With so many different options available today, choosing the best washer and dryer to fit your households’ needs is not always that easy. One particular brand or style may be cheaper; however, this does not mean that it has the options that your family requires. When selecting a washer and dryer, first determine what your needs are. Things to consider are capacity, length of wash cycle for water and energy efficiency, budget, functions and last but not least dimensions and location for homes that have tight spaces.

 

Below are some guidelines to help you decipher what your household requirements are when it comes to shopping for your next washer and dryer. There are two basic types of washing machines -front loading and top loading. Each has its pros and cons.

 

 

Top loader:

Pros:

Typically less expensive than an average front loader

Can add laundry during the wash cycle

A faster wash cycle

Lighter in weight

Large capacity washers are readily available

 

Cons:

Less energy and water efficient than a front loader

Uses more laundry detergent per load

Harder on clothing

Increased ongoing cost

 

Front loader:

Pros:

More energy efficient

Uses less detergent

Less wear and tear on clothes, in comparison to a top loader

Faster spin cycle, leading to shorter drying time

 

Cons:

Higher initial cost over a top loader

Typically cannot add clothing during the wash cycle

Creases clothes more than a top loader

Much heavier than a top loader

 

 

 Although, before taking into account the pros and cons of each choice, your first consideration should be capacity. Each household has different laundry needs, for instance a large home with several family members should consider a washer with a larger load capacity and shorter wash cycle.  While a household with fewer members may not have the need for a larger washer. However, if you are always on the run, you don't want a machine that takes forever to run a load. In this case front loading washer may not be the best option for your household.

 While budget is an important factor for most in todays economy, there are several units offering energy rebates that may help offset the cost of buying a washer and dryer that could otherwise be out of your price range. Also an important point to take into consideration is energy and water cost savings you might incur when upgrading to some of the more energy and water efficient models. The little more it may cost you upfront could possibly end up being paid back in savings on your homes electricity or gas, and water bill. Not to mention certain models require less laundry detergent.

 

 Size is also a key factor, if your home is smaller, you may not have room for some of the new, more bulky front loading units. Location is also critical. As laundry rooms seem to be migrating closer to living spaces, noise and vibration matter a little more. If this is the case, look for a machine with a very good score for noise, and end-of-cycle signals that can be turned off or down, so as not to disturb the household. Top-loaders tend to make noise throughout the wash cycle. Front-loaders are quieter overall but make a high-pitched sound and vibrate during spin cycles.

 

Functions available on the machines are the bells and whistles that you should determine whether or not you can live without. Many are available, such as spin speed, gentle cycles, and hand washing cycles. In your decision making process it will  help to know how much you wish to interact with the washing machine. Some modern washers can determine the size of the load, the proper cycle to use, and even how dirty your laundry is.

 

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