Washing Machine Buying Guide
Choosing a new washing machine can be confusing. With different drum sizes, spin speeds, energy ratings, programmes and features available, it is not always obvious which washing machine is right for your home.
At Dacombes of Wimborne, we have been helping customers choose home appliances for generations. From our showroom in Wimborne, Dorset, our experienced team can help you compare washing machines from leading manufacturers and find the right model for your household, laundry requirements and budget.
Whether you are replacing an existing washing machine, looking for a larger capacity model or need an integrated washing machine for your kitchen, our Washing Machine Buying Guide explains the important things to consider before you buy. Shop our full range of Washing Machines here.
What Size Washing Machine Do I Need?
Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms (kg) and refers to the maximum amount of dry laundry the machine can wash in one load.
Choosing the right drum capacity depends largely on the size of your household, how frequently you wash and the type of laundry you regularly need to clean.
7kg Washing Machines
A 7kg washing machine can be a good choice for one or two people or households that generally wash smaller loads.
8kg Washing Machines
An 8kg washing machine is a popular all round choice, providing a useful balance between capacity and efficiency for many small to medium households.
9kg Washing Machines
A 9kg washing machine provides additional capacity and can be a good choice for families and households that regularly have larger loads of washing.
10kg and Larger Washing Machines
A 10kg or larger washing machine is worth considering for larger families, busy households or anyone who regularly washes bulky items or larger loads.
A larger drum can mean fewer loads, but bigger is not automatically better. Think about the amount of washing you normally put into your machine rather than simply choosing the largest capacity available.
Freestanding or Integrated Washing Machine?
One of the first decisions when replacing a washing machine is whether you need a freestanding or integrated model.
Freestanding Washing Machines
Freestanding washing machines are the most common choice. They normally sit underneath a kitchen worktop or can be positioned wherever suitable plumbing, drainage and power are available.
Freestanding models generally provide the widest choice of capacities, features and prices.
Integrated Washing Machines
An integrated or built in washing machine is designed to sit behind a kitchen furniture door, allowing the appliance to blend into your kitchen.
Replacing an integrated washing machine requires a little more consideration because the appliance dimensions, available space, furniture door and hinge positions need to be checked.
If you are unsure whether a new integrated washing machine will fit your existing kitchen, speak to the Dacombes team before ordering. Our experienced team can help you choose a suitable replacement.
What Spin Speed Should I Choose?
Washing machine spin speed is measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM.
Common washing machine spin speeds include 1200rpm and 1400rpm, with some models offering even higher maximum spin speeds.
A faster final spin can generally remove more water from your clothes before they leave the machine.
A 1400rpm washing machine is an excellent choice for many households and is one of the most common specifications available.
Removing more water during the final spin can also be useful if you use a tumble dryer, as your clothes can enter the dryer containing less moisture.
However, the fastest setting is not suitable for every load. Delicate fabrics may require a lower spin speed, and modern washing machines normally allow the appropriate speed to be selected for different programmes.
Understanding Washing Machine Energy Ratings
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when choosing a washing machine, particularly in a busy household where the appliance may be used frequently.
Modern washing machines display an energy label ranging from A to G, with A representing the most energy efficient rating on the current scale.
However, do not look at the letter alone.
The energy label also provides useful information about electricity consumption, water consumption, programme duration, capacity, spin performance and noise.
Comparing this information can help you understand the efficiency and potential running costs of different washing machines before making your decision.
Which Washing Programmes Do I Need?
Modern washing machines can offer considerably more than a standard cotton wash. The programmes available vary between manufacturers and models, so consider which features you will genuinely use.
Quick Wash
Useful for smaller or lightly soiled loads when you are short of time.
Eco Programmes
Designed to wash efficiently while reducing energy and water consumption.
Delicates and Wool
Designed for clothing and fabrics that require gentler treatment.
Mixed Load
Useful for everyday washing containing different types of suitable fabrics.
Sportswear
Specialist programmes designed for synthetic and performance clothing.
Anti Allergy and Hygiene Programmes
Available on selected washing machines and designed to provide additional cleaning or rinsing for particular loads.
Do not choose a washing machine simply because it has the largest number of programmes. Think about which programmes will actually make everyday washing easier in your household.
Is Automatic Detergent Dosing Worth Having?
Automatic detergent dosing is available on a growing number of higher specification washing machines.
Instead of manually measuring detergent for every wash, selected machines can automatically dispense an appropriate amount.
Bosch i-DOS and Miele TwinDos are examples of automatic detergent dosing systems available on selected washing machines.
Automatic dosing can be particularly convenient in busy households where the washing machine is used frequently and can help avoid unnecessarily using too much detergent.
Should I Buy a Smart Washing Machine?
WiFi connected washing machines are becoming increasingly common.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, smart features may allow you to check programme progress, receive notifications and access additional functions using a smartphone or tablet.
Whether you need these features depends on how you use your washing machine.
For some households they can be genuinely useful. For others, straightforward controls and simple programmes may be more important.
We recommend choosing a washing machine primarily for its capacity, washing performance, efficiency and the features you will actually use, with smart connectivity considered as an additional benefit.
How Important Is Washing Machine Noise?
Noise can be an important consideration, particularly if your washing machine is installed in an open plan kitchen or close to your main living areas.
If your washing machine is positioned in a separate utility room, noise may be less important.
The washing machine energy label provides information about noise emissions, making it easier to compare different models.
Modern motor technology can also help provide smoother and quieter operation.
Measure Before You Buy
Although many washing machines are designed to fit beneath a standard kitchen worktop, dimensions can vary between models.
Before ordering your new washing machine, carefully check the width, height and depth of the available space.
Pay Particular Attention to Depth
Depth can vary considerably between washing machines.
Remember that the quoted appliance dimensions may not account for all of the space required for hoses, plumbing and connections behind the machine.
You should also consider the delivery route into your home. Narrow doorways, hallways, stairs and other obstacles can affect whether an appliance can be safely delivered into position.
If you are replacing an integrated washing machine, additional measurements and checks may be required.
If you are unsure, speak to the Dacombes team before ordering.
Washing Machine or Washer Dryer?
If space is limited, you may also be considering a washer dryer.
A washer dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance and can be particularly useful in homes where there is not enough room for two separate appliances.
However, the drying capacity of a washer dryer is normally lower than its washing capacity. This means you may not be able to dry an entire full washing load at once.
If you have enough room, separate washing machines and tumble dryers can provide greater flexibility, particularly for busy households.
Which Washing Machine Brand Should I Choose?
There is no single washing machine brand or model that is right for every household.
At Dacombes of Wimborne, we offer washing machines from a selection of leading manufacturers at different price points.
When comparing washing machines, consider the capacity, energy efficiency, spin performance, noise level, programmes and features, warranty and price.
Most importantly, think about how you actually use your washing machine.
A household doing a few smaller loads each week may have very different requirements from a busy family whose washing machine is used almost every day.
Why Buy Your Washing Machine from Dacombes of Wimborne?
Buying your washing machine locally means you can get advice from people who know the products rather than choosing an appliance based purely on specifications on a screen.
At Dacombes of Wimborne, our experienced team can help you compare different washing machines and explain the differences between capacities, features and manufacturers.
From our showroom in Wimborne, Dorset, we serve customers throughout the surrounding area including Wimborne, Colehill, Corfe Mullen, Ferndown and nearby communities, with customers from the wider Poole and Bournemouth area also welcome.
We can also help with local delivery, connection and installation, making replacing your washing machine as straightforward as possible.
Need Help Choosing Your New Washing Machine?
Still not sure whether you need a 7kg, 8kg, 9kg or 10kg washing machine? Perhaps you are replacing an integrated appliance or simply want some advice about which features are worth having.
Visit Dacombes of Wimborne at 61–63 Leigh Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1AE and speak to our experienced team.
We can help you find the right washing machine for your home, your laundry and your budget.
