Looking for a new Washing machine? When it comes to narrowing down your search by type, price and area, Gumtree’s a great place to start. But before you begin, keep these considerations top of mind so you can make your purchase with confidence.

Drum capacity

Whether you live alone or with a big family, size certainly matters. When it comes to washing machines, drum capacity will vary; 10-13kg machines will usually do the trick for large families, and 7-9kg appliances will equip medium-sized households.

Clothes tend to wash better when there’s some room left in the machine, so it’s always a good idea go get a larger size than you think you may need. More room in the machine means more space to tumble around, which will keep your clothes looking their cleanest post-wash.

Size

The standard dimensions of a front-loading washer is designed to fit a space 60cm wide, at 85cm high. There are always exceptions, so make sure you measure the available space at home and the appliance before you purchase it.

Spin speed

Measured in rpm, the Spin speed is how many times the machine drum spins in a minute. Common speeds are 1200rpm to 1400rpm, but some go up to 1600 or even 1800rpm. A higher spin speed means a higher velocity to shake moisture out of your clothes, so you can give thick materials like towels a proper washing without being soaked by the time the cycle is over. It’s worth noting, however, that a faster spin speed will add to the cost of the machine, and tends to be noisier.

Energy ratings

More efficient washing machines use less electricity, which is good for both lowering your utility bills and your environmental impact. The most efficient washers will be rated A+++ or A++, but you can still find some older models for sale with B to D ratings. 

Whirlpool has issued a recall on some brands of tumble dryers. Before buying or selling a used dryer, please read the Hotpoint safety notice.