Laundry

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Laundry

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Washing Machines

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Freestanding vs Built in

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Washer dryers offer customers a washing machine and a condenser tumble dryer, all in one handy appliance. Purchasing a washer dryer is usually more cost effective than purchasing separate machines, and has the added benefit of saving space in the kitchen. Many of the features available in washing machines can be found in washer dryers, there are just a few additional considerations to be made when purchasing these appliances.

Washer Dryers

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Washer dryers allow you to set a wash and dry programme, removing the need to remove clothes from a washing machine into a dryer. Another benefit includes, almost all washer-dryers nowadays come with sensor-driven automatic drying programs. This means that the machine sets the drying time based on the humidity in the drum. Some can go even further by detecting the material too.

Automatic Drying

Moisture Extraction

Most washer-dryers utilise a technology similar to a condenser dryer, the appliance will collect the moisture and extract it through the drain pipe (most tumble dryers require the customer to tip the water away). This allows the machine to be flexibility placed, and removed the need for vents.

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Summary

Advantages

• Space Saving option, everything needed is all in one space
• No need to remove the washing to dry it
• Still offers many of the unique features of washing machines.
• The appliance can be used just as a washing machine too.
• Usually works out cost effective than separate appliances.

Disadvantages

• Often the drying function is seen as subpar compared to a tumble dryer.
• Some models can be uneconomical.
• A drying cycle can take longer than a stand alone tumble dryer.
• They utilise many components which can reduce their reliability and longevity.

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Washing machine shopping list

Purchasing a washing machine can’t be that difficult right? Afterall they all just wash stuff don’t they? Well technically yes, but there’s thousands of different models, all boasting different features, and all at different price points, so let’s take a look at key things our customers should know before choosing the perfect appliance for them.

Whilst they are a handy tool, I bet you’ve never thought too much about how they work, what all those functions really do, or even what the new features are that can be found in the marketplace. Today we are going to change that, let’s start with some key considerations when purchasing a washing machine.

Freestanding washing machines can be placed anywhere where there is a socket and a water feed. They are available in a variety of capacity’s, offer a range of colours and styles and generally offer more features compared to their built in counterparts.

Built in offers customers the opportunity to discreetly hide their appliance behind a door, washing machines also allow for the kitchen plinths to be installed in front them for a truly seamless style. The door also helps to reduce the noise of the machine.

Budget

With washing machines ranging in price from a hundred and fifty pounds all the way to over a thousand pounds, it’s important that the customers purchase the best model for their budget.The things that drive prices on washing machines include the capacity of the drum, the spin speed and the features, let’s take a closer look at those now.

Capacity

The capacity of a washing machine is measured in kilogrammes. This measurement is the maximum weight of dry clothes the washing machine can successfully wash within the drum. Washing machines start at 5kg and range up to 12kg.

It’s likely you can actually fit more clothes within the drum than stated by the manufacturer, however the more clothes that are squashed in, the less movement they will have in the washing machine. Less movement will result in an ineffective wash. The most popular sizes are 7kg and 8kg, these washing machines can comfortably wash 35 T-shirts or a double duvet. It’s easy to assume a larger capacity is better, afterall they do demand a higher price tag, but if you don’t need to wash a large amount of clothes, larger drums can actually be less economical. We recommend purchasing the size that would be suitable for your household.

The image below provides an example of the recommended size for families:

The truth is you probably wouldn’t notice a massive difference between the higher spin speed models, this is due to a few factors:

• You won’t always be needing the high speed setting, high speeds are only great for robust materials such as cotton. If you wash fragile items, your spin speed may drop as low as 400 rpm.
• Depending on the size and balance of the load, the drum may not be able to reach its maximum rpm rotation at all.
• Your spin will only maintain maximum rpm for less than a minute this is because the drum must firstly build up speed, and wind back down during the spin cycle.
• Some garments will be difficult to iron on the fastest spins.
• Faster spins will of cause use more energy.

So in summary, spin speed shouldn’t be the first consideration when purchasing a washing machine, mid range spins will deliver effective results in an economical way, making them perfect for most households.

Spin Speed

A washing machine will spin at the end of a cycle to remove any excess water, this reduces the time it takes for the clothes to dry.The spin speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), the higher the RPM on the washing machine the faster the drum turns, therefore the drier the clothes are at the end of the cycle.Spin speeds can vary between 1100 and 1800 in the market place, higher speeds do demand a premium price. But do you really need a really high spin speed?

Features

The more features and washing programmes a washing machine offers, the higher the price tag, Whilst we will take a closer look at the washing programmes later, let’s just take an overview of some features available in laundry. Programmes/Wash Cycles- All washing machines will offer a variety of wash cycles for the customer to choose from, the most common are cotton, delicates, synthetics and quick wash. Each wash cycle will control the temperate, the washing time and the spin cycle, making it easy to keep clothes looking like new. Some washing machines offer specialist setting, for example wool, sports and hand wash, some even have a trainer setting. Whilst many of these settings are situational, generally the more wash cycle options the washing machine offers the more premium the product.

Many models also allow customers to fill the compartment up once and won’t need to think about it again for a number of washes.

Technology Features

There’s lots of extra features available in the market place, let’s take a look at some of the options out there. Auto-DosingAuto dosing ensures the washing machine uses the perfect amount of detergent and softener are added to wash cycles, helping to maximising the life of your clothes, whilst reducing the amount of detergent and softener are required.

Sensors

Some washing machines have built in sensors which allows the appliance to automatically determine how much water and energy is needed to wash a load, based on the weight of the washing. Some washing machines can even detect the type of material in the wash and adjust the wash cycle to match. Or How about a sensor that can detect how dirty the clothes are? There’s lots of AI technology out there for customers to choose from. Like auto-dosing the sensors keep our clothes looking like new for longer whilst reducing the amount of water and energy needed.

Add to the wash

A big challenge with washing is missing an item out of the wash. Add to the wash allows customers to pause their cycle and add items into the wash during the majority of the cycle.

Brushless Motors

Modern brushless inverter motors reduce high frequency noise for quieter, shorter and more efficient wash programmes. Plus, the machine walls can be designed to absorb more of the sound and reduce the vibrations. Bosch have equipped their models with EcoSilence Drive™ which generates a noise level as low as 47 decibels, which is quieter than the noise of the sea! EcoSilence Drive™ still produces maximum efficiency, economy and performance while operating at an exceptionally quiet noise level.

There are many additional features available for smart enabled washing machines. These include:

• Monitoring detergent levels.
• Seeing the status of the wash cycle.
• Receiving push notifications to confirm the status of the wash cycle.
• Remote start and stop.
• Google and Alexa enabled options .
• Extra programmes such as steam settings downloadable to the app.
• Memory features, remembering your most used settings.
• Energy usage .
• Troubleshooting.

Built in vs Freestanding

Like washing machines the customer has an option of choosing a built in or freestanding model. Built in allows the customer a streamline look and style, completely hidden by a kitchen door. Freestanding designs allow the customer flexibility on placement and the option to choose colours and designs which will compliment their room.

Capacity

There are always two capacities listed on washer dryers as you can see below, this is because they can generally wash more clothes than they can dry. This is due to the clothes needing space to tumble and move around in the heat to allow them to dry.This may be a key consideration for larger families, if they prefer to run one which both washes and dries, they will not be able to fill the drum to full capacity.

Features

Most washer dryers offer the same valuable features seen in washing machines but with a few more drying options. The drying options do differ between manufacturers but they refer to how dry you would like your clothes. Some examples include:

• Iron dry- The washing will be slightly damp to make ironing a breeze, of cause you will need to be able to iron the garments immediately to make use of this setting.
• Cupboard dry- This setting ensures your laundry is dry enough to be put away immediately, once the cycle is complete. It’s worth noting that manufacturers may have different definitions as what constitutes cupboard dry, so it’s always worth checking the manufacturers instructions.
• Sensor Dry- Sensor Dry technology means that a sensor in the drum is use to detect the moisture in the items and finish the cycle as soon as the clothes are dry irrelevant of what cycle you have put them on. Saving you energy and protecting your clothes.
• Extra Dry- A longer drying cycle to ensure all garments are perfectly dry. This is ideal for bulkier items that may retain water, such as bedding and towels.