Washer Dryer
A Washer Dryer is an important appliance in most households, when buying a washer dryer you need to feel secure that you are purchasing a good quality, long lasting machine perfect for your needs. Follow this simple guide to help you purchase the perfect model for you.
Space
- Decide how much space you have in your kitchen for your washer dryer and where you would like it to go.
- Measure the area accurately – make sure you take all measurements including height, width and depth – make sure also that you will have enough room to open the door.
- You need to place your washer dryer somewhere near to the pipes it needs to be plumbed into.
Look
- You firstly need to decide whether you would like a top loading or front loading machine, the front loading machines are often more gentle on clothes and ears.
- You then need to decide if you would like a stand alone washer dryer or a machine that is integrated or partially integrated into your kitchen.
- If an integrated washer dryer will look better in your kitchen you can chose to have the washing machine hidden behind a cupboard door or panel completely or partial so that the control panel is still visible.
Capacity
- You need to consider how much space you will need in your machine in relation to how much you intend to wash.
- A large drum is excellent for washing bulky items such as duvets and also helps reduce creasing when a small load is washed in it.
- It has been estimated that a single person needs a drum which holds less than 4.4kg and a family of 3-4 need a drum which holds up to 6kg.
Storage and Features
- Spin – The higher the model’s spin, the faster the water is extracted from the clothes meaning that a faster spin equals a faster drying time.
- Special features include programme cycles you may feel you need:-
- Economy Wash – Is more economical using less water and less electricity.
- Silk Wash – A low temperature low spin wash which provides protection for delicate items.
- Light Load – Enables you to wash a half load made up of just a few items.
- Hand Wash – An extra gentle wash for those garments marked hand wash only.
- Uni directional – The basic dryer which dries clothes in one direction only.
- Reverse Action –Dries clothes in both directions and so prevents creases.
- Sensor Drying – Senses when clothes are dry and stops the machine automatically.
- Multi-programme – Protects garments which extra features such as crease guard and woollen, delicate settings.
Energy
- You will find that there is an energy efficiency labelling scheme on most appliances you buy including fridges.
- The energy scale ranges between A and G with A being the most efficient.
- An appliance marked A uses approximately half the energy of one marked G.
- It is said that you can save up to £50 a year buy switching to an appliance marked A.
Saving Money and Hidden Costs
Make sure you shop around before purchasing your washer dryer to ensure you get the best and most competitive price. Make sure too that you compare brands, many of the top brands including Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Bosch, Beko, and Zanussi have a wide range of washer dryers at varying costs.
Make sure you know about your warranty, whether it is included in the price of your washer dryer or whether you will be charged extra. You should also check how long it will last, what exactly it covers and whether you can renew it.
You also need to ask about delivery and installation costs as you will probably need to have your washer dryer plumbed in.