We’ve put together a handy guide on the main factors to keep in mind when you’re buying a new washing machine. You may or may not need all the fancy features that various manufacturer’s take pride in. Learn to pick the right model so that you’re paying for exactly what you need with this buying guide.

So you’ve decided that it’s time for an upgrade. Next stop — a hassle-free life with a fully automatic washing machine.

Or maybe you want a front loading washing machine as part of your next upgrade.

Perhaps you want both? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a quick and easy-to-follow washing machine buying guide just for you.

Be sure to go through this washing machine buying guide and keep it handy when you are buying or browsing through washing machines on various e-commerce platforms, in order to get the best possible product to suit your needs.

Here are the top five things to consider before you make your purchase.

Front loading washing machines vs. top-loading washing machines

This largely depends on what your needs are. Front loading washing machines are convenient for those who don’t want to have to lift the clothes into the washing machine but would prefer to bend to put the clothes into the front load window.

If a member of the household is wheelchair-bound, this option is definitely more suitable. Front loading washing machines are typically also more energy and water-efficient.

Some users say that in situations where bed linen, curtains (or even sarees) are washed regularly, they are easier to extract from a front load washing machine.

A top-loading washing machine is preferable if you have back and neck problems that make bending a hassle.

Cost

Front loading washing machines are typically more expensive than top-loading washing machines, but long-term users of front load washing machines say that the long-term costs (due to energy efficiency) are substantially lower than the long-term costs of running a top load washing machine.

There’s the non-monetary cost too: the cost in terms of carbon footprint. Front loading washing machines are said to be far more environmentally friendly, as they use less water.

There are several other factors that also have a bearing on the cost. Some of the factors that affect the cost of a washing machine are its capacity, and unique features such as quick-drying, extra protection given to clothes, variety of wash cycles, and options for water levels. We are actually going to look at some of these features in the remainder of this washing machine buying guide.

Washer capacity

You need to choose your washer capacity depending on how many clothes you will need to wash each time you run your washing machine. How large is your family or your household (can’t forget our friends who co-rent apartments here)?

Are all the clothes washed together or does everyone run individual cycles? How often are you carrying out heavy-duty laundry runs that include curtains, bed linen, sofa coverings, and so on? Yes, we’re talking to you, homestay and Airbnb owners.

Here’s a rule of thumb. A washing capacity of up to 6 Kg can handle 4 to 6 outfits; up to 8 kg can handle 6 to 8 outfits and for 9 to 11 outfits per wash you’re going to need a 9+ kg washing machine.  Now you know why we told you that you will want to keep this washing machine buying guide handy.

Wash cycles and water levels

If you use different types of clothes, linen, and furnishings, you might want to invest in a washing machine that offers a variety of wash cycles, but if not, you might not want