what2ask

Home | Full A-Z list | Feedback | About Us

Washing machines - what to ask before you buy

If you're about to purchase a washing machine, but you're not sure what to ask before you buy, here are some things to help you obtain the right information to get the washing machine that's right for you.

Click on a question below for more information.

Top or front load: Should I get a front or top load washing machine?
Capacity: What size washing machine should I buy?
Water use: Is the washing machine water efficient?
Energy efficiency: Is the washing machine energy efficient?
Reliability: How reliable is the washing machine?
Drum: Should I get a stainless steel drum?
Controls: Are the washing machine controls easy to operate?
Programs: What wash programs are available?
Size: How much space will the washing machine take up?
Adjustability: Does the washing machine have adjustable feet?
Balance: What happens if the load is out of balance
Noise: How noisy is the washing machine?
Rebates: Are there any rebates available?

1. Should I get a front or top load washing machine?

Here is a list of the differences between top loaders and front loaders

Top loaders

Large range available.
As these are more common, they are often cheaper to buy than front loaders, but can cost more to run.
They are usually less energy efficient for warm/hot wash, but they do have shorter wash cycles.
It's easy to add clothes once the cycle has started
They generally use more water than front loaders - check the manufacturer's specifications. This may be less of an issue if the machine has a variable water level.
Often require more detergent - but experiment, as manufacturer's recommendations are often higher than required.
The agitator type can be rough on clothes, while an impeller type is gentler on clothes.

Front loaders

Front loaders typically perform better overall than top loaders.
Smaller range available.
As these are less common, they are often more expensive to buy than top loaders, but can cost less to run.
Generally significantly more water efficient, and can save thousands of litres of water per year
Require less detergent.
Gentle on clothes
Faster spin, so that clothes dry faster
May crease clothes, but some have an 'anti-crease' setting.
Space saving, as you can hang a dryer over the top of the front loader as there is no lid to open.
May require you to bend down to load/unload.

2. What size washing machine should I buy?

An average size machine is 6 or 7 kilos dry weight of clothing. If you wash frequently, a smaller capacity machine may be more efficient than a large one which is run at less than full capacity.

3. Is the washing machine water efficient?

Check the water efficiency labels - the more stars the better. Front loaders tend to have better water efficiency. If you're buying a top loader, make sure you have at least three water rating stars.

4. Is the washing machine energy efficient?

Check the energy labelling - the more starst the better. While the front loader may use less energy when washing, it may need a longer wash time. This should be taken into account.

5. How reliable is the washing machine?

Direct drive transmission is more reliable than belt drive.

A motor that is direct drive means there are no belts/pulleys to transfer the motor movement to the agitator. This improves the machine's reliability.
In belt-drive motors, the belt may need adjustment or replacement.

6. Should I get a stainless steel drum?

It is possible for the standard enamel drum to chip, which may then rust and stain your clothes. Stainless steel drums are designed to avoid this - although it is possible for stainless steel surfaces to rust under some conditions - for example, if sand is left in the bottom of the machine. If you look after an enamel surface (e.g. by turning metal buttons and zippers to the inside of clothing before washing them) you can reduce the chances of chipping the enamel surface.

7. Are the washing machine controls easy to operate?

Make sure you know what the controls do before you buy. If they are too complex, you may end up using just one wash program when a variety of programs would be more energy efficient and money saving.

8. What wash programs are available?

While a new machine is likely to have a large number of washing programs, you'll probably find that you have two or three favourites that you'll use most of the time. Check that the machine has what you need - e.g. a medium wash for whites, a short wash for coloureds, a gentle wash for delicate items, and a long and/or hot wash for rare times when that's needed. While you may occasionally need a hot water program, these days cold water washing powders make hot washing unnecessary.

Check if it has a water saver feature, which allows you to recycle some of the water that the machine uses.

Top loaders are generally faster than front loaders. Check the available wash times before you buy.

9. How much space will the washing machine take up?

Make sure you have room for the machine. For top loaders, allow for the lid to open upwards. For front loaders, make sure you can open the door fully to access the machine.

10. Does the washing machine have adjustable feet?

Because laundry floors often slope to a floor waste, the machine should have adjustable feet to ensure the machine remains level, whatever the floor.

11. What if the load is out of balance?

Ask if it has an auto correction if the load is unbalanced - or if it just bangs around the laundry until you attend to it!

12. How noisy is the washing machine?

Check how noisy it is - this will be less important if your laundry is well away from your living area, but it may disturb your neighbours if you live in an aparment or villa.

13. Are there any rebates available?

Some local and state governments, and water supply agencies (e.g. Sydney Water), offer rebates for purchase of water efficient washing machines. Check with your local council to see if you qualify.