Advice for Buying a New Washing Machine- First Time Buyer

teacherer on 01/08/2017 - 18:06

Howdy yall
My wife and I have gone through a spate of used washing machines recently that have had little issues that we weren't told of or failed pretty quickly.
I familiarised myself with washing machines and did the standard troubleshooting and tear down but they have been an issue that I can't fix.
Staining our sheridan sheet set (didn't mix the detergent through) was the last straw and we are buying new

Do you guys have any advice or things to consider?

We are a couple, looking to add to our family in the next 5 years and have a dog (hairs everywhere)
At this stage I am leaning toward a 7.5kg or bigger LG top loader or similar.

Any input is appreciated
Cheers

Electrical & Electronics Washing Machine

Comments

  • shaybisc on 01/08/2017 - 18:21
    +5

    Why would a science teacher want a top loader? They use twice the amount of water and batter the clothes.

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    • altomic on 01/08/2017 - 20:22
      +1

      he works at a creationist school

    • supnigs super skids on 01/08/2017 - 20:39
      +1

      Top loader stretches undies. Side loader takes longer to wash but gentler

      • hell0 on 01/08/2017 - 21:33
        +1

        Thats pretty good for fat people who cant buy underwear big enough.

  • D C on 01/08/2017 - 18:21
    +2

    Front loader FTW.

    Discovered they still make make twin tub machines, by god there's some luddites out there. (Or you should move out of the desert.)

    • teacherer on 01/08/2017 - 18:33
      +1

      Why do you reckon a front loader? I don't know much but I like adding articles of clothing I might have forgotten and not waiting for it to 'unlock'. Also not bending down lol

      • D C on 01/08/2017 - 18:44
        +1

        Less water (cheaper if using warm water - front loaders also heat their own water), gentler on clothing (less lint), less prone to unbalanced loads, spins faster at the end so clothes dry faster.

        Downsides (YMMV) are longer cycles compared to top loader, might matter you you do a lot of washing. Loads are smaller too.

        The locking thing really isn't that big of a deal as you think.

        No real getting around the bending down thing but you should be bending at the knees, not leaning over like with a top loader. OHS win? Doesn't bother my mother, and she's over 80.

        • teacherer on 01/08/2017 - 18:53

          Thanks mate I appreciate your breakdown. With poins like that I think I'm happy to grab a front loader. I do do lots of washing all at once but patience is a virtue

      • sandman87 on 01/08/2017 - 19:12
        +1

        There are some front loaders from Samsung that have a little door within the main door to add more clothes to the cycle if you need it. I have an electrolux front loader that ive had for 2 years. Its going great and get excellent wash performance. I would look out for a front loader that gives you a refresh cycle. It basically tumbles the clothes through steam. They come out feeling fresh without being washed.

        The other thing to consider with the load sizes is that although it may indicate a certain load size, it may only be applicable to a particular wash cycle. I know that with my washing machine, you can only utilise its maximum with 2 out of the 12 program options. Doesnt stop you from filling it up, but I think putting in 7kg of towels as opposed to 7kg of shirts and pants may yield different results or potentially wear the machine out faster.

        Also another thing I learned from a washing machine mechanic was that with front loaders you should use less detergant than indicated on the bottles. He suggested using 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended amount. Ive been using 1/4 the recommended amount and have been getting good results.

        • teacherer on 01/08/2017 - 19:16

          Thanks I'll be looking out for those features

      • tassieeagle on 01/08/2017 - 21:34

        you can buy front loaders that unlock when you pause the cycle. Source: My 8.5kg LG front loader purchased last year. Good machine

        • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2017 - 03:58

          My 6 month old 8kg Gorenje (cheapish european brand) does too, as long as there is no to very low water in the tub.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2017 - 19:23
    +1
    1. measure the space you have
    2. i would go for front loader to save water and detergent
    3. go to appliances online and watch their product videos, you may find there are features you want you never knew existed
    4. don't be afraid to send it back if it doesn't work as expected
    • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2017 - 22:21

      plus get a front loader you can add an item half cycle if needed.

  • casho on 02/08/2017 - 08:46

    I've used a Miele front loader for about 13 years. Washes clothes nicely and no issues.

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