Choose the Best Washer and Dryer
75Choosing the right appliances for your family could be tricky. Now a days; it almost seems that you need a PHd to determine what each appliance does, and if it will actually work for you and your household.
Amongst the hardest to decifer are certainly Washers and Dryers. Why??? - simply because I remember my Mom teaching me how to scrub clothes on a washboard.
NO! I am NOT that old, but that is what we did back then. We wore cloth diapers, and I don't wish to divulge how Mom cleaned my younger brother's cloth diapers. It certainly was NOT in one of these hi-tech washers.
So, times DO change.
What are the right appliances for your family?
Well, if you have 9 kids can't allow the dirty laundry to keep producing itself; a small, hide-a-way washer and dryer may not be right for you. Although, if you have a family of 3 - mom, dad, and child - then maybe a small, stackable unit might just work. Just like a house or an apartment - it really depends upon what you are able to live with and contend with. It also depends upon the space that you have available in your home!
Quick Poll on Laundry!
Are clean clothes important to your family?
See results without votingFront Loading Washers and Dryers - what exactly are they?
Front loading, stand alone washers and dryers are very similar to those that are found in your neighborhood laundromat. They are large in size (and capacity). Each unit is able to handle a tremendous wash or dry load - from start to finish. If you have never used one of these machines - Watch out... step aside.. let the waters take their way.
While a normal washer may clean 4 pair of jeans in one cycle - one of the HP (High Performance) machines could possibly clean 12.
That's important if you have a member of the household who is frequently changing clothes, or one who is similar to my husband - a building contractor - who changes his clothes 3 or 4 times a day, along with a 6 year old daughter - the HP may be a good investment for you!
Clothes Dryer - Huh, who needs that?
Well, sure, if you have a HP Washer, one would assume that you would want a HP Dryer - no? (A brother or a sister??) Here is the catch - There are WAY too many people who are experiencing bad times right now. These units are expensive.
Here in New Jersey - we have no choice as to purchase a clothes dryer. The winter months are cold and icy. Although - many families in the southern states have decided to go without.
Clothes lines are a great invention that we should revert back to and save money along the way. Even if it's just for the summer months. It also helps us keep our clothes smelling clean. It is unfortunate that over the years, some families were frowned upon for having clothes lines in their backyard. If a Clothesline is available to you - why not make it work?
Which Appliance is right for you?
So... You're shopping; you're doing research; and you want your home to become energy efficient. You probably also want to figure out what's right for your life; your budget; and your family needs. Home appliances are a major purchase. A lot of us are pressured by the following:
- Gotta get a new washing machine - mine just crapped out.
- I moved to a new apartment and there's no washer or dryer.
- I know that my washing machine is on it's last leg - I need to do some research now.
- I want energy efficient appliances.
- My current washing maching just doesn't get my clothes clean.
- I don't think that I can afford a HP machine.
- Should I invest in a HP machine?
Let's face facts. All home appliances are a HUGE expense, and choosing any type of appliance is very difficult.
Research your new appliances
Most importantly.... do your research before you buy! Check the web for ratings. Consumer Reports is a great place to do so. Check various websites or blogs to get feedback from other consumers - a great way to "try" before you buy!
Close friends are another "try before you buy" resource. Talk to them and ask what kind of experience they have had with their appliances. Still not sure? Bring a load of wash over and try it (true friends let you do this - but bring your own detergent).
Yes, it takes time to do all of this! Be patient, and be persistent. The time spent will pay off in the long run.
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I think that the answer to that would depend upon your budget. The hi efficiency ones are easily 800. to 1600. EACH! A simple stackable unit - for a good one, could run 800. to 1600. for the entire unit!
If it is just the two of you, and most of his clothing is done by a service - Personally, I may opt to save my money for other things. Now, there are many energy efficient stackable units that do a great job - they just don't handle as many clothes. That may not be a problem for your situation!
Best to you, and thanks much for reading my hub.
My husband got for us the great whirpool front load washer and dryer - i like it it cleans and takes a big load at once. Eco frienly it uses less water, less detergent it saves money and the environment. great product.
Aside from cost there is almost not reason not to get a front load washer these days. There are a lot of energy rebates to help bring down the cost. The Federal Government will even be introducing a program soon. Hopefully the local programs won't disappear so that people can really stack on the savings. The energy savings alone over the life of the washer along with rebates may just pay for the entire cost of the machine!
ty, well said and done. take care.
There are several factors in choosing the best washer and dryer. Such as water consumption, energy saving, washing mode, etc. As found in many tips, the one seems silly tip of choosing the right washer is go to the shop and try one out yourself. Sometimes it sounds very logically, advertisement or words of mouth seems very convincing, but personal experience is rather important.
Compact washer dryer have been a solution to all your washing problems in today's time. Some reasons that made these products stand apart from basic machines are listed below:
1. Compactness
2. Energy Saver
3. Save Water
4. User friendliness
5. All in One
In the past few years there has been a new "player" in the field of laundry machines-the washer dryer combo. A washer dryer combo is designed to take up less space than both a stackable washer dryer and a side-by-side washer dryer. The washer dryer combo has one very important distinguishing factor--you wash and dry in the same machine!
Learn about dryers and other dryer resources by visiting smallhome.com.
I have one of these stackable washer dryers and I love it.
I purchased a Kenmore Elite in August 2010. I also purchased a 5 year extended warranty, total $1,4300. Big MISTAKE. The machine is pretty but it doesn't WASH (AGITATE). The clothes go in dry and dirty and come out wet and DIRTY, especially your white clothes. Buyers Be Ware!
dana 3 years ago
my boyfriend and i are buying our 1st home. we have no children so the only laundry will be from us two. my bf has a laundry service at work that cleans his work clothes. i on the otherhand have to dress business like and have to wear something different everday. im trying to figure out what the best type of washer and dryer we will need. i have looked at every appliance store! the fancy ones are very pricy. but since technology has changed, i figure it would save us money in the long run because they are energy sufficient. should i just go with the old fashion stackable? we have plenty of room for the top of the line ones, but dont know how much of a benefit it will be to us. any advice would be awesome!