Washers Designed for Your Family
Apr 06 '00
One of the foremost things a person in the market for washing machine should ask themselves before walking into the store is, "How many loads do I do a week, and of WHAT TYPE are the loads?" Frequently, we forget to ask ourselves the second part of that question. It is as important, if not more, as the first half. Knowing what types of fabrics and clothings your family wears will help you narrow down the almost infinite amount of choices for washing machines.
Many machines now day come with at least three standard settings, "Regular", "Permanent Press", and "Delicates". Each one has a varied wash, rinse and spin time. If you are like most families, you will probably have a wide assortment of work clothes, play clothes, dress clothes, bedclothes and bathroom towels that get washed weekly. Dress clothes and bedclothes usually appreciate a more delicate wash, while play clothes might benefit from a heavier, more robust wash.
Pay close attention to the spin/wash agitator cycles offered. Make sure the washer has a delicate and normal setting for the agitator. A lot of your more delicate clothes should never be washed with the normal agitator setting, as it can cause threads and delicate needlework to be torn apart.
The next feature is wash water/rinse water settings. Just as you would never wash cottons in hot water, you should not buy a washer that has only one setting for water temperatures. Be sure to pick one that includes, at the minimum, a warm, cold and hot setting for at least the wash cycle. Many rinse cycles are cold water only, though some of the higher end models will allow you to choose the rinse water setting as well.
A major factor in your choice will be floorspace. There are two general models on the market today, regular floor models and space-saver stack modules. The stack modules are generally a washer/dryer combo that is stacked. The washer and dryer are normally both front-loading. If you have the space, try to go with a floor model as it will allow larger loads and be easier to load and unload.
Have you considered a front-loader or a top-loader? Front-loading machines are generally more conservative in water usage and, some studied suggest, get your clothes cleaner. Top-loading washers are the standard in most appliances and you will find that front-loading, on average, cost more for the initial purchase.
When it comes time to make the purchase, look at the capacity. Just because two washers are the same size, does not mean they hold the same amount of clothes. I recommend to EVERYONE that they purchase one rated as "Super Heavy Duty". Especially if you are in a household with a child. These, on average, last longer than washers that are not rated as such. Keep in mind, with any washer, you cannot pack it to the top. You must have enough room for the clothes to move around when the agitator spins.
On average, expect to spend at least $250 for a high-quality washing machine. A good machine should last you at least five to six years, if not more.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
dmxrob
|
|
Location: Mid Missouri
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
Computer programmer from the midwest.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.