admin

Before buying a washing machine, you have to realize that a washer consumes both water and energy. The key to buying the best washer is to get the one that is the most energy efficient. Along with being energy efficient, the washer also has to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Lets discuss some basic things that you need to understand before buying a washing machine:

Energy Efficiency

Compare the yellow energy efficiency stickers. IF you’re shopping online, look at the energy specifications. The LOWER the energy efficiency rating, the better. Which machines are more efficient: Front loading or top loading?

Front-load or Top-Loading  Washing Machine

There are the 2 basic models of a washer:

  • Top Load
  • Front Load

Top loading washing machines – the most common of the two because the machine itself costs less. However, these are not as energy efficient as front loading machines. You may end up making a wiser decision going for the more expensive, but more energy efficient front loading machine.

Front loading washing machines – Cost more than top loading, but they will save you money on energy efficiency. They will often save you anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of water consumption! The agitator on front loading machines spin on an horizontal axis. These types of machines are also refereed to as H-Axis washing machines. You should also note that some front loading machines require different detergent.

Your Lifestyle

  1. Before deciding which washing machine is best for you, take into account your lifestyle. Consider things like what kind of clothes you wear, and how often you wash them. If you find yourself frequently doing laundry, you may want to consider a washing machine with a stainless-steal tub. Those who wash less frequently will be fine with a porcelain steel, or a high grade plastic tub.
  2. Another thing to consider is if you frequently wash very dirty clothes. If this is the case, it would be was to choose a washer that has special features like a second rinse or a water temperature booster.
  3. You may find that you only have a tight space to fit your washer and dryer. You can buy stackable washers and dryers, just make sure that the size of the washer matches the dryers capacity.
  4. Find a washer with a good warranty. Generally, most companies offer about the same warranty on their machines. Also, make sure that the washer has easy access to the parts to make for easier repairs if needed. There are washers with an easy detachable panel for easy access to the parts.

Washing Machine Features

You need to decide which features you may need. Here are some of the features of newer models:

Steam – Having the steam feature will give you stain removing power. It also gives you the power to remove wrinkles from stale clothing.

Automatic Program Settings – Your washing machine will have the ability to measure how much water is needed and automatically adjust how long each load will be.

Delay Start – You can your wash to start at a certain time that is convenient for you. This feature is not really a necessity for most people, but it can prove to be useful for a few.

Various types of washing machines have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Lets focus on the advantages of having a steam washing machine over a regular one.

Here are the benefits that come with using steam washing machines:

1. Not that much moisture is used

As the name implies, this machine uses steam to wash items. Just enough water is heated up to produce steam. Since not that much moisture is used, your items will be relatively dry. Basically, it’s just much like dry cleaning.

2. Eliminates bacteria and germs

What attracts people most to steam washing machines is their efficiency in killing germs and bacteria during the washing process. You want all washed items to be not just visibly clean, but clinically clean as well. Households with babies or toddlers would benefit much from this feature.

3. Uses less soap

Since steam washing machines primarily use a steam feature to wash away dirt and stains from clothes, not much soap is actually needed. The steam’s heat loosen the “pores” of the fabric, making the embedded stains easier to remove.

4. Uses less water

Since the washer only requires less soap to clean your clothes, less water is also needed for the washing and rinsing process.

Now that you’ve had a good look at the benefits of having a steam washing machine, you might seriously consider getting one for yourself. Steam washing machines are no doubt efficient and reliable. One caveat though: just like all heating devices, steam washers will consume a lot of energy, most particularly electricity. To save on your electric bills, buy one that has energy star rating.

Your other option is to purchase a top or front loader with built-in steam function. This function is optional, so you can use it only when you need to, saving you a lot of money and energy.

The numerous benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, so it is safe to say that a steam washing machine will be considered a good investment.

If you are familiar with how a regular dryer works, you will know that heat is applied to wet clothes in order to turn the liquid into gas. The diffused water is called steam. What then is the purpose of designing a machine that apply more steam to dry clothes?

Steam is the resultant gas that is produced during the drying process. Steam is able to penetrate deeply into the fabric’s “pores”, giving it a moistened and softened effect that reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Aside from this, heat from the steam has a sanitizing effect on clothes, eliminating clingy germs and bad odors.
A steam clothes dryer, which produces more steam than conventional ones, makes fabrics come out softer,cleaner, and smelling fresh.

An LG steam dryer, a steam clothes dryer, for example, is so efficient that it has the ability to remove the smell of cigarette smoke off your shirt without even washing it in water or liquid detergent. The steam is powerful enough to remove the nasty smell in one 20-minute spin cycle.

A steam clothes dryer is very effective in removing wrinkles. It is not unusual to find your clothes hardened with wrinkles after leaving them in the dryer for a long time. Turning the steam dryer back on again can remove the wrinkles again.

Different models of steam dryers apply steam differently. For example, a Maytag steam clothes dryer doesn’t apply pure steam, rather they release a fine mist on wet clothes. The heat inside the machine turns the mist into steam. Some dryers make use of a steam generator to vent pure steam.

The steam dryers we’ve talked about so far don’t have the ability to really dry the fabrics. Steam just aids the drying process. However, a new drying technique has been developed. It uses superheated dry steam, which is pure gas without liquid properties, that causes water to evaporate.

A steam clothes dryer that uses superheating dry steam can dry clothes by just using steam. The superheated steam evaporates water and moisture out of the machine. The process is repeated until the clothes have completely dried out.

For now, a steam clothes dryer with built-in superheating system is intended for commercial use. Perhaps in time, they will be made available to the public for domestic use

Front load washing machines used to be seen only in laundromats, but over the years, these type of washers were made available for home use. Although front load machines look similar to top loading washers, they are quite different from each other when it comes to functionality. Top load washers, for example, use agitators to move the clothes around, while front load ones work by spinning the clothes, much like a dryer.

If you’re looking to get a front load washer to use at home, you might want to consider the pros and cons of such machine before buying one.

The Pros
Front load washing machines have plenty of advantages. Here are some of them to help you decided if one is really right for you:

1. More capacity – Front load washing machines hold more compared to top loading ones. You can actually wash around 30% more clothes in a front load washers than in top loading one. Large and heavy items like comforters and rugs can fit easily into one of these washers.

2. Energy-Efficient – Front load washers consume less water and electricity compared to regular washing machines. Not as much water is used to spin the clothes properly and not as much electricity is needed to heat up the water inside the washer, saving you a few hundred dollars on water and electric bills per year.

3. Low Noise Level – Unlike older models of washers, front load washing machines produce a low humming sound instead of loud clunking noise.

4. Gentler On the Clothes – Washing machines affect the quality and lifespan of your clothing. You will like front load washing machines as they don’t use agitators. Thus, they are easier on your clothes. Your clothes will still look fresh and new even after several washes.

5. Tougher on Stains – Stains come off easily when a front load washer is used.

The Cons
Before finally deciding whether this type of machine fits your needs, consider these cons as well:

1. Costly – Since they are of better quality and functionality compared to regular washers, front load washing machines cost higher. Their price range is between $300 to $400. But consider it money well spent due to the machine’s durability and energy-saving features.

2. You Have to Bend Over Constantly – One disadvantage of using this type of washer is that you have to bend over to put in the clothes and take them back out, a painful inconvenience to people who have back problems.

3. It’s not As Effective When Washing Just One or Two Items – Washing just a couple of items will not work well very well. Washing machine manuals discourage using the machine this way.

It is evident that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages that come with using a front load washing machine. However, the final decision will still be up to you. Consider your options carefully before making purchasing a machine that’s right for your home.

Dryers affect the quality and lifespan of your wardrobe.  If you consider your wardrobe an investment, then it is important to get the best dryer you can find.  Before purchasing one though, it is important to consider the following factors:
Energy source
There are gas dryers as well as electrical ones.  Though gas dryers tend to be more expensive when talking about the retail price, they are more energy-efficient compared to electric dryers.  It is reported that electric dryers cost 30 cents more per use.
Capacity
A dryer’s capacity is important.  More room allows the clothes to dry quicky, which means you get to save time and energy.  Compare each dryer’s capacity by looking at the cubic foot measurement.  You can’t always rely on a manufacturer’s claim of “extra large” machines as companies define capacity differently.  Since the clothes need plenty of room to flop around, the best dryer should have two times the capacity of the washer.  This means that if you have a 3 cu. ft. washer, you will need a 6 cu. ft. dryer.
Controls
The best dryer has push-button or dial controls.  High end dryers have digital displays and can be preset for quicker and easier use.
Temperature Settings
Different fabrics have different drying needs.  Your clothes will last much longer and look newer if they are dried according to the right amount of temperature.  The best dryer will have preset options such as LESS DRY and MORE DRY.  Some dryers come with a steam feature that helps lessen wrinkles and soften fabrics.
Moisture sensors
Over-drying can damage fabrics to some extent. To ensure a longer lifespan of your clothes, buy a dryer that has built-in moisture sensors that automatically stops the spin cycle once the humidity drops to a certain level.
Extra Racks
The best dryer is equipped with extra racks that allows bulky items to dry more easily.  Drying racks are for heavier materials such as tennis and canvas shoes, while drum lights serve as bins where socks and small items can be placed to avoid losing them in the back of the machine.
Dryers are not cheap so make sure that you purchase the best dryer you can find so that you will not be wasting hard-earned  money.

The LG WM2101HW washer is one of the best washing machines on the market today. But what makes this one of the best washing machines you can get? Well for one, it can wash a king size comforter and get it completely clean. This front load washer provides an easy and energy efficient way to wash your clothes.

The LG WM2101HW is also a great energy saver. This washer can automatically adjust the amount of water used in each load. It can get your clothes fresh and clean using the minimum amount of water, even with very dirty clothes.

This washer also has a high speed spin cycle that allows you to save even more energy by getting your clothes dryer.

You also don’t have to worry about noise or vibration with this washer. It is quiet and everything runs very smoothly. Yes, you can hear the washer running, but it’s not loud at all.

Pros

  • The washing machine has the ability to adjust the loads automatically. This allows you to get your clothes clean using the minimum amount of water. It will cut your energy costs greatly.
  • This washer is very quiet but you can hear it running.
  • Easy to operate – The controls are very user friendly and not overwhelming at all.
  • The load size – You can wash a King size comforter and get it completely clean. No need to take your comforters to the dry cleaners!
  • The spin cycle gets your clothes almost completely dry, allowing the dryer to do hardly any work at all.

Cons

  • The beeping sound is a little too quiet. Don’t expect to hear it from the other end of your house.
  • Door is not reversible

Conclusion
The LG WM2101HW is highly recommended. It is most definitely one of the best washing machines you can get. You just can’t get much better than this. The ability to have a larger load size, and still save on energy costs is something everyone will like. If you are looking for a high capacity washing machine that does a great job getting your clothes clean, you will like this one.

You may be hesitant to spend your hard earned money on this dryer, but you won’t regret it. The dryer is equipped with lots of options and features. It is also quiet, and does a good job keeping many fabrics wrinkle free.

Features

The best feature of this dryer is its ability to determine when your clothes are dry. For example, if the load is set for 40 minutes but your clothes are dry in 25 minutes, the machine shuts itself off automatically.

Also, Before the cycle begins, the dryer weighs and balances the laundry load and determines exactly how long it will take to dry.

Pros

  • This dryer can easily dry a king size comforter within 45 minutes.
  • Button layout is simple and easy to understand.
  • The dryer is also very quiet. You can barely notice it is running, allowing you to enjoy your TV at the same time.
  • The door is reversible! This is a great feature and will come in handy form a lot of people.  Simply remove the screws from the door and screw the door into the other side and you’re set.
  • This dryer is very pleasing to look at. The design is a thing of beauty :)

Cons

  • A little disappointed in the wrinkling of certain fabrics but still very satisfied overall.

Conclusion

Whether you paired this dryer with the matching LG washer or not, this is a very powerful and efficient machine. It is loaded with features, yet it is very easy for anyone to use. The ability for the dryer to sense when your clothes are dry is great because it will save you in energy costs, and prevent over drying your clothes. The and design is also great. Highly recommended :)

Best Dryer Review

The LG DLE2516W Front Loading Dryer can cut your laundry time down dramatically. While it may not fold your laundry for you, it will save you on energy cost with its great drying efficiency. This machine is VERY quiet and it will only take you 20-25 minutes to dry your clothes. The dryer spins very fast and does an excellent job drying clothes quickly.

Features

One of the great features of this dryer is the ability for the dryer to automatically add time if necessary, ensuring that your clothes are the perfect amount of dryness.

Controls

The controls are very simple and the tones are pleasant. You will have the controls down in no time. Another plus is the child lock feature. The downside to them child lock future is that you can only lock the controls while the machine is in use.

Energy

The spinner on this dryer is fast. This allows your clothes to dry very fast, saving you money on your energy bill. You can typically dry a full load in around 20 minutes.

Pros

  • Energy Star Efficient – Dries clothes in no time and saves on energy costs.
  • Simple controls, easy to use
  • Very quiet
  • Wrinkle free – No need to iron!
  • Lots of drying options
  • Child lock

Cons

  • None

Conclusion

If you are upgrading from an older dryer, you will be blown away by the LG DLE2516W front load dryer. It does just what it is suppose to, only faster and more efficiently. The LG DLE2516W is up there with the best dryers.

If you have limited space for a washer and dryer, we have found your match! The LG WD-3274RHD all-in-one combo washer/dryer really does work. With its compact design, it is a space saver for people living in small condos or apartments. This is a front loading washer and dryer and the all-in-one aspect of it is very convenient.

Washing

This machine is very quiet during the wash cycle. You can talk on the phone right near the machine and you will have no trouble hearing the person on the other end. The wash cycle also uses very little water. This is a huge plus for saving money on your bill.

Spinning

The spin cycle on the LG WD-3274RHD  dryer/washer is very smooth. Suprisingly, there was no floor shake or movment even on the higher RPMs. Just make sure adequate time is spent leveling the machine, as the manual does say this to avoid shaking.

Drying

This is the loudest part of the entire cycle, but it isn’t excessively loud. Just imagine a dishwasher’s sound as the pump is running. You can watch TV no problem without having to crank up the volume. The dryer on this machine does its job great.

Conclusion

A great machine for those who prefer an All-in-one style washer and dryer. It is very gentle and soft with your clothes and also pretty quiet. It can be VERY convenient having the washer and dryer all in the same unit.