A washing machine is a big investment for many households. To help in this decision, an appliance brand breaks down what needs to be considered when selecting a washing machine, whether a customer’s purchasing their first unit or upgrading to a new one.
Family size and washing habits
The size of the washing machine to get should depend on the number of people in the household. For homes with one or two people, a 5 kg washing machine could work. Families with three to four members can move up to 5-7 kg, while those with five people or more would be better off with a capacity of 8 kg or more.
The numbers refer to the weight of the laundry load that a washing machine can comfortably or efficiently clean. For perspective, 1 kg of laundry is equal to five shirts and a pair of jeans or two bath towels.
Be careful not to overload your washing machine as they will consume more water and electricity to clean clothes. Instead, consider doing smaller loads more frequently and opt for a machine that has an inverter motor for better energy washing efficiency.
Front load or twin tub
Another crucial factor to consider is which type of washing machine to get. Among the common types of washing machines are front load washing machines, which open at the front; and twin tubs, which have two tubs to wash clothes”•the one typically on the left is where clothes can wash, rinse, or soak while the one on the right is used to spin moisture out of clothes for less time drying on the line.
Take a closer look at their cleaning performance and other factors like water and energy efficiency.
Cleaning performance and operation
When it comes to cleaning performance, front load washing machines give clothes a more thorough clean and are gentler on clothes than twin tubs. Front load cleans clothes using a gentle tumbling action, using gravity to pick up clothes to lightly drop them in the water. This is different from twin tub models, which use pulsators to rotate clothes, allowing water and detergent to go through fabrics to remove dirt quickly but may result in tangling and early wear and tear. Given this factor, it’s better to rely on front load for washing delicate fabrics.
Using a twin tub is also more labor-intensive versus a front load washing machine”•given the former’s design of having one tub for washing and another to spin dry. Many twin tubs require users to manually fill it and drain it with water, usually by connecting it to a hose, while front load washing machines are connected to the water supply and draws water automatically.
Eco-friendly and energy-efficient
Both washing machines are water efficient. Front load washing machines use less water as they don’t need clothes to be fully submerged in water for effective washing. Meanwhile, twin tubs allow users to control water usage and recycle wash water, for re-use in another cycle or for watering the garden.
Front load washing machines are also energy-efficient as they use inverter technology in its motors, which consumes power depending on the load of the machine.
Size and space
Deciding on what machine to get also depends on the available space at home. Twin tub washing machine usually takes up more space compared with a front load washing machine, which works as a single unit as a compact washer dryer or a stackable separate washer and dryer. Those who have limited space thus benefit from front load washing machine better.
Cost
When it comes to price, twin tub washing machines are usually less expensive. But while front load washing machines may cost more upfront, it also gives clothes more quality clean with features that are specifically designed for different types of fabrics and are more energy and water efficient.
The Electrolux UltimateCare 300 Front load washing machine makes a case for better cleaning and caring for clothes. This washing machine comes with a Hive Drum design that provides high performance cleaning through its gentle tumbling action while reducing wear and tear of clothes.
It also boasts Time Efficient Wash Programmes”•a quick 20 wash cycle for everyday fabrics and a Daily 60 cycle for larger loads, as well as an Add Clothes function which lets users add forgotten clothes up to 15 minutes after the start of a wash cycle.
To achieve effortless elegance with less ironing, there’s Electrolux UltimateCare 500 washing machine, which comes with Vapour Care Technology that softens fabric while reducing wrinkles by 22 percent. The same technology also eradicates 99.9 percent of allergens and germs. It also comes with the Add Clothes function and inverter technology that provides maximum power with minimum energy consumption.