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Washing Machine Buying Guide

Choosing the right washing machine makes a big difference when it comes to keeping your household running. A washer with the right features, capacity and energy rating will help to keep your laundry basket under control and also save you money, too. At Retravision, you’ll find a wide range of washing machines to choose from by leading brands like AEG, Asko, Beko, Bosch, Electrolux, CHiQ, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Hisense, LG, Miele, Samsung, TLC, TECO and Westinghouse. Of course, we know with so many options, it can be hard to make a decision! That’s why we’ve created this helpful buying guide, with all the tips and advice you need to find the perfect washing machine for you!

Types Of Washing Machines

When shopping for a new washing machine, the first thing you should decide on is which type of machine will best suit your household. You’ll need to think about your space and whether or not you will have the room to load your machine and open its door, and you should also think about where your dryer needs to be placed - will it sit next to it or be stacked on top? Once you’ve taken note of these things, you’ll be in a good position to decide which type of washing machine you need.

Front Load Washers

Front load washing machines are designed with a door in the front rather than on top, so they can be stacked under your dryer and positioned under benchtops. Front loaders generally use less water than a top load washing machine and are often more energy efficient, however they tend to have longer cycles - although nowadays, you’ll find plenty of front loader models with quick wash settings.

Front loaders use an internal heater to heat water, so they only need a cold tap connection. They’re also capable of achieving higher spin speeds than top loaders, for faster drying.

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Front Load Washers

Top Load Washers

Top loader washing machines are designed with a door, or a lid, on top, so you can easily drop clothes inside without needing to bend down. Because items can be dropped inside, they offer the benefit of allowing you to add items mid-cycle, which is often impossible to do with front loader washing machines (although some models now allow you to add items during the wash cycle).

Unlike front loaders, which use gravity to tumble clothes, top loaders use an impeller or an agitator to move clothes around the drum. Because clothes are submerged in water the entire time, they wash quickly, but clothes can at times get tangled inside the drum.

Top load washing machines require hot and cold tap connections, if you want to wash clothes on a warm cycle.

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Top Load Washers

Washer Dryer Combos

If you’re short on time or space, then a 2-in-1 washer dryer combo may be exactly what you need. As you might have guessed, these machines combine the functionality of a front load washing machine with the power of a condenser dryer so you can get all your laundry done without needing to unload your washing!

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Washer Dryer Combos

Twin Tubs

As you might have guessed, dual load washing machines are capable of washing two loads at once!

Usually they’re designed with a larger capacity washer on top and a smaller capacity washer below. Since you don’t have to sit them side by side and you can run them both at once, they’re a great space saver and an excellent timer saver. The benefit of having a dual load washing machine at home is that it allows you to wash delicate fabrics or white separately, while you get essentials like schools uniforms or your work clothes washed at the same time.

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Twin Tubs

What To Consider

When choosing a washing machine, there’s a few things you should take into consideration first:

Product Size

Before you shop for a washing machine, it’s important that you check the measurements of your space first. Most front load washing machines are designed to match the depth of your benchtops, so you’ll find they’re usually around 650mm in depth, but this can vary. Top loading washing machines are often taller than front load washing machines, so you should take this into account when planning your space. You should also think about access - will you be able to get your new washing machine into your laundry and how easy will it be to open the door and load your machine?

Internal Capacity

When purchasing a new washing machine, you should think about how much it is capable of holding and washing. For most single people and couples, a 6kg machine is plenty. Large households may want to consider a 8kg or even a 9kg+ machine to handle the daily demands of washing.

The easier way to work out how big your machine should be is to weigh a load of laundry. How many kilos is it? This will tell you what kind of capacity you will need.

Generally for 1-2 people you’ll want a 4-6.5kg washing machine, for 3-4 people a 7kg-8.5kg washing machine and for 5+ person households you will need a washing machine with a capacity of 9kg or more.

Smart Features

Many modern washing machines come with smart features, like Wi-Fi capability and apps to control your wash cycles from anywhere. These features can make it much more convenient to get your laundry done.

Wash Programs

Washing machines will often come with different wash cycle options. Consider what works for your household. You may look for washing machines with Auto Programs and timers, Quick Wash cycle options and washing machines with Delicate cycles, SEco cycles or Add Item options.

Water And Energy Efficiency

Choosing a washing machine that is both water and energy efficient will save you a great deal of time and money. Front loading washing machines are usually considered to be more water and energy efficient, but many top loaders now come with energy efficient eco cycles and other features that will help save you money while protecting the environment.