With the wide variety of washer models, designs, and sizes available in the market, it is overwhelming to choose the best one. A laundry expert gave a piece of advice once. You have to consider several features when searching for a washer. This step is crucial, especially when deciding the washer for your commercial laundry business.
Other than that, installation requirements are also crucial, as are the appliance’s prices include both the initial purchase price and the cost of running the washer during its lifetime.
Types of Washers
Although installation is an essential consideration for every washer, you must first decide which model of washer you want. Traditional top-load washers are less expensive to buy than most front-loaders or high-efficiency top-loaders, but they cost more to run overtime.
When space is restricted, a stacked washer-dryer unit, also known as a laundry center or a pair of smaller front-load laundry machines that may be stacked, may be the best option. A washer-dryer combo may be the best solution for apartments. These are single machines that can do both washing and drying and are usually small enough to fit beneath a kitchen counter. Some models don’t require an air vent, making them simple to integrate into a rental unit.
Capacity
The washer’s capacity is measured in cubic feet and refers to the volume of the internal drum. A 3- to 4-cubic-foot washer can hold 12 to 16 pounds of clothes on average. A laundry machine with a 5-cubic-foot capacity can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry. Keep in mind that the recommended load size is determined by the model and manufacturer of the washer.
Physical Size
A washer’s physical size is determined by its outside dimensions measured in inches: height, width, and depth. You’ll need 1 to 3 inches on each side, 4 to 6 inches in the back, and 20 to 25 inches in front for the door, in addition to the washer itself (or about 20 inches above for top-loaders).
Installation
Except for some combo units and compact spin washers, which may be linked to the kitchen faucet through an adapter as needed, most washers require plumbing installations. Before purchasing a washer, check with a plumber to see if your property is washer-ready. When choosing a location for new laundry appliances, think about how easy it will be to use the washer and dryer.
Energy Ratings
When it comes to washing, saving power, and water, front-load, high-efficiency models lead the field, but all washers now have better energy ratings than they had previously. Buy an EnergyStar-rated washer for the highest energy efficiency.
Performance and Cycles
Traditional top-loading washers offer fewer cycles and shorter wash times than most high-efficiency units, but they may not clean clothes as well. Because there are no agitators in front-loaders, they perform better and are friendlier on clothes, but their washing cycles are typically significantly longer.
Look for water level options for small, medium, and big loads, as well as water temperature settings so you can wash/rinse with cold water if preferred, regardless of the type of washer. Another nice feature is a permanent-press or casual-wear option with a low spin for wrinkle reduction. A delicate or hand wash cycle comes in handy as well.
Steam, delay wash, stainless steel non-rusting washing tub, extra rinse, pre-soak, softener and bleach dispensers, and end-of-cycle alerts are other features. Some models also have capabilities that automatically change the temperature and level of the water.
