Buyer’s Guide
Laundry appliances.
Those in the market for a new washing machine or dryer are in for a nice surprise. “The latest models are gentler on clothes and have more wash options than ever,” says Gary Brown, senior brand manager for home appliances at Harvey Norman. “They’re all about convenience.”
Most of the buzz centres on energyefficiency, with major brands releasing models that promise to slash power and water consumption. The latest offerings from Swiss firm V-Zug have an EcoManagement display function that reveals how much water and energy is being used, while LG’s TurboClean technology cuts water usage by up to 45 per cent and shaves 30 minutes off the cycle time. Dryers haven’t been left hanging: Miele’s
TMV 840 WP heat-pump dryer boasts a six-star energy rating, and AEG’s OkoKombi is the first washer-dryer combo with heat-pump technology.
They’re getting smarter, too. Autosensing technology from manufacturers such as Bosch, Siemens and Samsung allows the machine to ‘read’ each load and adjust the cycle, water and energy consumption to suit. Meanwhile, new models from Miele, Bosch and Siemens feature auto-dosing technology that automatically dispenses the ideal amount of detergent. For the truly time-poor, Samsung’s wi-fi-enabled models can be switched on and monitored via smartphones. Missed a sock? Samsung’s AddWash front loader allows you to pop extra items in the machine mid cycle.
Steam washing is also gaining traction. “Steam molecules are 1600 times smaller than water molecules, allowing them to penetrate the fabric and remove far more dirt than a normal wash,” says Brad Reed, marketing manager for home appliances at LG. Miele, LG and AEG offer models with ‘refresh’ functions that remove creases in lightly worn garments.
Some models have tailored settings that can tackle just about any laundry challenge. Fisher & Paykel’s FabricSmart washers have a soak-and-tumble sequence for heavy stains as well as a cycle for muddy sports clothes, while Woolmark-certified models from Electrolux, AEG and Fisher & Paykel will gently wash and dry the most delicate woollen and beaded items.
Dryers have also upped their performance, with the latest heat-pump styles scoring top marks for speed and energy-efficiency. “Tumble dryers have traditionally been one of the most power-hungry appliances in the home,” says Brown. “Condenser styles are more efficient, but heat-pump models are the future. They’re more expensive to buy, but they’re about a third of the cost to run. They also dry quicker and are gentler on clothes,” he says.
Once you’ve settled on the features, consider which size suits your needs. “Think about how you wash – regular loads might mean you only need a small machine; one or two weekly washes would require a larger one,” says Alex Mackenzie, senior category manager for whitegoods at Winning Appliances. The amount of space you have in your laundry is another crucial factor. “Are you buying for a large external laundry or a small apartment where you might need to mount the dryer? Would a washer-dryer be a better option?”
Wayne Jennings, group general manager for merchandise at The Good Guys, recommends a 5-7kg washer and dryer for a couple, a 7-9kg model for a family of four, and a 9kg-plus model for a group of six or more.
‘ THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WASH. REGULAR LOADS MIGHT MEAN YOU ONLY NEED A SMALL MACHINE; ONE OR TWO WEEKLY WASHES WOULD REQUIRE A LARGER ONE.’ ALEX MACKENZIE, WINNING APPLIANCES