Consumers looking to buy a washing machine have no doubt realized that there are an incredible number of choices available, so it can be difficult to make a selection without receiving some guidance. The shopping process should not be rushed, and a prospective buyer must allow enough time to make their decisions in an informed and well thought out manner. Online reviews can be helpful in helping an individual make their choice, but it is important to remember that any personal opinion is going to vary greatly from person to person. Each manufacturer makes statistics and specifications available on their website, and this information is much more pertinent once several washing machines have been selected as the final prospects.
The primary step in choosing a washing machine is determining what size and style are going to be the most appropriate for the space that is available. An individual living in an apartment may not be able to fit a full-size unit in their home, so a stackable washer may be the only option. The two primary body types of washers are front load and top load, and virtually every washing machine fits into one of these classifications.
Front load washing machines are a more modern approach and are quickly becoming very popular. The design allows for the maximum capacity due to the fact that there is no agitator in the middle of the basin. A much smaller amount of water is required to adequately clean the load, so the units are both energy efficient and consume less water. Many customers attest to the fact that there clothes have less fading due to less water and that the items appear to be cleaner, but most reviews are simply personal opinion. Top load washing machines are often less expensive than front loading units, but they also use much more water and require more power to operate. The water level must often fill the machine before there is a sufficient ability to clean the load. Because the agitator of a top loader stands in the middle, there is less capacity for clothes and more restrictions as to what will fit inside.
While the price tag of the washing machine may be posted in plain view, it is important for consumers to understand that there are other factors to consider in the cost category. The efficiency of a washing machine is going to have a direct impact on an owner’s utility bills, and sometimes a more expensive unit could actually result in savings in the long run. If more money is spent on the front end purchasing a more reliable washing machine, it may delay the need for a costly replacement and could mean substantial savings. Consumers need to understand that buying a $700 washing machine once is much better than having to buy a $400 washing machine two or three times.
Some individuals simply cannot afford to pay for the washing machine that they have selected, but the good news is that it may not be necessary to accept a lower quality unit to stay within a budget. Many appliance stores and suppliers offer fairly competitive financing programs. However, the washing machine choice should not be clouded by the ability to finance the unit at a particular retail location. A better approach is to review the various options and then strive to find a supplier that will offer acceptable financing terms. Individuals that buy based on price alone often end up with regrets about their purchases.
The decision as to which washing machine to purchase is not definitive, and no unit is clearly better than all of the other options. The best approach is for a consumer to take the general knowledge into consideration and evaluate which choice will serve their needs and their budget in the best way possible.
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