Washing Machine
So do you think that all washing machines are pretty much the same? If you do you might just be in for a surprise!
Best Selling Washing Machines
You might well have noticed that there are lots of washing machines out there priced at very different amounts. There are many different reasons for this, as you will discover when you read more about them below.
So let’s have a basic introduction to the world of washing machines now, so you can be better qualified to pick the right one for you when you actually go out and buy one.
Choosing the right style for your needs
So there is more than one style of washing machine is there? Well yes there is, and finding out about all of them is the best way to choosing the one you want.
Think about how often you do your washing, how many loads you do at a time, and also how much room you have. You need to think about where you are going to put your washing machine as well. Some people have them in their kitchen, while others have more room and decide to situate them in their laundry or utility room instead.
Whatever type you choose, measure the place you want to put it in and remember to allow for the workings behind it as well. It will need to be plumbed in, so bear this in mind too.
Top loading
This is a washing machine that opens at the top, as the name would suggest. You open the lid and pop all your washing in. Once it is closed you can set it to begin its programme and then you leave it to get on with things. Some of these have a central ‘pole’ inside the machine, while some other styles of top loading machines do not.
A top loading machine obviously cannot go underneath a worktop for obvious reasons. This makes them more suited to utility rooms rather than kitchens. If the only choice is to put it under a worktop you will soon become bored with dragging it out to use it all the time. You may also damage the machine – or yourself! – over time.
Front loading
This is the type of washing machine that is most commonly seen in many UK kitchens today. It is nice and easy to slot underneath a kitchen worktop, and so it appeals to lots of people who do not have a separate utility room for this need.
You can also quite easily put a basket by the side of the machine to unload it. It is easier to do in general than reaching into a top loading machine to get out all the clothes.
They are also available in a number of colours, although white and silver coloured ones are the most popular.
Integrated washing machines
These are perfect if you want your washing machine in the kitchen but you don’t want to actually see it!
You cannot integrate any old washing machine; you have to buy one that is intended for this purpose. It comes with a normal washing machine door, but the proper kitchen door must be bought by you to match up with your existing kitchen. This can be easier to do if you are buying a new washing machine and renewing your kitchen at the same time.
You simply plumb in the washing machine, fit the door and put it into place. You can have the door closed when the washing machine is in use as well, so you won’t actually see it until you open that door.
Think about your budget
You could buy a very cheap washing machine if you wanted to, but you will notice that there are a lot of other more expensive ones available to buy as well. In order to make the right purchase you will have to consider what you want to get from it in terms of functions and abilities.
If you only want something very simple then you can get one quite cheaply. But the more advanced features you want – such as fuzzy logic for example, which you can read more about in our Buyer’s Guide to Washing Machines – the more you will pay.
Integrated washing machines are also going to be more expensive. You also need to add the cost of the door on here, although this probably won’t be too expensive unless you have bought a solid wood kitchen or something similar.
Think about where you are going to buy your washing machine from
Lots of high street stores and those on larger retail parks stock washing machines that can be delivered to your home. But you can also buy them online from a variety of different websites. Many of the high street retailers will have their own online stores, so you can expect to find many of the same washing machines to view online too.
They sometimes offer special internet only deals to save you money, so watch out for those. Another option is to try buying your washing machine from an internet only store. You won’t find these in the high street, but they can offer lower prices for you if you want them.
What can this website offer me?
Apart from the Buyer’s Guide which goes into greater detail about the washing machines, you can also read about all the major manufacturers. Brands such as Bosch, Hoover, Beko, SMEG, Whirlpool, Zanussi, LG and many more are included here.
And the Shop Now section contains all the major suppliers of washing machines online today. You can shop without the queues at places such as Currys, Argos, John Lewis, Amazon, Electric Shop, Comet and Dixons – not to mention many more besides.
In conclusion
If you need a new washing machine you couldn’t have come to a better place. We have everything you need to understand what will work best for you. So get started now and you could soon be the proud owner of a washing machine that delivers nice clean washing every time.