Washing Machine Buying Guide 2021: A quick and easy guide for you!

My.Priceshop.com Washing Machine Buying Guide

Washing machines are the most commonly used large household appliance in every family. A good washing machine will help you save time and money while keeping you safe from bacterias and viruses.

We’ve prepared a comprehensive washing machine buying guide to help you choose one that best fits your needs! 

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Types of Washing Machines and features

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1. Top-Loading washing machines

The door of the top-loading washing machine is placed on the top of the machine as it is relatively convenient since you don’t have to bend over to load and unload laundry.

The motor drives the rotation of the wave wheel automatically, stirring the water, turning and rubbing the clothes to create the fast-cleaning effect.

Pros: Easy to use, Time saving, Cost-effective
Cons: Harsher on clothes, The higher usage of water

2. Front-Loading washing machines

Front-loading washing machines on the other hand requires you to bend over load and unload your launcry as the door is placed in front of the machine. The gravity-aided tumble washing in front-loading is much gentler on clothes.

Front-loading washing machines are built for efficiency as they use one-third the amount of water, energy, and detergent compared to top-loading washing machines. 

Pros: Save space, Gentler on clothes, Water and Energy efficient
Cons: High cost

3. European VS Japanese washing machines

The differences between European machine and Japanese machines is another key consideration when purchasing a washing machine.

European machines consist of front and top-loading models while Japanese washing machines are only available in top-loading tub washer models. Furthermore, the principles used for generating the cleaning effect also differs

Another thing to note is that Japanese machines generally are not equipped with safety locks. The washer should be kept away from children and pets to prevent any accidents.

	Japanese Machine (Top-Loading)	European Machine (Front-Loading)	European Machine (Top-Loading)
How it works	• Cold wash • The stainless steel tub rotates at a high speed to powerfully agitate the water for its clean effect.	• Choice of cold/hot wash • Laundry can be soaked in hot water. • The drum rolls laundry in a top-down motion to clean clothes	• Choice of cold/hot wash • Laundry are soaked in hot water, rotated in the drum and cleaned with strong water flow from multiple direction.
Time	Shorter	Longer	Longer
Pros	• Consumes less power	• Consumes less water • Washed clothes are less likely to knot or entangle	• Consumes less water • Washed clothes are less likely to knot or entangle • Compact Size
Cons	• Consumes more water • Lack of hot wash will not sterilize • Washed clothes could entangle and knot	Consumes more electricity	Consumes more electricity

Things to consider when buying a washing machine.

Here are a few tips for you to consider before purchasing the best-fitting washing machine.

Load capacity

The quantity of laundry is the most practical consideration. If you have a large family, you’ll need a larger washing machine compared to a single person or small family. As a reference, a family of five or more are recommended to opt for a 10kg load capacity washer.

Do remember to consider days where you’ll have to wash bedsheets and towels which will tend to weigh more.

Size

The top-loading washer is narrower than the front-load washer. Do you have the extra space for the larger washing machine or do you need to put your washing machine in a tight corner? It is essential to put it into consideration before you pick up a washing machine!

Spin cycle

The spin cycle, which would be measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), is significant depending on the fabric and type of garments you want to wash.

Delicate laundry should only be spun at 300-500 rpm, while more robust laundry materials can be spun at 1000 rpm. The faster the spin cycle, the lesser the moisture will be retained when unloading the laundry. Thus allowing you to dry your clothes in a shorter time.

Noise Level

Washing machines tend to omit more noise than most other home appliances. The amount of noise produced varies depending on whether the frequency is fixed or varied.

The speed of a fixed frequency washing machine is stable. The technology is reasonably constant, and the price is comparatively cheaper. Nevertheless, the electricity consumption is high, the noise is loud, the vibration is strong, while the clean effect is only average.

The speed of a varied frequency washing machine is adjustable, step by step. The cost is generally higher but it is more power-efficient, less noisy with lesser vibration, and the cleaning effect is high. 

Steam Sterilization

Newer washing machine models come with built-in steam sterilization feature. This feature allows laundry to be less wrinkle and helps with fabric relaxation that allows the detergent to work more effectively.

Apart from that, high-temperature steam also helps disinfect and sterilise. Generally at temperatures above 60 ℃ for more than 30 minutes can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus.

Maintenance tips for washing machine

• Make sure there are no coins or other small solid objects left in the pockets before washing. It may cause damage to the washer if these items get stuck in the wheel. 
• Do not exceed the stated capacity of garments and detergent. Overloading the laundry will stress the put stress on the wheel, while an excessive amount of detergent will produce more foam which has a negative long-term impact on the washer.  
• Make sure the washing machine is draining out the remaining water after washing, and leave the top cover open for at least 1 hour to allow fresh air to enter.
• Store the washing machine in a cool and dry place. Be sure to avoid the humid environment which will cause components to rust quicker.
• Clean the inside of the washing machine every month by two methods:  
  1. Place half a pound of baking powder in the detergent compartment with warm water and allow the washer to go through a full cycle without any load.
  2. Place a half-cover of laundry bleach or white vinegar in the detergent compartment tank with cold water and allow the washer to go through a full cycle without any load.

Top 5 Recommended Washing Machines available on PriceShop!

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