Washing Machine Buying Guide

Washing Machine Buying Guide

Washing machines are a common appliance in many households. For example, it is estimated that an average of 93% of Australian Households own a washing machine. In Zimbabwe, we suspect the numbers are much lower though we have seen an increase in demand over the last quarter.

Unlike a microwave or stove which are a common appliance in Zimbabwean homes, washing machines and dryers are not a common feature. This means that limited product knowledge about washing machines as very few retailers sell them.

The Daily Sale Shop has come up with a comprehensive buying guide to assist you in making the right purchasing decision.

When it comes to buying a washing machine, there are 3 things that you need to consider

1. Household size
2. Frequency of use
3. Dimension of intended space

We’ll take you through the different kinds of washing machines you can purchase using the above points to guide us.

Household Size:

Washing machine and dryer capacities are measured by the weight of your laundry when it's dry. You can estimate how much dirty laundry will fit into a washer or dryer based on the guide below. 

Once you have determined this, you can then decide on the type of washing machine you want to purchase to handle your load. There are 4 types of washing machines

1. Top Loader
2. Front Loader
3. Twin Tub
4. Washer and Dryer Combo

Let’s get into a little more detail about the difference between these different types of washing machines. Don’t worry, The Daily Sale Shop stocks all the different types.

Top Loader

A top loader is a washing machine that features a lid at the top of the appliance. These units are generally larger than front loaders and allow for easy loading and unloading due to their height. Great for families and those with a lot of space; however, an important consideration before purchasing a top loader is ensuring that you do have enough space above the machine to open the lid. Top loaders will either feature an agitator or a low-profile pulsator. An agitator runs through the centre of the machine and helps to balance the distribution of laundry and reduce tangling. A low-profile pulsator or agitator, however, is shorter and reduces friction on your clothing during the cycle.

Front Loader

Front loaders are washing machines that have the door located at the front and have the following advantages:

• more water efficient
• energy efficient
• detergent efficient when compared to top loaders.
• They also provide a gentler wash and can reach higher spin speeds for faster drying times.
• Front loaders fit well in laundry rooms with limited space and can often have a dryer stacked on top when using a compatible stacking kit or rubber mat.

Twin Tub Washing Machines

Dual load or twin tub washers feature two compartments, one for washing and the other for spinning.  Washing in a twin tub is quite a manual process and requires filling and draining of water and transferring of the laundry between the wash and spin tubs. A benefit of the twin tub washing machine, however, is that it can be situated almost anywhere, as it does not necessarily require a water connection, rather you can just fill it up manually.

Washer Dryer Combos

A washer dryer combo features both a washing machine and dryer in a single unit. They can wash and dry your clothes, often in the one cycle, and are ideal for households that do not have the room for a separate dryer or for people with busy schedules away from home for most of the day.