Are Smart Washing Machines Worth It?
Wondering whether to buy that shiny washer you keep seeing on the adverts? Is it really worth the hype?
To keep it short: If you’re the type who loves high-tech gadgets and has the budget for an upscale appliance, a smart washing machine could be a brilliant investment for you. It’s all about the extra control and customisation these machines offer!
But, if you’re more about straightforward laundry without the complicated features, your cash might be better spent on other home improvements.
Let’s get a closer look into smart washers, and find out whether they are what you need.
What Are Smart Washing Machines?
Imagine a regular washing machine but with a techy twist. Smart washing machines are connected wonders!
Hook them up to your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and voilà, you can boss them around with your smartphone or even voice commands. Fancy starting a wash while lounging in the garden? No problem.
Need to know how long until your socks are clean? Just check your phone.
They’re also chock-full of customisable programmes, making laundry less of a chore and more of a techy treat.
What Are The Benefits Of Smart Washing Machines
There are a lot of washing machines that offer extra programmes, and this will depend on their model and manufacturers.
These are the common features that most smart washing machines have:
Monitor Your Washing Machine
One of the key benefits of a smart washing machine is the ability to monitor its status remotely. Using a smartphone app, you can check whether your laundry is done or how much time is left in the cycle. This feature is especially handy for busy individuals who can’t always be around to check on their laundry.
Checking the progress of your laundry and even being notified when it’s finished allows you to free up your schedule or do more important tasks while washing your clothes.
Control Your Machine Conveniently
Smart washing machines offer the convenience of starting, stopping, or pausing your laundry cycle from anywhere. If you forgot to start your wash before leaving home, no problem – just use your phone to control the machine remotely.
WARNING: Just make sure to avoid leaving a running washing machine unattended all the time, as this can be a fire hazard.
Customise Your Laundry Experience
These machines often come with a variety of customisable settings. You can choose specific wash cycles, temperatures, and spin speeds to suit different types of fabrics and laundry loads, ensuring optimal cleaning and care for your clothes.
If you have a lot of delicate clothing, owning a smart washing machine will allow you to wash your clothes and reduce the risk of damage.
Adjust The Amount Of Detergent You Use
Also called auto-dosing, this is a feature most smart washing machines have that will get it to automatically dispense the right amount of detergent based on the load size and soil level. This not only saves detergent but also is better for your clothes and the environment.
So how does it put detergent in your washing machine? All you have to do is put detergent in the dispenser, and your smart washer will get the job done of dispensing the amount of soap depending on the weight of your laundry and the programme you chose.
Integrate To Your Smart Home System
Smart washing machines can often be integrated into your broader smart home system. This means you can set up routines or get notifications about your laundry through other smart devices in your home.
One of the things people love about smart washers is that they can work with assistants like Alexa, which means that you can just use your voice to control your machine in a snap.
Easier Diagnosis and Maintenance
With smart technology, these machines can often diagnose issues and alert you about maintenance needs. Some can even send troubleshooting information directly to service technicians, making repairs faster and more efficient.
Smart washers are connected to the Wi-Fi and can send you alerts such as a blocked pipe without having to physically check it yourself. In some washers, you’ll get instructions or suggestions on how to fix certain issues, which is a resourceful tool you can benefit from.
More Eco-Friendly
Smart washers are typically more energy-efficient than traditional models. They adjust water usage based on the load, leading to less water and energy consumption.
Some washers may even show you how much energy you’ll use per load, which can be great if you’re aiming to reduce your electricity bill for the month!
What Are The Cons Of Smart Washing Machines
Although there are many advantages to owning such a smart appliance, there are also a lot of reasons why getting one may not be as beneficial for your household:
Higher Price Tag
Smart washing machines usually come with a higher price tag compared to traditional models. The advanced technology and additional features account for this increased cost.
On average, smart washing machines are around £200 to £500 more expensive than regular washers. That’s a lot of money to spend, and if you find yourself satisfied with a regular washing machine, there’s often no need to invest in a high-technology washer.
Complexity and Learning Curve
The advanced features of smart washers can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Learning to use all the features effectively might take some time.
If you or your household is already struggling with using your smartphones or smart TVs, adding a smart washing machine to the mix can just be a frustrating experience. However, if you’re a techy person, we’re sure that owning a smart washer would be an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
More Expensive To Maintain And Repair
With more sophisticated technology, these machines can be more expensive to repair. Specialised technicians may be required for maintenance, which can add to the cost.
Also, you’ll need to update your washer frequently, depending on the manufacturer. When you don’t keep it updated, chances are, you’ll not be able to use the appliance properly, which may cause delays in your laundry session.
Disposing Will Leave A Higher Ecological Footprint
While smart washers are eco-friendly in operation, disposing of them can leave a higher ecological footprint. The sophisticated electronics and smart components make them less environmentally friendly to discard.
Top 3 Smart Washing Machines
it wouldn’t be right to end the article without giving our top picks for smart washing machines you’ll want to look into:
Bosch WGG04409GB Washing Machine
- SpeedPerfect: perfectly clean in up to 65% less time.
- ActiveWater Plus: For highly efficient use of water even with smaller loads thanks to automatic load detection.
This free-standing, 9kg capacity washing machine is the perfect blend of speed, efficiency, and care for your family’s laundry needs. With its SpeedPerfect technology, you’ll be able to have perfectly clean clothes in just over half the time of a regular machine.
Candy Ultra HCU1492DE Freestanding Washing Machine
- This Candy washing machine from the Ultra range is perfect for a medium household and comes with an 9kg capacity and a 1400 spin speed. There are 16 wash cycles to choose from, with multiple cycles below 60 minutes, including a full load in 59 minutes, and a 14-minute quick wash. Variable spin and temperature settings allow you to adjust the spin speed and temperature on all cycles to suit the load.
- Fitted with NFC technology, you can connect your Android smartphone to the machine via the Candy Simply Fi app, giving you the ability to download additional programmes and run diagnostic checks on your machine.
The Candy Ultra range washing machine is a game-changer for medium-sized households, offering a generous 9kg capacity coupled with a robust 1400 spin speed. It boasts 16 versatile wash cycles, and an ultra-quick 14-minute wash.
Hotpoint NSWA945CWWUKN
- Hotpoint NSWA945CWWUKN 9kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm White B Rated
- Brand : Hotpoint
Tackling tough stains is now easier than ever with Hotpoint’s Anti-Stain cycle. Say goodbye to pre-treating your clothes; this smart machine uses tailored drum motions and water-monitoring technology to remove the most common household stains.
Is A Smart Washer Worth The Expense?
For the tech enthusiasts and those willing to invest in convenience and advanced features, absolutely. But if simplicity and cost-effectiveness are your focus, a traditional washing machine might be more your style!
Do you have questions? Feel free to ask them below!
SEE ALSO: What Is An Auto Dosing Washing Machine? (& how does it work)
SEE ALSO: What Are Considered “White Goods” In The UK? (easy explanation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto dose on a washing machine refers to the machine’s ability to automatically dispense the right amount of detergent for each wash, based on the load size and soil level. It’s a nifty feature that helps save detergent and ensure optimal washing.
The difference between a smart washing machine and a normal washing machine lies in connectivity and customisation. Smart washers connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to control and monitor them remotely via a smartphone or voice commands. They also offer customisable settings and integration with smart home systems, unlike traditional washers.
Whether smart washers and dryers are worth it depends on your lifestyle and preferences. They offer advanced features like remote control, customisation, and smart home integration, which are great for tech enthusiasts and those seeking convenience. However, they come with a higher price tag and can be complex to use, so they might not be ideal for everyone.
The disadvantages of smart washing machines include a higher initial cost, potential complexity in use, and more expensive repairs and maintenance. They also require frequent updates and, despite being eco-friendly in operation, can have a higher ecological footprint when it comes to disposal.
Yes, smart washers generally use less water. They are designed to adjust water usage based on the load, which leads to more efficient water consumption and contributes to their eco-friendly appeal.
Also, follow us on Pinterest ...
