Buy the right washing machine and you will have it for years. But how do you know if it’s right? Here we take you through some of the main considerations when looking for a new washer, including the pros and cons of different types of models and the best settings and features to look out for. Top load washing machines Top-loading washing machines have an upright drum with an agitator in the middle, which rotates and moves the clothes around with it. Top loaders are generally cheaper than front loaders, however this gap is reducing as front load machines become more popular. With a greater load capacity thanks to the upright drum, top loaders can usually handle larger loads of washing and wash them in a smaller amount of time. The wash cycle can be interrupted midway through for when items need to be added or removed. If you have a sore back or knees, then a top loader may be a good option, as you don’t have the hassle of bending down to access the machine that you do encounter with front loaders. Some models have an impeller instead of an agitator. An impeller sits at the base of the drum and rotates to create turbulence in the water. Impellers take up less space than agitators, but they can tangle clothes more. Top loaders are available in a range of sizes, from 3kg to 10kg. Remember that, for washing machines, size refers to the maximum amount of dry washing the machine’s drum can fit. Front load washing machines Instead of an agitator taking up space in the middle, front-loading washing machines have a horizontal drum which itself rotates in order to wash, rinse and spin clothes. Agitators, like those found in top loaders, can be rough on laundry and cause it to tangle, so in this respect front loaders can be better for prolonging the life of your clothes. If space is a concern, consider that a front-loading washing machine can be placed under a bench, or have a dryer stacked on top of it. Generally, the wash cycle can’t be interrupted on a front loader, however some newer machines now allow you to interrupt a cycle. Front loaders are manufactured in sizes ranging from 5kg to 10kg. Top load or front load? Traditional washing machines, top loaders, tend to be cheaper than front loaders. But one downside of top load washing machines is that they use an agitator to create the wash action, which can actually damage clothes. However, many newer top loader models have a different cleaning mechanism, an impeller, which is gentler on laundry. Front loading washing machines tend to use less water and energy than top loaders. Top loaders can be easier to load and unload because you do not need to bend down, while front loaders can be a good option for smaller laundries where the machine needs to sit under a bench or have a dryer stacked above it. The right choice depends on your laundry space, budget, washing habits and how often you do larger loads. Twin tub washing machines A washing machine with two tubs? Yes, such a thing exists. In a twin tub washing machine, one tub washes and rinses the clothes. Once that’s done, you take the laundry out and put it into the second tub, which does the spinning. This means you can wash separate loads of dirty clothes, such as darks and whites or delicates and cotton, in around half the time. Because of the twin tub’s manual set-up, you can easily tweak the length of both the washing and spinning cycles, and this can help you save energy. Twin tub washing machines range from 6kg to 14kg. Washer dryer combos If saving space is a top priority, a washer dryer combo is a great 2-in-1 option that can wash and/or dry laundry. This type of machine allows you to do your washing and drying in one go, with minimal effort. Typically, the dryers in these units work similar to condenser dryers. However, instead of using cold air, they use cold water to condense moisture as it evaporates from the wet clothes. This means condenser dryers use more water and energy than conventional dryers. Washer dryer combos can range in size from 6kg to 15kg. However, it’s important to note that a combo unit will have different capacities for washing and drying, because the dryer requires a smaller load to allow room for air circulation. For example, a unit may have a capacity of 7.5kg for washing and only 4kg for drying. Settings and features Sometimes it’s a washing machine’s features that really set it apart from other models. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, different features will appeal to you more. If you find it hard to make time for washing, a delayed end feature is convenient because it allows you to run the washing machine overnight or while you’re at work. Busy people may also like a quick wash function that runs a cycle in as little as 15 to 40 minutes. A family with young children might look out for a pre-wash cycle that soaks heavily soiled items before washing them. Depending on your wardrobe, delicate, wool and hand wash settings can be extremely useful and could save you trips to the dry cleaner. What to consider before buying a washing machine Before choosing a washing machine, think about how much laundry your household does each week, the space available in your laundry and which features will make washing easier. Consider: Whether a top loader or front loader suits your space The washing capacity you need How often you wash bulky items Whether water and energy efficiency are important Whether you need quick wash, delayed end or pre-wash settings Whether you want delicate, wool or hand wash programs If a washer dryer combo would help save space How easy the machine is to load, unload and access Taking the time to compare these features can help you choose a washing machine that suits your household and laundry routine. FAQS How do I disconnect and move my washing machine? To disconnect and move a washing machine, turn off the hot and cold water valves, run a short warm wash and spin cycle to help drain remaining water, then switch off and unplug the machine. Detach the inlet hoses and drain hose carefully, using a bucket or tray to catch leftover water. Washing machines are heavy, so use an appliance dolly and have a second person assist. Keep the machine upright where possible, protect it from bumps during the move, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when reconnecting it. What size washing machine do I need? The right washing machine size depends on your household and how much laundry you usually wash. Smaller households may only need a lower capacity machine, while families or households that regularly wash towels, bedding and larger loads may prefer a larger capacity model. Remember that washing machine capacity refers to the maximum amount of dry washing the drum can fit. Is a front loader or top loader better? Both front loaders and top loaders have benefits. Top loaders are often easier to load and unload, and can be useful if you prefer not to bend down. Front loaders can be a good option for smaller laundries, as they can often fit under a bench or have a dryer stacked above them. The best choice depends on your laundry space, budget, washing habits and preferred features. What washing machine features are worth looking for? Useful washing machine features can include quick wash for smaller loads, delayed end for flexible timing, pre-wash for heavily soiled items, and delicate, wool or hand wash settings for more specific fabric care. The best features for you will depend on your routine, wardrobe and household needs. Finding the right washing machine From top loaders and front loaders to twin tubs and washer dryer combos, choosing the right washing machine comes down to your laundry space, washing habits and the features that matter most to your household. If you wash large loads often, capacity may be your biggest priority. If space is limited, a front loader or washer dryer combo may be worth considering. If you want faster everyday washing, features like quick wash and delayed end can help make laundry easier to manage. Betta stocks a range of washing machines from trusted appliance brands and manufacturers, with options to suit different homes, family sizes and budgets. By comparing the available types, capacities and features, you can choose a washing machine that helps make laundry day simpler.
