Washing Machines & Dryers | Second Hand Electrical Appliances

Are you planning to buy a washing machine or dryer? Then you may be in a state of complete confusion with so many options available. There are a seemly enldess number of different models with such a bewildering array of features. You may, for instance, be unsure whether to choose a washing machine or a washer dryer, or, whether you'll settle for a front loading machine or a top loading one. Then again, would you buy a fully automatic machine with fuzzy logic or one with manually operated controls?

Washing Machine or a Washer Dryer
If you have a limited budget or your washing and drying demands are not that heavy, you may find that a simple washing machine is perfectly capable of fulfilling your requirements. For drying, a small tumble dryer may suffice. If however, you will be running many loads every week, you may need a larger machine with either a separate dryer, or if space is an issue, a combined washer/dryer. Washing machines are cheaper than washer/dryers although prices are more competitive than in the past.

Washing Machines
When considering your options you need to estimate the volume of laundry that you will expect the machine to cope with. If there are two people in your household a machine with a maximum load capacity of 5 Kg will probably be sufficient. If there are more of you, then you may need a model that can wash larger loads�6 Kg or even up to 9 Kg.

Washing machines are available in two variants -- top loading and front loading. As their names suggest, in a top loading machine there is an opening hatch on the top of the unit. The front loading variety is equipped with a port-hole type opening at the front through which to load your clothes.

The front loading type is usually designed in such a way that it doubles up as an extra work surface. Some of the front loading models are also designed to securely accommodate a separate tumble dryer on top�useful if floor space is at a premium. Another winning feature of these front loading types is that they can have a far more cavernous interior to accommodate larger loads-- up to 9 Kg of linen.

With the top loading type, the most important feature is their ability to fit into the tightest of gaps. Their compactness is often why they are chosen. However, many can swallow only about 5 Kg at a time, and so will not be suitable for all households.

Washer Dryers
A washer/dryer is basically a combination of a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Since both the facilities are in a single unit, a washer dryer occupies less space than separate units. While the space saving is a benefit, you have to bear in mind that you cannot, obviously, use the washing and drying functions at the same time. Also, you may have to remove part of the washed load before drying as the maximum weight load for washing and for drying will not always be the same. For example a washer/dryer may be capable of handling a 6 Kg load and then drying a 3 Kg load.

Washer dryers come in a bewildering range of models and features. Some of them are equipped with fuzzy logic which enables the machine to determine the volume of water required to do the cleaning and the speed and temperature at which the tumbler dryer operates to ensure uniform drying. Others are programmed to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.

There are some machines which have a specific programme for delicate linen and others even have a programme for clothes that are a little worn out. All machines will have variable drying times and temperatures for a variety of laundry. As with any appliance more features come at a higher price.

Dryers
When you are buying a dryer there are certain points which you can't afford to overlook.

The first thing you must decide is the positioning of the dryer and its exhaust. The wet air must be directed out of the house to avoid the unwelcome accumulation of moisture and mould. Dryers are usually vented at the rear through an outside wall although some do have the option of a front fitted hose and can be then vented through an open window. If external venting isn't an option, some models will condense the water into a collection tray which must be regularly emptied into the sink -- or in more advanced versions, there may be a pumped waste water system which empties the condensed water via a pipe into your waste system if a suitable connection is available.

A dryer is arguably one of the most energy hungry home appliances after a refrigerator and your heating system. Since a dryer's life should span a number of years it is worth checking the energy ratings very carefully to ensure long term saving in electricity bills. Appliances are rated from A-G, those that are 'A' rated being the most energy efficient.

Lastly, clothes dryers can be quite noisy. This noise element needs to be taken into account when deciding where to site yours.

Conclusion
The principle choice is that of washer versus washer dryer. if your budget and the available space will allow, it is generally better to have two separate units. For washing machines, you will also need to decide between a space saving top loader or a front loader with perhaps greater volume. You also need to look at your weekly wash and decide whether you really need 110 different programme choices or whether a more modest selection would suffice. Finally, when choosing a dryer, the availability of external venting will determine whether you need a condensing dryer, perhaps with a pumped waste system.