Washer and Dryer Features to Look For

The most basic of features you want to consider when buying your next washer or dryer are the cycles - how many and what type of cycles the unit has. Most basic washers typically have at least four cycles – Gentle, Regular, Permanent Press and Heavy Duty with several temperature settings. Most basic dryers have at least three cycles – Delicate, Regular, and Permanent Press. The higher you go in price, the more cycle selections, as well as more advanced features are offered.

Important to also consider is noise, especially if your machines are going to be located near bedrooms or family spaces where noise would be an issue; look for units with extra noise insulation. In general, front-load washers are quieter than top-load models, however, nowadays, many washers in both styles are available with extra insulation.

When shopping for your next washer or dryer, consider the types of fabrics you typically launder and choose a machine with cycles that best matches your needs.

There are a multitude of innovative and stylish new features available on washers and dryers today. Consider these special features and options when making your next purchase:

• Steam Settings - Steam settings are becoming more popular on both washers and dryers. In washers, the steam setting helps clothes get cleaner more efficiently by helping to loosen dirt and aidsing in 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 dryers 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 water level, temperature and cycle time accordingly. Dryers use sensors to detect moisture in the drum and can tell when clothes are dry automatically stoping the drying cycle. Sensors not only help to save energy and water, but help to cut down the time you spend doing laundry.

• Automatic Dispensers - Dispensers automatically dispense the right amount of bleach, detergent, and fabric softener at the appropriate time in the cycle.
• Delayed Start - 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're not home.
• Extended Tumble - Found primarily on dryers, extended tumble intermittently tumbles clothes without heat to reduce wrinkling when you aren't able to remove the clothing immediately after the drying cycle ends. Extended tumble is showing up on washers now, 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 come with multi-language control panels.
• Drying Racks - Some dryers come with drying racks that attach to the inside of the drum allowing you to dry things flat, without the tumbling motion; this is great for delicate items, sweaters and even tennis shoes.
• Spin Speed - Speed is something you may think is standard on washers but it's not. Standard washers usually spin clothes around 630 revolutions per minute (rpm), whereas advanced models will spin up to 2000 rpm. A faster spin speed means greater energy savings because faster spin cycles reduce the amount of water left in clothes, shortening the drying time.
• Pedestal Drawers - Typically found as options for front-load washers and dryers, pedestals offer extra storage for detergent and other supplies, while raising the units to a higher level for easier, and more ergomically-correct access.
• Designer Finishes - Are you bored with the standard white washer and dryer? Now you can get units in crimson red, royal blue, and Kelley green, among other colors. 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.