How to Choose the Best Washing Machine – Buying Guide

Picking up the latest or most popular model might not always suit your family’s washing machine needs. Although, with so many options available, it seems best to follow the trend. Whether it’s your first washer or an upgrade time, the following guide for buying washing machine can help you decode your considerations.

Let’s find you the perfect fit for your family.

Key Factors to Choose the Best Washer for Families

It’s not always the washing machine price, type, or capacity that plays along in the ultimate decision. Let’s help you, one step at a time, choose the most compatible fit for your family laundry requirements.

Types: Top-Load vs. Front-Load Washers

Most household owners stumble upon this question first—whether they settle down for a top-load or a front-load washing machine. Not to mention, every type has its pros and cons. So, let’s evaluate them according to your family’s needs.

Top-Load Washers

If you like to stay traditional by looks and easier in terms of use, then top-load is a good choice for you. Here’s why you might choose a top-load washer for your family:

• Loading and unloading clothes are easy, as you don’t have to bend over. Well, this is a huge plus point for those who are physically challenged or suffer from back issues.
• Also, top-load washing machines are more affordable compared to front-load ones.
• Want quick wash cycles? Top-load units are always the best in this scenario.
• Mostly, top-load washers use an agitator to combat heavily soiled apparel.

However, there are downsides too for top-load automatic washing machines, such as:

• Reportedly, top-load washing machines use more water. So, they are not much energy-efficient or eco-friendly.
• Typically, top-load washers offer less capacity. Hence, you might have to repeat cycles.

Front-Load Washers

People prefer a front-load washing machine as the best washer for large families for the following reasons:

• Front-loaders are known for their gentle yet effective cleaning towards tough stains. So, you can choose a front-load automatic washing machine if you prioritise fabric care.
• Additionally, they use less energy and water. These features make the front-load ones a great option for environmentally conscious families.
• Furthermore, front-load washers can handle larger loads. Hence, your guide for buying washing machine should have a front load in consideration.
• Also, you can expect less drying time and lower energy bills from front-loaders due to their faster spin speeds.

However, here are some disadvantages:

• Typically, front-load washers take longer to complete wash cycles.
• If you are concerned about the washing machine price, then front-loaders are generally more expensive compared to top-loaders.
• Additionally, loading and unloading your clothes to your front-load washer can be stressful.

Mechanism: Semi-Automatic vs. Fully Automatic

Another important milestone is when you need to decide if a semi-automatic or fully automatic washing machine will be sufficient for your laundry needs. So, let’s break down the key differences:

Semi-Automatic Washing Machines

Though not as popular as fully automated ones, some families may still prefer them because of:

• Semi-automatic washing machines are usually cheaper than fully automated ones.
• Additionally, semi-automatic washers give you control over water usage. You can operate the water filling and draining. So, this is convenient if you want to save water.
• Semi-automatic washers consume less electricity than fully automatic ones.

Also, here are the trade-offs:

• You have to manually move clothes from the washtub to the spin one. So, this is time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially when you include one in the guide for buying washing machine for a large family.
• Besides, semi-automatic machines exhibit a smaller capacity. That means more loads are required for bigger families.

Fully Automatic Washing Machines

Though a fully automatic washing machine price is on the higher side, check out why people favour them:

• There’s no juggling between tubs as a fully automatic washer handles everything as soon as you load clothes and select settings.
• Also, fully automatic washers come with numerous wash programs, such as quick wash, delicate cycles, energy-saving, and more modes.
• They have more capacity, so you can conduct fewer loads for large families.
• Also, they optimise the detergent and water use. So, you can reduce your electricity bills by buying one.

However, don’t forget to pay attention to the downside of owning a fully automatic washer.

• They are available at higher upfront costs. Also, repairing them is more expensive.
• Apart from that, they are high-maintenance equipment.

Family Size and Laundry Load

The guide for buying washing machines will remain incomplete if we don’t discuss the family’s size. Typically, a family of 4 or more members can benefit from a washing machine with a capacity between 7 and 10 kg.

Whereas smaller families can manage with a machine within the capacity range of 5 to 7 kg. The higher the capacity, the fewer cycles you need to run.

Spin Speed

The washer drum spins at a specific speed. And the spin speed refers to how fast the drum spins to extract water from clothes after washing. Higher spin speeds (for example, in the range of 1200 to 1600 RPM) will dry your clothes faster. So, higher spin speeds are great for humid places or for those who don’t have a dryer.

Price vs. Performance

Washing machine prices also play a significant role in deciding the best bet for you. While it’s tempting to stick to a budget option, you can’t discard performance and durability. Especially when you need to choose a washer for a large family with lots of laundry. 

For instance, a slightly expensive washer model can save you money in the long run. Also, the best washer for a large family will feature more convenient options.

Wash Programs and Extra Features

Don’t forget to consider the different wash programs available. Many washers now have specialised cycles and smart features for delicate yet tough-stain management. Additionally, look for a machine with low noise and vibration levels.

Choose the Right Washer for Your Family

No doubt, selecting a washer is a personal decision. Whatever your choice is, ensure that it should align with your family’s laundry needs and lifestyle. So, take time to consider all the above-mentioned factors and then invest wisely!

Note: Take longevity and performance into account while selecting the best washing machine. If your machine breaks, washing machine repair in Dubai can help. It may be wiser to buy a new machine if repairs are costly or it’s outdated. Considering your needs and budget, make an informed choice.