There is a huge range of choice when investing in a new washing machine. New models now offer a bewildering number of features and some domestic machines have many different drum sizes and programmes. This means it can be difficult to decide what drum size you need, and whether you’re really going to use all those programmes.
What Does Drum Capacity Really Mean?
Drum capacity refers to the weight of clothing that the drum can safely accommodate for a washing cycle. Usually, the drum capacity is slightly less than the amount you can fit in the drum, because there does need to be some space for the clothes to move around and for the drum to fill with water. If you’re buying a washer dryer, then you’ll see two drum capacities, one for the wash cycle, and one for drying, which will be about half the amount that the washer can accommodate.
Is Bigger Always Better?
You might be tempted to buy a washing machine with a huge drum capacity, on the logic that it’s better to have a big drum just in case you need it. This isn’t necessarily the case. A bigger drummed washing machine isn’t just more expensive to buy, it is more expensive to run as well since even on its ‘half load’ cycle it will use a lot more water. It will also require more electricity to run, so if you are not filling the machine you are wasting money each time you run it.
Deciding What Size Drum To Choose
For most average sized households, a 7 or 8kg drum will be more than enough. A bigger family that has to deal with more people’s laundry and several washes per week might need a washing machine with a much larger drum. Overloading a washing machine is a far more common issue than under-loading it. Over-loading a machine will cause the clothing to clump together and will mean that the clothing won’t be properly cleaned. Minor overloading probably won’t damage the machine, but it is still wasteful. Under-loading will waste energy and water.
A Comprehensive Choice Of Washing Machines
We offer a full range of washing machines in many different sizes, with a model suitable for any and all households.
Washing machines are great and we want you to use and find the best, have a look at our guides to get you going:
Top loader vs front loading washing machines
Washing machine labels explained
