This buying guide will let you know how to choose a good washing machine you need for your clothing, towels and bedding. Size, capacity, laundry habits, special programs and safety features are key things to consider but what else? Read our washing machine buying guide to learn important information and helpful tips on how to choose a washing machine.
1. Washing machine size guide
Physical size and household size are two things to consider when buying a washing machine. Firstly, precisely measure where you want the washing machine to fit, also considering space for opening the door or lid, and power and hose connections.
Some can be wall mounted if your laundry area is limited, or a washer dryer combo purchased. Then consider your household size and washing frequency for the load capacity. Here’s a guide on how to choose washing machine size.
- 4 - 6 kg: Suits single or small households of 1-2 people, fitting around 5 outfits or 5 towels per load.
- 7 - 8 kg: Suits medium households of 3-4 people, fitting around 7 outfits or 5 towels per load.
- 9+ kg: Suits large households of 5+ people, fitting around 8+ outfits or 8+ towels per load.
Electrolux washing machines range from five to 10 kilograms for dry clothes (a washing machine with eight-kilogram capacity can take up to 40 shirts at a time). With clever features like our UltraMix, Eco Inverter Technology and Energy Saving Functions adjusts water and energy consumption according to the size of your load, you can rest assured that there will be no energy or water wastage.
2. Laundry layout & washing machine installation
Stacked front load washing machines are a great space-saving option for smaller laundries or European laundries, aka those concealed behind cabinetry near the kitchen or bathroom.
Meanwhile an under-benchtop side-by-side washer and dryer set-up can give you more bench space, as could a combo unit. Wall mounted units again offer more productive floorspace. Consider your needs when laying out.
Once considering the precise space requirements of your unit, including power supply, and door or lid openings, you’ll also need access to hot and cold water and adequate drainage, either a sink or standpipe for installation.
3. Types of washing machines
Top load washing machine
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 machine
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.
Choose a good and durable front load washing machine from our best-selling Electrolux front loaders:
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- EcoInverter motor uses 50% less energy*.
>>> Read more: Differences between front-load and top-load washing machines
4. Washing machine features and settings
Here are some factors to consider when choosing either a front load or top load washing machine:
Quick wash program
Our Electrolux Time Manager allows you to set your wash cycle period according to your schedule and convenience. If you are in a rush, we have a program (Quick 15) that takes just 15 minutes to wash your clothes!
Easy to use washing machine programs
Electrolux washing machines offer easy-to-understand programs such as Wool/ Handwash, Lingerie, Jeans and Sport. What’s more, you can wash delicate “Hand Wash Only” woolens in Electrolux washing machine. We have programs to suit your schedule with Delay Wash, Pre-Wash, Extra Dry and more.
>>> Read more: How to use washing machine
High-speed efficiency
Clothes sometimes take a long time to dry, but did you know that you can choose from a variety of drying time based on the type of clothes and load size. In case if you are not sure leave this to our SmartSensors feature of the Dryer.
Hygienic care program
Do you find yourself sneezing and sniffling more often at certain times of the year? Then you may be interested in our washing machines’ new HygienicCare program, which can eliminate between 90% and 100% of allergens on clothes.
Energy efficiency
Electrolux EcoInverter technology reduces energy consumption by up to 75% while ensuring long lasting performance and quiet operation.
5. Washing machine FAQs
Our Frequently Asked Questions are here to help you know all you need to about the use, maintenance and care of your Electrolux appliances.
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Question 1: How do I choose the correct washing machine settings?
Most washing machines have similar features as follows:
- Regular/Normal Cycle: Advisable for whites, sportswear, underwear, socks and T-shirts. Though efficiently removing stains, Normal Cycle may cause coloured clothes to fade due to strong agitation speeds and hot water.
- Delicates: For lightweight and delicate clothes. Make sure to check the labels as some delicate clothes are “dry-clean only”. This feature is advisable for cotton blend sweaters, linen shirts and dri-fit sportswear.
- Heavy Duty: This is recommended for heavily soiled clothing and muddy items. Heavy duty cycles offer longer, warmer washes and high-speed tumbling to make sure all the dirt is flushed out and removed.
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Question 2: What’s the difference between front-load vs top load washing machine?
Key difference lies in the door design. While front loaders have a door and laundry is placed inside the drum from the front, top loaders have a lid on top and laundry is added from above.
Front loading washers are becoming more popular since they not only save space but are also more economical because they consume less water, electricity and detergent.
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Question 3: Can I add clothes to the front loader washing machine after the cycle has started?
It is now possible to add clothes mid-cycle with ’Pause and Add Clothes’ function which is available on most Electrolux washing machines. After pressing the button, wait for the door to unlock, add your items and press ’Start/Pause’ to recommence the wash cycle.
