Size Does Matter!
Apr 13 '00
In case you thought I was writing about something other than washing machines, I hate to disappoint you!
I have read some interesting, insightful and informative reviews on what to look for when you buy a washing machine. I don't have any earth shattering advice in this area, but I can tell you what I looked for when I purchased my new washer a few years ago...
First and foremost, can I reach the bottom of the "tub" area without having to stand on my tip-toes or putting my back out of whack by having to stretch too far for that last elusive sock that always hides in the bottom? I actually did "test reaches" in the store before I found the one that suited me and my physical stature. I am certain I looked rather comical doing these tests --- kind of like a duck diving for fish, bottom up!
I assumed that I was going to have to spend a lot of time with this machine and decided to attack the purchase as if it were an automobile. Comfort and ease of use was my first priority. I saw washing machines that had so many controls, I feared I would have to obtain a degree in engineering before I could operate them. I wanted to turn it on, pick a temperature and time and then walk away. I didn't want to have to make major decisions every time I did a load of dirty clothes. I didn't need twenty different temperature settings ... I needed hot, warm, cold. I need normal, permanent press and heavy duty (also lovingly called the "how the heck am I gonna get that out" cycle).
The next question was how big of a load can this baby hold? Granted, with just my son and I living here, I didn't need one the size of "Big Bertha" from the local laundromat but I did think ahead to realize that my son's jeans need lots of room to thrash about while washing. I wanted a tub large enough to allow me to do the bedspreads and large loads of towels. I had used one of those "apartment sized stackable" washer/dryer sets while on vacation a few years ago and hated the fact that the washer only had room for a tiny load. No one wants to wash two or three towels at a time. I want size!!!! Actually, I think the correct term is "capacity"... but size works for me.
Front or top load? Hmmmm... again, I wanted comfort and ease of use. Top loaders seemed to work best for me. Again, I did the bend, reach in, stoop, and stretch test with the machines in the store. Trust me! You have to think about these things. Never mind how ridiculous you look testing these things out --- you will thank yourself in the long run.
Will it fit in the space provided in your house for the washer and dryer? I took a measuring tape along to make certain that I could fit the washer into the utility area. Unfortunately, I have one of those stupid washer/dryer designated areas that hide behind bi-fold doors so I had to be sure that it would fit and there were actually some washers that would not have.
Finally I wanted a washer that could take a beating. Despite my diligence in checking every pocket and nook & cranny of my son's clothing, there is inevitably that stray object that hides, waiting to attack my washer from within. Examples of loose objects that have tested the durability of my washer's agitator include the lock from my son's school locker, more rocks than I care to remember, coins (giving a new meaning to "money laundering") and even a Gameboy (don't ask how I missed that one!).
So as you can tell, I didn't really care about the technical aspects concerning the washing machine. I just wanted a nice, big, easy to reach, hard working one that would serve my needs. Wow, now that I think about it, those are the same traits I am looking for in a man!
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Epinions.com ID:
b_lawhorn
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Member: Barbara Lawhorn
Location: Chillicothe, Ohio
Reviews written: 112
Trusted by: 46 members
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