December 2007
Washers & dryers
Buying washers on the cheap. Tougher energy standards have made it harder for washing machines to deliver efficiency and a clean-yet-gentle wash.
Overpaying for special wash settings. Some settings, such as a sanitizing cycle to help alleviate dust mites, can be useful. But others, like bedding and "active wear," add little for the price.
Not choosing automatic temperature control. With higher prices for the most capable washers, it can be tempting to choose a model without an automatic temperature control, which adjusts the flow of incoming hot and cold water for the correct wash temperature. Machines without it can compromise washing by using water that's too cold.
Not looking beyond the yellow EnergyGuide. Shopping for an efficient washer based only on the EnergyGuide label's annual energy cost can be misleading. That's because it doesn't include how much water the washer spins out of each load and how much extra drying the load might require.
Buying a dryer without a moisture sensor. Dryers with a thermostat might run longer than needed.
Paying extra for dryer hype. Manufacturers often describe capacity as "extra large," "super" and "super-plus."
Insisting on a matched set. More than half of washers and dryers are now bought as a set. But that doesn't make "matching" a good idea.
Buying a noisemaker. Noise matters more these days as more laundry rooms move from the basement to living space.
For more information. Find out the pros and cons of washer types and money-saving information on choosing a dryer.
Ratings of washers and dryers are available to subscribers.
Smart move: Unless you can live with mediocre washing, count on spending at least $700 for a top-loader and $1,000 or more for a more-efficient,
front-loading machine.
Overpaying for special wash settings. Some settings, such as a sanitizing cycle to help alleviate dust mites, can be useful. But others, like bedding and "active wear," add little for the price.
Smart move: The usual heavy-duty, normal, delicate, and whitest-white cycles should be all you really need.
Not choosing automatic temperature control. With higher prices for the most capable washers, it can be tempting to choose a model without an automatic temperature control, which adjusts the flow of incoming hot and cold water for the correct wash temperature. Machines without it can compromise washing by using water that's too cold.
Smart move: Choose the useful automatic temperature control feature, especially if your incoming water is especially cold or the washer
is far from the water heater.
Not looking beyond the yellow EnergyGuide. Shopping for an efficient washer based only on the EnergyGuide label's annual energy cost can be misleading. That's because it doesn't include how much water the washer spins out of each load and how much extra drying the load might require.
Smart move: Check our energy-efficiency scores, which include energy use and water extraction.
Buying a dryer without a moisture sensor. Dryers with a thermostat might run longer than needed.
Smart move: Choose a dryer with a moisture sensor, which automatically shuts off the machine when laundry is dry. That makes those models easier on clothes and more frugal
on energy.
Paying extra for dryer hype. Manufacturers often describe capacity as "extra large," "super" and "super-plus."
Smart move: Most full-sized dryers hold a typical wash load, so ignore the fancy descriptions. For bulky items, choose a model judged
excellent in our capacity scores.
Insisting on a matched set. More than half of washers and dryers are now bought as a set. But that doesn't make "matching" a good idea.
Smart move: Save hundreds-and get better performance-by choosing a competent washer and dryer separately, whether they're from the same
brand or not. And begin by buying the best-performing washer, since a model that extracts more water will help the dryer dry
better and faster with less energy.
Buying a noisemaker. Noise matters more these days as more laundry rooms move from the basement to living space.
Smart move: Check our noise scores for washers and dryers that made the least racket in our tests. Also consider dryers with have an
end-of-cycle signal that can be turned off or down for a bit less buzz.
For more information. Find out the pros and cons of washer types and money-saving information on choosing a dryer.
Ratings of washers and dryers are available to subscribers.
