higher than traditional washing machines at $600 – $1100.<\/p>\nFront-loading washing machines<\/strong> use the least amount of water per load (only half as much as a traditional top loading machine). Because front-loaders use less water, it can take 1\/12 hours to wash a load of laundry, as compared to a traditional top-loader which takes 35 minutes. They have a 12-20 lb laundry capacity and spin even more quickly than high-efficiency washers, creating laundry requiring less drying time. Front-loaders have been found to clean significantly better than the other two types of machines and treat fabrics more gently, preventing undue wear. They’re the most expensive to purchase (from $700 – $1300); however in the long run, these washers can provide the most savings over time.
\nFeatures<\/p>\nOnce you decide, based upon your priorities and budget, which type of washer you\u2019re looking for, you\u2019ll need to navigate the plethora of features available. Some may prove handy, while others only raise the price and provide little benefit to you. Here are some features among which you\u2019ll have to choose:<\/p>\n
Automatic Dispensers<\/strong> – These allow you to add not only the laundry detergent but fabric softener and bleach at the beginning of the wash, to be dispensed at the appropriate time during the wash cycle.<\/p>\nAutomatic Temperature Controls<\/strong> – Instead of simply mixing hot and cold for the optimal wash temperature, these adjust the actual temperature of the incoming cold water for more effective cleaning.<\/p>\nDial Controls vs Touchpad<\/strong> – Dial controls are the traditional, straightforward means by which to choose settings, cycles, temperature and operate the washer. Touchpad controls are electronic and in addition, offer the ability to save certain settings and cycles as favorites, indicate the current cycle and time remaining and time delay your wash cycle. They are, however more complicated than a dial to operate and can require a costly repair when and if they malfunction.<\/p>\nHigh-Quality Wash Tub<\/strong> – Stainless-steel or plastic wash tubs won\u2019t rust like a porcelain tub when chipped.<\/p>\nSteam Setting<\/strong> – According to Consumer Reports, the steam feature is effective at removing stains but washers on which it is available are particularly effective at washing even without steam.<\/p>\nWhen Consumer Reports tests and compares washing machines, it judges performance in specific areas which include:<\/p>\n
Ability to remove specific stains (wine, blood, cocoa, body oil…)
\nGentleness to fabric
\nGreatest effective load capacity
\nNoise\/vibration
\nEnergy and water efficiency
\nBrand reliability<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to read Consumer Reports findings when you\u2019re in the market for a washer to help you find a great performing machine at a price within your budget.<\/p>\n
What washing machine features are important to you?<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A washing machine isn\u2019t an appliance we think much about – until its time to replace it. That\u2019s when we begin considering such issues as to its cleaning ability, energy and water efficiency and capacity. Let\u2019s look at what\u2019s available in the world of washing machines to discover what makes a washer both a good […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[514],"tags":[44,53,23],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3973"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3973\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/couponshoebox.com\/tips\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}