Washing & Drying

Washing & drying machines have gone from being a luxury item in affluent homes to something that we cannot live without. These days, the question of whether or not you need one is irrelevant. Rather, it is more about which one to buy.

A washing machine is just what the name says it is. It washes and dries your clothes. In the initial years of these machines, you did not have to think about which one to buy. There were only a few options and also, they weren’t very different from each other. Fortunately, things have changed for the better. Today, there are so many different washers with wildly different features. Also, you can choose a convenient size, wash options, child lock and many more. But before you start shopping for them, read this article to know more about them. This will help you make the right choices when you shop for washing & drying machines.

Types of washing & drying machines

In order to choose the right model of washing and drying machine, first, you need to know the difference between them. However, it isn’t like every single washer has a completely different set of features from another. Instead, the best way to understand different types of machines is to categorise them based on their functions. A good machine should be affordable and be able to serve your needs effectively. This article will tell you everything you need to know about them.

Free-standing machines

These are the most common types of washing & drying machines. For most people, this is a practical option. As the name says it, these machines are free-standing. That means you can move them wherever you want without a lot of work. All you have to do is to find a wall socket to plug in the machine, a water pipe, and a way to drain the water after washing clothes. You can install them under your kitchen countertop or keep them separate. They do not look bad in any way. However, they might not blend in well with the overall aesthetics of the kitchen, especially if you have spent a lot of money on home decor.

Built-in washer and dryer machines

If you don’t want to ruin the look of an expensive kitchen, you need to go for a built-in washer. Functionally, they are not wildly different from a free-standing machine. But the main difference is that they have a flat front where you can attach your kitchen cabinet door. So, the machine will only be visible if you open the door. And when you close your cabinet door, it won’t be easy for an outsider to tell if there is a washing machine in the kitchen or not. But the downside is that you have to sacrifice the portability of the machine for a streamlined look.

Stackable washer and dryer

In professional settings, like hotels and hospitals, where there are a lot of clothes and other materials to wash, one machine might not be enough. In that case, a stackable machine is better than buying two separate machines. This will also allow you to save a lot of floor space as well. But as such assemblies are taller, you need a facility to keep them safe from tipping over. On the other hand, if you have your washing machine and tumble dryer as separate units, you can buy a stacking kit to place one on top of the other. This is also a great idea to save floor space.

Washing machine vs Washer and dryer combo

There are two options when you are shopping for a washing machine. One is to buy a separate machine that only does the washing and get a separate tumble dryer. Another option is to get a washer dryer combo. So, what are the pros and cons of both options? A washer-dryer comes with an in-built tumble dryer. However, the tumble dryer in a washer-dryer might not dry the clothes as well as a dedicated tumble dryer. That means you will have to air your clothes longer for them to dry completely. If airing the clothes for longer is not practical for you, then you are better off getting a separate tumble dryer.