Like it or not, laundry is a chore which you just cannot avoid. Picking the right washer and dryers to do this chore can be an equally tedious task. With so many brands, variants, and styles, shortlisting the right appliance can be daunting. Top or front load, regular washer or high efficiency, electric or gas dryer? These are some of the choices that you will have to face. So, to help you pick the washer and dryer for your home, here are some useful tips.
Get the most convenient configuration
The most important step toward buying the right washer and dryer for your home is to know which configuration is the most convenient for you. Depending on the space that your home has, you can even mix and match washers and dryers to make the perfect pair. This should be your go-to option if you are not liking the pre-packaged pairing or if the pairing does not add convenience to your life. Some of the common configurations that you will offer include:
- Side-by-side
- Stacked
- All-in-one
- Side-by-side with pedestals
Check the water usage
Washers that are labeled HE or High Efficiency do the job with much less water as compared to the non-HE models. Thus, they are now overtaking the washing machine market. In an average family, HE washers and dryers can save up to 6000 gallons of water every year. These washers often carry an ENERGY STAR certificate too. This means they are cost and energy-efficient. High-efficiency washers are available in top load impeller, top load agitator, and also in front-load models. These are also available with features such as Deep Fill Options, which lets you monitor and control the water that’s going in and also allows you to put more water when you need it.
Front-load vs. top-load
One of the biggest questions while buying a washer-dryer is whether you should buy a front load machine or a top load one. The main differences are the price and usage of space. If you have enough space to open the top lid and load the machine with laundry, you can opt for the top load. However, if the machine is under a shelf and you cannot make room for a lid, you should go for the front load. Top load washing machines are usually less expensive as compared to front load ones. However, the cleaning in the case of front-load washers is considered more efficient and they are also gentler on the clothes. Also, you will have to stand to use a top-load washer, but you can be more comfortable when it comes to front-load washing machines.
Understand the features
When you are buying any appliance, you need to understand the features you are getting. Washing and drying clothes efficiently is important, but the functionalities go beyond that, and the ease of use also has to be considered. Most of the front-loaders now come with features that make doing the laundry convenient. The digital display is one feature that helps you keep a track of the wash and know the time remaining in the cycle. Additionally, an LED display looks better than the traditional analog display. The energy efficiency is something you should consider because this is a product you will be using every week or several times a week for many years. Several features in washers let you do a quick wash for clothes that don’t need the full grind. Steam is another feature that is very helpful to remove stains without creasing the clothes too much.
