Front load or top load? Here are some washing machine-choosing tips to get more bang for your buck.
Article taken off ehow.com
Step 1
Consider how much noise the washing machine makes and where in your home it will be located.
Step 2
Measure the space where you plan to install your new appliance. If you're off by even an inch or two, it can make a huge difference.
Step 3
Look to consumer magazines or websites for repair histories of particular brands. Your $300 to $600 investment should last you at least 20 years.
Step 4
Shop for a washer in which the controls are easy to read and use. The touch-pad types are a little more expensive and not necessarily better.
Step 5
Make sure the lint trap is easy to reach and clean.
Step 6
Look at the insides carefully: Porcelain coating on the top surface is best. However, for the drum, stainless steel or plastic is preferable because a drum made from these materials won't scratch like a painted one will, or chip and then rust like porcelain coating.
Step 7
Save water and electricity with a front-loading model. These are also more gentle on clothes because they don't use an agitator. They also are typically quieter than top-loaders, and fit in smaller spaces. They require special detergent, however.
Step 8
Think about capacity - each brand has a different definition of high-capacity. Clothes are measured in pounds; you may want to weigh an average load before going shopping to make sure your new washer can handle your washing habits. Front-loading models only hold about 8 pounds.
Step 9
Look for extras such as bleach-, detergent- and fabric softener-dispensers, a hand-wash cycle, and automatic temperature controls.
Step 10
Compare prices from department and appliance stores with those found on the Web.
Step 11
Be sure to get a good warranty.
