Washing Machines

As our lives become busier, people are looking for greater flexibilty and convenience when it comes to choosing their kitchen appliances. This particulary applies to the home laundry sector, where time saving and ease of use are top of the agenda.

It is generally accepted that there are three key trends in washing machines-spin speed, load capacity and energy efficiency. Our site is designed to assist in searching for such features. Click the appropriate button from our home page after selecting the correct button for "size" giving the choice of load capacities then "spin speed" showing the very latest fast spinning models. These and other options will prompt you to a washing machine or washer dryer that should suit your specific needs. There is not a button for energy efficiency as most manufacturers are now producing machines that are invariably many times more efficient than those say just five years ago. Details of the official rating is normally shown on the relevant product page.

Large capacity washing machines...The new Hotpoint Aqualtis 7.5kg machine that was the star in the recent London Trade show. Have a look at the page dedicated specifically to this range by clicking on the relevant left button. This machine is a radical movement away from the traditional washing machine layout in having all the major controls in the door. The soap dispenser is also hidden away. We have ensured that we have ordered plenty of these machines into our warehouse as sales expectations are extremely high.

Hoover have also brought a large capacity more traditional looking washing machine to the market, the Vision HD with a 8kg load capacity. Once again there is a page dedicated to this machine accessible by clicking on the appropriate button to the left.

So washing machines cost less to run, but they spin at higher speeds too – 1200rpm now being the preferred choice, although some models touch 1800rpm on some cycles! Mid- to higher-range washing machines often utilise microchip technology to constantly test the cleanliness of the wash water and then modify the wash accordingly. Occasionally a wash cycle can even be omitted entirely without sacrificing any loss in wash performance. Such machines usually have LCD displays to inform users how the wash programme is progressing and how much time is left before the final spin.

Virtually all washing machines are now 'cold fill only' models. This means that they take in cold water and heat it up to the temperature required by the programme selected. You will find most washing machines concentrate on 40 degree washes as detergents have been designed to work at these lower temperatures to maximise energy savings. Machines that can still take in water from the hot supply are actually less efficient and are more costly to run due mainly to the change in detergent design. Look out for washing machines that offer an A or A+ energy rating as they are not that much more expensive to purchase, yet save the additional outlay many times over.

The larger the washing machine's drum capacity, the more washing you can do at one time. These larger capacity machines are useful for washing bulky items like bath towels, but you should also be aware that washing smaller loads in a large drum will reduce creasing and make ironing easier. Machines that can take 6kg loads are now quite common and major names such as Electrolux, Hotpoint and Hoover now manufacture washing machines that are a standard 60cm width, but which can take a 7.5-8kg load! This large load feature is the 2006 talking point in washing machines.

Ensure that you purchase a washing machine that offers a variety of programmes, enabling you to save time and effort while your machine does all the thinking for you. Desirable programmes include Delicates, Extra Rinse, Variable Spin, Reduced Ironing and Time Delay to utilise cheaper rate electricity.

Performance Gradings

All washing machines are graded from A to E for wash performance, energy efficiency and spin efficiency, with A-grade being the best in each area. For the best of the best — look out for AAA-grade models.

Wash performance —
An A grade in wash performance is awarded to machines which give the best wash results and prove to be the most efficient at removing stubborn stains.

Energy efficiency —
An A grade energy efficient machine will save you money by using less water and electricity.

Spin efficiency —
Machines given an A-grade for spin efficiency will reduce drying time by extracting more water from your wash than other machines.

Top Loading Washing Machines

Most current top loading washing machines use a double door system. They obviously cannot be used under a work surface as the main door lifts up from the top of the machine, allowing access to the drum which needs to be unlatched before allowing the loading or unloading of clothes. As the drum is mounted 90 degrees from that of a front loader, these machines are slimmer (in the region of just 45cm), so can be recommended where space is at a premium and there is a small utility room in the kitchen.