Washing Machines and Washer Dryers
Washing machines are an important part of a household. Because they are so important customers need to be sure they are choosing the correct washing machine for their family, as well as one that is going to suit their needs.
Washing machines and washer dryers are all standard heights and widths, the only measurement that varies is the depth with the size of the drum
| Drum Size | T Shirts | Bulky Items? | Household Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kg | 25 | Sheets and towels | Single person / Couple |
| 6kg | 30 | Single suvet | Couple |
| 7kg | 35 | Double duvet | Small family 2-3 people |
| 8kg | 40 | Light Tog King Duvet | Medium Family 3-4 people |
| 9kg | 45 | Heavy tog king duvet | Large family |
| 10kg | 50 | Heavy tog king duvet | Large family |
| 11kg | 55 | Heavy tog king duvet | Very large family |
| 12kg | 60 | Heavy tog king duvet | Very large family |
Speeds
What is RPM?
Spin speed is measured in Revolutions per Minute (RPM) and refers to the speed at which the drum rotates during a spin cycle.
These speeds range between around 800 and 1600 RPM.
Most people think a higher spin, means a better washing machine but…
Some of the downsides can be
- Faster spin speeds can add to the cost of the running of the machine
- A faster spin speed can be noisier.
- It can be more expensive for the washing machine.
- If you wash a lot of delicate items are a high speed, this might ruin clothes.
Advantages can be…
- Complete the spin cycle quicker
- Removes excess water from clothes so clothes won’t need to be dried for as long.
Built-in and Freestanding Washing Machines
Built-in / Integrated Machines
In a fitted kitchen, a built-in or integrated appliance will be completely invisible, hidden behind a cupboard door. To achieve this, the design of the appliance is different to a conventions freestanding model.
They are designed to be fitted inside cupboard units and are reliant on the cupboard for support. They also typically have slower spin speeds because higher spin speeds cause higher vibrations that can cause problems for cabinet doors and also affect neighbouring units.
Freestanding Washing Machines
Freestanding appliances are very common in the UK, especially in a non-integrated kitchen. Freestanding washing machines are generally installed under a kitchen counter, but as they are freestanding, they can literally be installed anywhere there is a plug socket and a drain pipe.
Freestanding machines are usually cheaper to buy, hold a larger capacity, are easier to install or remove. Another benefit to freestanding appliances is the addition of a wider variety of models.
Is a washer-dryer a good idea?
Washer dryer combos are a great solution for small houses and small households: they have a smaller footprint than standalone appliances so are more space-efficient then a standard laundry pair.
With a washer-dryer combo, you can wash and dry your clothes without manual intervention because you’re using an all-in-one appliance instead of two separate machines, the process of washing your clothes is as simple as selecting the desired settings for your load and then hitting “Start.”
The dryer capacity is usually smaller than a standard dryer and is best suited to one-to-two-person households, and, because you can wash and dry without moving clothes between appliances, combos are also a good idea if you have mobility issues that might make doing so difficult (with the proviso that if you wash full loads, you do have to take half of it out for drying).
