Steve's Appliance Service Advice

Howdy, my name is Steve. I live in Perth, Australia with my wife and our two lovely kids. On this blog, I will be passing on everything I have learnt about servicing household appliances. I should point out that I am not a professional when it comes to this subject, but I have learnt a lot over the past couple of years. I spend my days working for an investment bank, so when I get home, I like nothing more than to spend some time in the kitchen cooking with my wife. I rely heavily on my kitchen appliances so I decided I would learn how to look after them. My brother-in-law is an appliance repairman and he gave me some great tips.

Tips for Buying a Washing Machine

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Purchasing a washing machine requires a lot thought and research. The newer models offer a variety of features, and the prices range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. The factors you need to consider include size, features, type, energy usage, cost, and reviews.

Size

The size machine you choose will depend on the capacity you require, and whether you choose a front-load or top-load machine. The capacity of the machine is measured in cubic feet and is determined by the size of the drum. It can be anywhere from one cubic foot to five cubic feet. A machine with a capacity of three to four cubic feet is fine for most families. However, if you have a large family and wash a lot of heavy items, such as comforters, you should opt for a larger capacity machine.

Features

Some features benefit all consumers. For example, washing machines are now made with stainless steel drums, which won't rust. Other options include time delay, which allows you to start the cycle when it's more convenient steam, which aids in eliminating stains; hand wash for delicate items; and extra rinse, which removes soap residue. In addition, some machines have a sanitize cycle which eliminates common household allergens. Don't buy a machine with additional features unless you really need them.

Type: Top Load or Front Load

Top Load

Top-load washing machines are a great choice for people who don't require a lot of options and have a limited budget. The newer top-load models do not have an agitator. These models are extremely efficient and have special sensors to determine the amount of water necessary for each load. They provide more room for laundry but require more careful placement of clothing to avoid tangling.

Front Load

Front-load washing machines operate by gravity and are gentler on clothes. Since front loaders are stackable, they're a good choice for people with limited space. Water leakage can be a problem with front loaders. If the machine is not maintained properly, the rubber seal can collect bacteria resulting in mold and unpleasant odors.

Reviews

Avoid purchasing a washing machine without researching its rating with consumer advocacy groups. You can find customer reviews on appliance retailers' websites. A customer review, however, is not necessarily an accurate barometer of how well a washing machine performs. One review of a product may be positive while another of the same product may be negative.

A washing machine is a major purchase. You'll expect it to keep your family in clean clothes for years to come. Carefully consider size, features, type, energy usage, cost, and reviews in order to make an informed choice.

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29 August 2017