While buying a brand new washing machine is always a great idea, a used washing machine can be cost-effective and a good buy if chosen carefully. This HomeQuicks post tells you how you can choose one.
Where to Buy
You can get great deals for used washing machines online, or even look at outlets in your locality that sell secondhand or used appliances.
A used washing machine may not be as fine as a brand new one, but can be a good option when you have budget constraints. While many people would say that choosing to buy an old or pre-owned washing machine is a great way to save a few bucks, the fact remains that buying used or secondhand stuff comes with its own set of disadvantages or risks.
However, this does not mean that you should not consider this option. Just make sure you are aware of what all things to look for when choosing a washing machine that has been used before. In this article, we shall look into the important factors that should be taken into account when you’re out looking for that ‘perfect’ pre-owned washing machine to buy.
6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Washing Machine
Given below are the 6 key points that you should pay attention to. Take a look.
Capacity
Whether it is an old or new machine that you intend to buy, the first thing that you should consider is the capacity of the drum. Whether you should go for a larger drum capacity or a smaller one, depends on how frequently it is convenient for you to use the machine, and/or the number of members in your family. The advantage of choosing a washing machine with a larger drum capacity is that it can wash more clothes every time you use the machine. This means you use the machine less frequently, which results in saving of water and electricity.
The drum capacity of washing machines ranges from 3 kg to 9 kg, but the optimum capacity for most households is 7 kg. Lastly, remember that there is nothing like an ‘ideal’ capacity, and you should make your call based on your washing needs.
Brand
Once you’ve decided on the ideal capacity of your washing machine, the next factor to consider is the brand. Some brands are better than others, when it comes to reliability. Buying used electrical appliances can be tricky, and you should be extra cautious. Find out if the used washing machine is a branded one. Branded washing machines will be more durable than the ordinary ones. When buying used washing machines, this is an important consideration.
Year of Manufacture
As we all know, the efficiency of appliances depreciates with time. This is the reason, you should know the year of manufacture of your appliance. According to estimates, you should not plan to invest in an appliance that is more than 5 years old, to avoid maintenance issues. It is recommended that you do not opt for a machine that is more than 2-3 years old.
Prompt Servicing
When you choose to go for a pre-owned appliance, it is essential that you know whom to contact in case your appliance requires servicing. To make things easier for you, opt for models that are still being manufactured, as opposed to ones that manufacturers have stopped manufacturing. This will make it easier for you to look for spares should there be any requirement for replacement.
Top-Loading or Front-Loading
A top-loading washing machine is one in which you drop your clothes from the top of the machine, while a front-loading machine has a door on the front or vertical wall of the washing machine through which clothes are loaded. Top-loading machines are more popular due to a number of reasons.
● Less maintenance issues
● High efficiency
● Easier to fix
● Relatively cheaper
However, you can opt for a front-loading washing machine if you have less laundry, as they are more energy efficient than their top-loading counterparts.
Working Condition
Finally it is vital to check if the machine is in proper working condition. To ensure this, you must look for the following:
● The speed of the spin cycle
● Any unusual and/or loud sounds, which can indicate a technical snag
● Presence of rust on the inner walls and/or base of the drum
● Presence of leakage, if any
● Signs of damage on the body
● Condition of the motor and dryer
In addition to the factors mentioned above, it is essential that you talk about the handling of the washing machine with its previous owner, to find out if there have been any major repairs or any other miscellaneous problems.