| When choosing a washing machine many people look | | | | and washing machine life expectancy is 2-8 years (2 |
| for the "cheapest" option assuming that all washing | | | | years being for lower priced machines, 8 for higher |
| machines are the same. After all, they just wash | | | | priced machines). Using this as a basis consider how |
| clothes don't they? Well, it's true that they all wash | | | | often your machine will be used and if you expect 4 |
| clothes; but how they wash them differs, how long | | | | washes a week reduce the life expectancy by half |
| the machine will last differs, and how much they cost | | | | etc. If you do four or more loads a week or |
| to run differs. We all want clean clothes but we don't | | | | particularly dirty or heavy loads you probably need to |
| all have the same needs from a washing machine. | | | | go for a more expensive machine or accept that it |
| There are literally hundreds of options available so | | | | will need replacing every few years. Quite often you |
| how do you choose? I have listed three questions | | | | will find that a more expensive machine will include a |
| that you need to consider and given my views as | | | | longer warranty, take this into account when looking |
| the answers to help you make your decision. At the | | | | at the price. A five year warranty could cost you |
| end of this article I have given a short summary to | | | | anywhere between £100 and £200 so |
| use when actually shopping for your new machine. | | | | deduct that from the price of the machines offering |
| Q1. Is the cheapest washing machine really the | | | | a free 5 year warranty when comparing, or add it to |
| cheapest? | | | | the cost of the cheaper machine and then take out |
| A1. The cheapest washing machines available | | | | a warranty separately. |
| generally have fewer features and are lower rated | | | | Q3. Is the look of the machine important? |
| than more expensive models. Ok, so most of us | | | | A3. It is surprising how many people buy washing |
| don't use all the features and programs anyway but | | | | machines based on what they look like. The look of a |
| if you make use of quick wash and half load | | | | washing machine is of little importance if it is in a |
| programs when necessary you will reduce your | | | | laundry room where it is rarely seen but it is |
| running costs and a cheaper machine might not have | | | | important if it is in the kitchen on constant display. If |
| these options available. The ratings on a washing | | | | you are going to have to look at it all the time buy |
| machine refer to water consumption, energy | | | | one that you do like the look of, but bare in mind |
| efficiency and drying efficiency. With more of us on | | | | that whether it works and saves you money is far |
| water meters and constant increases in electricity bills | | | | more important that how "pretty" it is. If you really |
| the benefit of a good rating on water and energy | | | | hate the look of a washing machine in your kitchen |
| consumption is obvious but what benefit is a good | | | | go for a fully integrated model that can be hidden |
| drying rating? Well, if you regularly use a tumble | | | | behind a false door to match your kitchen units, but |
| dryer you will find that a good drying rating and a | | | | this option will cost more with no benefits other than |
| high spin speed on your washing machine can reduce | | | | the cosmetic affect on your kitchen. |
| drying time by up to 30 minutes on a full load, thus | | | | Summary: |
| saving on running costs for your dryer. So in answer | | | | Choose a machine that has good ratings (Triple A or |
| to question 1, the cheapest machine to buy is | | | | A+AA) as this will save money on running costs (and |
| probably not the cheapest to run and the savings | | | | protects the environment which benefits us all). Buy a |
| you make initially will be used up in running costs for | | | | machine that can handle the amount and type of use |
| the life of the machine. | | | | you will put it to (use price as a guide to build quality |
| Q2. How do I know how much to spend? | | | | but always have a look at the specifications). Take |
| A2. Washing machines range from under £200 | | | | extended warranties into account when comparing |
| to over £1000 so knowing what is most | | | | prices. Decide if the look of the machine is important |
| suitable is very important. In answer 1 we covered | | | | and if it is dismiss all the models you don’t like |
| the basics about cheap machines, so why not look | | | | the look of. Finally ask the sales person their opinion |
| for the cheapest machine that still has the programs | | | | only after you have narrowed it down to a few |
| I most use and good ratings? Generally this is a good | | | | choices. The sales person can’t possibly know |
| point but there are a few other factors involved. If | | | | how often you will be using the machine and for |
| you live alone and use the washing machine perhaps | | | | what type of loads or whether you will like the look |
| once a week then do go for the cheapest with the | | | | of the machine so you need to narrow the |
| right programmes and best ratings, but if you are a | | | | possibilities down first. The sales person will be able |
| family of 5 and all play rugby three times a week the | | | | to discuss the differences between 2 or 3 machines |
| machine is probably going to get a lot more use. The | | | | and give you some advice on whether the machine |
| life expectancy of a washing machine is calculated on | | | | really is suitable for you, even when shopping online |
| amount of use and purchase price, therefore if you | | | | don’t be afraid to email the retailer with your |
| use the machine a lot you will probably get a longer | | | | final selections and your expected usage and ask |
| life from one that cost a bit more. As a guide normal | | | | their advice. |
| use is usually based on two full loads a week one on | | | | Finally, shop around. |
| a hot temperature and one on a warm temperature, | | | | |