As families head into the busy back-to-school season, the laundry room often becomes a high-traffic zone. With clothes piling up from sports, activities, and everyday school life, now might be the perfect time to reconsider your washing machine. This month, we’re talking with Chad Kvangnes, a seasoned Sales Manager and appliance expert at Judd & Black, to provide insights on choosing the right washing machine for your household.
Top-Loaders vs. Front-Loaders: What are the primary differences between these two styles?
Chad: The main difference is how they wash clothes and how you load them. Top loaders typically use either an agitator or an impeller. The agitator is that central post you see in many top-loading machines—it moves the clothes around, while the impeller gently rolls the clothes in opposite directions. Front-loaders, on the other hand, roll the clothes as the tub spins. This method is generally gentler on fabrics. One advantage of top-loaders is the convenience of not bending down to load and unload. Front-loaders often come with more advanced features and are slightly more energy-efficient.
High-Efficiency Models: How do they differ from standard washing machines?
Chad: High-efficiency (HE) machines are great for saving water. They use far less water than older models, especially front-load HE washers. For instance, the tub doesn’t fill up like it used to in older machines. Instead of a swimming pool, you’ll notice these machines use just enough to clean clothes. While they save on water, they still deliver excellent cleaning performance.
All-In-One Washer/Dryer Combos: Is this a practical option for families?
Chad: Absolutely, all-in-ones are becoming more popular. They’ve improved a lot in recent years, with brands like GE, Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung leading the way. These machines use heat pumps for drying, which means they don’t need a vent, allowing more flexibility for placement. Some models can take 3 to 4 hours to wash and dry a load, but newer models are improving to around two hours. These units are perfect for small spaces or families who want to start a load and forget it without worrying about transferring clothes between units.
Load Capacity: How can a family figure out the right load size for their washing machine?
Chad: Machine capacity is important, especially with growing kids. While you might hear a lot about cubic feet, my advice is simple: go bigger. A 4-cubic-foot capacity or larger is usually the best bet for busy households. Don’t forget to measure the space in your laundry room since machines are broader and deeper than they used to be. For families handling tons of laundry, a machine with a bigger drum helps you get through the pile faster, particularly when sports uniforms and school clothes add up.
Back-to-school usually means a lot of stains. How can new washing machine features help with stain removal?
Chad: Modern machines come with some impressive stain-fighting features. For example, many machines now have steam and sanitize cycles for tough stains like grass and mud. Additionally, some machines have temperature settings that adjust for different kinds of stains, like Maytag’s Extra Power feature. These options can save you a lot of scrubbing.
Wash Cycles: What essential cycles should families look for?
Chad: Delicate, normal, and heavy-duty are the basics you’ll use regularly, but look for models that offer steam or sanitize cycles when you need extra cleaning power. These cycles are great for kids’ clothes that are dirtier than usual—think after soccer games. Some machines also feature built-in soap dispensers, which are convenient. You can fill the dispenser once; the machine automatically adds soap to each load.
Smart Features: Are they worth it?
Chad: Smart features have become more common in washers. With Wi-Fi connectivity, some machines can ping your phone when the cycle is finished, a lifesaver for busy parents who forget the laundry. Additionally, apps from brands like Whirlpool or Samsung let you customize wash programs and keep track of the machine’s maintenance needs.
Do you have advice for customers to keep their new washing machine running properly?
Chad: People forget that you should regularly clean your washing machine (and most appliances, really.) Wipe down the door, rubber seals, and soap dispensers and remove any debris buildup like hair or pocket lint from the drum and pump filter if your machine has one. Cleaning cycles and machine cleaning tablets work well to keep buildup at bay. If you have trouble with your washer, Judd & Black has an in-house service team to assist customers.
Any last-minute advice or information for back-to-school families shopping for a washing machine?
Chad: Now that we’re back to school, laundry piles up quickly. If you’re shopping for a new washing machine, my recommendations are:
- Go for a model with a larger capacity and faster cycle times to keep up with the job.
- Look into color options because the styling has gone beyond white and dark gray in recent years.
- Check for rebate opportunities, especially for matching sets.
- Lastly, consider getting an extended warranty, especially if you have a large household, as these machines will see a lot of use. A five-year warranty is well worth the peace of mind.
Choosing the right washing machine can make a big difference in the efficiency of your laundry routine and quality of life, particularly during busy seasons like back-to-school. Whether you’re looking for a top loader, a front-loader, or the latest all-in-one with smart features, at Judd & Black, we’re professionals working to help you find the right fit for your family’s needs. Stop by any Judd & Black Appliance store location to get started!