Washing Machines

Washing Machines - Buying Guide.
The sheer number of washing machines in the market today is enough to confuse the uninitiated. Before you buy you should ask yourself the following questions:
How much space is there in my kitchen?
How much laundry do I wash per week?
What type of fabrics do I wash?
Once you know the answers to these you'll be well on your way to making an informed decision.

Which washing machine?
The size of washing machine you choose will depend on the space available in your kitchen and the amount of laundry you do each week.

Compact
If you lack space or have a limited amount of weekly washing, a compact machine that takes a 3-4kg load may suit your needs, although it will have a limited range of programmes compared with a full-size machine. If space is short, stacking a washing machine with a tumble dryer may be an option, or you could consider a washer-dryer.

Full-size
If you have a normal amount of weekly laundry and a mix of fabrics to wash, go for a full-size machine that takes a 5-6kg load. Larger capacity 7kg models are also available, giving you room to wash items like curtains or duvets. If you use a tumble dryer, make sure you pick a washing machine with high spin efficiency to reduce drying times and costs. Half-load and quick wash are useful options to have as you probably won't always have a full load.

Large
If you have a large family and use a machine most days, then a large 8-10kg washing machine is worth considering.

Most of the larger washing machines are American and while they were traditionally seen as less sophisticated and less energy efficient than European models, there are now large 8kg washing machines that are top performers. Some large machines now employ sensor technology for a triple 'A' rating for wash, energy and spin efficiency, so size no longer means a compromise on wash results or efficiency.

It's worth noting that the larger exterior dimensions of these machines mean they are more suited for use in a utility room rather than a kitchen.

Which tumble dryer?

Venting dryers
Venting machines cost less than condensing machines, are more easily available and work faster. Hot damp air is vented from the machine to the outside via a hose, which can either dangle from a window or be ducted through an outside wall using a telescopic box fitting. The need for venting does restrict where the machine can be positioned.

Condensing dryers
The steam given off by drying clothes is turned into moisture that's collected in a reservoir or can be pumped away via the drains if the machine is positioned near a sink and can be plumbed in. Drying is slightly slower compared with vented machines.

Condenser dryers have become more affordable over the last two years, and more are being sold now than ever before.

Saving energy

Energy ratings
All washing machines and washer dryers carry an energy rating graded from A to G for wash performance, energy efficiency and spin-drying efficiency, with A being the best and G the worst. All ratings are based on standard test results for a 60 C cotton wash cycle. Tumble dryers are rated for energy efficiency. A-rated tumble dryers are rare (though they do exist). Most will have a C or less. If you use a tumble dryer, look for a washing machine with a spin rating between A and C to reduce drying costs.

Fuzzy Logic
Machines with Fuzzy Logic use sensor technology to continually monitor varying conditions inside the washing machine, adjusting itself to ensure the best wash results using as little water and energy as possible. There is no one standard for Fuzzy Logic, so different machines will do different things, but a typical Fuzzy Logic machine will control the main wash, the water intake, water temperature, wash time, rinse performance and spin speed.

More sophisticated models weigh the load (so you can't overload the machine), advise how much detergent to put in, assess material type and water hardness, and check if the detergent is a powder or a liquid. Some also learn from past experience, intelligently memorising programmes and adjusting them to minimise running costs.

Fault diagnosis
Some Fuzzy Logic models offer a diagnostic fault-finding system, which displays a fault code if any problems occur. You can then ring this code through to the service centre thus ensuring the engineer has the right parts to fix it without delay.

Update facilities
Some models have Fuzzy Logic microprocessors that can be updated as and when new technology or programmes come along. LG Electronics has already launched several Internet- /network-enabled washing machines, which means when the networked home becomes reality, these machines are ready to take advantage of any benefits offered by direct Internet connection (eg for remote fault diagnosis or downloading new programmes).

Fuzzy Logic machines are generally extremely simple to use, as most feature 'one touch' control. They also get the best energy ratings, and are worth paying extra for if you wash full loads more than three times a week, as the energy-saving features will provide worthwhile savings in water and energy usage.

How much do I need to pay?
Prices start from just under £200 to well over £1,000. While it's true that you get what you pay for, you shouldn't fall into the trap of paying extra for features you'll never use. You can buy a good, reliable machine for between £300 and £600. At £600 you should expect features such as Fuzzy Logic, high spin speeds and fabric care programmes for handwash-only items like silks or woollens.

It's worth paying more if you want a large capacity machine, but it's not worth paying extra for more programmes as you'll probably only use three or four. You'll also have to pay more if you want the machine to have a special finish such as stainless steel or anthracite.

If you can afford it, consider machines that are built to last for 20 years or more, compared with the usual five to eight years. These machines are made of the highest quality materials, and use electronic controls to reduce wear and tear, thus prolonging life. Thanks to sophisticated electronics, they use less water and energy, have a good wash rating and are quiet. Some even have facilities for updating the electronics as and when new technology arrives.

Washer-dryer benefits
Washer-dryers work on the condenser method, which means that moisture given off by drying clothes must either be pumped away via the drains or collected in a reservoir. Look for a machine with a good choice of programmes and a high spin speed, which will reduce drying times and save energy.

Pros
It is cheaper than buying a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.

You will save kitchen space.

Straight-through washing and drying means that you won't have to set the machine to dry when the wash programme has finished (as long as the wash load doesn't exceed the capacity of the dry cycle).

Cons
You can't wash one load while drying another.

You can't dry a full load - you can usually only dry just 2.5kg of the 5kg wash load (or 3kg of a 6kg wash load). However, washer-dryers with a 4kg wash and dry capacity are currently being introduced.

Drying performance is generally not as good as that of a tumble dryer; it's slow and isn't usually energy-efficient. You would have to be prepared to spend around £1,200 for a machine with advanced features such as turbo dry, which speeds drying times.

If one part of the machine breaks, you are stuck with neither washing nor drying.

Washers

Features to look out for:

Large portholes with 180 degree opening
More models are now available with larger portholes which open fully for easier loading.

Large capacities
In the past, 5kg load capacity was the norm. Look out for the growing number of 6 or 7kg capacity machines, which means you can wash more, less frequently. The biggest machines out there can offer an impressive 10Kg capacity, enough for the largest family.

Timer saver options
Machines with this feature let you reduce the programme time by a quarter or even a half - ideal for when time is limited. Hotpoint has also introduced a new Fast Wash system, which offers a cycle of just 26 minutes, for people in a real rush. The latest machines also allow you to 'skip' elements of the wash, if you're in a rush to get it finished.

Variable spin
Variable spin enables you to adjust the spin speed for fabrics that crease badly if you spin them at high speeds (like acrylic). This is also a consideration when choosing the spin speed of your machine. The faster the spin, the more expensive the machine, but do you really need that extra speed - especially if it's going to crease your clothes in the process?

Timing devices
Some machines feature a timer device that instructs the machine to begin a wash cycle at a pre-programmed time, enabling you to take advantage of cheap-rate electricity, or to avoid having a wash sit in the machine all day while you are at work. Just set the machine to come on a couple of hours before you get in - around the length of the wash cycle - and it should have just finished as you walk in the door.

Special programmes
Delicates and wool cycles for silk, pure wool and other easily damaged fabrics.

Long, hot washes for white cottons.

Rapid washes for light soiling.

Easy-care washes with reduced spin for acrylics.

Refresh programmes are ideal when you are short of time. They take as little as 20 minutes to freshen up lightly soiled clothes.

Some of the more expensive machines even have a hand-wash programme; allowing you to wash 'hand-wash only' garments such as silk and woollens.

Separate programme and temperature controls
Separate controls allow you to select the water temperature to suit the load and the type of detergent you are using - a useful feature that isn't possible on machines where programme and temperature are pre-set and can't be controlled individually. For example, you can choose a long wash at a low temperature for garments that are badly soiled but can only be laundered at 40 C.

Braille
Servis is about to launch machines with control panels featuring Braille in the UK soon.

Improved water penetration
Manufacturers are designing systems that allow for more equal water penetration. This means that all your clothes get equal amounts of water and attention, no matter how many items you put in the machine and where particular items are in the load.

Dryers

Features to look out for:

Cool tumble
A final cool tumble reduces creasing on most fabrics.

Large portholes
A bigger door (look for a 30cm diameter porthole) makes the dryer easier to load and unload.

Filter
The filter on vented dryers should be cleaned at least once a week, so look for one which is easy to reach and remove.

Heat settings
Most dryers offer two heat settings - high for cottons and linens, low for acrylics and synthetics.

Refresh programmes
These let you take advantage of newly available cleaning products that allow you to freshen up dry clean only and handwash clothes in the tumble dryer. Wool Care programmes keep woollens soft and fluffy by loosening up the fibres after they have been dried in the open air.

Interior light
Helps you locate small items lurking at the back of the drum. Alternatively buy a separate 'delicates' mesh bag, which will keep them all together and stop you losing them.

Load capacity
Most machines will dry a 5kg load. Compact machines are available, but will only dry around 2kg in one go. American machines will dry 8kg-10kg, and are worth considering if you dry a lot of washing each week.

Reservoir alarm
A light or alarm shows when the reservoir needs to be emptied on condensing machines.

Reverse action
The drum reverses towards the end of the cycle to untangle clothes and reduce creasing.

Sensor drying
This sets the degree of dryness you want, and the machine senses the correct level and stops automatically, saving energy and preventing over drying.

Timed drying
Most dryers have a 120-minute timer, which allows more than enough time to dry clothes, even those spun at 800rpm.