1. Front load or top load?
Front load washing machines are gentler on clothes, given that gravity does half of the work in moving laundry around the drum, and can typically accommodate larger loads than top loads. They also provide a superior clean in terms of stain removal and are more water and energy efficient than their top load siblings.
On the other hand, top load washing machines generally have a larger drum and quicker wash cycle, which can be valuable to people with a high and regular volume of laundry. In addition, the convenient design of a top load makes for easy loading, and the straightforward design means the model is able to be more cost-effective.
2. Space
Consider the space in which the washing machine will sit - is there room to easily open the door in order to load laundry in? Is a stacking system a better option for the space, where you can position your dryer on top of your washing machine?
Having your front load washing machine positioned next to a sink makes for easy transfers when soaking stained items, and a shelf within easy reaching distance means less potential for messy spills with detergents and fabric softener.
The average dimensions of a smaller front load washing machine are about 850mm(H) x 600mm (W) x 575mm (D), whereas a larger model averages around 850 (H) x 600mm (W) x 660mm (D), so in terms of size variation you can afford to have a larger model in a similar space.
Also, having your top load washing machine positioned next to a sink makes for easy transfers when soaking stained items, and a shelf within easy reaching distance means less potential for messy spills with detergents and fabric softener.
The average dimensions of a smaller top load washing machine are about 945mm(H) x 547mm (W) x 515mm (D), whereas a larger model averages around 1023mm (H) x 690mm (W) x 730mm (D).
3. Size
Below is the recommended front load washing machine capacity for your household size:
|
Household size |
Front load washing machine capacity (kg) |
|
2-3 people |
7.5kg |
|
3-4 people |
8kg |
|
4-5 people |
9kg |
|
5-6 people |
10kg |
Below is the recommended top load washing machine capacity for your household size:
|
Household size |
Top load washing machine capacity (kg) |
|
1-2 people |
6kg |
|
2-3 people |
7kg |
|
3-4 people |
8kg |
|
4-5 people |
9kg |
|
5-6 people |
10kg |
|
6 or more people (or families with small children and a high volume of laundry) |
11kg/12kg |
4. Water Efficiency
Choosing low water levels instead of high, and ensuring you do full loads instead of smaller loads can make the best use of your water supply. The New Zealand Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) scheme is a New Zealand government initiative that helps consumers understand the way their white goods use water through labels that convey vital information.
The star rating at the top correlates with how water-efficient a product is and can be used to compare across different models. These labels will also list the product’s rate of water consumption, which on a washing machine correlates with the litres of water used per wash, and the load capacity of the machine.
Read more: 3 Bad Laundry Habits You Might Not Know You’re Doing
5. Energy Efficiency
All Westinghouse front-loader washing machines include a range of features allowing you to control the amount of energy consumed in a wash cycle, including ‘cold’, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 degree wash options, giving consumers the ability to choose according to their needs for individual wash cycles.
6. Speed
All Westinghouse front load washing machines come with six spin-speed options: 1200rpm, 800rpm, 600rpm, 400rpm, Rinse Hold and None. You should always choose the highest spin speed that is appropriate for the weight and type of laundry load.
For example, lower spin speeds are best for delicate or lightweight fabrics, as this can protect garments. Higher spin speeds are perfect for denim or towels that need additional wringing out before drying.
7. Wash Cycles And Programs
Here are some highlighted washing programs that Westinghouse front load washing machines offer:
|
Full Load 60 |
Our Full Load 60 lets you wash an entire load in 60 minutes – see Full Load 60 video – less time than it takes to play a game of Monopoly – and without compromising on wash results. |
|
Fast 15 |
If washing that top that’s not dirty enough for the laundry basket, but not clean enough for the cupboard has slipped your mind, our Fast 15, a quarter hour wash, can refresh any urgent items you might need. |
|
Daily 39 |
When you’re looking to create more hours in your day, our Daily 39 delivers the kind of quality wash you expect for light loads, in less time – 39 minutes to be exact. |
|
Plus Hygiene |
Where there are kids, there are germs – and a hygienically clean laundry is more important than ever. Our Plus Hygiene function uses vapours to neutralise 99.9%* of selected common household allergens & bacteria |
|
Delicate cycle |
We haven't forgotten about your favourite items that you wear on special occasions. With our delicate cycle, you can trust your clothes will be protected and cleaned without any worry. |
Here are some highlighted washing programs that Westinghouse top load washing machines offer:
|
Fast wash programs |
Whether it’s a fast 20 minute wash because your favourite top needs a freshen up, a 45 minute mid-week daily wash or a Fulload 60 program after a muddy weekend of sport, our Fast Wash Programs mean you can get on with your day – without delay. |
|
Delicate cycle |
For your most loved garments, the delicate cycle will treat them with the utmost care, so you can continue to wear them on those special occasions. |
|
Bedding cycle |
Everyone loves fresh sheets and you can make them feel like new again with our bedding cycle. |
|
EcoSave |
For normally soiled whites and colours, the EcoSave function will not only clean your clothes but it'll save on energy consumption too. |
|
Extra Dirty |
This function is perfect to clean those sports clothes the kids have been running around in. |
8. Care Considerations
There is also a mesh cover at the end of the drain hose which can become clogged over time; as such it’s a good idea to remove and clean it regularly.
For top load washing machine, the maintenance process includes cleaning the coin-trap which is located inside the centre agitator alongside the lint trap. There is also a mesh cover at the end of the drain hose which can become clogged over time; as such it’s a good idea to remove and clean it regularly.
Read more: Top 3 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe
9. FAQs
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What temperature water should I use to wash my clothes?
The water temperature you choose will depend on what kind of clothes you’re washing, your hygiene needs, energy efficiency considerations and garment recommendations.
In order to kill dust mites, for example, your water needs to be 60 degrees celsius or hotter. If you’re trying to save on energy, a cold wash is the most energy-efficient temperature, and if your garments are delicate or likely to shrink when exposed to heat, this will affect which setting you choose. -
Do front-loaders clean clothes better?
All Westinghouse washing machines clean clothes to the highest possible standards, regardless of whether they are top-loader or front-loader models. That said, studies have shown front-loaders to be more effective at tough stain removal, as well as being gentler on garments.
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Does my washing machine need a hot and a cold tap?
No. Westinghouse front-loader washing machines only require one water outlet - the cold. This is because our models heat your water to the required temperature based on the setting and wash cycle you select.
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Why are front-loader washers gentler on clothes?
The reason front-loader washing machines are more gentle on garments is that they use gravity to their advantage. Once the drum of your front-loader spins halfway around, the clothes naturally fall to the bottom of the drum again, meaning less vigour is required to agitate the clothes, helping them last longer.
In addition to this, our front-loader washing machines have more diverse settings, allowing you to choose the correct cycle for your needs.
