The most suitable washer for one family might not be the best choice for another family. Before making a decision, you must carefully analyse the capability and size of the washer of your choice. Consider purchasing a washer and dryer combo if you want to do your laundry.
It makes sense to take your time when selecting the best washer and dryer set—one that is made to last, has impressive technological breakthroughs, and effectively washes and dries your clothes without costing you the world. The buying guide for washing machines below will support your decision to purchase one for your home.
all about: how to clean washing machine
What dryer size do I need?
Some appliances have a washing and dryer built right in. They are helpful and buying them together is more efficient.
Get a small dryer if there are just two of you, and you only do tiny, irregular loads of laundry. Choose a medium dryer for houses with 3–4 people and typical medium-sized loads of laundry. Get a large dryer if you have a family of five or more and frequently do vast loads of laundry.
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How to pick the best washing machine?
It is essential to begin your journey by determining how much room the washer and dryer would require. Ensure adequate height, width, and depth to accommodate your model of choice. It might be challenging to select the ideal washing machine because they come in various designs, including fully automatic, semi-automatic, front load, and top gear. Moreover, you can also select from multiple sizes and capacities. Therefore, picking the option that best matches your family’s needs is crucial.
Dimensions: You can check the measurements to ensure your washing machine will fit. The dimensions of the majority of washing machines are standard sizes. Due to the components that protrude from the front and back, the depth varies depending on the model. Each washing machine’s product page will list its precise measurements.
Height of a washing machine: An average front-loading washing machine’s height is 85 cm. A top-loading model’s standard height is 90 cm. It indicates an average height difference of 5 cm between front-loading and top-loading models. If you want to put the washing machine in a laundry room at home, measure the height you need.
Width of a washing machine: The typical width of front-loading washing machines is 60 cm. Models that load from the top are much narrower, with a standard width of 40 cm. Thus, not only can you fit less clothing in the drum of the washing machine, but it also takes up much less room. A top-loading machine can hold up to 7kg in weight. That will wash the clothes for one or two people. A front-loading type is best if you have an enormous household and extra room. With these, you can pick between various models with more space.
Depth of a washing machine: When purchasing a washing machine, pay particular attention to the depth. A top-loading machine’s standard depth is 60 cm. The depth of a front-loading model is 5 to 10 cm. The door and other protruding elements at the front and back are to prosecute for this. As a result, there is a 60–70 cm difference in depth. When putting the washing machine in a cabinet or nook, keep this in mind. Remember that you also need space to open the drum door. Every model’s product page lists the dimensions, including protrusions.
Path of installation:
- Decide on the optimal opening to the intended installation area after measuring the dimensions.
- Measure the width of your doors and passageways to ensure the washer and dryer fit in the space.
- Please start at the front of your house to make sure you get enough room to get it in.
Budget: The cost of the machine increases with its size. It may be larger, typically have more features, and are more effective. A small or medium washer might be the best option for you now if you are on a tight budget.
Energy efficiency: Larger washers require more water and electricity throughout each cycle. A smaller appliance will be more energy efficient if you fill it up only some of the time. However, it is more energy-efficient per pound of washing if you fill the tub each cycle. At that point, we advise choosing a giant machine.
Washing machine types
Small and portable washing machine
Compact and portable washing machines might be the best kind of washer if the room is small. Depending on your desire, you can typically find a compact alternative among many washer kinds, such as top and front load, stacking, stacked laundry centres, or all-in-one.
The smallest option, portable washing machines, are often made to be kept in a closet or other location until needed; however, you can fix some permanently. They usually have a drain hose that you may place inside a tub or sink and an inlet hose that connects to kitchen or bathroom faucets. For minimal locations, portable washers can have a 0.9 cubic foot capacity; however, capabilities vary greatly.
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Stacked-load washers
The “standard” washer type is often a top-loading washer. The centre rod or device, known as the agitator, stirs the clothing and increases cleaning efficiency. However, that authority comes with a cost. Top-load washers with agitators frequently have a reduced load-bearing capacity. Due to the speed of the agitator, they use more fresh water and are less gentle on materials.
However, top-load washing machines typically cost less and have quicker wash cycles than other models. Top load washers with agitators generally function at varying levels, but they usually deliver cleaning outcomes that are simply passable rather than genuinely spectacular.
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Small-capacity washers
If you have a smaller household with less laundry production or are working with a limited amount of space, a tiny washing machine of 1.5 to 3.4 cubic feet can be what you need. More and more creative washers and dryers, such as all-in-one washers that wash and dry in one device, are being made for tiny areas.
Portable washers offer flexible installation for apartment living, and stacked laundry centres are another popular choice for small spaces because they frequently fit neatly into a closet.
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Medium-sized washers
A more common size for medium washers is 4.5 cubic feet in capacity. They can wash loads of clothes that weigh 6 to 8 kgs or about 11 full-size bath towels. It would be a safe choice for a four-person family. The top load and front load styles of medium washers are available, as well as a range of price points.
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Side-by-side washer and dryer
You will require an area roughly 56 inches wide for ordinary side-by-side washers and dryers. Front-loading machines need a four-foot clearance in front of them so you can load and empty your laundry comfortably. Consider leaving at least two feet of space above top-loading machines to allow for simple lid opening and closing.
Standard dryers often have a capacity of five to seven cubic feet., while traditional washers typically have a total of three to five cubic feet. Furthermore, top-loading washers may have a capacity of more than five cubic feet, whereas front-loading washers have a minor ability and often peak at five cubic feet.
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Large-capacity washer and dryer
A king-size comforter and sheets can be washed in one load using a large capacity washer, which usually has a capacity of more than five cubic feet. A high-capacity washer is typically one that has 4.5 cubic feet or more ability and may occasionally be broader or taller than a conventional washer.
A large-capacity dryer typically has seven to nine cubic feet to dry 15 to 20 towels in one cycle. Consider this when measuring the available square footage before picking a model because high-capacity washers could be broader than the typical 27 inches.
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Comforter washers
You can wash your king-size comforter in any machine advertised to have a capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet rather than carrying it to the laundromat. For optimal agitation and rinsing, it is advisable to wash it by itself. A second rinse session might be helpful for these bulky objects.
As with any sensitive fabric, there are a few things to remember to prevent your down comforter from becoming harmed. To maintain your comforters, use machines that are the right size, delicate cycles, cool temperatures, and gentle detergents. As they dry, clothes enlarge and require more room to move around.
Along the walk to the laundry room, measure the doorways and corridors in your house to ensure the new machine will fit.
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Types of washing machines dimensions:
When deciding the type of washing machine for your home, one must consider its dimensions, that is, the height, width, and depth.
Height
A front loading washing machine has a standard height of 85 cm while that of a top loading is 90 cm.
Width
The width of a front loading washing machines is 60 cm and that of a top loading models is 40 cm. Go for a front loading model if you have a larger household.
Depth
A top-loading machine has a standard depth of 60 cm while a front-loading model is deeper by 5 to 10 cm owing to the door and protruding parts at the front and back. Hence, the depth differs between 60 and 70 cm.
Compact washing machines for small spaces
Not every house can accommodate bulky and large washing machines. People nowadays prefer portable and compact washing machines that are suited for small apartments in India. There are mini washing machines, with sizes smaller than regular washing machines. However, these are efficient and do not even require constant water supply. Another advantage is that mini washing machines affordable and consume less power.
Top-loading washers for ease of use
Manual washing machines and fully automatic washing machines are available in top load design. In such a design, the machine is loaded with clothes from the top, benefiting people who do not want to bend down to load the clothes inside the machine. A fully automatic top load washing machines uses less space and suited for compact homes.
Front-loading washers for energy efficiency
A front load washing machine is a fully automatic washing machine and has to be loaded from its front side. This design is widely popular has the machine consumes less water and energy. Moreover, the effectiveness and laundry results are better compared to top loading machines.
Standard-sized washers for families
The numbers of members in your family and estimated laundry loads must be considered when deciding on the washing machine size. Go for a smaller machine if you are living alone or have a small family. A washing machine having a capacity of 6 to 7 kg is ideal for a family of four members. However, a large-sized washing machine is recommended for a big family of more than four or five members.
Space-saving washers for apartment living
Top load fully automatic washing machines are usually narrower than a front loading machine in the same design, making them perfect for smaller apartments. These machines come with several other advantages such as shorter wash cycles and less cost.
FAQs
How can I determine the load size of my washer?
In general, a halfway full machine indicates a medium load. It can hold up to three-quarters of the way; anything over that is enormous.
How do we gauge a washing machine's capacity?
The general rule is that the weight of dry clothing is always used to determine a washing machine's capacity.
How much can the washing machine accommodate for five people's clothes?
6 or 6.5 kg of washer capacity is sufficient for five people.
How much room is required for a washer's back?
You typically need at least 15 cm of space behind your washing machine for hookups and venting.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
