When you start doing your research before buying a washer and dryer, there are a few important things you need to consider. In this edition of the Laura Report we go through (1) what type of washer and dryer works best for you, (2) the available space in your home, (3) how much laundry do you have on a regular basis and (4) the features you want.
Decide on the Type
Top-Load Washing Machines
Top Load washers with agitators are faster and can cost less than top-loading washers without an agitator, otherwise known as HE (high-efficiency) washing machines. Most HE washers are gentler on fabrics, better at cleaning, use less water and have larger capacities. These machines spin faster, which removes more water and cuts dryer time, although the high spinning can tangle clothes. When shopping for these, do a test, reach into the machine and imagine yourself trying to grab that last sock stuck at the bottom, top-loaders can be very deep and some people have trouble reaching all the way to the bottom.
Front-Load Washing Machines
Front-Load washers are generally the more expensive option but the best front-loaders clean better and are gentler on clothes than the best HE top-loaders. Front-loaders can take longer to clean loads but they spin faster, extracting more water and trim your dryer time. The high-spin speed can cause some washing machines to vibrate – so be sure to look for a unit with anti-vibration technology. Also note that some front-load washing machines collect water around the rubber door gasket and can develop mold. You can prevent this by leaving the door open a crack after wash loads.
Electric vs. Gas Dryer
All dryers are front load, but there are electric and gas versions you have to pick from. Decades of testing reveal that electric and gas dryers perform similarly. A gas dryer requires a 120-volt outlet and a gas hookup where an electric dryer only requires a 240-volt outlet. Gas dryers can cost about $50-$150 more when purchased but will save you money in the long run on your energy bill as natural gas is typically less expensive to operate than electricity.
Available Space
It’s very important that you measure the space you have to work with. You want to allow for 6 inches behind the machines for hookups and venting. You will also need around 1 inch between the washer and dryer. Most washer and dryers are 27-inches wide, but increasing the capacity of your unit may mean your machine will be two or three inches wider.
If you’re planning to put your machines near bedrooms or a family room, consider looking for machines with quiet technology as well as anti-vibration technology, so they won’t disturb you or guests while spending time in these rooms.
Size Of Your Laundry Baskets
Not everybody needs a washer and dryer that will hold up to 24 full size bath towels. If you plan on washing lots of big, bulky items then look for a machine that will hold 17-24 full size towels. If you only need space for around 8-12 full size towels, or if there’s only a couple people in your household, look for machines with small capacities.
Features
The more features you have, the higher the price for a washer and dryer. The key is to choose a high-performing washer and dryer just under your budget, then upgrade to include the features that will be the most convenient for you.
Suggested Features
The Automatic Dispenser is designed to dispense detergent, bleach and fabric softener at the right time.
Automatic Temperature Controls let you adjust the water to the optimal temperature for the setting selected.
The Extra Rinse Cycle can help get rid of pet hair and other stubborn messes. The extra rinse also helps if your skin is sensitive to detergent residue.
Stainless Steel Tubs can withstand higher spin speeds, extract more water and cut drying times
The Moisture Sensor is a must! This will detect the laundry’s dampness and shut off the machine when clothes are dry. Great for saving energy and wont over dry your close.
Using the Auto-Dry Cycles will provide settings of more-dry or less-dry cycles.
The Extended Tumble setting reduces wrinkles by continuing to tumble your clothes even after they have dried.
Matching a washer and dryer pair is a popular choice, however some don’t make a great couple. Their coordinated style makes a statement, but you’ll question that statement when you have a terrific washer and a noisy dryer that’s tough on clothes. Here at Factory Builder Stores we have put together what we consider our Good, Better and Best in laundry unit pairs.
Good
Maytag Front Load Washer – MHW3500FW
This 27″ wide washer has 8 total wash cycles and 3 soil levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 4.5 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key feature is it’s delicate cycle setting.
Maytag Electric Dryer – MED3500FW
This 27″ wide dryer is ENERGY STAR qualified. There are 6 cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The large powder coated drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key features include PowerDry System, Evenly Dried, Wrinkle Prevent, Sanitize Cycle, and Rapid Dry.
Maytag Gas Dryer – MGD3500FW
This 27″ wide dryer has 6 dry cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. It’s large powder coated drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key features include PowerDry System, Evenly Dried, Wrinkle Prevent, Sanitize Cycle and Rapid Dry.
Better
Whirlpool Front Load Washer – WFW90HEFW
This 27″ wide front load washer has 11 wash cycles and 3 soil levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 4.5 cubic feet in capcity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key features are ColorLast Cycle, 12-Hour FanFresh Option, Precision Dispense, Presoak, Steam Clean and Adaptive Wash Technology.
Whirlpool Electric Dryer – WED90HEFW
This 27″ wide electric dryer has 9 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The large stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, EcoBoost, Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Whirlpool Gas Dryer – WGD90HEFW
This 27″ wide gas dryer has 9 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. The large stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, EcoBoost Option, Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Whirlpool Front Load Washer – WFW90HEFC
This 27″ wide front load washer has 11 wash cycles and 3 soil levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 4.5 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key features are ColorLast Cycle, 12-Hour FanFresh Option, Precision Dispense, Presoak, Steam Clean and Adaptive Wash Technology.
Whirlpool Electric Dryer – WED90HEFC
This 27″ Electric Dryer has 9 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The large stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key Features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, EcoBoost Option, Steam Refresh Cycle, and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Best
Whirlpool Front Load Washer – WFW92HEFW
This 27″ front load washer has 12 wash cycles and 4 soil levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 4.5 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key Features include Load & Go System, 12-Hour FanFresh Option, ColorLast Cycle, Precision Dispense, Presoak, Steam Clean Option, and Adaptive Wash Technology.
Whirlpool Electric Dryer – WED92HEFW
This 27″ electric dryer has 10 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The large stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key Features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, Sound-Dampening Technology, EcoBoost Option, Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Whirlpool Gas Dryer – WGD92HEFW
This 27″ gas dryer has 10 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key Features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, Sound-Dampening Technology, EcoBoost Options, Steam Refresh Cycle and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Whirlpool Front Load Washer – WFW92HEFC
This 27″ front load washer has 12 wash cycles and 4 soil levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 4.5 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key Features include Load & Go System, 12-Hour FanFresh Option, ColorLast Cycle, Precision Dispense, Presoak, Steam Clean Option, Adaptive Wash Technology and EcoBoost Option.
Whirlpool Electric Dryer – WED92HEFC
This 27″ electric dryer has 10 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The large stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Key Features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, Sound-Dampening Technology, EcoBoost Option, Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
Whirlpool Gas Dryer – WGD92HEFC
This 27″ gas dryer has 10 dryer cycles and 3 dryness levels to select from. The stainless steel drum is 7.4 cubic feet in capacity. Key Features include Advanced Moisture Sensing, Quad Baffles, Tap Touch Controls with Memory, Sound-Dampening Technology, EcoBoost Options, Steam Refresh Cycle and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option with Steam.
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