How to Choose a Washing Machine for Home? (Buying Guide)

Choosing the right washing machine for your home involves several factors to consider such as capacity, energy efficiency, etc. While there are so many brands out there offering several features, it is important to know which factors should be considered before choosing one for your home.

Therefore, let’s discuss the factors to consider involved in finding the perfect washer to suit your household.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Washing Machine for Home

When you want to buy a new washing machine for home use in 2023, you must check the following factors:

• Budget – Decide on the budget you are ready to spend to buy a washer for your home. Because all the other factors will depend on how much you are willing to spend.
• Capacity – Calculate the number of family members and choose from the different washing machine sizes accordingly.
• Washing Machine Type – Choose a Front load or Top load washer based on the type of laundry you will be washing frequently. 
• Dimensions – Make sure the machine fits in the designated space in your home, with adequate clearance for loading and ventilation.
• Wash Programs – Ensure the machine has a variety of wash programs that suit different types of fabrics and dirt levels.
• Spin Speed – Machines with higher spin speeds will extract more water, reducing drying time and energy usage.
• Noise and Vibration Level – A washer with less noise and vibration is better.
• Energy Efficiency – Look for Energy Rating certification before you choose a machine for your home.
• Low Water Consumption – Consider models that use less water, which can save on utility bills and is better for the environment.
• Warranty and Service – Check the length and coverage of the warranty. Also, consider the manufacturer’s customer service reputation and the availability of service centers nearby.
• Brand Reliability – Find the best brands that offer the best reliability within your budget. 

Let us look into a detailed washing machine buying guide with these factors.

Budget of the Washer

Setting a budget is crucial before you start considering the technical factors of buying a washing machine.

• Set a budget based on your financial ability
• Then consider the below-mentioned factors and match them with your requirements
• Choose the washer with the best features and the one that matches your budget
• High-end washers have more sophisticated features but are very costly. Low-end models may not have all the necessary features you seek. Therefore, using the below factors choose the right model for your needs.

Capacity of the Washer

The capacity of the machine is the primary factor to consider when choosing a washer for home. The washing machine capacity is measured in cubic feet and the higher the cubic feet, the more laundry load in a single wash cycle. The right capacity depends on the size of your laundry load which can be determined by calculating the number of family members.

• For individuals or couples, a capacity of 3.5 cu. ft. to 4.5 cu. ft. is suitable.
• Families with 2 to 4 members may need a machine with a capacity of 4.5 cu. ft. to 5.5 cu. Ft. is best.
• For large families with more than 4 members, a capacity of at least 5.5 cu. ft. is required because of the large laundry loads.

By choosing the right capacity machine, you can avoid spending a lot on costly machines and you can save water and energy efficiently.

Type of Washing Machine

Top-load washing machines and Front load washing machines are the main types of washing machines. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks.

Top Load Washers

• Suitable for washing tough stains and heavy laundry like carpet
• These machines are usually less expensive.
• Top-loading washing machines have a strong wash cycle, thanks to the agitator or impellers used in the tub.
• Loading the laundry is easy because of the accessibility of the drum from the top.
• They usually have shorter washing time.
• They are less energy efficient and require more water when compared to the other types.

Front Load Washers

• Front load washing machines are more energy efficient, use less water, and offer better cleaning performance.
• Front-load washers are stackable with a dryer in your laundry room.
• They have longer wash cycles and it is impossible to add laundry while washing.
• They are usually more expensive when compared to the top loading type.
• May require a pedestal to ease the loading and unloading from the washer

Apart from these, you can also go for automatic washing machines and semi-automatic washing machines in the front load and top load variants.

Dimensions of the Washer

After deciding on the capacity and type, you have to check for the dimensions of the washer. The washer dimensions are mentioned in Inches and you can find the Width, Height, and Depth of the machine.

It is important to decide where you are going to place the washing machine in your home. Accordingly, you have to check the dimensions of the space available and ensure whether the washer will fit in that location.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Large capacity washers will be huge and you will need more space to fit them in.
• Medium-capacity front-load washing machines can fit under the counter and you can also stack your dryer above the machine.
• Top-loaders require free space above the machine to open the lid from the top.
• Ensure safety precautions in the location where you are going to place the washer. 

So, after considering all these, you should match the space available and finalize the size you require.

Wash Programs and Options

To handle different types of laundry, most washing machines offer a variety of wash programs and wash options. Look for washers that provide programs with the best washing performance.

Some of the common wash programs include:

• Normal – Used for Regular washing, rinsing, and spinning. Includes soaking for stain removal.
• Rinse and Spin Cycle – This only involves rinse and spin without washing the clothes. 
• Quick Wash – Completes the entire washing within half an hour and doesn’t spend time soaking.
• Heavy Wash – This cycle involves strong agitation and longer soaking time to remove dirts from heavy laundry.
• Colors – Used for preserving the colors in the laundry and the washer adapts less soaking time and delicate agitations.
• Whites – This cycle uses hot water and a longer soaking time to remove dirt. You may also use bleach to remove the tough stains. 
• Delicates – Laundry that includes baby clothes and lingerie is washed with this cycle. It involves the use of gentle agitation, rinsing, and less use of detergent. May also use hot water for sanitation.
• Steam – The use of steam during a normal cycle to sanitize and remove dirt effectively.
• Cold Wash – Uses only tap cold water and doesn’t involve any kind of hot water for washing. More economical and energy-efficient cycle.

Popular washer programs may include:

• Water Level Selection – The washer must allow you to choose the desired water level for the laundry or have a sophisticated level sensing feature for the laundry. 
• Temperature control: This feature allows you to adjust the water temperature for different fabric types.
• Delay start: This allows you to schedule the washing to start at a convenient time.
• Self-Clean Cycle – Self-clean cycle is used for cleaning the wash tub or drum every once in a while to remove residues and bad odor in the washer. 
• Steam function: The steam function is perfect for removing tough stains and sanitizing clothes.
• Child lock: The child lock feature is important for families with small children to avoid accidental access to the washer while it is running a cycle.

Choose a washing machine that provides the programs and options that match your laundry needs.

Spin speed

The spin speed of a washing machine determines how dry your laundry will be when the entire cycle is finished.

• High speed: Washing machines with higher spin RPM (1200 to 1600 RPM) are excellent for drying clothes more quickly, but they can be rougher on delicate fabrics.
• Low speed: For delicate fabrics, choose a machine with a lower spin RPM (800 to 1000 RPM) to prevent damage.

To accommodate different types of clothing, look for machines with adjustable speed settings.

Front-load washers and Top-loaders with impeller can be delicate on the clothes with variable spin speeds. Top-load washers with agitators with high speed can be tough on your laundry.

Noise and Vibration Level

Noise and Vibration are another important factor to consider when choosing a washer for your home. Modern washers use vibration control and noise reduction technologies to provide a quiet laundry experience.

In general, front-load washers are quiet due to the lower RPM and delicate agitation. On the other hand, top-load washers are noisy and may have stronger vibrations.

But thanks to modern noise and vibration reduction technologies, you can find both front-load and top-load washers to manage the noise and vibration better. 

Therefore, before choosing a washer model, check whether they have noise and vibration reduction in them.

The Energy Efficiency of the Washer

It is important to consider the energy rating of your washer and dryer as environmental awareness and energy expenses continue to rise.

High speed and longer washing cycles may increase your energy consumption.

Therefore it is important to choose a washer with low energy requirements and also it is important to understand how to operate a washing machine efficiently.

So, the two main things to consider with regard to energy efficiency are:

• Energy star rating: Look for the energy star rating on the machine, which indicates its energy consumption. High-rated machines use less energy, which results in long-term savings.
• Load sensors: Some washing machine models are equipped with load sensors. This helps in adjusting the water level according to the load and consumes less energy according to the size of the load.

Low Water Consumption

In addition to energy ratings, efficient water usage is also an important factor to consider when buying a washing machine. Washing machines that use less water are both cost-effective and environment-friendly.

Consider a washer model that allows you to adjust the water level according to your requirements. Modern washing machines are more effective due to the presence of sensors to determine the load and fill the tub or drum with necessary water accordingly.

Commonly, front load washers consume less water due to their efficient agitation method and delicate washing mechanism. On the other hand, Top-load washers with agitators consume a lot of water to agitate the clothes.

Therefore, you can choose between Front-loaders or Top-loaders with impellers to have low water consumption.

Warranty and Service

Washing machines come with a standard appliance warranty that spans for a year for the entire appliance. Additionally, you will get a warranty for critical parts like the motor drive that may span from 3 years to 20 years based on the brand you choose.

As for the service options, check whether your washing machine brand will provide you with free service with free labor cost under the warranty period.

Ensuring proper warranty and service from the brands will save a lot of money if any problems occur within the warranty period.

Apart from warranty period service options, check whether the brand offers reliable and friendly customer support. You can know this from customer reviews and other users.

Brand Reliability

Finally, opt for the brand that is reliable and offers you all the necessary features at the best price.

You can find a lot of washing machine brands providing you with different features at competitive prices. Finding the best washing machine at cheap price can be a challenge due to the versatile options available.

Therefore, seek the best brand that gives you the best customer support, service, and the best product for your budget.

Popular Washing Machine Brands for Home Use

Popular washing machine brands in the US that produce washers for home use are:

• LG
• Samsung
• GE
• Whirlpool
• Maytag
• Speed Queen
• Amana

All these brands are popular in the US and have leading models on the market. You can find the best washer with special features from each of these brands.

All these brands are known for their product reliability and quality customer service.  So, when choosing a washing machine for your home, you may consider these brands in the first place.