Washer

Getting the right washer or washing machine can save you time, money and electricity. With a little research, you can usually determine rather quickly whether you want to invest in a top-loading or front-loading washer design, with or without extra cycle settings, and a variety of other choices. A review of the major washer manufacturers should help you decide.Whirlpool is probably the best known name in the washer market, and with good reason. The celebrated company has been around for nearly a hundred years, and in that time, has been at the forefront of a number of important innovations in the washer & major appliance field. Today it offers some of the most energy-efficient, rapid-cleaning washer models on the market, from the five temperatures available in their front-loading washer designs to top-loading stand-bys such as the 3.2 cu. ft. Ultimate Care™ line.Kenmore gets into the maximum capacity game as well, with its top washers exceeding even the Whirlpool products in terms of size and energy efficiency. In addition, Kenmore has gained a stellar reputation for water efficiency, using computer-aided agitation to save over 50 percent of your water per wash. Like Whirlpool, Kenmore also offers a full range of front-loading washer designs and 'laundry centers' for anyone looking to kill two birds with one stone.Kenmore's front-load washers use similar technology to other manufacturers', making good use of gravity to save energy in the cycle. Many of these washers also offer 10-speed cycles and multiple temperature settings, including special levels for knits, silks and other delicate wear. A side-by-side comparison of features should help you narrow down which washer makes the most sense in your home.