Washing Machine Buying Guide

Types of Washing Machines

• Top-load washers: These offer a familiar design with an agitator and are generally more affordable. They excel at handling large loads and bulky items like comforters. However, they can be rougher on delicate fabrics and tend to use more water.
• Front-load washers: Featuring a horizontal drum and front-loading door, these are known for being more water-efficient and gentler on clothes. They often offer greater energy efficiency and advanced features like steam cleaning. However, they may have a higher initial cost and require more bending to load and unload.
• Commercial Washers: Designed for heavy-duty use, they typically offer larger capacities and more powerful motors to handle large loads and frequent use. It may have industrial-grade construction for increased durability and longevity.
• Washer Dryer Combo: Combines the washing and drying functionalities into a single unit, saving space and potentially reducing costs.
• Portable Washers: A compact and versatile washing machine designed for limited space or temporary laundry needs. They can easily be rearranged and moved around to fit in small places.

Washing Machine Features

Once you've identified your core needs, explore the various features available:

• Capacity: Measured in cubic feet, capacity determines the amount of laundry a machine can handle in one wash.
• Specialty cycles: Activewear, sanitize, steam clean, wool, hand wash/woolen.
• Customizable cycles: Allow fine-tuning of settings like water temperature, spin speed, and cycle length for personalized cleaning.
• Spin speed: Higher spin speeds extract more water from clothes, reducing drying time.
• Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star-certified washers for significant energy savings.
• Automatic water level adjustment: Sensors determine the load size and adjust water usage accordingly, preventing water waste.
• Steam cleaning: Uses steam to penetrate fibers, removing wrinkles, stains, and allergens, potentially reducing the need for ironing.
• Sanitize cycle: Uses higher water temperatures to eliminate bacteria and allergens, ideal for heavily soiled items or baby clothes.
• Delay start: Schedule your wash cycle to begin at a specific time, allowing for greater flexibility in laundry routines.
• Noise level: Consider noise levels, especially if your laundry room is near living areas.
• Smart capabilities: Smart washers offer remote control and integration with smart home systems, but come at a premium.

Remember: Don't get caught up in the feature trap. Prioritize features that genuinely enhance your laundry experience and complement your needs.

Additional Tips When Shopping

Here are some additional tips and things to keep in mind when browsing for a new washing machine:

• Read reviews: Research online reviews and consumer reports to gain insights from other users.
• Seek expert advice: If you're unsure about a specific model or have questions, consult our knowledgeable appliance experts at Jessups.
• View in person: Head to our appliance showroom and view the models you are interested in person. This will give you a better idea of what the unit is like before buying.