Buying Washing Machines

Topics on this page

Choosing a Washing Machine

The following articles may be helpful in deciding which washing machine to buy, or which type (e.g. washer or washer dryer? Cheap or expensive? Which brand, which features).

Top loader or front loader?
Which is best, a top loader or a front loader?


Washer-dryer or separate?
Washer-dryer or separate washing machine and dryer?


Pros and cons
Pros and cons of a washer dryer vs a separate machine.


More expensive = better?
Is a more expensive washing machine a better one?


Best washing machine to buy
Which is the best washing machine to buy?


Washing machines to avoid
Brands and models we recommend steering clear of.


Coloured washing machines
Options for non-white washing machines.


Do I need a half load button?
Do I need a half load button on a washing machine?


Faster washes
Washing machines with faster wash cycles.


30 degree wash cycle
Washing machines with a 30 degree wash cycle.


95 degree hot wash
Washing machines with a 95 degree hot wash.


Hot water valve
I want a washing machine with a hot water valve.


Cold fill vs hot fill
Cold fill versus hot fill washing machines.


Cold fill washing machines
Why most modern washing machines are cold fill only.

Energy Labels and Economy

Information and frequently asked questions about energy labels and economy issues on new washing machines.

What do energy labels mean?
What do the energy labels on washing machines mean?


Are eco labels misleading?
Are eco labels on washing machines misleading?


Energy consumption kWh/Cycle
Understanding energy consumption figures on eco labels.


Lowest energy consumption
Choosing the lowest energy consumption washing machine.


Washing performance ratings
Washing performance ratings on eco labels.


Eco labels Part 4
Washing machine eco labels Part 4.

Sizes, Drum Capacity and Spin Speed

Articles about washing machine sizes, which will be very useful if you have a non-standard kitchen space. Washing machines do vary in size, depth and width, but not by much. Also looking at the pros and cons of different spin speeds and drum capacity.

Problems with sizes
Washing machines and associated problems with sizes.


Washing machine sizes comparison
Compare standard washing machine sizes and variations.


Depth specifications
Washing machine depth specifications explained.


Drum capacity differences
What’s the difference between drum sizes in washing machines?


Washing machine drum sizes
A guide to the range of washing machine drum sizes.


Washing machine spin speeds
A guide to spin speeds and what they mean in practice.


Spin speed efficiency
Spin speed efficiency explained.


Drum capacity vs spin efficiency
How does drum capacity affect spin efficiency?

Buying

Actually buying washing machines. Recommendations on where to buy from and where not to buy from.

Buying from a supermarket
Buying a washing machine from a supermarket.


Prices way too cheap?
Washing machine prices way too cheap – what’s going on?

Extended Warranties

When you buy a new washing machine you are very likely to be asked if you want to buy an extended warranty for it. In fact, some places are still pushing them very hard. Before buying you should really do some research into them, and make sure you understand exactly what they do and what they won’t do.

Should I buy an extended warranty?
Should I buy a washing machine extended warranty?


Miele warranty wash limits
Miele extended guarantees have a clause limiting amount of washing you can do.


Miele 5-year extended warranty
Should I take out a Miele extended warranty?

General

Not hitting the right temperature
Some new washing machines not delivering the right temperature.


Why don’t they last?
Why don’t most modern washing machines last very long?


How long should they last?
How long should a washing machine last?


Poor rinsing
Why can’t modern washing machines rinse properly?


Reconditioned washing machines
Are reconditioned washing machines any good?