What you need to know when choosing a washing machine This choice should be carried out according to your individual needs and or means. Is your budget tight and your washing frequency low? A simple washing machine could be enough to satisfy your expectations. Basic washing machines models start from around Rs 6,729.

Washing machine or washer dryer? Do you also need a tumble dryer? Washer dryers bring together washing and drying functions in the same machine, convenient if you are looking to save space. Their reputation of being a more fragile or less reliable machine is largely untrue. The drying washing machines offer an impressive number of options. They are therefore more expensive than the simple models but their price only slightly exceeds that of two separate washing machine and a tumble dryer purchases.

Type of loading Front or top loading? This is one of the first distinctions which you will have to make in order to purchase your machine. Ask yourself two questions: What are my constraints of space and fitting? How much am I washing?

Washing machine with frontal opening The models of Front-load washing machine are wider but less deep than the models with an opening on the top. These freestanding or built-in washing machines were designed to be integrated easily under a work surface in your kitchen. They have also been designed to accommodate a separate tumble dryer on top. Another significant point is the potentially greater loading capacity. A port-hole washing machine can handle, up to 9 kg of linen depending on the model.

Variable drying: Variable drying enables you to alter speed of the drum as you wish. You choose the appropriate spinning level to suit your needs and the material being washed. This function is primarily intended to protect delicate materials, which could be damaged by drying too fast.

Top loading washing machine: These freestanding washing machines benefit from an indisputable asset: they are much easier to store. Much tighter than their competitors, they offer space saving. The access to the drum is easier than on the washing machines with a port-hole. Their technical design, their loading capacity is usually less than 5 kg.

Fixed drying: You can find this system on the most economic models. In this case the spinning operates only at fixed speed whatever the program selected. Some washing machines combine several speeds of fixed drying which adapt according to the selected program.

Loading capacity: You should also consider the loading capacity required before making your purchase. A single person or a young couple does not have the same needs as a large family. For this reason the manufacturers produce models with a variety of different drum sizes. To make the right choice take a look at this table:

Profile type Advised capacity * Single person Less than 4.9 Kg * Couple without children 5 kg - 5.4 kg * Family with 2 children 5.5 kg - 5.9 kg * Family with 3-4 children 6 kg and more

The spinning: The more effective the spinning is, the more quickly your washing will dry. The higher the speed the model offers, the more efficient the spinning is. If you already have a tumble dryer, a washing machine with a drying speed of 800-1000 rpm can be appropriate. If not choose one with a drying speed of at least 1000 rpm.

The programs: The various washing machine brands and models, offer several different programming, of which the most useful are the following:

*Automatic program, calculating the water needed and the duration of washing according to your washing loading. *Delayed start in order to benefit from off-peak hours. *Program for delicate linen, in order to avoid very nasty surprises. *Short wash cycle, economic and ideal for little worn clothing. *Anti-wrinkle program to minimise tiresome ironing!

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