Examining types, features, reviews and prices can help you rate and compare washing machines.
Silver, red, brown, gray--shoppers are no longer limited to the traditional white color that used to be the mainstay of washing machines. But selecting a new washer involves much more than choosing a color. Examining several aspects of these appliances can help you navigate the more than 150 models on the market to find the best for your needs.
Instructions
1. Examine types. Regular top-loading machines fill with water and use an agitator to launder clothes. Front-loading and high-efficiency top-loading machines only fill partially and tumble clothes without an agitator. Consumer Reports magazine says high-efficiency top-loading washers tend to clean more thoroughly than traditional top loaders. "The best front-loaders clean better and more efficiently than the best high-efficiency top-loader," the publication says.
2. Check capacities. The amount of laundry washers can hold varies widely. Small models sold by major retailers may hold as little as 2.3 cubic feet or as much as 5.2 cubic feet. Consider the size of your household when determining which size will meet your needs.
3. Find features. Consumer Reports says worthwhile features for consumers to consider include automatic dispensers and temperature control, dial controls and a time-delay setting. The publication says choosing a model with a stainless-steel or plastic tub can help you avoid chips that lead to rust. Regarding steam technology, the publication states: "The steam models we tested did clean stains better, but they cleaned well even when we didn't use the steam."
4. Note energy use. Bright yellow Energy Star labels on the showroom floor show you how much energy the appliance is expected to consume in a 12-month period. You can also find Energy Star ratings on appliance retailers' websites. Use these labels to compare models' operating costs.
5. Read reviews. Subscribe to the Consumer Reports website for access to its independent reviews of washing machines made by a variety of manufacturers. Retailers who sell these appliances also post customer reviews on their websites.
6. Price it. Washing machines sold by major retailers ranged in price from $270 to $2,000 in fall 2010.
Top-loading, regular models had the lowest starting prices.
7. Rank them. Combining the steps above can help you rank washing machines according to your criteria. Determine which type you want and how big it needs to be. Determine which features are "must-haves" and what your budget is. Then read reviews of the top contenders on your list to make an informed choice.
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