Washer and Dryer Buying Guide

Today's Laundry Machines = Convenience, Style and Efficiency

Washers and dryers are more innovative and stylish than ever before and are no longer being relegated to the basement or garage. More homeowners are relocating the laundry to central areas of the house, such as kitchens, family rooms and even upstairs. In response, manufacturers are introducing stylish designs with bold colors along with time and energy-saving technologies, allowing families to spend less time doing laundry and more time being together.

If you're thinking about upgrading your washer and dryer to take advantage of these great new features and technologies, here are some things you should know.

Space and Installation
With any appliance, it's important to evaluate the space you have available before shopping. A proper fit ensures you're able to open doors and access all around your new machines. If you're short on space, consider alternative units, such as compact or portable models. Write down all measurements and take them with you when you go shopping, sales associates will be better able to assist you in determining which washer and dryer units will work best in your space with those measurements.

When measuring your space for your new washer and dryer, be sure to note not only the width and depth of your space but also the height – especially if you're considering stackable units. If you're installing the new appliances in a closet, measure the width, depth and height of the closet interior AND the width and height of the door jamb or opening. Also note all clearances you have through doorways, entryways and hallways to be sure you can get the new units into your space.

The locations of water, gas, electrical and venting connections are also important things to note, and may affect the overall depth of the units after installation. Electrical requirements for gas dryers and electrical dryers are different: gas dryers require a standard 120V outlet while electrical dryers need a 240V outlet. If you're considering changing from electric to gas or vice versa, consult with a plumber and an electrician before making your purchase.

Capacity
What size washer and dryer you should purchase depends on the size of your family, how many loads of laundry you typically do in a week, and what types of things you wash. If you wash larger items, such as comforters and pillows, you'll probably want to go with a larger capacity model. Over-loading a washer or dryer will shorten the appliances' lifespan, so err on the side of bigger. Also, with a larger capacity, fewer loads tend to get done overall, saving water and energy.

Washer and dryer capacities are listed in cubic feet and are measured by the size of the interior drum and the manufacturer's recommendations for load size. Many manufacturers describe a model’s capacity as "large" or "extra large," but each manufacturer is different, so use the cubic feet listed in the specifications for your comparisons.

Compact washers are typically 24" wide or less, and capacities range from as little as 1.5 cubic feet up to 3.0 cubic feet; they're excellent options when space is tight or as secondary washing machines. Compact units come in both top-loading and front-loading styles, as well as portable models that connect to any sink. There are also stackable models that have the washer and dryer in one unit, typically with the dryer on top of the washer.

If space is really tight and you don't do much laundry, consider an all-in-one washer/dryer where the wash cycles and dry cycles run in the same unit. These combination washer/dryers are common in Europe, and are now starting to show up in the United States.

Standard full-size washers are typically 27" wide with capacities 3.2 cubic feet to 4.7 cubic feet. They're the most common in today's homes and come in both top-loading and front-loading designs, making them an excellent choice for the average size family.

Extra large or super-capacity washers range from 27" – 30" wide with capacities of up to 7.0 cubic feet; perfect for larger or growing families. They're also available in top-loading and front-loading models and, despite their size, can be as energy efficient as standard-size units.

Dryer capacities range from 3.4 cubic feet to 8.0 cubic feet. When choosing a dryer, it's best to choose one with a larger capacity than your washer. Clothes will not only dry faster, but will be less wrinkled if they have more room to move around in the dryer. Dryers come in both top-loading or front-loading styles.