Washers and Dryers

Martin Appliance Laundry Buying Guide

Thinking about replacing a washer or a dryer? Make sure you visit your local Martin Appliance store before making a final decision. Martin Appliance carries a wide selection of washer and dryers at a very competitive price. There are many choices and decisions when it comes to choosing a washer and a dryer, but the help of a trained appliance consultant we will make it easy for you.

Some of the questions you will want to ask yourself before making a final decision are:

  • How many loads of laundry do I do per week?
  • How many people are in my family? Do you expect any “new additions”?
  • How much space do you have where the washer and dryer are to be located?
  • Are you placing them in a closet? Are there folding doors in front of them? Would you like to stack the dryer on top of the washer?

There are more and more models available that are “Energy Star” rated. These models can help you keep operating cost down and help save the environment.

Are there any special needs to consider? For example; small babies and people with allergies can often benefit from a sanitizing option.

SIZE OF UNITS

A good place to start is by measuring the space where the washer and dryer are to be located. Measure width, depth and available height if you intend to stack the laundry set or have them raised on pedestals. Make note of any special requirements such as where the dryer vent is located or any special challenges in getting the units to that location.

TOP LOAD WASHER versus FRONT LOAD WASHER

Front load washers are typically considered a high efficiency machine but there are also top loading washing machines that would be considered “high efficiency” machines.

Front load and high efficiency top load machines will tend to require a larger investment to purchase but may pay back that investment over a number of years and end up being less costly in the long run.

For example; a standard top load washer will use an average of 40 gallons of water per wash, with some using over 50 gallons depending on the cycles you choose. A front loader will use an average of 12 gallons of water per wash. Different models will use different amounts but in general they range from 8 gallons to 22 gallon per wash. That’s a huge savings in the water department and is good for the environment and your wallet.

Another advantage the front load washer enjoys is a larger capacity wash tub. An example would be some front loaders can wash as many as 22 bath towels versus a maximum of about 12 bath towels for the standard top load machines.

The tumbling wash action of a front load washer also tends to be gentler than the agitator wash system in the top load washer.

Whirlpool estimates the average family saves over $180 and up to 50,000 gallons of water per year when switching to a front load washer versus the standard top load washer.

Also the front load washer allows for more flexibility in washing, such as washing wool, silk and more delicate fabrics. The front load washers also typically have a higher spin out speed than top load machines which removes more water and allows a shorter drying time.

Things to know about front load washers: Some front load machines will have a longer cycle time than a top load washer. They require a strong floor because of the weight of the machine and the higher spin speeds.

Things to know about standard top load washers: Generally they will use more water than the front load design washer. They may have shorter wash cycle times, but tend to be aggressive and cause more wear on your fabrics than a front load washer.

Features:

There are 3 different types of materials used in washer tub construction.

  • Stainless Steel: The most durable choice and longest lasting
  • Porcelain Coated Steel: Very durable but porcelain can chip and the steel can rust.
  • Polymer Plastic: Durable, but it can get rough over time and increase wear on the clothes.

Cycle Options: Different wash/spin cycles allow you to tailor the washing action to specific types of fabrics.

  • Delicates: Uses a slower speed to simulate hand washing.
  • Wools: Reduces the amount of agitation for gentle cleaning of wool garments.
  • Sanitary: High water temperature help kill germs.
  • Active Wear: Is designed to wash cotton / spandex blends.
  • Bulky: Designed to wash bulky items such as sleeping bags and blankets.
  • Express Wash: Shortens the wash cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
  • Silk: Very gentle cycle designed to clean silk items.
  • Steam Cycle: Used to clean tough stains.

Special Features:

  • Auto Fill: Automatically senses load size and adds the correct amount of water.
  • Auto Dispense: Adds detergent, bleach or fabric softener at the correct time.
  • Digital Controls: Easy to use and programmable for the way you use the washer.
  • Delay Wash: Fill your washer the evening before and have the first load of wash ready for the dryer in the morning. A great time saver.
  • Ultra Quiet: Designed to run extra quietly so it will not disturb the household.
  • Auto Fabric Sense: The washer senses the type of fabric and automatically adjusts the agitation for a proper wash.
  • Steam: The steam cycle can eliminate the need to pre-treat your fabric. You can also sanitize towels and sheets without bleach.

DRYERS

Today’s dryers have many features available to help you to save time and energy.

Dryers come in many different sizes and capacities. Always consider your washer capacity when choosing a dryer. The larger the washer capacity the larger the dryer capacity you will need to maximize the efficiency and performance of your dryer.

Dryers are available in 220 volt electric and natural gas. Most gas dryers can be converted to LP (natural gas stored in a tank).There are a limited selection of 120v dryer available for small spaces, but they take much longer to dry.

Dryers also have different drum material available. Stainless steel, enamel coated steel and galvanized steel. Stainless or galvanized steel drums tend to be the most durable because there is no coating to wear off.

Cycle Options:

  • Sensor Drying: This is a great feature because it automatically senses when the fabric is dry.
  • Wrinkle Guard/ Extended Tumble: Keeps the drum spinning after the fabric is dry to reduce wrinkles.
  • Damp Dry: Stops drying before the fabric is completely dry to prevent shrinkage and fabric damage.
  • Timed Dry: Runs for the preset amount of time you determine.

Special Features:

  • Drying Rack: For drying items you do not want to tumble such as shoes.
  • Top Load Dryer: Easy loading and faster drying times.

Tips:

Anytime you replace a dryer make sure you check or replace the dryer venting. Clogged dryer venting is a very common problem and may lead to dryer failure or even a house fire. Please read the owner’s manual very carefully and use ONLY dryer venting recommended by the dryer manufacturer.

When you purchase your dryer from Martin Appliance our installation professionals will always check your dryer venting to make sure it is safe.