Special Features of Today’s Washers and Dryers

Today’s washers and dryers are full of special features that enhance performance, save energy, and offer convenience and style but they can also add to the price tag, so evaluate your needs and choose these options wisely.

source: Maytag

The most basic features you will want to consider when buying your next washer or dryer are the cycles - how many and what type of cycles does the unit have. The most standard washers typically have at least four cycles – Gentle, Regular, Permanent Press and Heavy Duty cycles and several temperature settings. Most basic dryers have at least three cycles – Delicate, Regular, and Permanent Press. More expensive washers and dryers can have more cycle selections as well as more advanced features (see below) offering more versatile fabric care. When shopping for your washer or dryer think about the types of fabrics and clothing you typically launder and choose a machine with cycles that best match your needs.

Another basic thing to consider is noise – especially of your machines are located near bedrooms or family spaces where quiet is important. Look for units with extra noise insulation. Typically, front-loading washers are quieter than top-loading models, but nowadays, many washers across both styles are available with extra insulation to make them run quietly.

Aside from these basic features, there are a multitude of innovative and stylish new features available on washers and dryers today. Here is a list of those special features and options you may want to consider when making your next purchase:

Steam Settings: Steam settings are becoming more popular on both washers and dryers. On washers, the steam setting helps clothes get cleaner more efficiently. The steam feature helps loosen dirt better and aids stain-removal while conserving overall water consumption. It also offers sanitizing powers that kill bacteria - a great feature for households with kids and pets. Steam settings on the dryer help eliminate wrinkles and odors.

Sensor Technology: Many new washers use sensors to determine the level of dirt and weight in a load to set the water level, temperature and cycle time accordingly. Dryers use sensors to detect moisture in the drum and can tell when clothes are dry and automatically stop the cycles. Sensors not only help to save energy and water, but they help cut down the time you spend doing laundry.

Automatic Dispensers: These dispensers automatically dispense the right amount of bleach, detergent, and fabric softener at the appropriate time in the cycle.

Delayed Start: This feature allows you to select a time to start your washer or dryer so that you can take advantage of off-peak utility rates or run the machines when you are not at home.

Extended Tumble: Most often found on dryers, extended tumble intermittently tumbles clothes without heat to reduce wrinkling when you aren’t able to remove the clothing immediately after it’s dry. Extended tumble is showing up on washers too, helping to prevent mildew.

Digital Controls: Easy to read digital controls can display step by step instructions as well as track a cycle’s progress. They offer more settings and even allow you to save your favorite settings. Some even come with multi-language control panels.

Drying Racks: Some Dryers come with a drying rack that attaches to the inside of the drum and allows you to dry things flat, without the tumbling motion – great for items like delicates, sweaters and even tennis shoes.

Spin Speed: Spin speed is something you may think is standard on washers but it’s not. Standard washers usually spin clothes around 630 revolutions per minute (RPMs), while advanced models can spin up to 2000 RPMs. A faster spin speed is a great energy saving feature because faster spin cycles reduce the amount of water left in clothes, therefore they require less time in the dryer.

Pedestal Drawers: Typically found as options for the front loading washers and dryers, these pedestals not only offer extra storage for detergent and other supplies, they make these front loaders more ergonomically friendly by raising up the access to the washer and dryer cavities, putting less strain on your back.

Designer Finishes: Are you bored with the standard white washer and dryer? No problem…now you can get your washer and dryer in crimson red, royal blue, and kelley green, just to name a few. These chic colors paired with sleek glass doors, ergonomically designed handles and controls, LED lighting and easy to read digital displays make these machines worthy of being displayed in the most stylish homes.

Pricing Considerations

Pricing for washers and dryers vary widely depending on features offered. Basic washers and dryers start around $300 and the top end models with all the bells and whistles can get up to $1800 and higher. When budget is an issue, choose a machine with options that best suite your families needs and skip all the extras. Remember - even the most basic units will get your clothes clean!

Learn more about washers and dryers:

Modern Day Washers and Dryers = Convenience, Style and Efficiency

Create an Energy Efficient Laundry Room

Types of Washers and Dryers

Maintaining Your New Washer and Dryer