Choosing-Laundry-Machine, Points to look out for when buying a washing machine.

Choosing-Laundry-Machine, points to look out for when buying

High quality enamel finish. quality, quality, quality,

The first thing to look out for, does the machine look right with good quality enamel finish, preferably on the inside of the casing as well as the outside, the best washing machines are built with this feature for a long life. This is an indication of how much toruble went into the manufacture of your chosen laundry machine

Buy cheap buy twice or even thrice, buy quality buy once- This has made sense always but we are frequently tempted by a cheap deal only to end up with post buying disapointment and grief.

Once you have decided on the size and number of machines you need to complete the task, it's time to choose a manufacterer....But check the quality of build and first impressions are important, as a good quality washing machine can be seen as easy as a high quality motor car or wristwatch, it sticks out a mile.

If you look at a Miele machine, the enamel is as thick and strong on the inside as out.

This means that it will not rust away from the inside and look shabby after a few years working in a cold, damp utility room or garage/outbuilding

Cantilevered door hinge with strong attachment to the casing.

The door should open wide so that it can be flush with the front, not sticking out so that it gets in the way when loading or removing your laundry.

Have a look at the hinges are they strong purpose build hinges that will support the door whilst open for many years, not just a flimsy piece of metal pressing that wobbles and flexes at the merest touch.

If left open would it easily get bent and ruined after only a few months? It should close and open like a high quality car door with a satisfying clunk!

Choosing-Laundry-Machine, Buy cheap buy twice or even thrice, buy quality buy once.

Well laid out wiring loom and proper chassis with shock absorbers. No Concrete blocks!

Ask to see the inside of the machine or photographic pictures, so that you can see the type of chassis and drum support mechanism. It should be a proper heavy weight chassis with oil filled shock absorbers supporting the drum with heavy-duty springs.

Not lumps of concrete, which the cheaper machines seem to prefer.

The wiring loom should look neat and tidy well routed and protected from abrasion by the moving parts, by being encased in plastic covers or ducting.

Not like the picture below of a cheap machine, which is what can only be described as a rats nest, look at the lumps of concrete fitted as counter balance weights.

Then look at the puny springs, how many years will this machine do a family wash?

One year, six months, not twenty or more years, which is what I expect from my washing machine at home!!

For More super washing machine information take a look at Washing Machine Reviews

I found this super information site recently, with lots of great stuff on the many types of machine available with prices and where to buy them.

With lots of very interesting reviews on the many machines from people who have bought and used these machines.

You can even leave a review yourself if you have any new points you would like to raise on the subject. Have a look at ... Washing Machine Reviews

Emergency drain and door release mechanism.

Nothing can be more frustrating than to see your best clothes locked in a washing machine whilst you await the arrival of an engineer.

So this is a very important feature to look out for when Choosing-Laundry-Machine.

As you will see from the illustration below there is a small panel on the bottom left where the emergency door release and drain cock is situated.

Also take note of the clear rotary switch to choose the correct wash cycle and temperature, so that no mistakes can be made by the operator

Stainless steel wash drums and outer drums are best for a long life

This includes screw heads nuts and bolts which should not be felt inside the wash drum, as this would cause wear and tear on the fabrics being washed.

Choosing-Laundry-Machine

The holes should be smooth and the contours gentle so that they do not cause dimples in the washing during the spin cycle, this will also cause premature wear and tear to you fabrics

Both wash tub or inner drum and outer casing, which holds the inner drum should be high quality stainless steel, not plastic.

Spin speed and choice of spin is an important feature of any washing machine, which would affect your choice.

When choosing a commercial machine the spin speed drum diametre with the final G-Force comes into the frame.

A machine with a small drum diametre similar to a domestic machine would have a lower g-force or extraction rate than a machine that spins a similar speed but a larger drum diametre.

Check out the calculation at........ G-Force calculation page With this formula you can easily check out the different extraction rates from a list of machines by measuring the diametre of the wash drum. Simple mathematics will be required.

But the main thing to remember when choosing-laundry-machine for commercial purposes, check the spin speed and the drum diametre when comparing between the various machines on offer.

Especially if you have a large amount of cotton towelling or 100% cotton bed linen to process.

Free syanding laundry machines have a sprung suspension to support the drum which stops out of balance forces being transferred into the floor and the rest of the building, which can be a real nuisance and could even damage the building, if not installed correctly. See my installation pages.

Single cold water inlet is OK

A single inlet cold fill machine is therefore adequate.

A top quality washing machine will heat only the amount of hot water that is needed very efficiently without any wasted power, so you are not wasting hot water by heating it within the machine.

When choosing between a Top Loading washing machine and a front loading washing machine for any domestic or commercial situation you want to be sure of what you want for the long term.

Simple to understand and use program controls. With minimum choice of fabric options.

The dials and knobs should be simple and easy to use and understand with a good choice of programs, Including: -

1. Cottons and Linen variable from 40ºC in steps up to 90ºC with clear readings. 2. Coloureds 40ºC up to 90ºC

3. Synthetics and delicate materials cold to 40ºC

4. Woollens cold to 40ºC

5. Separate spin and rinse

6. Drain

7. There should also be if possible a choice of spin speeds if the machine has a high-spin extractor cycle.

This will allow you to reduce the spin speed should you be worried about the high spin "G" Forces damaging a garment or fabric on the final high spin section of the wash cycle.

Also when washing bulky or heavy items such as pillows, trainers, rugs, and towels a lower spin speed will balance more quickly and continue to the end of the program without delay.

Choosing-Laundry-Machine, take your time choosing the right machine and you will be passing it on to your grandchildren, they will be pleased to get the old tried and tested machine it will still have loads of life left.

Most machines will over ride any high temperature choices for the delicate and woollen cycles so that no damage should occur. But if woollens are washed with a cottons or coloured program disaster will ensue. You will end up with jumpers only fit for a barbie doll. Both the mechanical action and the temperature will cause severe damage to delicate and woollen fabrics see How to do Laundry

Useful links to companies, which sell and service Laundry and Dishwashing machines

For a cool consumer information site which covers the whole gambit, take a look at Dmoz.org NOW

Take a look and see what you think and come back here soon.

For all the best information on Choosing-Laundry-Machine plus plus plus. dmoz.org out now for great consumer information!!

A really useful site for anyone with a washing machine problem

Free advice on washing machine repairs, buying washing machines and washing machine spare parts plus surveys and revues of all the different machines at www.washerhelp.co.uk I found the site owner Andy very straight talking with no flim flam, and his site is very easy to navigate to find your particular interest or problem solving page.

Check it out Now and come back soon. Or click on favourites and save this page for future reference.

At Choosing-Laundry-Machine we only bring you unbiased advice from people with insider knowledge.

Also you may like to check out another SBI'er who has a very useful site full of things to do with home appliances.

Home-appliance repair, money saving self-help advice for kitchen-appliances, washing-machines, dishwashers, cookers, ovens, refrigerators. How to check and troubleshoot before calling the serviceman

Home appliance Kitchen aids

Conact me with your comments or questions and reviews, all Criticisms greatfully received.

Or send a review of your washing machine or service that you recieve from your supplier, anything useful to our readers would be most welcome THANK YOU.

I have no pecuniary interest with any manufacturer, and the only reason I place the Miele range of machines in front of you when discussing any aspect of the machines is that I own a Miele washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge freezer, chest freezer and vacuum cleaner. And they have given me and my wife years of good service.

Although there are few sponsored advertisements throughout the site, which may have washing machines on them from time to time.

I was also in their sales team for over 16 years until 2002. So when Choosing-Laundry-Machine you know I am giving well qualified and unbiased advice.

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