A buyer’s guide to buying laundry & dishwasher appliances
Introduction
If you’re a free spirit who tends to live each day like it’s your last, you’ll probably have the laundry and dishes piled high because, let’s face it: no-one wants to do laundry or dishes on the last day of their lives!
In that case, it’s probably worthwhile knowing what modern day kitchen appliances are really capable of. Most new washing machines and dishwashers are quiet, affordable and won’t put strain on your energy bills, leaving you to life live to the full... with clean pants on. There is also a lot of choice, so we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you select the machine that’s right for you.
If you’ve got a Brady Bunch sized family, you’ll need a large capacity machine. If style is important, why not opt for an integrated machine that matches your fitted kitchen? And if your aspiration for greener living is a key priority, there are plenty of energy-saving options to choose from.
Clean pants are only half as good as clean dry pants. A tumble dryer in the British climate is as essential as a fried breakfast on Sundays, and a washer/dryer is a fantastic choice if you’re short of space.
As an alternative to using cardboard dinnerware in an effort to escape the washing up, a dishwasher is one of the most beloved inventions found in the 21st century home. Take a look at our dishwasher section to find out more.
Washing Machines
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‘It’s better to have loved and lost than to have to do forty pounds of laundry a week.’ – Dr. Laurence Johnston Peter
Front-loaders The most common washing machine in the UK is a front-loading machine. Available in various dimensions, they are ideal for slotting into fitted kitchens as integrated or free-standing units, and the large models can accommodate up to 11kg of laundry per load.
What will I be using it for? Washing clothes, hopefully. It’s also good to have an idea on how often you will be using it and how much washing you’ll be doing before you buy. A young couple will have different needs to a large family and there are machines better suited to each.
Drum capacity This tells you how much of your washing basket you’ll be able to cram into the machine per load. Perhaps the sheer volume of washing you have to get through is your motivation for a large drum. Perhaps you’d rather shove every last sock into one convenient load than bother to separate your whites. A large drum is also useful for washing linen, saving you trips to the dry cleaners. Special features aside, this is one aspect that will ensure your overall satisfactory use of your new machine.
I’m not washing for a football team... The average drum size is around 7kg, which is generally enough for the average household. Consumer watchdog, Which?, found that an average wash involves about 4.5kg of laundry, so a smaller machine with added features might suit your budget and needs better.
In a spin – how to save time... Most machines have a minimum of two spin speeds: 1000-1800 revolutions per minute (rpm) for cottons and 400-800rpm for delicates. People looking to save time when doing their washing should look out for machines with a high spin speed. The faster the spin the more water is removed from your clothes, helping them dry quicker – useful because life is short.
...and efficiency Because of the increased water removal, faster spin speeds also reduce the time the laundry needs in the tumble dryer, topping up your green points. Speeds go all the way up to 1800rpm, for those living in the fast lane, but the more common 1200rpm is up to the job of handling most loads. Higher rpm usually means a few more pennies towards your new purchase.
Shaking up the spin Machines with variable spin speeds allow you to alter the speed depending on what you’re washing. So, if you’re washing delicates such as a cashmere jumper or a hand-knitted baby’s cardigan, you can lower the spin speed to keep them soft and fluffy.
Wash cycles – what does it all mean? Many high-end machines will put you in a spin with their numerous programmes and cycles, but generally they will all break down into the following categories:
Cottons: This is intense high-temperature washing for dirty clothes that can handle it.
Synthetics: A gentler lower-temperature approach for man-made fabrics.
Delicates: A gentle cycle that won’t damage fragile items.
Woollens: Under this cycle your woollens are overwhelmed with water – best suited to wool-mixture clothes which can be subject to bobbling.
Handwash: Offers exactly what it says on the tin – a washing experience easier on fabrics than your own hands.
Quickwash: This cycle is suited to freshening up clothes that weren’t too dirty when they went in the machine.
Economy wash: Also known as ‘half load’ this can be used to save water and energy when you only have a few undies to wash.
Other programmes - bits and bobs If living on the edge makes you forgetful, a machine with a ‘coin trap’ could be useful for filtering out the loose change that you forgot to take out of your trousers before chucking them in the wash. Also look out for pre-wash programmes which lift surface dirt from filthy fabrics before the main cycle gets under way – a good idea for getting chunky dirt like mud and food fight remains out of the way before the main wash. Finally, if you’re not a fan of ironing then look out for a steam clean programme which helps to eliminate creases during the wash, leaving you even more time for adventure in your day.
Special Features & Jargon Busters
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Electronic display Unless you’re watching the washing go round and round for entertainment purposes, an electronic display is useful for showing how long your washing has left. A more swanky option is an LCD touchscreen – great for the contemporary finger that defaults to poking, tapping and swishing rather than turning knobs.
Don’t forget to flush An extra rinse feature flushes detergent from your linen, making sure any little ones (or big ones) with eczema or sensitive skin can sleep easy.
Fuzzy logic Not the blurred common sense that one emits towards the end of a raucous night out, but rather the technology which recognises how much washing the drum is holding. With fuzzy logic the machine automatically adjusts the water, energy and cycle length to customise each wash and save money on operating costs.
Where it will go – to integrate or not? If you want the machine to slot into a gap in your utility room or kitchen then a free-standing machine will do. But if style is high on your agenda you will want an integrated machine that fits seamlessly into your kitchen.
Integrated machines Integrated machines blend into your fitted kitchen. When out of use they are hidden from sight, covered by a door in the same style as your kitchen units to create a sleek, modern look (and hide the constant reminder of the washing that’s piling up in the bedroom).
Semi-integrated A semi-integrated machine covers the drum behind units matching the rest of your kitchen. Only the controls of the machine remain on show. However, if they’re the high-end touchscreens they are worthy of showing off anyway.
Free-standing Not quite as stylish as an integrated machine, a freestanding unit more than makes up for it with impressive mobility. Want to bring your washer into the kitchen to free-up garage space or take it with you when you move? No problem with a free-standing machine.
Washing machines and efficiency All washing machines are graded from A+ to G on their energy efficiency – the best machines will be marked A+. If you’re likely to plant a tree for every pack of loo roll you buy, an A-rated machine is probably the one you want. Look for an Energy Saving Recommended mark on it. Although you may pay a bit more for one of these, the extra cash will give you guilt-free laundry days and save you money on bills in the long run.
Machines with a higher grading will offer features such as time delay, which allows you to put a wash in and set the timer to start when cheaper energy kicks in during the early or late hours.
Tumble Dryers
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As exciting as it is decorating your radiators with socks and towels, it’s maddening to wait days for a dry set of pants, especially when you already postponed last week’s laundry for a week... A tumble dryer is laundry’s better half.
How they work The drum size in a tumble dryer is often bigger than that of a washing machine, helping dry those clothes fast. This is because the air flows more efficiently inside a larger drum, resulting in faster drying times.
Vented tumble dryer Although they use less energy consumption and are cheaper than condenser tumble dryers, you will need to have an external vent fitted in the wall or position this dryer near the window to hang the hose out, as they work by removing warm, damp air through a pipe.
Condenser tumble dryer These are slightly more expensive than vented dryers, but can be positioned wherever you want, provided the room is well-ventilated. These dryers work by removing moist air from the drum and cooling it inside the machine. The water is then collected in a container, which you need to remove and empty regularly.
Settings and things to look out for Most dryers come with two settings – one for synthetics and one for cotton. However, many modern day machines also have a setting for delicates, meaning even your silk nightgown can be dried in the tumbler.
A full size tumble dryer will normally dry about the same weight of laundry that its corresponding machine will wash. Driers are available in a range of sizes, so if you use a large capacity washing machine to do your family’s laundry you will probably need a similar sized dryer.
Other features
Reverse tumble: Reverse function gives your clothes a change of scenery as the drum spins in both directions. It also helps reduce creases and cut down on ironing.
Crease Care: If you’ve a tendency to leave your washing in the dryer while you’re at work or out living dangerously, this setting gives your laundry a tumble every now and then after the cycle has finished to prevent the load from creasing until you can get home and empty the machine.
Tumble dryers and efficiency All tumble dryers are graded from A+ to G on their energy efficiency – the best machines will be marked A+, so look out for an Energy Saving Recommended mark on it if you’re up for saving the planet. Although you pay a bit more for one of these, the extra cash will give you green credentials with the family and save you money on bills in the long run.
Safety first Before using your new dryer remember to check the labels on your clothes to find out if the fabrics are suitable for tumble drying. And don’t forget to clean the filter of your tumbler as fluff and fibres can build up there.
Washer/Dryer
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Life is what happens when you’re busy doing mounds of laundry. Make your laundry days much easier and quicker with a washer/dryer. Washer/dryers combine a washing machine with a tumble dryer and take up less space than having two separate units. Their drums are smaller than those on separate washers and driers which means less drying can be done each session – about half a load at a time.
Who they’re for If you don’t have much space, a washer/dryer is a way to have the best of both worlds in a small space. Remember, with one of these you can wash or dry, but not both at the same time – meaning large families or households with large volumes of washing might benefit from having these separate.
Things to consider These dryers generally use a wet condenser system to dry clothes – using cold water during the process. This means that more water is used overall. Because of this, surface moisture will be left on your washing when it’s completed – making it feel a little damp. But this will soon evaporate.
Dishwashers
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Whoever said a dog is man’s best friend... they were wrong. A dishwasher is. Here are some handy tips on getting one that will suit you.
There are full size, slim-line and table top dishwasher models. So before you buy, think about how much space you have and how much washing up you’ll need to get through (or rather how long you’re accustomed to letting it pile up).
Full Size A full-size dishwasher generally measures around 60cm wide. These are perfect for large families or people who often entertain. They can accommodate the following per wash: 12 dinner plates, 12 small plates, 12 bowls, 12 cups and saucers, 12 knives, forks, tablespoons and teaspoons.
Slim-line People with a less space and fewer pots to wash may want to opt for a slim-line model. Although the same height as a full-size dishwasher, they are narrower (45cm). On average they can fit nine place settings per wash, not much less than the full size machine.
Table-top Far smaller than a traditional dishwasher and looking more like a microwave, table top dishwashers are ideal for people living alone or if space is very limited. Measuring about 50cm wide, covering around 4 place settings, a table top dishwasher can be placed wherever it’s needed, typically on a work surface.
Integrate me Fit an integrated dishwasher into your existing fitted kitchen for a seamless and stylish look. An integrated machine will disappear behind your matching cupboard doors, hiding your appliances from view. You can also choose a semi-integrated machine, which hides everything but the controls behind your units.
Freestanding A free-standing model can be taken with you if you decide to move homes. Although it won’t look as neat an integrated machine, you can also simply unplug it and move it around your kitchen or into the utility room if desired.
What’s the programme? Most dishwashers keep things simple with three programmes and a rinse-only cycle. Higher end models may give more options. The all-purpose standard cycle washes dishes at 65C and the eco cycle uses less energy but takes slightly longer to get the job done.
Further settings If you’ve mini-me mouths to feed, some machines feature a useful baby cycle which gets rid of harmful bacteria. Home alone? The half-load programme uses half as much water than is used on a full run, for cleaning fewer dishes. A pre-soak cycle will help to shift those rock-hard cheesy bits from the lasagne dish.
Other features:
Timer Delay You might be born to be wild, but you probably also wouldn’t mind saving money on your bills. Time delay allows users to capitalise on cheaper energy tariffs by setting the dishwasher to start at off-peak times – which often kick-in when most people are tucked up in bed.
Fuzzy Logic Many high-end models use fuzzy logic to measure the load of your wash and adjust the temperature and water consumption to suit, saving energy and money.
Dishwashing and the environment Like tumble dryers, dishwashers are graded A+ to G on their energy efficiency – the best machines will be marked A+. If you’re a compost-making, vegetable-growing, tree-hugging protector of the environment, look out for a machine with an Energy Saving Recommended mark on it. Although you pay a bit more for one of these, the extra cash will give you green credentials with the family and save you money on bills in the long run.
Safety first – what can’t I put in? Check that your kitchenware is dishwasher safe before slotting it into the machine as not all items are. Crystal, patterned china, silver or gold plated china and cast iron pans are often not dishwasher safe, so check the label first. If you’ve become allergic to yellow marigold gloves and your living-on-the-edge doesn’t allow time for hand-scrubbing, simply stock up on dishwasher-safe cookware!
