Tips on Choosing the Best Washer and Dryer
Your needs, preferences, and space limitations naturally determine the best washer and dryer that is a good fit for you. You would also do well to heed the expert advice of professionals who make it their business to test, compare, and evaluate various washing machine models. Consumer groups and websites, such as ConsumerReports.org and ConsumerSearch.com, as well as marketing research firms and lifestyle magazines put out their top rated washers and dryers based on specific criteria. These include appliance functions, features, clothes cleaning performance, energy efficiency, price, customer satisfaction, and so on.
Energy Efficiency Rating
If energy efficiency is your top criteria for choosing the best washer and dryer, the first place to go is Energy Star. A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, the Energy Star sets the minimum standards of energy efficiency for washers and dryers. If you have your eye on a particular model, avoid a trip to the retail outlet by checking if it’s Energy Star-compliant on Energy Star’s website. Most Samsung and Electrolux washer and dryer models exceed Energy Star’s standards. Other design features, of course, maximize energy use.
Washer and Dryer Capacity
The size of your family, if you do have one, determines how much laundry you need to do on a weekly basis. If you have a big family and space is not an issue, look to stand-alone washer and dryer units that have high loading capacity. Conversely, if there’s only one, two, or three of you, and particularly if you have limited space, a washer and dryer combo is sufficient for your needs. To choose the best washer and dryer model to serve your laundry needs, pick a design that serves your needs.
Front Loading vs. Top Loading
For the best washer and dryer when it comes to energy efficiency, choose a front load washer and dryer and a gas-powered dryer. You could also opt for the newer models of high efficiency top load washers. However, take note that they require special laundry detergent and can up your total laundry costs. According to ConsumerSearch.com, the best front loading washer is the LG SteamWasher WM3875HWCA, while the LG DLGX5102W gets a nod in the gas dryer category.
Steam Cleaning and Drying Feature
The use of steam technology in cleaning and drying clothes is relatively new and a feature offered by some washers and dryers. Steam washers use less water and electricity and they can remove stubborn stains more effectively. Steam dryers reduce wrinkles in the drying stage. Good Housekeeping magazine tested steam washers and dryers for cleaning performance, water efficiency, gentleness to fabrics, and other factors. The best steam washer and dryer as of 2011 is the LG SteamWasher and Dryer, according to the same source.
Customer Satisfaction
In choosing the best washer and dryer, pick a brand that has a good customer service reputation. J.D. Power and Associates, a marketing information services company, published the “2011 Laundry Appliance Satisfaction Study” which measures overall satisfaction among a sample of 5,600 consumers. LG, Kenmore Elite, and Electrolux received high ratings while Admiral, Rope, and Amana did not. The most recommended brands by salespeople are LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool. For three consecutive years, Samsung is the top rated brand in terms of customer satisfaction.
Before you make a decision to buy a washer and dryer, consider the expert advice of professionals that regularly publish washer reviews as well as washer and dryer ratings. Their professional opinions are invaluable resources and form the ultimate buying guide for picking the best washer and dryer to suit your needs.