Introduction to Buying a Washing Machine
Automatic washing machines have been around for sixty years, making clothes washing fast and easy for anybody who owns one. The overall design has stayed more or less the same, while the biggest improvement has been in efficiency. Newer washers need less electricity, water and detergent, yet manage to achieve better results in stain removal and clothing protection.

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Types of Washers
Washers are divided into two main groups- top-load and front-load. The front-load washers are the popular model in Europe and the rest of the world, mainly because they take up less room than top-load machines.

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Top-Load Washers
Top-load washers have been the more popular model in the U.S. for years, maintaining a 90% market share. As long as you have a big enough space to open the top, they present a few distinct advantages over front-loaders. The purchase price is cheaper, the standard wash cycle is shorter, the machine is accessible without stooping, the parts are stronger, and maintenance is easier.

The main disadvantage of top-load washers used to be their high water and electricity consumption; but this has been remedied in-part with the introduction of the Energy Star rating. Load capacities for top-loaders are often smaller than front-loaders, but most of them are of satisfactory size for regular family loads.

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Front-Load Washers
The main reason for getting a front-load washer is that it can fit into smaller spaces (under a counter-top for example) and can also be stacked underneath a dryer. This makes them ideal for apartments or wherever space is a scarce commodity, which explains their popularity abroad.

The wash cycle on a front-loader is usually longer than top loaders. This is because they have to tumble the clothes in order to absorb them with water before the washing cycle begins. They require a specialized detergent that might be slightly more expensive, and one must also stoop to reach the opening, which can be quite uncomfortable.

However, front-load washers are generally more efficient than top-load models, and especially those that do not qualify for the Energy Star rating. They need less water and less detergent than top-loaders, and also don't use as much electricity (because they don't heat as much water). The front-loaders are also better at wringing out the clothing in the spin cycle, therefore enabling a shorter drying time.

These advantages are the reason the popularity of these washers is growing nationwide, even though their purchase price is usually slightly higher than top-loaders. And remember that if you have a designated under-counter space for a washing machine, be sure to measure it before you choose a new one.

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Detergents
No longer are detergents just simple cleaning solutions. Today there are detergents that are high-efficiency liquids, which means that they do not produce many suds. These detergents are mandatory for high-efficiency washers, but might be more expensive and harder to find.

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Features and Functions
Most modern washers have many different washing options and features. There are separate wash settings for different types of clothing, such as intensive (for cottons), regular (synthetics) and delicate (wools). There is even a handwash setting on some machines (for fine wools or silk) which is more protective than actually washing the garments by hand.

Temperature settings are standard on all machines nowadays, although selecting the type of wash cycle often entails the machine determining the temperature by itself. Different temperature settings suit different types of clothing, so it is best to consult the washer's manual and the clothing's tags before setting the temperature if it's not automatic on your model.

Water-level selectors are being replaced today by automatic sensors, which match the water level to the load placed in the machine. This feature helps save water yet still makes sure there will be enough for the washer to operate properly.

Noise level is an important piece of information to know when purchasing a new washer. Even if you plan to put it in the basement or the garage, a loud washer will send reverberations through the house and be a nuisance (especially at night). Anything rated lower than 70db during the spin cycle is considered reasonable, and a lower spin speed means less noise. More expensive models are generally quieter, although there are also some cheaper models that are quiet too.

Different washers have different spin speeds, while many of the newer ones have variable speed settings. The higher the spin-speed the better the washer will get the water out of the clothes, and even though it may use more electricity, you should make this up with shorter drying time. However, clothes spun at higher speeds tend to wrinkle more, so high speed spinning is best suited for thick fabrics, like jeans or towels.

Load sizes vary from washer to washer, but most models offer a decent enough capacity for family-size loads. The capacity in the U.S. is measured in cubic feet, and anything over 4 cubic feet is considered large. But even 3.2 cubic feet should be enough for regular loads, as this equals about 18 pounds of clothing.

Another thing to pay attention to is the type of controls on the washing machine. Rotary controls are usually found on the cheaper models, as opposed to push-button controls, which are usually found on the newer electronic models. Push-buttons are definitely easier to use, but have a tendency to break down more often than rotary knobs.

There are also some special features available, such as a delayed timer for running loads at a later time or automatic stain-remover, bleach and fabric-softener dispensers. Some machines also have special cycles, such as a moistening cycle for easier ironing. These features can be quite useful, but they also add quickly to the price, so first consider carefully what you really need.

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Energy Star (Efficiency)
It is probably a good idea to look for a washer that has a high Energy Star rating, even if this means purchasing a slightly more expensive model. Besides being more environmentally friendly, this machine will also save you more money on the long run, especially if water and electricity prices go up.

The Energy Star rating is used by the EPA and DOE (Department of Energy) to rate washing machines by comparing their capacity to their energy consumption. The higher the rating- the more efficient the machine is, and it will save more water and electricity.

Look for the Energy Guide Label when purchasing a new washer. On this label you will find the machine's Energy Star rating, it's yearly electricity consumption, and its expected energy consumption as compared to similar models. Every machine must have this label by law, and do keep in mind that the EPA ratings are completely objective.

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