| Glossary Washing machines |
Auto bleach dispenser
Automatic Bleach dispenser releases the bleach at the proper point in the cycle, giving the detergent additives sufficient
time to work.
Auto detergent dispenser
Automatic Detergent dispenser releases the detergent at the proper point in the cycle.
Auto fabric softener dispenser
Automatic Fabric Softener dispenser releases the fabric softener at the proper point in the cycle.
Auto soak
A feature that provides a set time for soaking, then automatically moves into the wash cycle without further action on your
part.
Auto temp. control
This feature automatically mixes hot and cold water to reach the chosen wash temperature (which differs on various makes of
washers). It's a good way to compensate for normal variations in tap-water temperature and prevents problems caused by water
that's too cold, which keeps detergent from working properly.
Automatic lock
Prevents the lid on top-loaders from being opened during the spin cycle; may be useful in households with children. Most front-loaders
lock at the beginning of a cycle but usually can be opened by interrupting the cycle.
Brand
This gives the make and model number. The bracketed letter or number is a color code.
Rotary dial: The desired cycle and options are selected using dials. They are generally easy to understand and use.
Push button: The desired cycle and options are selected by pressing in pushbuttons. Like rotary controls, these are easy to use and understand.
Touchpad: The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchpad which generally includes a digital readout. A touchpad can be more versatile than rotary and push button controls enabling you to program settings into memory, for instance.
Touchscreen with display: The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchscreen. A touchscreen can be more versatile than rotary, push button, and touchpad controls but it may be a bit more confusing, especially at first. Touchscreen controls can also provide step-by-step instructions, as well as feedback on cycle status. Touchscreen controls sometimes require you to page through several screens to choose options and features, which can be tedious.
Cycle indicator
Some washers have lights indicating the stage of the cycle, which can be helpful. Displays indicating time remaining may not
always be precise, in our experience.
Dimensions (in.)
The exterior measurements of the washer with the door or lid closed, in inches. Be sure to allow a few extra inches in the
rear for hoses and connections.
End of cycle signal
Sounds a bell or chime when the wash is done. Useful when the washer is in the basement or garage, or otherwise out of sight.
On some models you can turn off the signal or adjust the volume.
Express or quick wash
The shortest possible cycle.
Extended spin
An extra spin, can be useful to extend the spinning time, perhaps extracting more moisture from heavy items like towels.
Extra rinse cycle
This feature can be useful for those with a sensitivity to detergent and others who find one rinse insufficient.
Internal water heater
On some washers, an internal heater brings water to higher temperature than the home's domestic water heater provides, for
a sanitize cycle, for example. Generally doesn't improve performance enough to warrant any increase in the washer's cost.
Some compact washers may accept only cold water and have an internal water heater to allow for a hot-water wash.
Porcelain top/lid
A porcelain top/lid resists scratching better than a painted one but generally adds to a washer's cost. Painted tops, far
more common, are often quite durable in normal use.
Price
An approximate retail price.
Push button
The desired cycle and options are selected by pressing in pushbuttons. Like rotary controls, these are easy to use and understand.
Rotary dial
The desired cycle and options are selected using dials. They are generally easy to understand and use.
Spin hold
Allows you to turn off the spin cycle, useful if you're washing silk or sweaters, for example.
Stackable
Some washers with front controls can be installed with a suitable dryer stacked on top, to save space. A special kit is sometimes
required to mount the dryer on top of the washer.
Stainless-steel tub
Tubs constructed of stainless steel are likely to be more durable than plastic or porcelain, and they allow for higher spin
speeds. Plastic is the next most durable choice.
Touchpad
The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchpad which generally includes a digital readout. A touchpad
can be more versatile than rotary and push button controls enabling you to program settings into memory, for instance.
Touchscreen with display
The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchscreen. A touchscreen can be more versatile than rotary,
push button, and touchpad controls but it may be a bit more confusing, especially at first. Touchscreen controls can also
provide step-by-step instructions, as well as feedback on cycle status. Touchscreen controls sometimes require you to page
through several screens to choose options and features, which can be tedious.
Tub
Tubs constructed of stainless steel, typically found on higher-priced washers, are likely to be more durable than porcelain-coated
tubs, which can chip and rust. Stainless-steel tubs allow higher spin speeds than plastic.
Type
Front-loading washers With a door located on the front of the washer, one needs to stoop in order to load it. Front-loaders get clothes clean by
tumbling them into water. Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water below. This design reduces
water and energy use and makes front-loaders gentler on clothing and more adept at handling unbalanced loads. Be aware that
front-loading washers give best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent.
They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.
High-efficiency top-loading washers These look much like conventional top-loaders on the exterior, but these machines replace the usual vertical agitator post with other wash mechanisms, such as disks or plates that lift and move clothing around the tub. They generally use less water, and thus less energy, than conventional top-loaders and often have a larger capacity. They provide best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.
Warranty
The length of time the washer is covered by its manufacturer for defects or repairs.
Wash/spin speed combinations
Settings that allow you to modify the preset wash speed and spins. Useful to reduce spin speed on woolens or agitate more
vigorously for extra dirty cottons.
Water levels
In our opinion, four or five water levels are sufficient. An automatic water-level control--standard on front-loaders--generally
improves water efficiency.
