How offen does you use your laundry room? May be a few times a week, so before you buy make sure you're getting hitched to a washer you can live with. Today's models boast subtle yet key differences in how they do it -- and at what cost.
Top-loaders
The least expensive washers are conventional top-loading machines with agitators. If your No. 1 criteria is price then this is your machine, starting at approx $500. Look for models with stainless-steel tubs, since those with enameled iron drums can chip or scratch (and then rust, staining your clothing) and polypropylene tubs won't last as long. Energy Star models will help lower your water and power bills.
For a list of Energy Star appliances, see if you see buying a washer as an investment in cleaner, longer-lasting clothes and don't mind paying two or three times the price of a basic top-loader, look to front-loading machines. While top-loaders fill up the tub of clothes with water and swirl them around an agitator, front-loaders tumble wet clothes to loosen the dirt in an action like a gentle hand washing, then spin and rinse the dirt off. With no central mechanism to wind around, fabrics endure less wear and tear.
Wash modes
Look for a wide range of wash modes, including a sanitizing wash to eradicate dust mites and clean diapers and a hand-washing mode for delicates. Some even offer a steam-cleaning mode for removing wrinkles and freshening clothes without washing. Ask about the noise level: some are so quiet all you hear is the clothes tumbling. Most front-loaders are easy on water and power use, but check for the Energy Star label.
If your family does a lot of laundry, the machine's capacity will be tops on your list. Look for drum capacity over 90 liters.
Is time an issue? Front-loading machines often have a longer cycle time than top-loaders, but check for quicker wash modes for speedier service. Models that can spin the laundry faster, preferably over 1,200 RPM, will remove more water from the clothes, thus shortening drying time.
Wash and dry "combi" machines
Saving space and time are "combi" machines. Although more common in
