Washing Machine Buying Guide

What capacity do you need? Freestanding or integrated? Will it help you save money on your bills?
Whatever your question, our handy guide is here to help you choose the right Washing Machine for you

Freestanding Washing Machines

Choosing a freestanding washing machine offers flexibility in placement, easy installation, and affordability. These machines are convenient for those who want a hassle-free installation process, easy maintenance, and the ability to replace or upgrade quickly. Freestanding washing machines come in various sizes and capacities, making them suitable for different household needs.

Integrated Washing Machines

Selecting an integrated washing machine offers a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look, as it blends effortlessly with cabinetry. It optimizes space, enhances home value, and reduces noise and vibration. Integrated models provide customization options for a cohesive design and feature hidden controls for a minimalist appearance

Key Features

Wash Load Capacity

Choosing the right drum size depends on your household's laundry requirements, such as the number of people, frequency of washing, and types of items you regularly wash. It's also worth considering energy efficiency and water usage when selecting a washing machine with an appropriate drum size.
The capacity, or volume, of the drum in a washing machine determines how much the machine can wash.
Drum sizes are typically measured in kilograms (kg), representing the weight of dry laundry that can be accommodated.
 

Washing machine drum sizes vary depending on the model and type. We have put together the most common sizes and the loads they can handle: Shop your desired wash load below.


Energy Efficiency

Energy ratings and efficiency in washing machines are indicated by labels, typically ranging from A to G, with A being the most efficient. These labels provide information about the appliance's energy and water consumption. Energy efficiency is measured in terms of electricity and water usage per washing cycle. Additional features, such as variable spin speeds and sensor technologies, contribute to overall efficiency. Consumers can compare models easily using these labels, and government standards often mandate minimum energy efficiency requirements. While energy-efficient washing machines may have a higher upfront cost, they usually result in lower operating costs over the appliance's lifecycle, contributing to sustainability efforts and reduced environmental impact.
 
Shop Our most efficient Washing Machines below:

Spin Speed

Spin speed in washing machines refers to the rate of drum rotation during the spin cycle, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Higher spin speeds lead to more effective water extraction, resulting in drier clothes and potentially reducing energy consumption during drying. Variable spin speeds offer flexibility based on the laundry type. You should consider the spin speed of a washing machine for several reasons. Higher spin speeds contribute to better water extraction, leading to drier clothes and reduced drying times. This not only saves energy but also lowers associated costs. The ability to choose variable spin speeds provides versatility, catering to different fabric types and loads. 
 
Shop our different spin speeds below 

Different Washing Machine Features

Quick Wash

The "quick wash" feature in washing machines is a setting designed to reduce the duration of a washing cycle. It's specifically intended for lightly soiled or smaller loads of laundry that don't require the full wash time that a regular cycle might take.
 

Delay Start

The "delay start" feature in washing machines allows you to set a specific time for the washing cycle to begin. This feature is useful for individuals who want to take advantage of off-peak energy hours or ensure that the laundry is finished at a specific time.
 

Smart Features

Smart washing machines can be controlled from an app on your smartphone or tablet using a Wi-Fi connection. That means you can start, stop and pause loads, as well as receive alerts and personalised washing advice from the palm of your hand.

Steam Technology

Steam technology in washing machines utilizes steam in addition to water and detergent to provide various benefits. It aids in effective stain removal, eliminates odors, reduces wrinkles, removes allergens, and contributes to sanitization.

Auto Dosing

Auto dosing in washing machines is a feature that automatically measures and dispenses the optimal amount of detergent for each load. This technology enhances cleaning efficiency, saves time, promotes cost efficiency, and contributes to environmental benefits by reducing detergent waste.

Quiet

The "quiet" feature in washing machines is designed to minimize operational noise during washing and spinning cycles. Incorporating technologies such as insulation, vibration dampening, and advanced motors, these machines aim to provide a quieter laundry experience.

Drum Light

The "drum light" feature in washing machines involves the inclusion of internal LED lights within the drum. It enhances visibility during loading and unloading, especially in low-light conditions, making it more convenient to organize and manage laundry. 

Specialised Programmes

Specialized programs in washing machines offer tailored wash cycles for specific fabrics or laundry needs. These programs include options for stain removal, energy efficiency, quick wash, allergy or hygiene concerns, and delicate fabrics. 

Picking Your Colour

After finalizing the features you desire in your washer dryer, the next step is to contemplate the colour selection. Here, we elaborate on the advantages of the most commonly chosen colours.

Black

Black washer dryers boast low maintenance requirements owing to their effortless cleaning characteristics. The universal appeal of this colour makes it a versatile choice that harmonizes seamlessly with various interior styles. 

White

White washer dryers contribute to a timeless and clean aesthetic, offering a classic look that is not only easy to maintain but also provides a hassle-free cleaning experience. Having a white washer dryer can also make a room seem bigger because the colour white bounces light around a room.

Grey

Opting for a grey washer dryer presents a stylish and contemporary aesthetic. The versatile nature of grey allows for effortless pairing with any colour scheme, making it a progressively favored choice among our customers.


Washing Machine FAQs

We understand that choosing the perfect washing machine involves considering various factors to meet your specific needs. To make your decision-making process easier, we've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about washing machines. If you can't find the answer to your question, please get in touch with our expert team on 0161 794 3030.

 

Can a washing machine be placed in the garage ?

Washing machines can be installed in garages however this option comes with its own problems. Garages can suffer from lack of ventilation and condensation can cause damage to the washing machine. The garage can also become too hot in summer which could cause the machine to overheat and in the winter when its cold pipes can be at risk of freezing. Also freestanding garages are unlikely to have plumbing available which can make installation difficult.

What size washing machine do I need ?

It is important to consider the dimensions when choosing a washing machine. Standard washing machines are around 85cm tall and 60cm wide and the depth can vary depending on the drum size. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a smaller or slimline model, which typically are below 50cm wide and/or below 54cm deep.

What capacity do I need for my washing machine ?

The ideal capacity depends on your household size and laundry habits. For smaller households or lighter usage, a 7-8 kg capacity might suffice, while larger families or those with more substantial laundry loads may prefer a 9 kg or higher capacity.

What energy efficiency rating does the washing machine have?

In the UK, look for machines with an energy label. Higher ratings, indicated by letters from A to G, mean better efficiency and cost savings. A being the best and G being the worst.