Washing Machines

Washing machines  are conveniences that few of us can live without. Increasingly, washing machine manufacturers are offering appliances with more and more features, making choosing a washing machine a difficult task. But there are a few decisions you should make first, before you look at other features. They are: What capacity (size) machine do you need? And should you buy a top or front loader? It is also important to consider water usage and the amount of time it takes to do a load of wash. Read on to learn more about what to look for when shopping for a washing machine.

Capacity

Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms ranging from 3 to 10kgs. The most common size machine for a small family (two adults and two children) is 6 - 7kgs.

Top or Front Loading Models

	Top Loading Machines Advantages Least expensive option; good models cost around $800. 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 60% water and 40% more energy per load. Can be prone to unbalanced loads. Can be loud.
	Front Loading MachinesAdvantages Older technology means it is tested; works best of the 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.	Disadvantages Can cost as much as $2200. Can't add things mid cycle and more difficult to load/unload. Work best with HE detergent.

Important Features

• Be sure to carefully measure your available space so that the washing machine that you buy will fit without resting against a wall.
• Don't under estimate your load capacity -- Even singles and couples wash large items like blankets and multiple towels.

Noise

• Where will you put the washing machine?
• If it's going next to the lounge 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 Colours, Whites and Delicates are nice but you probably don't need more than six or seven different settings.
• 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 is preferable for the tub.
• It won't rust or chip, and is sturdier than porcelain.

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.

Comparable Models

Small Top Loader (under 5kg) Haier  LG  Homemaker  Conia  Simpson  Samsung  NEC	Mid-size Top Loader (5 - 7 kg) Fisher & Paykel  Westinghouse  Simpson  Whirlpool  LG  Samsung  Haier  Midea  Conia  Heller  Homemaker  NEC  Sanyo  Mistral	Large Top Loader (over 7kg) Fisher & Paykel  Westinghouse  Simpson  Whirlpool  LG  Samsung  Haier  Hitachi  Conia  Kleenmaid  Speed Queen  Mistral	Mid-sized Front Loader (under 7kg) Omega  Homemaker  Maytag  Asko  Miele  Haier  Fisher & Paykel  Indesit  Kleenmaid  Ariston  Bosch  Samsung  LG	Large front Loader (over 7kg) Ariston  LG  Maytag  Indesit  Haier  Bosch  Samsung  Whirlpool  Omega  Fisher & Paykel  Kleenmaid  Simpson  Electrolux-Kelvinator

External Links

• www.waterrating.gov.au - Water rating of washing machines.
• www.energyrating.gov.au - Energy ratings for washing machines.
• Product Review Australia - Washing machine reviews.
• EPA Queensland - water efficiency tips for using washing machines.