How to choose a washing machine

Washing machines are becoming quicker, quieter, gentler, more energy-efficient, smarter, even more health-conscious. So what do you buy, particularly when it's an investment that's expected to last you several good years? Three key considerations will influence your purchase decision: The space you have, your washing requirements, and your budget.

The space you have

Washer/dryer or washing machine? This is a question that affects most Asians living in land-starved dwellings. If you want the convenience of a washer and dryer but are short of space, a washer/dryer combo is a great space-saver. But there are drawbacks. This option is not ideal for large families because the dryer's capacity is typically half that of the washer's. This not only means having to dry your load twice, it can result in a drawn-out laundry day and greater cost overall to the household budget. Because this is a 2-in-1, you can't simultaneously wash and dry. So consider a washer/dryer combo only if you're single or a couple, and if the dryer is intended only as a backup for rainy days.

Your washing requirements

Know your capacity:
The load capacity is specified as the dry weight of clothes, e.g. 8kg, 10kg, 12kg. It depends on what you wash, the number of people you have in your household and the frequency of your washes. If you're often washing bulky items like comforters and bedsheets, figure on about 7-8.9kg maximum load for large-capacity machines, and 10kg or more for extra-large and super-large ones. Take note that front-loading drums do not completely fill with water, thus the specified drum capacity may be considerably more than the volume to be occupied by the actual load. Nor do you want an overloaded machine which will not clean clothes well. Kelkoo offers a useful guide.

Front vs. top loader:
This is probably one of the first questions the salesperson will ask you. Do you want a top loader where clothes are placed into the top of the washer and a lid closed over the top? Or do you a front loader where the door is on the front? If space is a constraint, a front loader lets you stack machines on top of each other. But if it's for someone elderly to use, a top loader is easier to access. Below are some general attributes of the two types of machines.

	Front loader Lower ongoing costs than top loader Generally more water efficient Generally more energy efficient Uses less detergent Gentler on clothes as it uses a drum rather than an agitator Can't add an item once cycle has started Slower wash cycle, although some models have a quick setting Some models may specify a certain type of detergent
	Top loader Ability to throw clothes in midway through wash More suited for older folks who don't have to bend Requires more water to fill drum Shorter wash cycle Less energy efficient than front loader Uses more detergent Greater loading capacity Not suited for stacking

Other features:
Factor the following into your buying decision.

• Spin speed: This can affect drying time as well as wear-and-tear of your clothes. The faster the spin, the more your clothes will crease. So before you go for a top spin machine, consider this. For everyday clothes, a 1,100-1,200rpm spin speed should achieve a good balance of drying the clothes while putting less stress on both them and your machine.
• Noise level: Washing machines do vibrate, and when they start to spin fast, they can rattle. Some manufacturers specify the expected noise levels in decibels (db), usually under laboratory settings. If not, ask around friends for feedback on the volume of their brand of washing machine.
• Controls: This is a matter of user preference. Older and cheaper machines feature physical knobs, while more modern ones will likely have digital buttons and displays.
• Filter: If you're getting a top loader, ensure it comes with a lint filter as the agitator in the drum tends to strip lint away.
• Programs: Various models offer various programming. If you tend to wash a certain type of clothing, buy a washer that has programs to suit, such as delicate linen and anti-wrinkle. Or if you're in a rush, look for one that offers a short wash cycle. Top-end units offer fuzzy logic, a kind of artificial intelligence. Some deliver a one-touch autosensor which automatically senses the load and type of clothing, and controls the washing process, water intake, water temperature and wash cycle.
• Anti-bacterial wash: With concerns spreading over the bird flu scare and SARS, some manufacturers are capitalizing on this by offering washing machines with anti-bacterial technology that purports to kill 99 percent of bacteria in the wash load. Some brands even claim to coat the clothes with antibacterial protection lasting up to a month.

Your budget

It goes without saying that the more features you get, the more expensive the machine is likely to be. Brands also vary in price. Then there is the aftersales service to consider. If your washing machine has lots of complicated programming and electronic parts, this might be expensive to repair once past the warranty period. Another consideration is the amount of water and power used by the washing machine, in light of water and utility bills going up. So check for energy-efficient labels as well as economy wash programs.

More recently, another form of washing has emerged that doesn't use any water. While it's hard to imagine washing clothes without H2O, this eco-friendly process basically utilizes negative ions and compressed air to clean clothes, while removing odors and microbes and prolonging the lifespan of your clothes. While there may be a premium to pay, the bonus is savings in detergent, water and drying time.