Washer and Dryer Buyer’s Guide
The washer and dryer are two of the most important appliances in the modern household. The washer eliminates the burden of having to manually wash your clothes, while the dryer guarantees you dry, clean clothes even when the sun’s not shining. Washers and dryers come in a variety of sizes, designs, colors and features to fit every family size, laundry room space and consumer taste.
These days, new washer and dryer models come in unconventional shapes. Some offer the basic, no-frills, wash and dry functions, while others offer a host of dizzying features. If you are looking to purchase one of these machines, this buying guide will educate on the different washers and dryers that are on the market right now, and money-saving tips when buying one.
Capacity
The first thing you need to determine is the capacity that you need. Washer tub sizes typically range from 2.45 cubic feet to 3.30 cubic feet. However, cubic feet capacity does not equate to actual capacity. Look for the terms “medium,” “large,” “extra large,” “super capacity” and “super capacity plus.” Though these terms vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, they can give you a better gauge of actual capacity. It also matters if you choose a washer tub without an agitator, because an agitator takes up space. If you’re buying a washer and dryer separately, the dryer’s capacity should be approximately twice that of the washer.
Stand Alone or Combo?
If space is not an issue, go for separate, stand-alone washer and dryer units. Stand-alone washers and dryers generally perform better than combos, because the washing and drying are carried out by separate machines dedicated to either washing or drying, whereas combo units do all the washing and drying in one tub. This is hard on the combo washer-dryer tub, and this is why stand-alone units are more durable, typically lasting up to 10 years.
Washer and Dryer Set or Separate Washer and Dryer?
The only real advantage of washer and dryer sets is their aesthetic harmony. The very real disadvantage of washer and dryer sets is that they can cost you a pretty penny, because you do have to pay for that aesthetic harmony. The advantage of picking a separate washer and dryer unit is that you can pick a washer and dryer with the features that you desire. If you’re on a budget and you have to pick which machine to invest in, choose a good washer and a reasonably-priced dryer. Dryers generally perform the same way, while washers do not.
Stackable Washer and Dryer or Laundry Center?
The next best thing to separate washer and dryer units is a stackable washer and dryer. You get a full-sized washer and dryer without having to compromise too much on capacity and features. A laundry center is like a stackable in that the washer and dryer are stacked on top of the other, typically, the washer below and the dryer on top. However, unlike stackables, you don’t have the option to “un-stack” the unit, because, like a combo, it is a one-piece appliance. If either the washer or dryer conks out, you will have to either: a) replace it and be stuck with the failed unit, or b) ditch the whole assemblage, including the working unit.
Combos
A washer and dryer combo is a good choice if you don’t have much room for separate machines in your home. It has the advantage of being more compact than stand-alone units, or even stackables and laundry centers. The only washing machine that can beat the combo in compactness is the portable washer and dryer. However, the washer and dryer combo is rather limited in capacity. Also, it takes longer to finish a single load of laundry, because you have to wait for the machine to finish a full cycle before you can wash another load.
Front Load or Top Load?
Top loading is more comfortable to use, because you don’t have to bend down to transfer your clothes from the wash basket to the machine, and then bend down again to unload your laundry. Because the front-load design does away with the agitator, you get more washing capacity. Front-loading machines are great in terms of energy efficiency. However, top loaders come at a more budget-friendly price and manufacturers are producing high-efficiency top loaders these days. Further, top loaders aren’t prone to mold and mildew buildup that can result from inadequate ventilation, as front-load machines are.
Gas or Electric Dryer?
Dryers may either use gas or electric power to operate. Heating coils produce heat in electric dryers and require a 240-volt power outlet, while a gas burner does the same for gas dryers requiring 120-volts of power, a gas hookup and a venting system. Your home electrical installation setup will likely dictate your choice, but bear in mind that gas dryers cost less to run over the long term, so it makes sense to install the proper power system to accommodate a gas dryer if you don’t have it. Choose a gas dryer that has a moisture sensor, which shuts off the dryer once your clothes are dry, and an automatic cool-down function, which reduces wrinkling of clothes.
Features
All washers have settings for wash cycles to fit the type of fabric: delicate, normal and permanent press. Some models offer an optional setting for a pre-wash cycle and a host of other cycles, such as whitest whites, steam and sanitary. You don’t have to opt for a washer and dryer with the most number of wash cycles. However, if you have little kids that tend to have their clothes soiled and stained, consider a washer that has a steam cycle option. Steam can remove the toughest stains. Also, consider a washer that has an automatic dispenser for bleach, laundry detergent and fabric softeners.
Money-Saving Tips When Buying a Washer and Dryer
New washer and dryer models come in a host of stylish colors, but you can save around $100 if you pick basic white. Don’t buy an extended warranty; it doesn’t make sense for washing machines. It only adds to the cost of your purchase and the chances of you having a major issue with your washer or dryer are next to nil. If you can hold off on your purchase, take advantage of free shipping deals, which are usually offered by big retail outlets during the holiday season. Set aside the money you’d save on service and repair should your washer and dryer need it in the future. If you’re on a really tight budget, consider buying a used washer and dryer.
Do your research. Read product reviews from Web sites such as ConsumerReports.org and ConsumerSearch.com that conduct product testing and research and offer professional opinion on the best washer and dryer models. User-submitted reviews from Epinions.com and Amazon.com can be helpful, too, but remember to take those with a grain of salt. Assess your needs and budget thoroughly and find the washer and dryer unit that fits both.