Aspiring Spirit

When buying a dryer and washing machine, the most important features you have to think about nowadays are energy efficiency, and whether the appliance you buy suits your lifestyle and the space you have available. When we speak about lifestyle, we think about how often we actually use these appliances and what we use them for. In this case, what clothes or items we actually wash.

If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. If you wash less frequently, only on weekends, for example, a porcelain-coated tub or one made of high-grade plastic will do just fine. For those with limited space, there are stacking washer-dryer units in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember also that the size of your washer should match your dryer’s capacity.

Think about what you will use them for. If your laundry includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. For loads of different sizes, you want multiple water-level settings. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load. Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators; a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting.

The two common types of washing machines are top-load models and front-load washers. Top-load washers allow the user to put in and retrieve laundry from the machine without bending over. These models must be set side-by-side with the dryer. Top-load models cost less, although it will prove to be an energy hog in the long run.

Front-load washers are recommended for its energy efficiency, and indeed it has been steadily growing in popularity because of this feature. These models use only up to one-half of the water that is usually needed for a top-load machine. This also means less time and energy used for heating. Agitators also spin faster on front-load models, so you won’t have to spend that much time drying them. They are usually more expensive than top-load washing machines, however, and you may need to buy special detergent for some models.

When selecting a dryer, the capacity you choose should go together with your washing machine’s capacity. For example, if you have a washing machine with a 3.5 cubic foot capacity, you will need a 7-cubic-foot dryer. If space is a problem, consider a stack washer-dryer model that can fit in a closet.

Dryers are powered by either gas or electricity, with gas being a bit more expensive to buy but the most economical and efficient in the long run. By law, dryers must have at least one automatic-drying cycle, but the best dryers include moisture sensors, which automatically shut down the machine whenever the moisture level in the drum drops below a certain point. Other options include a cool-down cycle that keeps garments from wrinkling, a damp-dry cycle that prepares clothes for ironing.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.annashopping.com where you can get all kinds of household appliances, accessories, shoes, and everything else under the sun. Visit us for all your shopping needs.

- Azlan Irda