Choose the right washing machine for your family

Washing machines have come a long way and are an essential part of a smooth running home. When there is a problem with the washing machine, laundry chaos ensues. Choose the right washing machine by learning the pros and cons of each type, and what features are must-haves for your family.

top load washing machines

Top-loading washing machines were the standard household washing machine for a long time, and many people still use them today. They have a door that opens at the top for loading and an agitator sits in the middle of the wash tub. This agitator moves clothes through water to clean them.

One of the advantages of top loaders is the price. They are the cheapest option among washing machines by far. Plus, the door doesn’t lock on these models, so users can throw out forgotten items after the cycle has started.

Unfortunately, top-loading washers generally don’t get the best ratings for effectiveness when compared to front-loading washers or the newer high-efficiency top-loading washers. If it’s important to have your clothes as clean as possible, you may need to consider other options. Also, the top-loaders use the most water, and the agitator can be harsh on clothes, sometimes causing stretching and pulling. Washing heavy or bulky items can also cause balance problems in the machine.

front loading washing machines

Aside from the obvious difference in door placement, front loaders differ from top loaders in that there is no shaker. Instead of pulling clothes through the water, the clothes are picked up and dropped into the water repeatedly. Because the tub doesn’t have to be filled with enough water to cover the clothes for washing and rinsing, front-loading washers use about forty percent less water. Because less water is used, less detergent is also needed (high efficiency detergent is recommended).

Without an agitator, front loaders have room to handle a larger load of laundry. Many are designed to stack a dryer on top to save space, and because they spin much of the water out of clothes, drying time is also decreased.

One downside to a front-loading washer is the price, which can be more than double that of a traditional top-loading washer. Its high-speed spin can also cause vibrations that can be annoying if the washer is near a living room or bedroom.

High Efficiency Top Load Washers

HE top loaders are the newer creature in the appliance aisle, and therefore have had less time to develop a reputation. These look like traditional top loaders, but work like a front loader in that they don’t have an agitator; They twist and turn to move clothes through the water. They spin at high speeds to reduce drying time and use less water and detergent than the front loader. An advantage over the front loader is that the user won’t have to bend down to get the last sock off their back.

A typical complaint about these washers is that the high spin speed makes clothes too wrinkled, but the spin seems to vibrate less than front-load washers.

washing machine features

Walk down an aisle of new washing machines and you’ll see all kinds of buttons and lights that do different things.

Consider some of these features before you buy to see which ones are important to you in a new washer:

Automatic detergent, fabric softener and bleach dispensers

Extra rinse cycle (useful for removing excess detergent for people with sensitive skin)

automatic temperature control

Manual controls/dial vs. electronic controls

Porcelain lid to resist scratches

Plastic or stainless steel tub to discourage rust

Steam function that aims to disinfect

late start

Prewash or soak function

There are a plethora of options in washing machines today, and every home has different needs. By considering price, pros, cons, and desired features, families can easily find a washing machine that works for them.