Choosing a washing machine
After showers, clothes washing is typically the second largest indoor consumer of water. Here are a few tips to help you choose a washing machine that suits your budget, saves water and is kind to the environment.
Using the washing machine is a daily activity for many Australian households. As we move towards a more sustainable future, doing the laundry will not only be a matter of how effectively stubborn stains can be removed, but also how much water or energy is consumed for every wash.
The question of choosing a washing machine can be a confusing one and most of us do not think of it until our machine breaks down. Because it needs to be replaced urgently, there is little time to shop around and compare the features and benefits of the types of machines on offer.
Front Loader or Top Loader?
Before buying a new washing machine, consider whether you prefer a front or top loader.
Front loading washing machines have an opening on the front of the machine, where clothes can be loaded and unloaded. All dials and buttons are typically located on the front.
Top loading washing machines open from the top of the machine, where clothes can be loaded and unloaded. The dials and buttons are typically found on top, along the back edge of the machine.
Deciding which is best is a matter of personal choice, although there are a number of pro's and con's that should be considered.
The Pro's and Con's
- How's it going to perform? In a test of 18 washing machines by Choice Magazine (March 2007), the top four machines in a rating of overall performance (irrespective of size) were all front loaders. The best overall performer in each size category was a front loader. Front loaders are rapidly increasing in popularity throughout Australia as better and cheaper models come on the market.
- How's it going to wash? Front loaders are gentler on the clothes than top loaders. They have higher spin speeds resulting in less moisture in the clothes on completion. This shortens drying time and minimises use of a tumble dryer. In terms of dirt removal or rinse performance, neither type has an advantage, but front loaders offer more temperature and wash options.
- I want to save water and energy... One of the biggest advantages of front loaders is that they use less water than top loaders, up to 70% less in some cases or 36,000 litres per year for a typical household. They also use less detergents and less energy if you wash with warm or hot water. This reduces greenhouse gases making front loaders more environmentally friendly than top loaders.
- How easy is it to load washing? Front loaders on the floor require bending to load and unload, unlike top loaders which could cause problems for those with back problems. However, these problems are reduced if front loaders are placed on pedestals or a purpose built cabinet.
- Saving space Front loaders are very effective space savers. A dryer can easily be mounted on top of the machine without interfering with its operation.
- Can I add clothes after turning the machine on? Most front loaders cannot be opened once the cycle starts. However, some newer models are able to overcome this problem. Washing can be added to top loaders at any point of the cycle.
- How long does it take to wash? Front loaders generally take longer to complete a cycle than top loaders, sometimes up to 40 minutes more.
- How much are they? Top loaders are generally cheaper than front loaders. For a machine of equivalent size and quality, the difference could be about $200. However, the price is reducing as a result of more front loaders coming onto the market.
What to look for before buying a Front or Top Loader
By law, all washing machines must carry a label which gives a star rating for the machine's water efficiency. The more stars, the less water the machine uses per wash. The label also provides water consumption in litres for each cold and warm wash. All machines will also display a label for energy efficiency. The most stars displayed, the less energy the machine uses. Energy consumption figures may also be provided for warm and cold wash. To minimise your total running costs, you should select a model within your budget that is high in both water and energy efficiency. If you want to buy a top loader in preference to a front loader and want to save water, look for a model with at least 3 water efficiency stars and an adjustable water level. This will enable you to reduce the water used with smaller loads. To save water and energy, always run your washing machine on full load. Washing in cold water saves energy and may not compromise the quality of the wash. |
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Summary of Pro's and Con's of a Front vs Top loader
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