Washing Machines
When choosing a washing machine there are several key things to consider, the amount and types of washing you do could affect the load capacity you choose; how you dry your clothes could affect the spin speed you choose; and the level of performance you expect could also be an important consideration.
In addition there are a number of special features that offer added convenience, added protection to your clothes or could save you time and money! Just click on a link below, to jump down to further information about the washing machines area you're interested in:
Spin Speeds
One of the most important choices to make when buying a washing machine. As a general rule the faster the spin speed the more water that is extracted from your wash.
If you regularly use a tumble dryer, it is worthwhile investing in a high spin speed as it is more economical to spin water out than to tumble dry.
Load Size
How would you like to reduce the number of washes you do in a week? Or maybe you would like to wash big items like your duvet at home? Measured in kilograms of dry clothes, our washing machines capacities now range from 5kg up to 10kg.
The table below gives you an indication of how much you can wash in each load capacity:
| Load Capacity | No. of Cotton Shirts/Wash | Wash Duvet | Suitable For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 kg | 25 | - | The standard wash capacity |
| 6.0 kg | 30 | Single (up to 13.5 tog) | Great for small families |
| 7.0 kg | 35 | Double (up to 10.5 tog) | Up to 40% less* washes per week |
| 7.5 kg | 37 | Kingsize (up to 10.5 tog) | Up to 50% less* washes per week |
| 8.0 kg | 40 | Kingsize (up to 13.5 tog) | For big households or big duvets |
| 9.0 kg | 45 | Kingsize (up to 15.0 tog) | For big households or big duvets |
| 10.0 kg | 50 | Kingsize (up to 15.0 tog) | For big households with a utility room |
* Compared to standard 5kg wash
Energy Efficiency
All our washing machines are issued with a performance class rating for Energy, Wash & Spin. Each of these are graded from 'A - G', with 'A' being the best.
Look for the energy saving recommended label if you want the most energy efficient appliances for your home.
Energy Table
Performance is measured on a scale from A (more efficent) to G (less efficient).
An energy efficient washing machine uses a third less energy than an old, inefficient model and cuts water consumption considerably.
Energy Saving Tips
Save Energy & Money by following these simple steps:
If you need to wash smaller loads use 'half load' or 'economy' setting.
Use lower temperature washes - many detergents work best at lower temperatures, typically 40-55 degrees, with some designed to work at 30 degrees.
Use short wash cycles when clothes are only lightly soiled.
Use higher spin speeds or a spin dryer to extract more water before using a tumble dryer.
Dry washing outdoors whenever possible.
Use a "set & forget" tumble dryer which automatically senses when clothes are dry and switches to cool tumble to save energy.
Look out for the energy saving recommended logo on laundry & dishwashers.
Washing Machine Programmes
All washing machines include a number of programme options and special features to help you get the best results from your wash.
Here are a few of the most useful special programmes to look for:
| Useful Programmes | |
|---|---|
| Quick Wash | Most tumble dryers now come with reverse action which reduces tangling, reduces creasing and helps clothes to dry faster, saving time and energy. |
| Economy Wash | Uses less water, electricity and detergent to reduce your running costs. |
| Silk Wash | Washes with a gentler action and at lower temperature to protect delicate garments. |
| Hand Wash | Enables you to wash clothes marked "hand wash only" in your machine. |
| Wool Wash | A gentle programme to wash woolens in your machine. Look for Woolmark Gold or Woolmark Platinum accredited machines for best results. |
| Duvet Program | Some larger washing machines now come with a duvet cycle to wash machine washable duvets at home. |
Other Features
Other features you might want to look for...
| Other Washing Machine Features | |
|---|---|
| LCD Display | Provides feedback on the current wash or drying programme, what stage it is at, time remaining until completion, selected programme adjustments and time delay countdown. |
| LED Display | This may feature; wash programme status indicators, time remaining & time delay countdown. |
| Time Delay | Allows you to delay the wash start time, so you could take advantage of cheap overnight electricity, or set to wash just before you get home from work. |
| Extra Rinse | Removes more detergent from your washing, useful in soft water areas and a better option for people with eczema, sensitive skin or allergies. |
| Time Saver | Available on some machines to reduce programme running times by up to 20%, great for people with a busy lifestyle. |
| Cold Fill | Most washing machines are now cold fill only which means that water is heated in the washer, rather than drawn from your hot water supply. It's more energy efficient, better for stain removal and is gentler on your fabrics too! |
Washer Dryers
Wash and tumble dry within the same machine, plus no need for venting! A good option for households' where space is tight, however busy households' might find a separate washer and dryer (so you can wash and dry at the same time) a better option.
Look for machines with the ability to "wash to dry" the same capacity, e.g. 5kg+5kg. This means you can wash and dry a full load in one go.
Helplines
| Supplier | Helpline |
|---|---|
| AEG Electrolux | 08705 350 350 |
| Beko | 08707 741 050 |
| Bosch | 08702 400 060 |
| Candy | 08705 400 600 |
| Electra | 08705 168 299 |
| Electrolux | 08705 950 950 |
| Hoover | 08705 400 600 |
| Hotpoint | 08701 506 070 |
| Indesit | 08701 506 070 |
| Servis | 08705 168 299 |
| Siemens | 08705 678 910 |
| Zanussi Electrolux | 08705 727 727 |
