Machines, as any sensible person would testify, are there to make our lives comfortable, to take off the burden of mundane work. Work that we don’t want to do but must be done. The humble washing machine is amongst one of the many important household appliances that we cannot do without.
The first washing machine, one that has some semblance to modern machines, was developed back during the 20th century. Some of those were powered by steam or gasoline engines. Once electricity became ubiquitous, only then did the ancestor to the modern washing machine came into existence. The basic design and working principles behind washing machines have not changed in the last 50 years, they have only been refined.
There are two main categories of washing machines – top loading and front loading. The terms are pretty much self explanatory. An agitator or impeller, at the bottom of the tub, spins the clothes and water in a top loading machine. While in top loaders that drum might or might not move, in front loaders, the tub always moves and tumbles clothes around and thereby removes dirt.
The rotating drum design used in front loaders is considered much more efficient in terms of water and electricity requirement. Compared to top loaders, the front loaders are also less prone to damage delicate fabric. Also, front loading machines are mechanically simple and hence, more durable. The only complex part is the sealing mechanism. That is not to say that top loaders are more prone to failure, they do have somewhat more complex mechanism but over the years the design has been perfected and are now almost as durable as front loaders.
A new type of washing machine design that is growing in popularity is the drum type top loader. It combines the simplicity and efficiency of drum rotors with the convenience of top loaders. Now a days, water and energy efficiency should be a major factor in your purchase decision when shopping for a washing machine. The john lewis washing machines, for example, are efficient, well designed and reliable. You can read more about john lewis washing machines on review sites, like this one: john lewis washing machine reviews.
Automatic washing machines with programmable wash cycles are what you should purchase, the convenience they afford is well worth the extra money. You can easily judge the quality of a machine by looking at the warranty period and its terms. Washing machines that come with longer and more complete warranties are always better than those that do not.
Trying to find a good, reliable washing machine? Don’t buy one until you have taken a look at the john lewis washing machines, for more information check out these reviews: john lewis washing machine reviews