If you’re thinking about getting a new washing machine but aren’t sure what capacity you need, you’re not alone! In a nutshell, washing machine capacity refers to how much laundry the machine can handle in a single load, which is important for optimising your time and effort when doing laundry. Choosing the right capacity can help you avoid multiple cycles and save water and electricity in the long run. So to help you choose the right size for your home, here’s a quick guide to finding the perfect washing machine capacity.
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How to determine the ideal washing machine capacity for your home
Before we get into how to pick the right capacity for your washing machine, let’s break down what it actually means. Washing machine capacity is measured in kilograms and tells you how much dry laundry the machine can handle in one load.
A larger capacity means you can wash more clothes at once, which saves you time and energy. With that out of the way, here’s how to find the ideal washing machine capacity for your home:
Household size
One of the most important factors to consider is your household size. For smaller households, a compact machine with a capacity of around 6 to 8 kgs is often enough to get the job done without overwhelming your space. If your household is medium-sized, a standard washing machine with a capacity of 8 to 10 kgs is a great choice and for larger households, you might want to invest in a high-capacity washing machine that can handle 11 kgs or more. This way, you can wash big loads of clothes or bedding without needing multiple cycles.
Laundry frequency
Another factor to consider when buying a washing machine is how often you do laundry. If you’re someone who washes clothes frequently, a larger capacity machine can save you a lot of time in the long run since you can fit more items in each load.
On the flip side, if laundry isn’t a regular chore for you, a smaller machine could be a better fit, helping you avoid wasting space and energy on a bigger unit that you don’t fully use.
Laundry load size
Along with your household size and laundry frequency, the size of your typical laundry loads also plays an important role in determining the right washing machine capacity. If you often wash large items like bedding or towels, opting for a larger capacity washing machine can come in handy, making it easier to clean those bulky pieces without cramming them in. However, if you primarily wash smaller items like clothing, a smaller machine may be more efficient and easier to manage.
Available space
In addition to the factors we’ve already mentioned, the space available in your laundry room or house is also important for making the right choice. Measure the area where you plan to put the washing machine to ensure it fits comfortably without crowding other appliances or making the space feel cramped.
Energy efficiency
Finally, pay attention to the energy efficiency rating of the washing machine. A model with a higher energy efficiency rating will save you money on electricity bills over time.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose a washing machine capacity that perfectly fits your home’s needs and makes laundry a lot easier. Now besides these factors, one final consideration to keep in mind is the brand of washing machine. Here, you can look at budget options from brands such as LG and Whirlpool, or if you’re looking for something a little more premium and feature-laden, you can consider purchasing and bringing home Bosch or IFB washing machines.
