How Much Does A Washing Machine Weigh?
The washing machine has developed significantly through the years, intuitively adding features that make laundry more convenient for the users. For example, the dryer is a very helpful addition, considering the realities of smaller living spaces and indoor drying. Looking back to the washing machine's precursor, users contended with the hand-operated washing drum in the 1800s. Today, washing machines are more durable and much heavier. Do you think your laundry area could bear the weight? How much does a washing machine weigh?
How Heavy Are Washing Machines?
Weight is a crucial factor in the manufacture of a washing machine as it accounts for the unit's balance, stability, and sturdiness. There are concrete counterweights embedded in the washing machine unit to keep it from moving while its body spins a load of laundry and soapy water. Imagine if the machine were lightweight -- a wash cycle's turbulence might make the unit topple over.
Its design, materials, and capacity significantly dictate how much does a washing machine weighs. There are two washing machine models so far. These are the top-loader washing machines and the front-loader washing machines. The latter is much heavier at 200 to 250 pounds, while a top loader weighs 150 pounds on the average.
Top Loader Models
These are the more common washing machines used at home, with the opening found on top. These were more widely distributed to end-users, compared to the more industrial front loader machines. Top loaders are lighter because they use more water for the wash cycle, and thus rely on the water weight to aid in the machine's stability.
Front Loader Models
The front loaders are heavier than the top loaders because they use less water. These are then more economical and are preferred for use in business and industries. To save on your water bills and utilities, the front loader would be the better option, but if you live on the top floor of your apartment, it's wisest to check on your building capacity.
The Parts of a Washing Machine
To have a sense of how much does a washing machine weigh and what makes a washing machine the bulky but trusty appliance that it is, let's take a peek into its parts:
Concrete Blocks
A washing machine does have these slabs of concrete to keep it firmly in place while the laundry spins. These concrete blocks form a big chunk of a washing machine's weight.
Steel Drum Tubs
The drum is the main body of a washing machine. There are two in a washer, the tub where you load your laundry, and another that holds the water, so it does not spill when the machine spins a cycle.
Motor
This part is responsible for a washing machine's mechanical functions, from spinning to launder and dry clothes.
Pumps and Piping System
These pumps and pipes guide the water into the tub where the clothes are and out of it to drain after a wash cycle.
Agitators
Top loaders have these, while newer machine models do not include these anymore. These help spin the clothes more vigorously.
Newer washing machines use aluminum and durable plastic to be more lightweight than older ones that favored copper and other heavy metals. But of course, the new ones are still heavy for a good reason! Heating features and touch screen control panels are also some of the new additions to current washer models.
Factors in Choosing a Washing Machine
Apart from weight, what other factors do you need to assess when choosing a good washer? You can consider the following:
Load Capacity
How large is your laundry per week? If you have a large family, you need to consider bigger drum sizes to accommodate a week's clothes change. However, if you live on your own, then you can manage with a small machine.
Water Conservation
As discussed earlier, front load washers are more efficient with water than top loaders.
Energy Efficiency
The more current models available in the market have adapted to reduce their carbon footprint, save water, and have settings that save energy. Since washing the laundry via the machine can expend so much energy, it is best to go for planet-friendly washer types.
Deep-Clean Capabilities
Look for models that have settings that allow you to have a deeper wash. Usually, front loader machines clean more efficiently and thoroughly, so these are preferred in industrial settings.
Conclusion
When you are hauling your moving house, considering how much does a washing machine weighs, you might want to mount it on a dolly. With a dolly, you can just easily wheel the machine in and out as you please. It is also best not to load as many items of clothing that you want into the drum. Always revert to the manual for proper care and use of your machine so you can enjoy its service for a much longer time. Here's how to learn more about measuring appliances.
