Washing Machines

Whether destined to live in your house or your basement, a washing machine, and it's handy sidekick, dryer ,  are cornerstones in our world of personal hygiene.  Yes, they can be expensive, but getting the most expensive model will probably only get your clothes a teeny bit cleaner. Yes, there are plenty of nifty functions available on the higher end models, but ask yourself exactly how much you need those functions, and weigh out if the extra expense is satisfactory. There are a lot of options available to you, and many, even basic machines come with a lot of great functions that make laundry a little easier. There are also the handy styles like stackable washing machines   if you don't have a lot of floor space, front loading washing machines ,  top loading--there are a lot of types for any price range. There are also different options for different types of laundry doers; some work better for cold-wash only, some work better for steaming dry-clean only, or even for extra large loads for those with large families or just a lot of laundry. Whatever your need is, you should be able to find some incarnation of it within your price range, and easily accessible. Also, the colors and styles available would probably shame your former washing machine; it's not just the standard "Does it fill with water and jostle?" question anymore. It's now "So it is easily loaded, uses an eco-friendly amount of water and comes in cobalt?"

Best-Selling Models

Are you all wrung out about which washing machine to choose? Why not start with these top-selling models:

Amana 3.5 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Front Load Washer	LG Electronics 4.2 Cu. Ft. Ultra Capacity Front Load SteamWasher	LG Electronics 3.6 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Front Load Front Control Washer	Maytag Performance Series 4.0 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Front Load Washer	LG Electronics 4.0 Cu. Ft. Extra Large Capacity Front Load Washer

GE 4.0 IEC Cu. Ft. King-Size Capacity Front Load Washer   (also available in the popular 3.5 Cu. Ft. Model   )	LG Electronics 4.2 Cu. Ft. Ultra Capacity Front Load Front Control Washing Machine	LG Electronics 4.5 Cu. Ft. Ultra Capacity Front Load Front Control SteamWasher	Maytag Centennial 3.2 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Washer	Maytag Bravos 4.7 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Washer

New Tech

Samsung   has developed new technology for sanitizing clothing without using hot water. Most of their machines use SilverCare   technology, which electrolyzes silver plates and flushes silver ions into the rinse water. Silver has antibacterial properties and the ions are supposed to be very effective at destroying bacteria. Since the machine can sanitize in cold water, it uses less energy per wash. Killing bacteria also deodorizes clothing. Look for this technology in most of Samsung's washing machine line, including the WF316LAW   (pictured), the WF316BAC ,  and the WF306BH .  All are high-efficiency front loading machines with 3.79 cubic foot capacity. To learn more about SilverCare technology, read this Samsung page explaining how it works. As for the environmental impact, keep in mind that you'll have to replace the bars after about ten years. Silver mining is itself dependent on a lot of water and energy. Further, it is not clear what the impact of silver ions on the water system might be.

Types of Washing Machines

The first step in choosing a new washing machine is deciding between the three different types of machines. They are ordered below by price, which may play a factor in your buying decision. You will also need to take into account the convenience of each one, its ability to meet your needs and its capacity. If you have a large family and tend to do several loads of laundry a week, you will need something large, durable and cost-effective (efficient consumption of water, energy and detergent).

Washing Machine Options

Standard Top Loader   Advantages Least expensive option; good models cost around $500. Tried-and-true technology. Uses regular detergent. Easy to load and you can add items mid-cycle. Disadvantages May be too harsh on some clothing. Uses more water and more energy per load. Can be prone to unbalanced loads. Can be loud.	Top-Loading High Efficiency Washers   Advantages Uses less water, energy and detergent. No central agitator, which theoretically, makes it less harsh on clothes. Like standard top loader styles, items can be added mid-cycle. Disadvantages Gets best results with special, more expensive HE detergent. More expensive. May be harsh on clothing.	Front-Loading Washers   Advantages Older technology means it is tested; works best of the three washer types. Usually quieter than top-loading models. Larger capacity. Stackable with a dryer. Use less water, energy, and detergent than a standard top-loader--more Green friendly. Disadvantages Can cost as much as $1600. Can't add things mid cycle and more difficult to load/unload. Work best with HE detergent.

Important Features

Size

• ConsumerSearch.com recommends buying the largest machine you can for your space and budget.
• Consider linens   that will need washing. Buy one big enough to clean your bed linens, particularly your comforter   or bedspread   (unless it is dry clean only of course).
• Want to help the environment? Buying the biggest machine you can will cut down on the amount of loads you need to do, saving water and electricity. Buy one that is Energy Star rated to protect the environment and lower your electric and water bill. Check out our Green Guide for more info.

Noise

• Where will you put the washing machine?
• If it's going next to a living room choose the quietest model possible.

Buttons and Knobs

• Some machines have sleek electronic displays with lots of touch-pad buttons.
• Electronic buttons may not be as durable as an old-fashioned knob or dial. This is particularly true of lower-end top-loading machines.
• On high-end machines, especially the high-efficiency ones, you may not have a choice.

Settings

• Watch out for models that try to lure you in with lots of different pre-programmed settings.
• A few such as Bright Colors, Whites and Delicates are nice but you probably don't need more than six or seven.
• Usually the conditions used in those extra settings can be duplicated with the right combination of intensity, water temperature and soak time on any other machine.

Porcelain vs. Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel tub washing machines   are preferable for the tub.
• It won't rust or chip, and is sturdier than porcelain tub washing machines . 

Automatic Water Controls

• Temperature Control: Automatically chooses the correct temperature for each cycle.
• Level Control: Adjusts the water level automatically to the size of the load of laundry.

Space-Saving Models

• Compact washing machines  
• They tend to be smaller, handling from eight to 12lbs. of clothing.
• More expensive but they are quiet and perform as well as their larger counterparts.
• Top Manufacturers: European brands Asko   and Miele . 
• Stackable washing machines  
• This is an optimum choice for those who want the quality and modest prices of side by side washer and dryer models.
• Larger than compacts, they can handle larger loads.
• Laundry Centers  
• One unit model: if it breaks, that might mean that the whole thing needs to be replaced.
• Usually about six feet tall and as narrow as the compacts.
• Sometimes the quality of the two components are not equal.

Related Guides

Clothes Dryers	Housewares and Home Maintenance	Garment Steamers	Irons	Sewing Machines

External Links

• ConsumerSearch.com : Meta-reviews.
• HowStuffWorks.com : Ever wonder how a washing machine works? Check this out.
• Inventors.About.com : The history of the washing machine. Quirky and interesting!