This is the maximum weight of laundry that the washing machince can effectively clean. The greater the capacity the more washing you can do at one time.

Washer Dryer Capacity

This is the weight of wet clothing that the machine can effectively dry. Exceeding this will result in more creases, higher electricity bills due to longer drying cycles and potential damage to your machine.

The duration of wash programmes can vary by machine. At Comet we have the wash times of all machines independently tested by Intertek ETL SEMKO on the following was programmes:

40°c mixed cotton wash

60°c mixed cotton wash

Quick wash for lightly soiled items

The higher a machine's spin speed the faster water is extracted from your wash. This is an especially useful consideration for those who do a lot of washing as faster spin speeds mean less drying time.

If your wash regularly includes delicate items such as fine cottons or silks, you may wish to consider a machine with 'variable spin speed' as this feature allows you to select a lower spin speed to better protect your garments.

*All figures are based on a typical washing machine using a standard 5Kg cotton wash load

**To dry in a vented tumble dryer

All washing machines include a number of programmes and special features to help you get the most from your machine.

The following are a few of the most useful to look out for: -

• Economy wash- reduces running costs by using less water, electricity and detergent
• Silk wash - washes at a lower temperature to protect delicate garments
• Light load - ideal when you only want to wash a small number of items
• Hand wash - a gentle programme to let you wash clothes marked "hand wash only" in your machine

Large Capacity Drum - Washing machines that can handle washload capacities of 7kg and above are ideal for families with two or more children.

These machines often take up the same amount of space as smaller capacity machines but offer the following benefits:

• Fewer Washes
• Larger Loads
• Handling bulk items - such as double duvets and curtains
• Saves times, energy & money - larger loads and fewer washes use less detergents and electricity, saving you time and money.

Variable Temperature and Spin - allows you to customise was programmes by adjusting the temperature and spin speed to meet the demands of different fabrics.

Display - the more sophisticated the washing machine, the more informed you will be on what is happening to your wash load. The following display options are available on selected washing machines

• LED Display - this may feature; wash programme status indicators, time remaining & time delay countdown.
• LCD Display - provide feedback on the current wash or drying programme, what stage it is at, time remaining until completion, selected programme adjustments and time delay countdown.

• Superior build quality - Siemens washing machines are continuously factory tested daily for 24 hours on a 60°C cotton programme at maximum spin for up to 2,500 washes, the equivalent of 12 years usage. Miele washing machines are tested for 5,000 cycles and offer 20 years of service. This means you will have to replace you washing machine less often.
• Anti-leak protection - selected Siemens washing machines feature Hydrosafe technology, which is guaranteed to be 100% leak proof. If a leak occurs a sensor shuts the machine down immediately.
• Sensor technology - products that feature a weight sensor can measure the load size and calculate the required detergent dosage for perfect wash results
• Fuzzy logic - brands such as AEG feature Fuzzy Logic technology which calculates the amount of water required for teh best wash results, and the rinse cycle with the lowest water, detergent and energy consumption. This may feature, wash programme status indicators, time remaining & time delay countdown.
• AutoLoad- Siemens washing machines with a autoLoad Plus sensor weigh the load, and show what the best detergent dosage is while monitoring and controlling energy and water consumption.
• Steam clean - LG Direct Drive washing machines combine steam and water throughout the wash, saving electricity and water. The use of steam not only reduces creases, but sterilises your laundry by eliminating bacteria through reaching temeratures of up to 99°C.

Washer dryers combine the features from washing machines and tumble dryers in one machine, but are the same size as a conventional washer, so are ideal if space is an important consideration.

All washer dryers feature a condenser type dryer so there's no need to fit a venting kit. To find out more about dryers click here

These will be offered to you after you choose to buy a washing machine. Please note you will only be offered products that are compatible with the product you have bought.

Calgon tablets - Specifically designed to be used in your Washing Machine or Washer Dryer - use in every wash to protect your machine from the build up of limescale. It will also mean less detergent used, help your clothes last longer and mean your machine works more efficiently.

Washing machines are also available as integrated or semi-integrated. An integrated washing machine fits neatly in to your kitchen, with the door covered by a panel that matches your kitchen cupboards. When closed, the washing machine is completely hidden and looks like just another kitchen unit. The controls for an integrated washing machine are hidden somewhere on the inside of the appliance.

A semi integrated washing machine is exactly the same but the control panel is visible over the top of the kitchen unit panel. All the other features found in normal washing machines also apply to integrated and semi integrated washing machines

Your kitchen may need to be specially adapted to accept a integrated appliance if it already isn't.