Features that count Washing machines
For washers
A stainless-steel or plastic tub won’t rust like a porcelain-coated steel tub if chipped. Stainless tubs can also withstand higher spin speeds, which extract more water and speed drying. A porcelain top/lid resists scratching better than a painted metal one. Controls should be legible, easy to operate, and logically arranged. High-end models often have touchpad controls; others have traditional dials. Touchpads tend to be more versatile, letting you save favorite settings, for instance. Some high-end models have a display with a progression of menus with customized programs, though they can be tough to learn and navigate. Pluses include lights or signals that indicate the cycle, along with an automatic lock that keeps children from opening a top-loader’s lid during the spin cycle. (Front-loaders lock at the beginning of a cycle but can usually be opened by interrupting it.)
Front-loaders and some top-loaders have automatic water-level settings, ensuring efficient use of water. Some top-loaders can be manually set for four or more levels, though three or four are probably all you’ll need. Most machines establish wash and rinse temperatures by mixing hot and cold water in preset proportions. For incoming cold water that’s especially cold, an automatic temperature control adjusts the flow for the correct wash temperature. Some models allow an extra rinse, which can help those sensitive to detergent residue, or an extended spin to remove more water from laundry. A time-delay feature lets you program the washer to start at a later time. Automatic dispensers for bleach, detergent, and fabric-softener release powder or liquid at the appropriate time in the cycle; bleach dispensers also prevent spattering.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Consider replacing your washer when a repair will cost more than half the price of a comparably equipped new appliance. Our repair data also show that it often doesn’t pay to repair any top-loading washer that’s more than six years old or any front-loading washer that’s more than seven years old. Other shopping tips:
Weigh washer cost vs. cleaning. Most front-loaders offer superior performance and efficiency. Better moisture extraction in the spin cycle also means shorter drying times. While they aren’t cheap, front-loaders tend to be more efficient than high-efficiency top-loaders for about the same price. Conventional top-loaders are the least expensive and have shorter cycle times, but are mediocre at washing.
Skip the matching dryer. You’ll save hundreds while often improving performance by choosing the washer and dryer separately. And choose a dryer with a moisture sensor; they’re available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. To be sure the one you’re considering has one, check the literature, visit the manufacturer’s Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we’ve tested.
Don’t get hung up on capacity. Manufacturers often describe it with superlatives like “extra large,” “super,” and “super-plus.” But most full-sized washers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings (available to subscribers).
Get a quiet machine for living areas. If your laundry area is near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for models judged very good or excellent for noise.
A stainless-steel or plastic tub won’t rust like a porcelain-coated steel tub if chipped. Stainless tubs can also withstand higher spin speeds, which extract more water and speed drying. A porcelain top/lid resists scratching better than a painted metal one. Controls should be legible, easy to operate, and logically arranged. High-end models often have touchpad controls; others have traditional dials. Touchpads tend to be more versatile, letting you save favorite settings, for instance. Some high-end models have a display with a progression of menus with customized programs, though they can be tough to learn and navigate. Pluses include lights or signals that indicate the cycle, along with an automatic lock that keeps children from opening a top-loader’s lid during the spin cycle. (Front-loaders lock at the beginning of a cycle but can usually be opened by interrupting it.)
Front-loaders and some top-loaders have automatic water-level settings, ensuring efficient use of water. Some top-loaders can be manually set for four or more levels, though three or four are probably all you’ll need. Most machines establish wash and rinse temperatures by mixing hot and cold water in preset proportions. For incoming cold water that’s especially cold, an automatic temperature control adjusts the flow for the correct wash temperature. Some models allow an extra rinse, which can help those sensitive to detergent residue, or an extended spin to remove more water from laundry. A time-delay feature lets you program the washer to start at a later time. Automatic dispensers for bleach, detergent, and fabric-softener release powder or liquid at the appropriate time in the cycle; bleach dispensers also prevent spattering.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Consider replacing your washer when a repair will cost more than half the price of a comparably equipped new appliance. Our repair data also show that it often doesn’t pay to repair any top-loading washer that’s more than six years old or any front-loading washer that’s more than seven years old. Other shopping tips:
Weigh washer cost vs. cleaning. Most front-loaders offer superior performance and efficiency. Better moisture extraction in the spin cycle also means shorter drying times. While they aren’t cheap, front-loaders tend to be more efficient than high-efficiency top-loaders for about the same price. Conventional top-loaders are the least expensive and have shorter cycle times, but are mediocre at washing.
Skip the matching dryer. You’ll save hundreds while often improving performance by choosing the washer and dryer separately. And choose a dryer with a moisture sensor; they’re available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. To be sure the one you’re considering has one, check the literature, visit the manufacturer’s Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we’ve tested.
Don’t get hung up on capacity. Manufacturers often describe it with superlatives like “extra large,” “super,” and “super-plus.” But most full-sized washers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings (available to subscribers).
Get a quiet machine for living areas. If your laundry area is near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for models judged very good or excellent for noise.
