When it comes to washers and dryers, durability, reliability, and the right fit for your family are what matter.
Sarah Armstrong
New Product Brand Manager, Maytag
“Dependability is what Maytag does best.”
Moving into your first home is a crash course in managing a property. According to a recent survey, 83% of first-time homebuyers have experienced “homeowner anxiety.” One reason for this is inexperience: First-time homebuyers don’t know what to expect.
One thing many first-time house hunters overlook is laundry. The emotional benefits of having a clean home can make having the right laundry appliances a top priority — and choosing the right appliances starts with knowing your unique needs.
“There are several factors to consider when choosing a washer and dryer for your new home,” noted Sarah Armstrong, new product brand manager at Maytag. “It’s important to think about what makes the most sense for your home or your family’s needs.”
The right appliances
If your new home already has a washer and dryer, Step 1 is to assess how well they’re working. If the answer is “not well,” don’t panic. “Before you make the jump to purchase brand-new laundry appliances,” Armstrong advised, “consult with a technician to see if the appliances are repairable. This will save you money.”
However, if you do need new appliances, there are a few fundamentals to consider beforehand:
- Top- or front-loading. Front-loading laundry appliances tend to be more efficient and can be stacked to save space. But top-loading appliances are often easier to access, with less bending and kneeling.
- Size and capacity. Measure your laundry space and note the width and height of the appliance you can fit there. Washers range in capacity (from 2 to 6 cubic feet) and your dryer should have about 1.5 times the washer’s capacity.
- Electric or gas. If you’re replacing an existing washer and dryer, you’ll need to figure out if the dryer uses electricity or gas before selecting a replacement. If you’re adding a laundry room, keep in mind that gas dryers are usually more efficient, but electric dryers are generally cheaper.
Other considerations include whether you want smart appliances, whether you need a vented or non-vented dryer, and the color and style of your appliances.
Just as important is the quality, “when looking for a new washer and dryer, you may also want to consider what kind of warranties are offered,” noted Armstrong. For example, all Maytag appliances feature a 10-year limited parts warranty. They also have a reputation for quality and performance; the Maytag MED7230HW dryer was named “Best Overall” by Reviewed, which also named the MVW6500MBK washer the “Best Top-Loading Washer for Pet Owners.”
Setting up your laundry
Preparing your home for delivery, installation, and removal of the old washer and dryer is essential. A few things to consider:
- Have a plan for the old appliances. “Most retailers will uninstall your previous appliance and haul it away,” Armstrong noted.
- Make a path. Measuring door openings and clearing obstacles ahead of time can make delivery day go smoothly.
- Have a plan. Whether your new appliances are stacked, on pedestals, or will sit side-by-side, measure your laundry space and have a layout planned out. “Keep in mind that most models will need some breathing room for venting, hookups, and to allow doors to open,” Armstrong said.
- Check the infrastructure. Know where the shutoff valves are for your gas and water and double-check that you have the right hookups and outlets for the appliances you bought.
The most important thing to look for in an appliance is durability and dependability — because broken appliances just add more stress. “Maytag knows your family and household depend on you,” Armstrong noted. “Dependability is what Maytag does best and they’re proudly assembled in Clyde and Marion, Ohio!”
For more information about Maytag washers and dryers, click here