How to Buy the Right Washing Machine
No matter if you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading a worn-out washer, today’s washing machines will surprise you. Improvements in the washing machine industry have made cleaning your clothes easier and make more efficient use of your time. Today’s washers are also kinder to your clothes by cleaning more effectively and gently. Plus, laundry day doesn’t mean abusing the environment because today’s washers use less water and energy without sacrificing cleaning ability.
Top-Loading Washers
Traditional top-loading washers are available in a wide variety of models, options, and price ranges. The most basic models get the job done and perform very well under normal cleaning conditions. They offer reasonable value with no unnecessary frills.
- Standard capacity for a top-loading washer varies from approximately 2.3 cubic feet per load for a compact model to 5.2 cubic feet per load for a high-efficiency model.
- Overall, top-loading washers are generally less expensive to purchase than front-loading machines, but are more costly to operate because they use more water and electricity.
- Available in high-efficiency models such as the Whirlpool® Calypso® (replaces the agitator with wash plates).
TOP LOADING
LG 5.2 cu. ft. Graphite Steel HE Washer
Model No: 202091
Front-Loading Washers
Even in their basic models, front-loading washers deliver better cleaning results than traditional top-loading machines. The reason why your clothes are loaded in the front of the washer instead of the top is because the tub sits horizontal, just like the drum in your dryer. Clothes are tumbled inside the tub and are cleaned using a concentrated, high-efficiency (HE) detergent.
- Standard capacity for a front-loading washer varies from approximately 3.4 cubic feet per load for a compact model to 4.8 cubic feet per load for a large capacity model.
- Less expensive to operate than traditional top-loading washers due to less water usage and electricity consumption per load.
- Requires the use of high-efficiency detergent which consists of a low-sudsing formula specifically designed for low-water washing systems.
FRONT LOADING
Electrolux 4.7 cu. ft. Blue Steam Washer
Model No: 201219
OPTIONS & FEATURES
Cycle Selections: Washing cycle selections are designed to match the types of fabrics you wash frequently with the variable combinations of speed and wash/agitation time available on your washer.
Standard washing cycles will include Light/Gentle, Regular, Permanent Press, and Heavy. Even the most basic models will include four or five cycles.
Speed Options: Having preset cycle selections which include speed options that take some of the guesswork out of your laundry care. You will still need to sort your laundry properly and pick the right cycle to wash them.
Temperature Sensors: The temperature of the water your machine uses for both wash and rinse cycles depend on your laundry care needs. A typical model will feature at least three temperature settings – Hot/Cold, Warm/Cold, and Cold/Cold. Top-of-the-line models offer as many as six or more temperature settings including ‘Super Hot.’
Water Level Settings: The amount of water used for each load directly affects washer performance. Too much water can be as bad as too little water.
Typically, most top-load models will feature at least three manually-set, water-level settings: Small, Medium, and Large. Some machines might have an extra small setting such as ‘Mini-Basket’ or haven’t done laundry in three weeks ‘Extra Large’ setting.
A feature and benefit of front-loading washers is they usually come with automatic water-leveling sensors. These sensors determine load size and adjust the water level in the tub for best cleaning performance and better rinsing.
Still have questions? Feel free to speak to an expert hhgregg sales associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!
