Choosing a washer or dryer is about how your laundry works from start to finish: the loads you wash, how quickly you need them ready and the cost of doing that week after week.
Our wider laundry and dishwasher range includes Westinghouse, LG, Hisense, TCL, Fisher & Paykel and Haier. The selection differs by appliance type; compare the exact models that suit your routine.
Full loads and quick-wash claims
Washer capacity is based on dry laundry weight. The weight of your usual basket and bulky items such as bedding can help put that capacity in context. One detail that’s easy to miss is the load limit for each program. A short or delicate wash may take much less than the capacity printed on the front of the machine.
The everyday full-load program time is often more relevant than the fastest advertised wash. Front loaders generally use less water and energy than top loaders, but often have longer cycles. It’s also worth trying the loading position in store, particularly if bending down to a front loader is uncomfortable.
Why does the washing machine change its time remaining?
A displayed cycle time can be an estimate rather than a fixed countdown. Westinghouse explains that load size, dirt, water conditions, excess foam and an unbalanced load can change the time. A machine trying to redistribute an uneven load can therefore take longer than you expected.
With Westinghouse, LG, Hisense, TCL, Fisher & Paykel and Haier laundry options, the cycle you’ll use with your normal load is the useful comparison. A very short program for a small, lightly soiled load does not tell you how long a full family wash takes. That impressive quick-wash time means more once you know how much laundry it takes and what sort of dirt it’s designed to handle.
Further reading: Westinghouse’s explanation of changing cycle times.
What do the energy and water labels tell you?
For washers of similar capacity, the energy stars and annual kWh help you weigh up electricity use. The WELS label tells another part of the story: litres per wash, the load tested and the program used. The most stars alone do not tell you the total water or electricity use of differently sized machines.
The energy-use figure on the label is based on a particular wash program. Your machine may use more or less electricity depending on the program, water temperature and how often you wash. If you usually wash in cold water, a separate cold-wash energy figure, where provided, can give you a more useful comparison between machines. The government washer guide and WELS comparison guide explain the labels in more detail.
Spin speeds and dryer loads
A higher spin setting can leave less moisture for the dryer to remove, where your clothing care labels permit it. Having a choice of spin speeds is useful when your laundry includes both everyday towels and more delicate clothing. With a washer-dryer combination, washing and drying capacities are separate figures; one full wash may exceed the drying limit.
When does a heat-pump dryer make sense?
A heat-pump dryer typically costs more to buy but uses less energy than a conventional vented dryer. If you dry frequently, annual kWh and purchase price are worth weighing up together. If you use the dryer occasionally, the extra upfront cost may take longer to recover.
An efficient dryer still needs to suit your day. If you regularly need a load ready before heading out, the program time matters too. The label’s annual estimate for a dryer assumes one use a week, so a household drying daily should adjust its expectations. The government dryer guide explains the label and dryer types.
Ventilation, drainage and filter access
A vented dryer needs a suitable route to exhaust moist air outside. Heat-pump dryers collect condensed water in a tank or drain it away where the model supports that setup. A supported drain connection can save you emptying a tank, but you’ll need a suitable place for the hose.
Some washers need cold water alone; others need hot and cold connections. Stacking needs an approved appliance and kit combination. Filter access can also change once everything is installed. Routine cleaning is much easier when the parts you need aren’t tucked out of reach.
The range at Delacey’s
Browse our Washers & Dryers range online, then visit Delacey’s at 40B George Street, Bowen, or email sales@bowenbirite.com.au for help.
For delivery arrangements within 10 km of Bowen, contact the store before ordering. See our local delivery and services page for details.