This washing machine buying guide should give you all the facts you need to make an informed purchase.
Buying a washing machine is often one of the first items on the agenda when moving into a new home, but there are just as many people looking to update their existing model.
Top Loader or Front Loader?
An important question to ask yourself is whether you want a top-loading or a front-loading washing machine.
Top loaders come in two types:
Agitator:
This is the most common appliance, with clothes moved around by a central pole in the middle of the drum.
Impeller:
This whips up the water to move clothes using a propeller-like device at the bottom of the machine.
With front loaders, clothes are piled in at the front and then jostled around by a spinning drum.
Advantages of a top loader 
•Lower purchase price
•Faster wash cycles
•Larger capacity
•Can open the washer mid-cycle to add clothes
Advantages of a front loader
•Cheaper over the long run
•More comprehensive settings
•Better for smaller spaces
•More water and energy efficient
•Gentle on clothes
•Shorter drying times
Energy Efficiency
When buying washing machines, look out for the Energy Star Rating label, which will give you an idea of how energy efficient your chosen appliance is.
Each machine is given a score out of ten, while the actual consumption figure – usually measured in kilowatt hours per year – should give you a good idea of how much power the product uses.
Water Efficiency
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is used to rate how much water a washing machine gets through on each cycle.
Models are graded between zero and six stars for efficiency, with a higher number of stars meaning the unit is more environmentally friendly.
The label will also say how many litres of water per wash the product requires, which is called the water consumption flow.
Load Capacity
Size in an important factor when buying a washing machine, so getting to grips with the different levels of capacity will help you make the right choice.
An average washing machine is likely to have a capacity of around 6 to 7kg, which should be enough for a typical family of four.
Opt for a smaller model if there are fewer people in your household – but remember that washing machines last a number of years, so you may want to plan ahead if you expect your family to get bigger.
Don’t get sucked in by the price of a smaller model. If you’re using it twice as much it’s a false economy and will actually cost you more in the long run.
Speed and Settings
Having lots of speeds and settings on your washing machine may offer you greater flexibility, but it could also be confusing.
Faster speeds mean clothes are dryer at the end of the cycle, which can be useful for woollen clothes and other heavier materials.
Settings will vary between machines, but useful features include cycles for whites, delicates and woollens, as well as an option for a fast-speed wash.
High-end machines contain sensor technology to set a cycle automatically, removing much of the hassle of selecting the right program.
Other Features to Consider 
•Automatic lock function to prevent door from opening during a wash
•Touchpad controls
•Auto spin balancing
•Dispensers for fabric softener and bleach
•Stainless steel tubs for durability
•Adjustable legs to help keep the unit steady
•Extra insulation or a dampener system for noise reduction
Washer/Dryer Combo
If space is at a premium in your home, then a combination washer and dryer unit may be the option for you.
However, bear in mind that these combo appliances tend to have lower capacities than regular washing machines and clothes dryers, making them more suitable for smaller households.
Do it yourself or pay for professional service
Burleigh Appliances offers a professional fitting service, but if you decide to tackle the project on your own, here are some things to keep in mind.
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure the unit actually fits in your laundry! It is advisable to leave around one inch of space at each side of the unit.
Take careful measurements of the space where you intend to put it and make sure you leave enough room for the door to open.
Also, try to keep the appliance on an even surface – washing machines are heavy and vibrate, so they’ll need to remain steady to ensure the weight is well distributed.
