How much should I spend on a new washing machine? Experts advise

If you want to know how much you should spend on a new washing machine, it's worth bearing in mind two things: both the price tag and the amount it'll cost to run.

Generally, those machines considered to be the best washing machines will have a higher energy efficiency rating, which also equates to lower running costs per cycle. They do tend to come with a higher RRP though. Then, there's also the type of machine that you prefer or would be most suited to your space which can put a spanner in how much you should spend on a new washing machine because they are all so different.

To help you understand how much a new washing machine should cost, we've called in the professionals, kitchen appliance experts David Rees and Ian Palmer-Smith. So whether you like the sound of a freestanding front or top loading washing machine or a washer dryer combo, read on to find out about the average cost of each.

How much should I pay for a new washing machine?

• Front loader: From $649 to over $6000
• Top loader: From $359 to $3000
• Washer dryer: From $1000 to $3000

While washing machines vary in size and ability, they are readily available at a selection of your favorite stores. Resellers such as Best Buy , Home Depot and Lowe's have the best selection of brands, whereas brand-specific sites such as LG and Samsung will have some exclusive offers on that'll help to keep the costs down.

What are the different types of washing machine?

There are three main types of washing machine.

Front loader (freestanding): This type of washer has a door at the front to load laundry and a horizontal drum to rotate clothing through water. "As a freestanding machine, it can usually be placed anywhere where there is a mains socket and water supply. They are designed to be moved around, so they can be taken with you when moving house," says Rees.

Top loader (freestanding) : This type of washer loads at the top, which means you can put laundry into the machine without having to bend over.

Washer dryer combo (freestanding) : "A washer dryer is ideal for people who need to save space, as they combine a washing machine and a tumble dryer into a single unit. Like regular washing machines, they can be freestanding or integrated," says Rees.

1. Front loader

Ian Palmer-Smith, a kitchen appliances expert at Domestic & General, told Top Ten Reviews : "Front loaders tend to use less water, energy and detergent. They are stackable so can work well in small places and have a superior cleaning performance. In my experience they leave clothes dryer after washing, too.

"They often come with smart features and special wash options, but they require more bending down and kneeling which can be challenging for people with health issues.

"They are also more expensive than top loaders and mold can build up in the front of the machine, requiring regular cleaning. Repairs tend to cost more, too."

You can expect to pay between $649 to over $6000 for a freestanding front load washer , like this Miele PWM 908 for $6100 from Best Buy

2. Top loader

By contrast top loaders are cheaper than front loading machines, need less repair and can manage large laundry loads, says Palmer-Smith.

"With fast wash times, less bending to load and heavy duty cleaning (with agitator models) they are a popular choice. But they use more energy than front loaders, can be harder on clothes especially agitator models, and have higher energy and detergent costs. They are also noisier than front loading washing machines."

The price range for a top load washer is anywhere from $359 to $3000 and over.

3. Washer dryer combo

As the name suggests, a washer-dryer combo is simply two machines in one, making them a great space-saving option.

One of the big advantages of this type of washer is that you can wash and dry laundry without having to unload clothes from one machine to another.

"But they often have a limited drying capacity and much longer drying times," says Rees. "They can also have a high water consumption for drying clothes."

The price range for a washer dryer combo is from around $1000 to more than $3000.

What type of features should you look for?

When looking for a new washing machine, there are several features that you should consider, advises Rees:

Capacity: "If you need to wash more loads or have a larger family, you will benefit from a greater capacity in a washing machine. Capacity refers to the size of the drum in the machine, and even though you could run more loads to keep on top of laundry, this will mean higher water and electricity costs."

Spin speed: " Although this might not be the first thing you look for, it is still important to check spin speed when buying a washing machine. Higher spin speeds will remove more water from laundry towards the end of a cycle and help it to dry faster, whereas lower spin speeds are good for more delicate fabrics. You should ensure that the machine you choose has a decent range of spin speeds to choose from, with a maximum of around 1200 to 1600 RPM."

Electricity consumption: "The electricity consumption of a washing machine will affect your energy bills. When looking at machines you should compare their estimated annual electricity use, and it is better to opt for a machine that is more energy efficient."

Noise: "Washing machines can be quite noisy, especially when they are spinning towards the end of a laundry cycle. There are some machines that incorporate quiet technology, such as vibration reduction, and you can also compare noise ratings."

Settings: "Although you will want your washer to have a wide variety of settings to choose from, having too many can clutter the control panel and it is unlikely that you will actually use all of them. If you are concerned about sanitization, look for machines with steam options. It can also be beneficial to have a machine with a quick wash option."

Auto dispense options: "Some washing machines now have auto dispense technology, where the machine will automatically calculate and release the right amount of laundry detergent for the laundry load that you are doing."

Smart features: "Newer washing machine models may have smart connectivity options. This usually means that you can pair the washing machine with a smartphone so you can monitor and control the machine."

Size: "The majority of washing machine models are a similar size, but if you are trying to fit a machine into a restricted space you should look at the dimensions carefully. If you are placing the machine into a small space, ensure that it still has room to vent, and having space around the machine can help to minimize noise. You will also need to keep in mind if there will be enough space to fully open the door without it being blocked."

Verdict

"A cheap washing machine may appear to be a bargain at first, but if it has a low energy rating it will likely cost more in energy consumption than a more expensive machine with a higher energy efficiency rating," says Rees.

We've seen basic top loading washing machines deals from as little as $300 but you can easily spend up to $3,000. Front loaders are more expensive and range from $600-$6000, while washer dryers average at around $1000-3000.

Palmer-Smith adds: "You should consider your priorities—energy savings, space, or affordability.

"Freestanding front loaders excel in energy efficiency and compactness but may pose challenges for those with back problems. Top loaders offer affordability and convenience but are less energy-efficient and can be harsh on clothes." And while washer dryers sound convenient, they are not very energy efficient and drying times can be excessive, points out Rees.

Knowing how much to spend on a new washing machine really does depend on where your priorities lie, whether or not there are any particular features you want on your new machine and what your ultimate budget is. These factors can all be decided when choosing a washing machine because the choice is simply so vast.

FAQS

How can I increase the lifespan of my washing machine?

There’s a couple of tips to keep in mind when using your washing machine to reduce wear and tear, says Palmer-Smith.

"Always remember to empty your pockets to avoid losing objects or accidentally damaging your washing machine. To be on the safer side I would also recommend that clothes with support/wires be placed in a laundry bag and then into the washing machine.

"To guarantee smooth sailing you should also regularly descale your washing machine using vinegar and baking soda and check the filters every four to six weeks. And to increase efficiency you shouldn’t overload the washing machine."

If you're buying a new washing machine to replace an old or broken machine, you're going to want to know how to disconnect a washing machine . We caught up with appliance experts who shared a step-by-step guide for safe relocation or disposal.