Washing Machines Buyers Guide

There are so many washing machines on the market it's best to narrow the field by first deciding what size and type is best; compact machines, full-size machines, American machines or washer driers. You can then go on to think about which other features you'd prefer.

- Compact machines: If you have a small amount of space to fit the machine into these are a good choice. Most take 3kg to 4kg of washing, which can be restrictive to people who tend to do a weekly wash, and out of the question for larger households. Compact machines tend to be a bit basic, boasting fewer of the features people have come to expect. Because of this, many people don't even consider them, preferring to stack a full-size machine above or below their tumble dryer, or choosing a combined washer-dryer instead.
- Full-size machines: Comfortably take a load of 5kg or 6kg. Manufacturers tend to build their latest developments into these first, incorporating them into compact machines later on, if ever. Top of the list for larger households are machines that take up no extra space but use a higher capacity drum.
- American machines: These are available in the UK and are a good option for bigger households. They take a maximum of around 10kg of washing. If considering one, make sure the manufacturer has an established after-sales operation in the UK. Remember that many are less energy efficient than British or European models, and most are top-loading.
- Washer-dryers: These are ideal if you have limited space. There are disadvantages, however. The main problem is that the same motor does both jobs, so can have a shorter lifespan. Unlike a stand-alone tumble dryer, washer-dryers condense the moisture to liquid, which is then disposed of in the same way as dirty water is during the washing process. This is a far less efficient way of drying clothes and a full wash-load cannot be dried in one go. Coupled with the fact that an average washer-dryer will dry no more than around 4kg, the only real advantage is the space you save. All are front-loading.

- Top loading: Because of their internal design, these machines tend to be narrower than the now more familiar front-loading models, though many take a bigger load. On average, a front loader is 50% wider. The range of top loading machine available is limited and they aren't as popular as front-loaders.
Top-loading machines wash by agitating the clothes backwards and forwards in the water. Some modern fabrics do not take too well to this method. Bear in mind where you are going to put the machine so that you can easily raise the top to load your clothes.
Seen by most as the poor relation to automatic front-loading machines, top-loaders are slightly more expensive to buy. They can be old-fashioned and cumbersome, but in general use less power, less water and are cheaper to run. Don't expect a wide range of advanced features as few have them. Being less complicated, many are far more sturdy and long-lasting than front-loaders.
- Front loading: Now the most familiar design. Clothes are loaded into the machine through a porthole at the front, which locks when the washing cycle starts. In recent years, many additional features such as hand wash cycles, fuzzy logic sensors and stain removing programmes, have been incorporated into the design. Some are useful, others less so. Front loaders do the job in automatically set stages such as washing, rinsing, spinning, etc. The more expensive and sophisticated the machine, the more subtle the variations in each stage of the cycle. A major disadvantage that often gets missed is the environmental impact of automatic washing machines - they use an incredible amount of water and eat up more electricity than most appliances.

All washing machines are labelled for energy efficiency and wash results. Remember, these are only guidelines.

- Energy: Class A is the most efficient, Class G the least. Remember that the term “energy efficiency” can say a lot about how much water is being used as well as the amount of electricity. The energy class is a useful measure of the performance of the spin-drying programme. Try to go for a model with at least a C rating to be sure of efficient drying capability.
- Washing: Graded from A (cleanest results) to C (less clean). Recently they have become more complicated with ratings like “AAA”. Also look for labelling giving the spinning performance: the higher the spin speed, the more water is forced out of the clothes - important if you want to tumble dry later.

- Washing: Most automatic machines use a variety of washing stages by adjusting the time and temperature. In many cases, more than one wash is done, for better results.
- Rinsing: An extra rinsing facility will make sure there is no trace of detergent left in the clothes. This can be important if a member of the household has any sort of allergy or sensitivity to detergents.
- Spinning: Measured on revolutions per minute, the spin speed can vary from 800 to 1600. As the drum spins, water in the clothes is forced out by centrifugal force so the faster the spin speed the better the result. The efficiency of the spin also depends on the size of the drum, the number of holes in the drum, and the length of the spin cycle. Check if the machine has a variable spin feature or an override feature enabling you to extend the spinning time. If possible, go for a machine with over 1000 rpm.
- Economy cycles: Most automatic washing machines offer these. Some manufacturers call them “quick wash” cycles. Useful for quickly washing a few items, or freshening clothes that aren't actually stained.
- Hand wash cycles: These are extra-gentle cycles for delicate items, and imitate the process of washing by hand.
Generally, the number of cycles increases with cost. The more cycles a machine has, the more sophisticated some of the cycles can get. At the top end of the market, machines offer the facility to programme your own cycle.

Some machines will offer advanced features such as;

- Stain removal programmes: These have been available for some years. Most basically they offer different methods of spraying water onto the clothes to ensure the detergent is evenly applied. Different manufacturers use different trade names to describe them, but most work in the same way. Look for terms like “Powerjet”, “Aquatronic” or “Showerwise”. All these and others are variations on the same theme.
- Fuzzy logic: Many machines have built in fuzzy logic sensors which sense what kind of load is in the machine and fine-tune the wash programme automatically for the best results. For example, they may sense there is more foam present and programme the rinse cycle to last longer or increase the level of the water. Some just rinse continuously until the sensor decides there's no detergent left.
- Self-cleaning filters: Some machines swish water around the filter at regular intervals to keep the filter clean, saving you the effort of doing it. Most do little more than reduce the build-up in the filter. Few eliminate it. In the end, you'll probably end up cleaning the filter by hand anyway, although not as often.

1. Front-loading machines: Expect to pay around £200 for a basic model though many have a comparatively weak motor and few additional features. There is rarely a wide range of spin speeds at this price.
From around £250, drums get bigger, doors get wider, and cycles designed for woollens or easy ironing are available. Check the ratings though, as some in this price bracket are no better than the most basic machines.
£300 gets you more additional features. You start to see extras like fuzzy logic and specialised stain removal. Speeds get faster and there tend to be more colours available.
Between £300 and the £600, extra features allow you to be more specific in what kind of wash cycle you want, or even programme one yourself.

2. Top-loading machines: Despite the fact they do a good job and are long lasting, there is far less choice. Prices start at about £270 for machines that include features like an anti-crease function. At the higher end of the market, £560 will buy you an 1800 rpm machine with a “AAA” wash class rating.

3. Washer-Dryers: The cheapest are about £280, but many people consider these too weak to do both jobs. £350 to £400 should get you something a little sturdier with a better choice of options.

Before buying remember the following:

1. Think about how much washing you normally do. The size of the average household wash is about 2kgs. Remember you can't fill the machine to the brim - you need to leave space for the water to do its work.
2. Decide which programmes you need. Even basic machines have a reasonable range of wash cycles. Will you really need the special stain removal features or special woollen programme?
3. If you have a water meter, take the water consumption figures of machines more seriously.
4. If you are short of space, and your wash load is not too big, consider a compact machine. For larger loads, track down the few standard sized machines with larger drums or look at the narrower top-loading machines. If you intend to use a tumble dryer, consider a combined washer-dryer to save space.
5. When choosing where to buy your washing machine, don't lose sight of the basics. Make sure you're happy with the colour. Try to get free delivery, installation and removal of your old machine.