With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide what washing machine you should get for your home. That said, you can definitely find one that offers the best value for money if you do your research. Don’t know where to begin? Read on to get a better idea of what you should look for when buying a new washing machine.
What to Prepare Before Purchasing a Washing Machine
Determine Your Budget
Before anything else, you need to decide exactly how much you can spend on a new washing machine. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting the latest and greatest features, you also don’t want to spend beyond your means when a basic model could do the trick. This can help you narrow down your options, saving you a lot of time and energy.
Installation Considerations
After finalizing your budget, the next step is to determine where you’ll be placing the washing machine. Generally speaking, you’ll want to pick a spot with an easily accessible electrical outlet. The location will also make it easy to connect the unit to your plumbing system. To be safe, it’s best to consult with a plumber and an electrician regarding where to position your washing machine. That way, they can immediately identify any potential issues and make any necessary changes to accommodate the appliance.
Measure the Space
Once you’ve decided where to place the unit, you’ll need to figure out how much available space you have for it. To do this, use a tape measure to determine the height, width, and depth of the area. You’ll also want to note how much room you need when opening your washing machine door to keep it from bumping into other parts of the room.
Check the Clearance
When you’re done measuring the space, you’ll also need to ensure that you have enough clearance to comfortably bring the washing machine into your home. So carefully measure the width and height of all your entryways, doorways, hallways, and stairways as well. You’ll also want to take note of any corners and light fixtures, railings, or other potential obstructions along the way. The last thing you’d want is to bring home your new washing machine only to find out that it can’t even fit through your front door!
Types of Washing Machines You Can Choose From
Fully Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic
As the name implies, a fully automatic washing machine does all of the work for you. With just the press of a button, this appliance will wash, dry, and rinse your clothes in the same tub. On the other hand, semi-automatic machines still require a bit of manual labor, such as filling the tub with water or moving clothes from the washer tub to the dryer tub.
Front-Loader vs Top-Loader
Front-loading washing machines feature a door on the front of the unit that opens to the side. The horizontal orientation of the tub causes the clothes to tumble up and down, resulting in a motion that is similar to hand washing. Hence, these models cost much less wear and tear on your clothes. However, front-load models do require users to bend or squat down to load and unload their laundry, unless the appliance is raised to waist-height using support boxes.
On the other hand, top-loading models have a large door on top that can be raised and kept in a near-vertical position. Because of their waist-height opening, they are typically easier to load for most users as there is no need to bend or squat down as much. However, those with shorter heights may find it difficult to unload their laundry, as they’ll have to reach into the bottom of the tub to retrieve their clothes.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Washing Machine
Price
Depending on the brand and type, washing machines can vary wildly in terms of price. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should immediately go for the cheapest option on the market. While rock-bottom prices may be tempting, they may be indicative of a low-quality product. Instead, try to find a unit that provides a balance between affordability and practicality.
Warranty
While most washing machines are built to last, sometimes a critical component may break due to circumstances beyond your control. Hence, it’s best to look for a brand and model that comes with a solid warranty to cover any repairs and replacements down the line. You’ll also want to check if the manufacturer has any service centers in your area. That way, it won’t be too much of a hassle for you to bring it over for a check-up.
These are some considerations to keep in mind when buying a new washing machine. All this information may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but understanding these factors can go a long way towards ensuring you find the best model for your needs. We wish you the best of luck with your search!
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