How to choose the right washing machine

Load capacity, size, and types are key things to consider while choosing a washing machine but what else? Explore our comprehensive selection guide to gain invaluable insights into what to prioritize before making a purchase.

1. Tips on choosing washing machine capacity

What does washing machine capacity mean?

When it comes to how to choose a washing machine that is good and durable, understanding the concept of washing capacity and how it is determined is crucial.

The washing capacity of a washer simply refers to the maximum amount of clothes in kg can be washed in one cycle. The washing capacity is always measured by the weight of the dry laundry. For example, a 8kg washing machine means it can load up to 8kg of dry clothes in each cycle.

How to choose washing machine capacity by family size

Now that you have an idea of what washing capacity is, here is a brief guide on how to find out how many kg of a washing machine you will need according to family size:

While this capacity guide is easy to follow, you may find yourself wondering, "What if I have a small family of two, but we typically have heavy-duty loads for each cycle?" Let's explore our solution in the upcoming section.

How to choose washing machine capacity by average laundry load

Another effective way in determining the appropriate washing capacity of the washer for your home is to weigh the average load of clothes you usually wash in each cycle. This might sound obscure to some, yet it’s practical in helping you select a washing machine with a suitable load capacity.

Traditionally, it is recommended to opt for the minimum washing capacity for your needs. However, as most of latest washing machines come with intelligent sensor technology that adjusts water levels, you can confidently opt for a higher capacity without having to sacrifice efficiency.

2. Washing machine load capacity

Now that you know how to choose the right washer based on washing capacity, it’s time to talk about load capacity or load size chart. Load capacity is basically about how many pieces of clothes you can put in your washing machine in each cycle.

Here is a brief guideline on washing machine capacity and the corresponding number of clothes it can load for your reference:

To give you a more itemised idea, here is a breakdown of what various load sizes might look like:

3. Washing machine sizes

Besides washing capacity and load capacity, you must also consider the washing machine size or dimension. The washing machine you choose must accurately fit within the allocated space.

To select the ideal washing machine for your home, be sure to follow these steps:

• Measure the space where you intend to place the washer.
• Take note of the dimensions.
• Choose a washer that fits within that space.

Here is a washing machine size chart showing common dimension ranges of a normal washing machine:

Important notes:

• Remember to leave a gap of approximately 25 mm on both sides of the washing machine. This extra space facilitates proper ventilation and minimizes overheating and vibration.
• Allocate an additional 150 mm of space behind the washer for hoses and venting purposes.
• Allow for at least 500 mm of extra depth for front-loading washers or height for top-loading washers to ensure there is enough space when the lid is open.

4. Types of washing machines

In the previous section, we mentioned the common size ranges of washing machines. However, it is also important to consider the different types of washing machines and determine which type best suits your needs. Here is a guide to help you understand the various available options.

Top load washing machines

Top load washing machine is designed with a door on the top of the machine. With this layout, you don’t necessarily need to bend over while doing laundry since you load from above. And especially, you are free to add or remove items in the middle of the cycle.

Front load washing machines

Unlike top load washing machines, front loaders come with a door at the front which opens one side of the drum into which washing is placed.

In most regions of the world, high-end washers are often of this type. Most commercial and industrial clothes washing machines worldwide are of the horizontal-axis design as well.

5. Set your budget

Many people believe that choosing a basic top-load washing machine is a suitable option for those constrained by budgetary considerations. This perception holds some truth, given that top loaders often come with affordable price tags and sufficient features to fulfil their purpose.

In contrast, front loaders generally have higher upfront costs. However, the initial investment in a front load washing machine can quickly be offset by long-term savings due to their superior energy and water efficiency.

Explore our collection of Electrolux automatic washing machines, which are available at affordable prices and incorporate the latest washing technologies to ensure high energy efficiency: