What Do All Of Those Features Actually DO?
Last week we walked you through the basics of different types of washing machines. This week we're tackling the most common features. What do they mean, what they do, and are they worth it? We'll give you our opinions below, lets get started.
Table of Contents:
Compact
If after last week you decided that an all-in-one washer dryer combo isn't for you, this washing might be. It's still just as capable as a standard washer, has all the bells and whistles, it's just compact. If you're looking to build a tiny house in your yard or as a getaway cottage, this would be perfect.
Our opinion: 8/10 - Definitely a good choice if you need space. The only downside is it being smaller than a standard machine.
Stackable
If you're looking for saving space, this is a feature you definitely want. The machines are built so that they can handle the weight of a dryer stacking on top of them, or stabilized so that they can stand on top of a dryer. As long as both machines are well seated, you're good to go.
Our opinion: 7/10 - If you've got a room with a high ceiling, this is for you. You save on the floor space and don't lose out on functionality. Our only concern is the difficulty of making sure they're seated properly.
Portable
A portable washing machine is small enough that you can use them almost anywhere. Whether you live in a dorm, an apartment without a laundry center, or an RV as you travel, this is an ideal machine. It's a little different from the compact machine because you can use them anywhere, whereas the compact stays where you put it. While it can only handle a few items at a time, it counterbalances that by having a 'dehydration basket' for drying your clothes instead of needing a separate dryer.
Our Opinion: 7/10
Pedestal Storage
If on the other hand you have enough space for a full washer and dryer but you need more space for laundry extras, a pedestal storage unit might be for you. You can make up for having a smaller laundry room or closet by storing your detergents and other cleaners under the washer. The only downside that we have is that you need to be slightly taller in order to still easily reach the control panel.
Our Opinion: 9/10
Door Window
Just what it says on the tin, your door, either top or front loading, has a window. Although we think it's so you can keep cats and small children mesmerized, engineers say no. They say i'ts so you can keep an eye on your laundry as it runs.
Our Opinion: 5/10 it's useful, but it's not necessary unless you really need to keep your kids preoccupied.
Adjustable Legs
We've talked before about how a rocking washing machine can be caused by your floor being uneven. Most of us try to fix it with bits of wood or cardboard. Some fantastic engineer figured out that adjustable legs would be more useful. Now you can easily level your washing machine with this feature.
Our Opinion: 10/10 We think this one is absolutely needed for anyone, no matter what other features you get.
Cycle Status
Have you ever checked on your washer, noticed it said it had 30 minutes left, and walked away? Except you come back later, and it says it’s still got another 10 minutes.
A cycle status instead shows you where in the process your machine is, so you can plan around that. Is it in the rinse cycle or spin? Take that into account, and it's so much less frustrating than a pseudo-timer.
Our Opinion: 20/10 (Nope, that's not a typo, we just really believe it's needed.)
Washer/Dryer Set
These are washer and dryer units that are matched aesthetically. If you want a magazine perfect laundry room, this might be what you're looking for. They'll have their own additional features, but the machines will be perfectly matched.
Delay Start
There's nothing worse than having to weigh staying up late to do laundry vs not having enough water pressure for your morning shower. A washing machine with delay start solves that. You can set your machine to wash before you wake up, toss them into the dryer and have warm, wrinkle free clothes when you're out of the shower! In winter at least, that's perfect. In summer, well, at least you know you're going to be looking fantastic and wrinkle free.
Our Opinion: 8/10 Definitely something we want, but it's not something we absolutely have to have. It's close though.
Pause Button
Picture this, you've sorted your laundry and loaded the machine and you're getting on with something else. You notice you dropped a shirt while carrying the load. It used to be that you would have to wait and do an entirely new load of laundry. With a pause button, you can pause the wash where it is, toss in the shirt and continue with your day.
Our Opinion: 10/10 Definitely a needed feature.
Adaptive Fill
Some of us have trouble telling whether a load of laundry is 'small' or 'medium, 'large' vs. 'extra-large.' Adaptive fill was built for people like us. The machine senses how full it is and puts in the amount of water needed. This means you're only using the amount of water you needed, and your water bill will thank you for it.
Our Opinion: 6/10 It's really useful and definitely fantastic, BUT we won't say this one is a necessity.
Steam
Have you ever taken your clothes out of the dryer and found they were still wrinkled? It happens because of how the agitator works, throwing clothes against the fins and the side of the machine. Normally, you put it onto a hanger and hang that in your bathroom while you (or one of your family members) take a shower. By the time you're done with your shower, your clothes are perfect. A steam feature gets rid of the need for that. The steam allows the water to soak your laundry more thoroughly, saturating it, rather than risking sections being covered by other clothes. The steam feature can also be used after washing to soften, sterilize or de-wrinkle your clothes. It also means that you're cutting down on ironing. The downside here is that you are using more energy to heat the water, which is going to push up your electric bill.
Our Opinion: 7/10 While it's more expensive to purchase and run a machine like this, if you need your clothes looking sharp all the time, this is a fantastic feature to keep an eye out for.
WIFi Enabled
It's not the washing machine of the future, but it's close. Earlier, we talked about delayed starts. This is better. With a wifi-enabled washer you can check on your laundry from anywhere. You can start or stop it, and you can see how much longer it has left. YOu can even see what stage its at in the wash cycle. It can't transfer laundry over to the dryer, but that's only a matter of time.
Our Opinion: 8/10 We're still sketchy about how manufacturers use and protect your information, but we think it's fantastically useful aside from that.
Soft Close Lid
If you've ever caught your fingers in a washer lid, this feature is for you. Engineers made it so that the lid 'catches' itself in the fall and closes slowly. No more smashed fingers or loud, sudden bangs!
Our Opinion: 10/10 Smashed fingers are always to be avoided. We think all washers should have these.
High Efficiency
Rounding out our list of features, there's a high-efficiency washing machine. Much like with Energy Star ratings (see the additional reading below) an HE machine has standards. In order for a manufacturer to be able to apply that term to their washer, the machine has to meet guidelines for detergent, water and energy consumption. They have to use less of all three of those than what a standard machine does, or else they can't make use of the label. On top of being better for your pocket, an HE machine can handle a larger load and removes more water during the spin cycle, meaning less time in the dryer. All around, we think a high-efficiency machine is dead useful.
Our Opinion: 9/10 We want to say that everyone should get one of these machines, but we know that's not always possible. If you can get one, though, they definitely have our vote.
So, what do you think? Which features are your favorites, and which ones can you do without? Let us know in the comments or over on our Facebook page.
If your washing machine is broken and that's why you're here, we can help. Whether you live in Dallas or McKinney, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We want to work with you to keep your home running smoothly.
You can call us at ((214)-599-0055) or set up an appointment by going to our webpage.
