Washing Machines
Introduction
Whether your washing machine and dryer are housed in a separate laundry room or included in your kitchen layout, there is a wide choice of machines available to do the job.
Size & Format
The major aesthetic issue with UK washing machines is their dark porthole which can spoil the lines of any kitchen. Obviously, this can be overcome by using an integrated machine, which will cost significantly more than its freestanding equivalent, but does completely hide the entire of the machine’s fascia with a panel to match the rest of the kitchen cabinets.
Electrical and plumbing connections
Washing machines require connection to electrical, water and waste water services within a kitchen, as such you should ensure that you can site your washing machine within easy reach of all three.
- Washing machines can be plugged into a standard socket, with a 13amp fuse in the plug, or alternatively can be ‘hard wired’ into a 13amp switched fuse connection.
- They will need to be connected to the hot and cold water supplies; modern machines can be fitted to just a cold water source.
- Waste water will also need to be delivered to either a standpipe or a sink trap via a appliance hose adaptor.
- Washing machines must be levelled using the adjustable feet to ensure they work properly.
Performance
Washing machines are graded from A++ to G, where A++ is the best. This rating is derived using the following measures;
- Wash Performance – ability to remove stubborn stains.
- Energy Efficiency – amount of hot water and electricity used during a wash cycle.
- Spin Efficiency – the amount of water left on the clothes at the end of the cycle.
Select a high graded machine to save money on running costs and get the best performance from your washing machine.
Noise
Basic washing machines can make something of a racket when they’re at full speed spin, not to mention the added noise of them jumping up and down on the floor. Therefore, manufacturers have developed more advanced models wherein the machines still spin at high speeds, but noise is insulated as far as possible. Look for models that have a lower decibel (dB) rating.
Key Features
- Load Capacity - A washing machine drum that is stuffed full of clothes will not make as good a job of cleaning them as a drum that is loaded less tightly. Washing machines with large drums can also accommodate bulky items such as towels, so consider the load capacity of a washing machine to ensure it can handle your washing efficiently. This is measured in kilograms (kg) of dry laundry and a normal front loading machine will accommodate somewhere between 4kg (8lbs) and 6kg (13lbs) of washing.
- Spin Speed - Water is drawn out of the clothing in a washing machine by centripetal force as the drum spins. The faster the spin, the more effective this process will be and the quicker the clothes will dry. All washing machines will quote their fastest spin speed, with some spinning at up to 1800 rpm (rotations per minute), and most models also provide you with further control to turn the spin function off completely, or reduce the rate with a variable spin speed control.
- Washing Programmes - Washing machines often present you with a wide range of washing programmes to care for almost any fabric. An economy cycle allows you to use less electricity and water, while a delicate wash takes care of tricky fabrics such as silk and even handles hand wash only more gently than a true wash by hand could. Nevertheless, most people never use more than a couple of washing programmes during the life of the machine, so be sure to select according to your needs.
- Water Saving - Even basic machines often present a ‘half load’ option, with more advanced washers automatically gauging the exact amount of water required for every load.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Kitchen Appliances supplier near you
- Find an Electrician near you
- Find a Plumber near you
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