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Washing Machine Buying Guide

Washing Machine Buying Guide

With many different options available, choosing the right washing machine for your home can be difficult. From drum size and dimensions to spin speed and smart features, it can be hard to know where to start. 

At Atlantic Electrics, we are here to help you choose the best appliance for your needs. We've been in the electronics industry for 50 years, so we know our products better than most! In our handy washing machine guide, we will explain everything you need to know and help you step-by-step through the purchasing process to ensure you find what you are looking for. 

In our washing machine buying guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before making that important purchase.

A few things to consider

The most important features to consider when buying a washing machine are size, fit, drum size and energy ratings. We will explore these features in detail in this guide to help you find the right model for your home. 

Types of Washing Machines

The first question to ask is whereyou would like to place your washing machine. This will help you to decidebetween a freestanding or integrated model. Let’s help you choose the best typeof appliance to suit your home.

  • Freestanding

    Whether you have an under-counter kitchen space or a utility room, a freestanding washing machine is the right choice for you. Freestanding appliances are packed with more features than an integrated machine, and offer more flexibility in your home layout. All you need is somewhere with water supply and drainage, and you’re good to go.

  • Integrated

    Integrated washing machines are neatly hidden behind a cabinet door. They will fit perfectly under your kitchen cabinet, and are ideal for space-saving options as they are slightly thinner and more shallow than a freestanding machine. An integrated machine is a great choice if you prefer the modern, sleek look as you can use your door panel to match your kitchen design

Choosing your drum size

With washing machines usually beinga standard size in height and width, you have different options to choose fromwhen it comes to depth and drum size. Your choice of drum size will depend onhow much laundry you do, but we have created a rough guide to help you.

  •

    7 Kg

    ideal for one or two people, or those with lighter wash loads upto 35 t-shirts or a double duvet.

  • 8 Kg

    Perfect for an average sized family up to 40 t-shirts.

  • 9+ Kg

    Great for larger families, or those who need to regularly wash bulky items to 50 t-shirts or a double duvet.

  • 12 Kg

    Great for large households can fit around 70 T-Shirts or a heavy king sized duvet

Simply choose the model with the drum size that suits your lifestyle and typical laundry load best. Remember to consider heavier items such as towels and duvets, and to not overload your machine.

Choosing the best spin speed

Spin Speed refers to the speed at which the washing machine’s drum rotates and is measured in RPM (rotations per minute). The higher the spin speed, the drier your clothes will be at the end of the wash cycle. This can help you achieve greater energy efficiency and faster drying times.

Spin speeds between 1200 - 1500 rpm will offer a great performance. Some machines will offer a variable spin speed feature that enables a choice for your specific wash loads. But it is important to remember that you will need a slower spin speed for materials that require a little more care, such as wool and delicates.

Choosing an eco-friendly model

Staying eco-conscious has never been easier. If choosing an eco-friendly washingmachine is important to you, there are a number of factors to consider. It isvital that you research and check features such as the annual water and energyconsumption of your chosen washing machine to ensure you make the right choicefor you.

You can find out how energy efficient a particular model is by checking the machine’s energy rating. All labels are graded from A - F to help you understand how efficient an appliance is. Generally, appliances with a grading of C or above will use a number of energy-saving features to provide exceptional results whilst taking the environment into consideration.

Key Features to consider

As technology has developed over time, washing machines have benefitted from a range of additional features to make washing easier for you. We have created a list of key features to consider to help you make the right purchase.

Quick Wash:
The Quick Wash programme provides the ability to complete a small load of laundry in 15-30 minutes. This feature usually requires a little more energy than standard washes, so it has been designed to be used for last-minute loads only.
Delay Start:
The Delay Start feature enables you to set your washing machine to begin the wash cycle at a particular time. This feature is extremely helpful if you would like to coordinate the wash cycle to suit your lifestyle.
Max washing time:
Each washing machine will inform you of the maximum amount of time that a wash is likely to take. This is an important feature to look for when selecting an appliance.
Specialised programmes:
Some washing machines will offer specialised programmes for certain clothing types. One of the programmes may include the Sportswear programme which will wash microfibre clothing at a lower temperature whilst effectively removing sweat marks and stains. Washing machines that feature a Wool programme will use low temperatures and spin speeds to help wool-based clothes retain their shape.
Variable temperature:
Many washing machines may offer the ability to change the temperature of your wash cycle to meet your requirements. Lower temperatures can reduce running costs and preserve the colour of your clothing, whilst higher temperatures will provide a more intensive clean.
Smart features:
Smart washing machines can be controlled from the manufacturer’s app on your smartphone or tablet using your Wi-Fi connection. This enables you to start, stop and pause loads from your device, as well as receive alerts and personalised washing advice for your machine.
Steam technology:
Steam technology will ensure that your clothes are steamed after washing to reduce creases and provide them with the perfect moisture level ready for easy ironing. This feature is more hygienic as it helps to stop allergens such as dust mites and odours.
Auto dosing:
Some washing machines have the ability to measure and release the ideal amount of washing liquid needed for each load. You can simply fill up your appliance with the maximum amount of detergent and let the handy Auto Dosing feature take care of the rest.
Drum Light:
Many washing machines offer a special LED light which is fitted inside the drum of the appliance. This handy light will help you to see all of your garments inside the machine when doing your laundry, no matter what time of day it is. Now, you can avoid losing small items that become stuck inside the drum.

Useful tips to consider

Temperature settings:
When using your washing machine, it’s very important that you choose the right temperature setting for your laundry. We recommend that you check the washing machine symbols on your clothes before purchasing as some settings may not be suitable for all fabrics. This ensures you can find the model with the right features for your needs.
Cold wash (30°C or less):
A cold wash is ideal for lightly to moderately soiled items which are clothes that don’t appear particularly dirty and have only been lightly worn. This eco-friendly setting will help you to save energy and money.
Warm wash (40°C):
A warm wash is best for most regular laundry as it will help to remove dirt and stains without causing any damage to your clothes.
Hot wash (60°C or more):
If you have tough stains on your clothes, then this is the setting to use. A hot wash will effectively remove bacteria and allergens from your laundry. However, this setting may not be suitable for all fabrics so it is important to check before use.
Noise ratings:
If you are looking for a silent appliance, we’ve got you covered. We stock a wide selection of machines that are specially designed to be quiet so you can enjoy a peaceful home. To determine how quiet an appliance is, you can check the decibel rating on the model. The most important noise-reduction features to look for are inverter motors, brushless motors and anti-vibration technology. So, we advise that you check the decibel rating and the motor on your chosen model before you make that purchase.
Picking your colour:
Whether you have chosen a freestanding or integrated model, you will want to make sure your new washing machine suits your style. Washing machines come in a variety of colours and designs so you can choose the appliance that matches and completes your home.

Washing Machine Brands

There is a wide variety of trusted brands to choose from when selecting a washing machine. You can pick your favourite or find the brand that offers the specific features, size, functionality and colour you are looking for. Take some time to research and discover the brand that is right for you.

Buyingthe right accessories

Once you have chosen the right washing machine, the next thing to think about is if there are any accessories that you may need. At Atlantic Electrics, we offer washing machine detergents, drum cleaning and softeners from certain brands for specific models. For freestanding machines you could also get a stacking kit to allow a dryer to be stacked on top of the washing machine. Some brands also offer a built under kit, so you can remove the lid of the machine and add a steel plate, so it fits comfortably under a worktop.


We can help you find the right accessories for your ppliance to provide the best performance.

Maintenance:
It is important to take care of your appliance to protect your washing machine’s performance. Washing machines are now designed with efficiency and longevity in mind, requiring only a few simple steps to keep them in their best condition.
A maintenance wash:
A regular maintenance wash is the best way to ensure you maintain brilliant results from your wash cycle. This deep-cleaning cycle requires a specialist machine cleaning solution and will remove any bacteria, stains and mould that may have built up inside the washing machine. It will also clear out any old water that may be left in the drum. We advise that you check your manufacturer’s guide to find the right cleaning solution for your model.


We recommend completing this cycle at least once a month to keep your machine in it’s best condition. However, if you begin to see sludge when you gently pull the door seal back or small black spots building up on the inside seal, you should complete a maintenance wash.

To run a maintenance wash, simply follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your machine is empty.
  2. Add the washing machine cleaning solution (or a biological detergent). Please refer to the instruction leaflet for the amount you need to use.
  3. Choose the ‘cotton’ cycle on your machine.
  4. Press the temperature control until it is set to your hottest setting (as close to 90 degrees Celsius as possible).
  5. Start the cycle.
  6. When the cycle ends, you must open the door and pull back the seal to wipe away any debris or water.
  7. Leave the door open until everything inside is dried.

Cleaning your detergent drawer:
We recommend that you clean your detergent drawer after a maintenance wash to prevent old detergent deposits from building up. Simply remove the drawer and wash in warm, soapy water. You must also take out any compartments that can be easily removed. Then, simply rinse, dry and reassemble your drawer back into the machine, ready for your next wash cycle.

Cleaning your washing machine filter:
We advise that you clean your machine’s filter every 4-6 weeks for the best performance. You can find the filter at the bottom of your machine, but you may need to remove a small cover to access it. Simply unscrew the filter and let the water flow out into a tray (oven trays tend to be the perfect height for this!), then gently clean the filter with hot water. Tightly screw the filter back on and you are good to go.

FAQs

Wehave listed some common questions we often get asked when buying a washingmachine below

What connections do I need?

Washing machines need to be connected to a cold-watersupply, mains plug and waste pipe in order to run so you must make sure thatthey are all in reach.

What are the most popular washing machine brands?

There are lots of brilliant brands that make outstanding washing machines. Some of the most popular brands include Bosch, Hotpoint and LG. We stock an exceptional selection of Miele’s high-end models, which are arguably the best built washing machines on the market. And, if you are looking for a more cost effective model, we offer a range of Beko and Indesit models to choose from.

Can you pause a washing machine halfway through a cycle?

Some models may offer an additional feature which enables you to pause the cycle and reload your machine if you have missed some items from your load. This mode is often referred to as “Add Wash”, “Add Laundry” and “Reload” depending on the brand and model.
We are happy to help you with anything you need. So, if there are any more questions, simply get in touch with our team.
The quality and reputation of the brand, place of manufacture and attractiveness of the design will all affect the price. At Atlantic Electrics, we will help you to choose a reliable model that provides you with the best results for your laundry needs. If you would like to take a look at some models in person, we have a vast selection on display in our showroom.

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