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When selecting your next washing machine, manufacturers have designed drum sizes that are measured by the weight of dry clothes that they will accommodate.
The larger the weight of clothes the larger the capacity. They range from 7Kg and go up to 14Kg for the largest machines, although these tend to have a bigger footprint and hence need much more space in your kitchen or utility room. As a guide:
* 7-8Kg machine is large enough for most small households
* 9-10Kg machine is designed with the average average familiy's needs
* 10Kg + Larger families or households that use the washing machine frequently for full loads.
You need to consider what is being washed and how often the washer is being used to assess what's the best choice for you.
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In addition to drum capacity, some models have the capability of weighing your load each time you wash which then triggers an automatic adjustment to the water, temperature and spin speed required to perform an effective washing cycle. This reduces the water and electricity needed, thus saving you money on your household bills.
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Washing machines are also compared by spin speed. The higher the spin speed then the dryer your clothes will be when the washing cycle is completed. You need to assess the highest speeds versus the number of programmes that this is offered by machine and your drying needs. Higher spin speeds use more power but they may reduce the amount of electricity needed for your tumble dryer to be effective which is always the trade-off. In addition, if you dry lots of clothes outside or via radiators/clothes horse then higher spin speeds will equate to shorter drying times as there will be less water in the clothes at the end of a cycle.
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The new updated energy ratings go from A-G, with A being the most efficient to G being the least. The higher the rating then the more efficient your machine will be in consumption of power. This will obviously minimize your bills but would also have an impact on your environmental impact.
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The latest washing machines tend to include a Quick Wash programme that not only allows for a ‘refresh’ speed wash for lightly soiled items but it also allows you to do partial loads that helps to do a wash in a reduced time, thus saving power.
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There is now an ‘auto-dose’ function on some washing machines that allows a predetermined, ideal amount of detergent and conditioner to be released into the drum, depending on the wash cycle selected. This allows for the most efficient washing experience and eliminates the need for you to add detergent every time the washer is used. When the machine is running low, then you get an alert to prompt you.
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The amount of noise made by a washing machine is also measured so that you can choose to eliminate that noisy spin-cycle. Nocturnal washing cycles that keep you awake or noisy interruptions when home working become a thing of the past when you choose a machine that has a noise output of less than 50dB. Another important factor to consider for some customers.
From cool-running washing machines to heat pump tumble dryers, get laundry done for less.
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