Washing Machine & Washer Dryer Buyer's Guide

Cheap Washer Dryers

1. Indesit WIDL 102
   From £230 - £321
2. Indesit WIDL 126
   From £240 - £379
3. Hotpoint BWD129
   From £330 - £489

Do you also need a tumble dryer? Washer dryers bring together washing and drying functions in the same machine, convenient if you are looking to save space. Their reputation of being a more fragile or less reliable machine is largely untrue. The drying washing machines offer an impressive number of options (automatic programming, delayed start, easy ironing, delicate linen cycle). They are therefore more expensive than the simple models but their price (around £450) only slightly exceeds that of two separate washing machine and a tumble dryer purchases.

Front Loading Washing Machine

1. Whirlpool AWO/D 4505
   From £170 - £238
2. Hotpoint WD860
   From £320 - £549
3. Hotpoint BWM129
   From £320 - £600

Top Loading Washing Machine

1. Whirlpool LSQ 8033
   From £380 - £520
2. Hotpoint WT400
   From £318 - £450
3. Hoover HNT 5146
   From £299 - £399

Front or top loading? This is one of the first distinctions which you will have to make in order to purchase your machine. Ask yourself two questions: What are my constraints of space and fitting? How much am I washing?

Washing machine with frontal opening (with port-hole):
The models of Front-load washing machine are wider but less deep than the models with an opening on the top. These freestanding or integrated washing machines were designed to be integrated easily under a work surface in your kitchen for example, or to even become the work surface itself. They have also been designed to accommodate a separate tumble dryer on top. Another significant point is the potentially greater loading capacity. A port-hole washing machine can handle, up to 9 kg of linen depending on the model.

Top loading washing machine:
These freestanding washing machines benefit from an indisputable asset: they are much easier to store. Much tighter than their competitors, they offer space saving. The access to the drum is easier than on the washing machines with a port-hole. Their technical design, their loading capacity is usually less than 5 kg.

You should also consider the loading capacity required before making your purchase. A single person or a young couple does not have the same needs as a large family. For this reason the manufacturers produce models with a variety of different drum sizes. To make the right choice take a look at this table:

Choosing a washing machine with a greater capacity will enable you to wash more in a load which might be more economical.

The spinning:
The more effective the spinning is, the more quickly your washing will dry. The higher the speed the model offers, the more efficient the spinning is. If you already have a tumble dryer, a washing machine with a drying speed less than 1100 rpm (revolutions per minute) can be appropriate. If not choose one with a drying speed of at least 1200 rpm.

Another point to take into account is the type of spinning:

Variable drying:
Variable drying enables you to alter speed of the drum as you wish. You choose the appropriate spinning level to suit your needs and the material being washed. This function is primarily intended to protect delicate materials, which could be damaged by drying too fast.

Eurolabel classification:
In order to compare the performances of the various models, we use the Eurolabel, an alphabetical classification going from "A" to "G" (see table below). This classification instituted by the European Union which makes it possible to evaluate the quality of your washing machine.

The Classification above is established according to 3 criteria:

• The energy consumption
• The washing quality
• The drying quality

The programs:
The various washing machine brands and models, offer several different programming , of which the most useful are the following:

• Automatic program, calculating the water needed and the duration of washing according to your washing loading.
• Delayed start in order to benefit from off-peak hours.
• Program for delicate linen, in order to avoid very nasty surprises.
• Short wash cycle, economic and ideal for little worn clothing.
• Anti-wrinkle program to minimise tiresome ironing!