Washing Machines

Get clothes clean without breaking the bank

Washing machines these days are a lot more efficient than their predecessors. They come with all sorts of different cleaning options and cycles. Not only that, but they’ve also moved on from plain old boring white – you can now get washing machines in cream, red, black, sea foam, blue – any color you want. You don’t have to have a lot of money to buy a good washer; you just have to know exactly what you’re looking for.

Editorial Review

Kenmore Washing Machine

Sears’ Kenmore brand is among the most well-known names in the appliance industry. The best thing about the Kenmore line of washing machines is the many useful features that are available.

Pros: Kenmore appliances are generally stylish, easy to use and dependable, so it should come as no surprise that they are found in millions of homes across the country. Some Kenmore washers are designed to save energy (up to 20 percent of the energy needed to wash a normal load). Not only is this good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet. Another option that Kenmore offers is something called Skin Care Rinse. Essentially, this feature allows your washing machine to clean even delicate items without leaving behind any residue. This is perfect for people who have sensitive skin that is agitated by detergent residue. For those with kids, there’s the Kids Wear cycle, which is designed to target the kind of stains that kids tend to get, such as grass, mud and blood stains.

Choosing a Washing Machine

Choosing a washing machine should start with reviewing your laundry needs. Do you wash a lot or a little? Can you get by with a standard cycle, or do you need special options for delicates, knits and hand-wash items? Washers are a fairly big-ticket item, starting at about $300 for the cheapest model, so make sure you choose the one that will be most useful to you.

You’ll need to look at your space, as well. Make sure your new washer can fit in its assigned place, whether this is a laundry room, a closet or a corner of the kitchen. If you’re an apartment dweller, check your lease to see if you can buy an apartment-sized model. And don’t forget to make sure all of the necessary connections (water, electricity) are in place.

Types of Washing Machines

When you’re shopping for a clothes washer, take some time to review the different options. Perhaps the biggest choice you’ll make is whether to buy a front load washer or a top loader.

Front load washers are slightly wider but work better for people with space issues. They’re actually made to fit under a counter in a kitchen or laundry room, and you can fit more items per load. They also tend to come with a greater variety of options, and the lack of an agitator makes them gentler on clothes.

Traditional top load washers tend to be cheaper and hold less laundry, but they last longer and give you better access to the washing drum. If you have trouble bending down, a top loader is probably a better option for you.

Whichever type you choose, make sure that washing machine parts are readily available for your model. If your washer breaks down, you won’t want to spend the time and money to import replacement parts.

If a large washing machine is still beyond your budget or you don’t have room for a full-sized washer, consider a portable washing machine. These units are usually on wheels are designed to attach to a kitchen or bathroom sink.

Any washer will come with an energy or efficiency rating. As with any appliance, make sure the washing machine rating is consistent with your city’s bylaws so that you’re not wasting energy or incurring fines.

Choosing a good washer (and a good dryer to accompany it) will save you time, energy and money when you’re doing laundry. After all, the washing machine was invented so that we would no longer have to spend all day slaving over laundry!

Read our Editorial Review on Kenmore Washing Machines

Cons: As with many major brands, the customer service for Kenmore appliances isn’t always optimal. Many customers have complained of problems with Sears when it comes to getting their Kenmore washer fixed in a timely manner. Additionally, it seems as if Sears is far from flexible when it comes to warranty issues. However, these things won’t be a problem for you unless your washing machine breaks, and all indications are that Kenmore washers are quite well made. Sure, the occasional mechanical failure is unavoidable, but that’s also the case with every other brand of washing machine.

Overall: Sears’ Kenmore brand of home appliances has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. Kenmore washing machines, one of the most well-known products in the Kenmore line, are some of the most advanced (yet still user-friendly) washers on the market today.