How to Buy a Washing Machine and Dryer

When buying a dryer and washing machine, the most critical features you have to think about nowadays are energy efficiency, and whether the appliance you buy suits your lifestyle and the space you have available. When we speak about lifestyle, we think about how often we actually use these appliances and what we use them for. In this case, what clothes or items we actually wash.

Now, when you want to use your washer and dryer often, a stainless-steel tub would be best. If you wash less frequently, you can get by pretty well with a porcelain-coated or plastic tub. If you don't have much space for a large washer, you can get a stacking washer/dryer machine. This comes in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Another important thing is that you must get a dryer that matches your washer's capacity.

Think about what you will use them for. If your wash includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, a washer with specialty cycles like delicate and extra soak, plus a second rinse, will be valuable. Multiple water-level settings will ensure the most efficient wash for loads of different sizes. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load. Automatic temperature regulators are a must in cold climates, so that water comes into the machine at a constant temperature, depending on the setting.

The two common types of washing machines are top-load models and front-load washers. Top-load washers allow you to access the wash tub without bending. These models must be set side-by-side with the dryer. Top-load models cost less, although it will prove to be less energy efficient in the long run.

The front-load machine is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. They only need around one-third to one-half the amount of water of a top loader, which means that much less heating. Clothes also come out needing less time in the dryer because the agitators spin a lot faster. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more costly at purchase; some require a special detergent.

When selecting a dryer, always remember that the capacity you choose should match that of your washer's. A washer with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, for instance, requires a 7-cubic-foot dryer capacity. If space is a problem, you might think about getting a stack washer-dryer model that can fit in a closet.

Dryers are powered by either electricity or gas, with gas being a bit more expensive to get but the most economical and efficient in the long run. By law, dryers must have at least one automatic-drying cycle, but the best dryers include moisture sensors, which automatically shut down the machine whenever the moisture level in the drum drops below a certain point. Other nice features include a cool-down cycle, which keeps the clothes wrinkle-free, and a damp-dry cycle that allows garments to be prepared for ironing.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.annashopping.com where you can get all kinds of household appliances, accessories, shoes, and everything else under the sun. Visit us for all your shopping needs.

- Azlan Irda