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Purchasing a washing machine requires quite a level of commitment. It is not cheap, troublesome to replace and we expect it to sit in our homes for at least 10 years. The art of selecting the best washing machine becomes more complicated as modern washing machines now come in various functions, technology and designs. Here are things to look out for when purchasing a washing machine:
1. Types of Washing Machine
In general, there are 3 types of washing machines in Singapore. Understanding the functions of the different types would help you to decide which machine suits your needs better.
Top load washing machine:
- Clothes are loaded and unloaded from the top
- Effective in heavy duty washing but may be aggressive for delicate fabric
- Generally shorter wash cycles
- Uses more water and energy
Front load washing machine:
- Clothes are loaded and unloaded from the front
- Uses less water and energy but typically have longer wash cycles
- May vibrate more
- Once the wash-cycle starts, you cannot pause the machine to add more clothes
Washer dryer combo machine:
- 2-in-1 machine that washes and dries the clothes
- Convenient as you don’t have to unload the wet clothes to another dryer or hang dry
- Longer wash and dry cycle
- Ineffective for big families with large laundry load
2. Washing Machine Capacity
- 6–8 kg: Suitable for single or small households
- 8–10 kg: Suitable for families of 3 to 4
- More than 10kg: Suitable for large families or heavy load such as blankets and bedsheets
3. Washing Machine Performance
When looking at the performance of a machine, you should take note of its energy efficiency, water efficiency, noise and vibration, and wash programmes.
Features like eco-friendly mode adjust the water and energy usage automatically, which can help you to save on water and electrical bills in the long run.
You should also look at the wash programmes to determine which model will suit your needs better. Some common programmes include quick wash, delicate wash and heavy wash, and special programmes may include specialised wash for sportswear and baby clothes.
If you are sensitive to noise or have a very small space, you may wish to opt for a machine that has anti-vibration features.
Additional features such as smart technology where you could control and monitor the wash cycle remotely through your phone, self-cleaning and child lock can also be found in higher end washing machines.
4. Budget and Warranty
According to Mega Furniture, a basic washing machine starts from $300 while the higher end models can cost up to $2,000. Front load and washer dryer combo machines tend to have higher upfront costs but it is important to take note of the efficiency of the washing machines to save money in the long term.
Besides the cost of purchase, it is also important to check the terms and conditions of the warranty as any repair in the future may end up costing more.
Best front load washing machines
Bosch Series 6 Front Loader Washing Machine ($2,499)
A common disadvantage of big capacity washing machines is the long wash cycle that could take up to 3 hours. If you have a big family and often have to put aside a lot of time to do laundry, this is the model you may wish to consider. The most impressive specification of this Bosch front-loader would be the Speed Perfect function that washes up to 4kg of laundry in just 46 minutes.
Another impressive feature would be the Eco Silence Drive™, a brushless energy-efficient motor that reduces friction to minimise noise and vibration during operation. The Active Water Plus technology also uses the precise amount of water needed for each wash, so even if you have a smaller load, you don’t have to struggle with the dilemma of whether to wash or not to wash.
Reviews: Quiet, easy to operate even for helpers, quick wash, value-for-money.
Pros: Silent, quick, eco-friendly, Allergy Plus function that minimises detergent residue, Vario drum system that evenly washes without stretching or creasing garments.
Limitations: High price point.
Capacity: 10kg
Size (mm): 598(W) x 848(H) x 636(D)
Weight: 76.1kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
Bosch Series 6 Front Loader Washing Machine 10kg WGG234E0SG is available at Electromart at a discounted price of $944.
LG AI Direct Drive Front Load Washing Machine ($1,151)
Top rated front load washing machine by LG, the FV1409S4W uses the AI DD™ technology that automatically detects the weight and fabric, and selects the best wash cycle for the load. It also offers a bigger drum capacity with anti-vibration features, making it an ideal washing machine for bigger families with frequent laundry demands.
Reviews: Easy to operate, smart features that sends notifications to your phone, quiet except during spinning.
Pros: Compatible with Google Assistant, family friendly due to its bigger drum capacity and child lock feature, Steam technology that decreases allergens.
Limitations: The programmes are sufficient but can be considered quite basic for this price point.
Capacity: 9kg
Size (mm): 600(W) x 850(H) x 565 (D)
Weight: 70kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
LG AI Direct Drive Front Load Washing Machine 9kg FV1409S4W is available at Lazada, Shopee and Courts.
Electrolux UltimateCare 300 front load washer ($649)
A more affordable model, the Electrolux EWF8024D3WB is no lesser in delivering quicker wash cycles (15 minutes, 39 minutes and 60 minutes wash programmes) and adjustable water temperatures for specialised fabric wash. Compared to the previous models, this machine is also slightly more compact with a shorter diameter and slightly smaller capacity, making it more suitable for smaller families of 3 to 4.
A special feature of this machine is the Add Clothes function which allows you to pause the machine to add more clothes for up to 15 minutes after the wash cycle has begun, eliminating the biggest pain point of a front-load washing machine.
Reviews: Easy to operate, saves more water compared to other models, the door can be quite difficult to open.
Pros: Value-for-money, straightforward control panels, quick wash.
Limitations: Maximum spin cycle speed is at 1200, does not allow adjustment of temperature.
Capacity: 8kg
Size (mm): 600(W) x 850(H) x 552(D)
Weight: 64.5kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
Electrolux UltimateCare 300 front load washer, 8kg EWF8024D3WB is available at Lazada, Shopee and Gain City.
Samsung Laundry Washer EcoBubble ($807)
The Samsung Laundry Washer WW75TA046TE has more than 300 above four-star reviews and is a suitable front load machine for couples and small families. The machine offers the EcoBubble technology that turns detergent into bubbles even at low temperatures to quickly penetrate the fabric and remove dirt. With this technology, less vigorous washing is needed which in turn, saves energy and protects your laundry.
The machine is also powered with Digital Inverter Technology that utilises strong magnets for a quiet and powerful performance with energy efficiency. Samsung also provides a long warranty of 20 years on this motor.
Reviews: Great for a family of 2 to 3, bigger than expected for a 7.5kg capacity.
Pros: Samsung provides free delivery, installation and disposal of your existing machine.
Limitations: Delivery takes more than a week, setting is reset to default after every wash.
Capacity: 7.5kg
Size (mm): 600(W) x 850(H) x 550(D)
Weight: 65kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
Samsung Laundry Washer EcoBubble, 7.5kg WW75TA046TE is available on Samsung. It is also available at Shopee and Lazada at a discounted price of $657.
Best top load washing machines
SHARP Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Filter ($299)
If you are looking for a basic top load washing machine at an affordable price, you may wish to take home this SHARP ES-X751. Fuss-free and functional, the machine features a Diamond Convex Inner Tub that is gentle on fabric, a smart filter that collects lint efficiently and an intelligent waterfall system that increases the dissolution of detergent.
Reviews: Affordable price, cleaning is not so effective if the load is too heavy.
Pros: Quick wash, gentle on clothes for a top load washer.
Limitations: Sound and vibration.
Capacity: 7.5kg
Size (mm): 530(W) x 911(H) x 550(D)
Weight: 33kg
Water Efficiency: 3 Ticks
SHARP Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Filter, 7.5kg ES-X751 is available on Lazada and Shopee.
Toshiba White Top Load Washing Machine ($469)
Toshiba is a brand that is highly recommended on Reddit threads about washing machines in Singapore. The Toshiba AW-J1000FS has three key features - The Great Waves which controls the time and frequency of water flow to prevent entanglement and wear and tear in clothes, Silk pattern lid to ensure safety and no water residue, and no angular design, making it safer to load and unload the laundry.
Reviews: Uses less amount of water than other top load washers, quiet even during spinning, stable.
Pros: Big capacity, heavy duty wash programmes such as jeans, blanket and heavy wash which is good for big families or those with heavy usage.
Limitations: Does not have smart technology functions.
Capacity: 9kg
Size (mm): 550(W) x 968(H) x 565(D)
Weight: 40kg
Water Efficiency: 3 Ticks
Toshiba White Top Load Washing Machine, 9kg AW-J1000FS is available at Lazada and Courts,
Panasonic Top Load Washing Machine Washer ($819)
If top load washing machines are not in your consideration due to its traditional design, this Panasonic Top Load Washing Machine NA-FD125V3BQ may be the game changer. Although it has a large capacity and heavy duty functions, the model is sleek and modern looking so it will not look out of place in your new home.
The strength of this model lies in its various heavy cleaning functions that remove mould, sauce stains, oils and dirt on clothes. The StainMaster+ technology uses steam and 60 degrees hot water, combined with six times more water power flow to effectively remove bacteria and stubborn stains. If you are afraid that this may mean more water and energy usage, the machine is equipped with sensors to detect the optimal level of water needed for each wash.
Reviews: Whole family’s laundry can be done in a single wash due to its big capacity.
Pros: Great for washing heavily soiled clothes, wide tub opening for easy retrieval of clothes.
Limitations: No safety lock on the lid, StainMaster wash takes a long time and only up to 5kg load.
Capacity: 12.5kg
Size (mm): 600(W) x 1085(H) x 675(D)
Weight: 39kg
Water Efficiency: 3 Ticks
Panasonic Top Load Washing Machine Washer, 12.5kg NA-FD125V3BQ is available at Lazada and Shopee.
Best Washer Dryer combo machines
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Front Loader Washer Dryer Combo ($1,499)
If you don’t have enough space for 2 separate machines, the Fisher & Paykel WD8560F1 is a 2-in-1 machine that can solve your washing and drying needs. It is equipped with 10 continuous wash and dry cycles, 10 wash only cycles and 9 dry only cycles, allowing you more freedom to use it as a combo, washer or dryer.
Although the continuous wash and dry cycle takes an average of 3 hours, the machine allows you to start the cycle and leave it to wash and dry by itself so you can come home later to fresh and dry laundry.
Reviews: Convenient as you can start the machine in the morning and leave for work, great selection of programmes, does not dry quickly or completely compared to using usual dryers.
Pros: Comprehensive functions, auto-lint disposal, SmartDrive™ technology
Limitations: Drying function takes longer than the usual dryer, you may have to take out extra clothes to meet the 5kg dry load after washing.
Capacity: 8.5kg wash load, 5kg dry load
Size (mm): 600(W) x 850(H) x 645(D)
Water Efficiency: 3 Ticks
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Front Loader Washer Dryer Combo, 8.5kg + 5kg WD8560F1 is available at Gain City.
Midea Combo Washer Dryer ($1,069)
The Midea Combo Washer Dryer has a larger capacity that is suitable for bigger families or those who frequently wash big items like beddings and curtains. Equipped with 16 programmes that can be controlled remotely via Wifi, the quickest programme allows you to complete the wash and dry process in just 60 minutes.
The washer dryer also comes with a unique Lunar dial which shows you the details of the programme selected in a round display.
Reviews: Washes clothes well even for families with pets, the full wash and dry cycle takes around 5 hours.
Pros: Wifi connectivity, steam care that kills germs before the main wash, 16 programmes available.
Limitations: Smart features can only be used after the machine has started operating.
Capacity: 10kg wash load, 7kg dry load
Size (mm): 595(W) x 850(H) x 535(D)
Weight: 66kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
Midea Combo Washer Dryer, 10kg + 7kg MF200D100WB is available at Lazada, Shopee and Gain City at a discounted price of $969.
EuropAce Steam Washer Dryer ($799)
EuropAce is a local homegrown brand that specialises in home appliances such as air con, air purifier, refrigerator, oven and washing machine. With more than 30 years of presence in the market, the brand is favoured for its good quality and affordable home products.
The EuropAce Steam Washer Dryer EWD7851DBK is suitable for families of 3 to 4 and has 16 programmes that includes wash or dry only. It has a quick wash function that can wash and dry laundry in 60 minutes and a quick 15 function that allows you to wash 2kg loads of clothes in 15 minutes.
Reviews: Easy to operate, automatically turns off after the cycle is completed.
Pros: 3D steam pre-wash to kill germs, 16 programmes available, rapid wash in 15 minutes for 2kg load.
Limitations: Noise and vibration.
Capacity: 8kg wash load, 5kg dry load
Size (mm): 595(W) x 850(H) x 570(D)
Weight: 62kg
Water Efficiency: 4 Ticks
EuropAce Steam Washer Dryer, 8kg + 5kg EWD7851DBK is available on Lazada and Shopee at a discounted price of $748.
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