How to Compare Pricing on Clothes Washers
How a washing machines loads, what color it comes in and where you buy it---these are some of the factors that can impact a clothes washer's price. Whether you're shopping for your first washer or a replacement model, consider these factors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Loading Style
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Top-loading models are the least-expensive new washers, with prices ranging from $279 to $1,100 in September 2010. Front-loader ranged from $425 to $2,000, with high-efficiency models costing the most. Apartment dwellers may want a compact and/or portable washer, which started at about $220.
Capacity
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New machines with larger capacities tend to cost more than smaller models. On one retailer's site, a new, front-loading model holding 3.1 cubic feet had a cost of $765, while models holding 4.2 cubic feet cost $748 to $1,169.
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Brands
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Prices for new clothes washers can vary significantly among brands. One retailer offered 12 different top-loading models in September 2010 that held 3.2 cubic feet of laundry. The Amana model had the highest price at $404, while shoppers could purchase an Admiral washer for $279.
Features
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The options available on new clothes washers also affect the price. Expect to pay more for models that offer steam, and don't look for any brightly colored models to appear in the low-price categories.
New vs. Used
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As noted above, the cheapest full-size washer available new in September 2010 cost almost $300. You can probably find a less-expensive option by browsing local classifieds for used washers.
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References
- Photo Credit waschmaschine image by Carmen Steiner from Fotolia.com
