Features

Concentrate on the basics. Some of the features available are more trouble than they're worth. Here are the washing machine features to consider:

Automatic dispensers

Automatic dispensers for bleach, detergent, and fabric softener release powder or liquid at the appropriate time in the cycle; bleach dispensers also prevent spattering.

Automatic temperature control

It adjusts the water to the correct temperature for the cycle you're using. Most machines mix hot and cold water in preset proportions. An automatic temperature control adjusts for especially cold incoming water.

Extra rinse cycle

Some models offer this. It might help those consumers who are sensitive to detergent residue.

Controls

Many high-end washers come with touchpad controls that incorporate menus for customized programs. Some models offer dedicated cycles for fabrics such as silk, as well as four or more water-level settings.

Customized programs can be confusing, especially while you're learning them. The basic cycles and settings can handle most washing needs, and you can replicate most special cycles with buttons or dials. Three settings for water level are plenty.

Dial controls

Dial controls are the traditional type and are generally easier to use than some touchpad or digital controls.

High-quality top or lid

Look for a porcelain top or lid. A porcelain top or lid resists scratching better than painted metal.

High-quality tub

Look for a stainless-steel or plastic tub. Unlike a porcelain drum, stainless or plastic won't rust if it's chipped. And stainless tubs can withstand higher spin speeds, which extract more water and speed up drying.

Steam setting

This feature promises to clean better and to sanitize fabrics. The steam models we tested did clean stains better, but they cleaned well even when we didn't use the steam. And their prices were more than twice that of the Best Buy models in our Ratings.

Time-delay feature

This feature lets you program the washer to start at a later time.

Touchpad controls

Touchpad controls 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.)

See also:

Vacuum cleaners

Dryers

Steam irons

Sewing machines