Washer
Types
Top Load Washer –
This washer is accessible as its name suggest, via the top. The tub fills with water and an agitator circulates the laundry. These can come in traditional or high-efficiency models and many are EnergyStar rated. You can find these with standard turn dials and two wash cycles or more advanced with touch screens and 11 or more wash cycles. However, it can be tough on clothes, especially delicates and knits. Typically seen as the best cleaning method because it rubs clothes together, getting out deep dirt and tough stains.
Dimensions: Width: 27”, Depth: 27”, Height: 43”
Average Capacity: 12 – 16lbs / 3 – 5 cubic feet
Front Load Washer –
These tend to have a larger wash capacity and have much of the newest washing technology like steam, sanitize and other advanced settings. They are more ergonomicmaking it easier to reach inside, they only fill partly with water and clean by lifting and dropping your wash load. They don’t have an agitator, which makes the wash easier on your clothes and they are mroe efficient because they use less H2O. These can be stackable with a dryer, giving you more space in your laundry room.
Average Dimensions: Width: 27”, Depth: up to 34”, Height: up to 42”
Average Capacity: 17 – 28lbs / 3 – 5.1 Cubic Feet
Compact Washer –
These have small capacities and are designed for those who have extreme space limitations. They can be stored away in a closet when not being used. Features are very limited on these washers.
Average Dimensions: Width: 24” or less, Depth: 22”, Height: 33”
Average Capacity: 8 – 12lbs / 2.5 – 3 cubic feet
Combo Washer & Dryer –
The washer dryer combo is an innovative space saver for the modern home. A singlecompact unit is capable of washing and drying clothing in the same chamber. Due totheir smaller size, these machines can be easily adapted to a variety of spaces.
Features
Different Cycles & Temperature Settings –
Cycles get very specific, you can pick from bulky, hand wash, wool, steam, second rinse and many others. These are great when your wash includes a lot of varieties and delicates. A couple popular cycles right now are sanitize and allergen. Sanitize is designed to get rid of, or reduce, the amount of microorganisms – such as germs and bacteria – on clothing. The allergen cycle is meant to reduce the allergens that can buildup on fabrics by raising the water temperature to 131 degrees for a limited period of time.
Water Levels –
Newer washers have sensors that can determine the size of your wash load and adjust their water output and usage accordingly. This enables themto be more energy efficient.
Automatic Dispenser –
This releases detergent, bleach and other cleaners into the washer at the optimal time in the wash cycle.
Steam Setting –
The steam setting will gently penetrate fabrics to remove dirt, odors, and wrinkles without damaging your clothes. Some homeowners find this a suitable alternative to the agitator in front- load washers.
Quiet Setting –
This helps keep the wash load balanced, which makes it operate quietly even at high speeds.
Pedestal or Bottom Drawers: This feature is an option for most front load washers. These provide extra storage space and increase unit height for a more ergonomical operating position.
Dryer
Types
Full-Sized Dryer –
These are the most practical types of dryers and are ideal for families. Average Dimensions: Wide: 27 – 30”, Height: 42” Average Capacity: 25+ lbs / 6 – 8 Cubit Feet
Compact Dryer –
These typically are 24” wide or less and are good for someone that has limited space available. You can stack some front-loading compact dryers with some compact washers. Average Dimensions: Wide: 24”, Height: 33” Average Capacity: 4 Cubit Feet
Electric vs. Gas –
It’s pretty standard for a dryer to use more energy then any other appliance in your home. However, there are differences between the way each type of dryer uses that energy and understanding those differences can change which dryer you want to buy.
• Electric: All dryers use electricity to power the central chamber of the dryer but electric dryers also use electricity to power the fan that blows the hot air through the machine. They require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and work best for someone that is looking for a simple, low maintenance dryer.
• Gas: These power the fan that blows hot air with natural gas or propane, a line is required in the laundry room. Gas power typically warms up faster and dries your clothes faster. These work best for someone that is looking to make a sound long-term appliance investment.
Note: Be sure to check which fuel hook up you have. Newer homes may offer both options, but most have one or the other.
Features
Moisture Sensor –
This device determines when your laundry is dry and will stop your machine at that time, preventing damage to clothes from over- dryingand saving electricity or gas.
Drum Rack –
Attaches inside the drum and allows clothes to dry without tumbling. This is ideal for heavy or bulky items such as tennis shoes.
Steam Setting –
Steam penetrates fabrics and eliminates odors and wrinkles by using hot steam from above and cooler stream from below. Quick refresh steam cycles tumble clothes to helprelease set in wrinkles.
Top Mounted Lint Filter –
This feature makes cleaning your lint tray easier and typically comes with a warning light.