[New post] How to Choose a Washing Machine To Buy – A Complete Guide
terryj posted: " How to choose a washing machine to buy in Kenya. In these modern times in Kenya, we as mothers are finding ourselves in search of washing machines due to the enormous help in terms of the time it can save us. Don't forget all the issues we face"
In these modern times in Kenya, we as mothers are finding ourselves in search of washing machines due to the enormous help in terms of the time it can save us.
Don't forget all the issues we face with our domestic managers, who may decide to leave at any time, leaving you feeling confused.
When it comes to choosing a washing machine to buy here in Kenya, I am going to help you learn about each type of washing machine and how you can narrow it down to choosing one that is ideal and convenient for your budget and your household.
Say goodbye to domestic managers and say hello to a cleaner and more efficient home.
Criteria for choosing a washing machine
Every household has different needs from the other, that's why in this section, we are going to look at 5 factors that you should consider when deciding which washing machine you should invest in. These 5 factors are;
Capacity and size
Front loading or top loading
The wash programs
Fully automatic or semi-automatic
Price
Capacity and Size
The capacity and size of a washing machine literally mean how much load a machine can accommodate in a single wash cycle. That is, how many clothes a machine can take in in one cycle.
The smaller the capacity the fewer the number of clothes a machine can wash in a single cycle. The capacity and size is usually indicated in kgs. There are 5kg, 6 kg, 7 kg 9kg, 10kg load capacity, and even higher.
It is also important not to overload a washing machine because this means that some clothes will not have enough contact with the detergent and the washing mechanism which will result in half-cleaned clothes.
Do not also underload a washing machine because this will waste your water, electricity, and your money as well.
So the smaller the family the smaller the capacity and size you need and the larger the family, the higher the capacity and size you need.
How much laundry makes up 5 kgs?
Ideal for 1-2 members. Can take in 2 shirts 2 jeans 1 bedsheet 2 small towels 2 pillowcases
How much laundry makes up 7 kgs?
Ideal for 2-3 members. Can take in 3 shirts 3 jeans 1 bedsheet 2 small towels 2 pillowcases
How much laundry makes up 8 kgs?
This capacity size is ideal for 4-5 members. It can accommodate; 6 shirts 4 jeans 4 bedsheet 4 small towels 4 pillowcases
How much laundry makes up 9-12 kgs?
A Capacity and size from 9 kgs and up can accommodate more than 5 family members. If you have a large family who gets through clothes at an impressive rate, then a 10kg drum is the most efficient option for you – a 10kg drum can wash the equivalent of 50 t-shirts or an entire king-size duvet.
Front Loading or Top Loading
Deciding between a front loading or a top-loading washing machine largely depends on your washing preferences. A top-loading machine means you add your laundry from the top while the front-loading means you add the laundry from the front.
Here is how the two look like:
How The Two Compare
Front-loaders give you the option of adding more laundry mid-cycle since the door does not lock. It also distributes the washing detergents and the water more efficiently than a front load.
Looking at the two, the top load is more convenient, in terms of you don't have to keep bending while adding in your laundry.
On the other hand, front-loaders consume 40% less water than the top loaders, since the top loaders normally have the tumbling action which uses up more water.
Also, top loaders can be rough on clothes especially when overloaded, and also have a tougher time cleaning large-sized items such as duvets and pillows, since they cannot be fully immersed in the water.
Front-loading washing machines are much gentler, give a smoother wash cycle, and can wash delicate clothes very easily. They give a better and cleaner result.
More comparisons...
Factors To Consider
Front Load
Top Load
Better cleaning
Yes
No
Water-saving
Yes
No
Energy Efficiency
Yes
No
Saving Space
Yes
Yes
Faster wash cycle
No
Yes
Wear and tear on clothes
Yes
No
Detergent saving
Yes
No
No smell & Mildew
No
Yes
No noise interference
Yes
No
Life expectancy and repair costs
Higher
Lower
Affordable price
No
Yes
Comparison: Front Loading Vs Top-Loading Washing Machine
Fully Automatic Vs. Semi-Automatic
A fully automatic washing means requires minimal to no manual intervention whereas a semi-automatic washing machine will require manual intervention for at least 5o% of the time during a wash cycle.
Each one of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Semi-Automatic Washing machines
A semi-automatic machine is more traditional. It comes with two compartments, one for washing and the one for drying.
A lot of manual intervention is needed in this particular type of machine.
For example; you need to fill the tank manually with water using either a bucket or a pipe, then proceed to add the detergents in the tub and set the wash time and the type of fabric.
After completion, the machine will make some kind of buzz sound which shows the cleaning is complete. Now you have to manually take out all the clothes from the washing tub and manually transfer them to the dryer section if the machine has that option.
This machine is labor-intensive and you need to be there during each wash cycle which makes it time-consuming as well.
Advantages
Easy to operate
Comes at very low prices
Takes less time to wash and dry
Requires less amount of water
Consume less power
Low maintenance cost
Dis-Advantages
Needs manual operations
Occupies more space
Shift clothes from washer to dryer
No temperature setting available
The semi-automatic machines are always top-loading washing machines
Fully-Automatic washing machines
It's a modern machine. Very little manual intervention is needed. It's faster and more efficient.
To operate, you only need to put in the clothes, press the start button, the machine automatically fills in the water from the tap connected to it. Then choose the right wash cycle, rinse, drain the water and dry in the same drum.
Advantages
Can multi-task
No manual operations
Many wash programs available
Temperature setting option available
Dis-advantages
Takes more time to wash and dry
costly
High water usage.
Wash Programs
A wash program will give you the ability to wash different types of clothes efficiently.
For example, look for a machine that has wash programs for cotton wash, wool wash, hot wash, dry wash, and also aqua energy technology which converts hard water into soft water. This is very important for people who use hard water.
Other factors you need to consider while choosing a washing machine
Material of the tub
Tubs of washing machines are usually made up of plastic, stainless steel, or porcelain enamel.
Stainless steel is most durable while plastic tubs can last longer than enamel.
Spin cycle or RPM
The faster the spin cycle or the higher the rpm(revolutions per minute) the faster the machine dries the clothes.
Budget
Depending on the amount of money you have, choose a washing machine that has most of the features you are looking for.
Available Budget (Kshs)
Machine I recommend
Where to Buy at a discount
Budget below 30,000
VON HPTT10/VALW-10MLW, Twin Tub Washing Machine - 10Kg Semi-automatic.
Awesome Smart Features To Look For While Choosing A Washing Machine
Delay Wash
This feature is important for people with very busy schedules. It allows you to schedule your washing ahead of time.
Quick wash
Allows you to wash clothes quicker than usual. For example, a 2kg load of clothes may take just 15 minutes to complete.
Child Lock
This feature allows you to lock the wash programs so that if you have a child or children at home, they may not mess around with the wash programs and interfere with the washing cycle.
Fuzzy Logic or Auto Select
Above all, depending on the load quantity the machine automatically selects the best washing program. In addition to that, it detects the weight and select time of the wash cycle, detergent, and water required, automatically, and starts the washing function.
Pre-soak option
This feature allows you to soak your clothes before you can begin the wash cycle. Important if the clothes are very dirty or soiled.
Conclusion
I hope this post was helpful and you can now manage to choose a perfect washing machine, ideal for your household.
However, if you have any questions, don't forget to reach out. I can always help and especially if you have problems with your washing machine.
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