By: HeyBryan
Laundry appliances – your humble washer and dryer – are finally getting the respect they deserve for all their hard work. They’re no longer relegated to dark, dingy basements and now enjoy their own room, or placed upstairs near bedrooms, or put in the kitchen when space is at a premium. When buying a washer and dryer, here’s what you can look forward to in terms of features, finishes and futuristic predictions.
Smart Technology
Like most appliances these days, washers and dryers are getting smarter. Sensors detect load size and fabric type to automatically determine the right setting. Textiles may eventually be tagged with RFID (radio frequency) labels that appliances can read and therefore apply the appropriate wash and dry cycles. The information may be shared in the Cloud so the machine learns the latest procedures for the best cleaning program.
Someday, machines may also be able to determine where the clothing item was used with GPS tagging to select the appropriate washing program – such as ‘T-shirt worn at gym’ so it knows how sweaty it got and can add more detergent.
Modern Design Elements
Front load washers generally hold more clothes and wash bulky items better, but top loader machines are usually less expensive. Washers with a hollow bin (and no agitator) can spin faster, which saves on drying time in the dryer. A combo washer and dryer (one machine that both washes and dries) is ideal for small spaces, and many are ventless to suit apartments.
With knobs and dials increasingly being replaced with touch screens, the options expand allowing for a multitude of programs from gentle handwashing or a 10-minute wash cycle, to what’s required for huge bed comforters. You’ll also be able to pre-set and pre-program your machines to run when you want them to (from a smartphone app) such as when utility rates are lowest. Appliances will also get much quieter and include more safety features.
Someday, they may even talk to you.
Bold Colours
Say goodbye to plain white laundry appliances and hello to champagne stainless steel that looks like rose gold, as well as cherry red, royal blue, jet black, brushed silver and many other bold colours that lure you into their space. Your laundry area instantly becomes a much nicer room to be in with these sleek beautiful gems.
Eco-Friendly
With climate change and concern for a scarcity of resources, manufacturers are focused on energy-efficient appliances that operate with minimum impact on the environment like never before. For example, cold water and low water washing machines that also meet Energy Star ratings are top of mind and save on your utility bills too. In the future, waterless washers may be available as researchers study polymer beads and ultrasonic wave technology to clean clothes without water or even detergent.
About HeyBryan
If you’re buying or installing laundry appliances that need to be hooked up, or your existing washer or dryer needs appliance maintenance or repair, book a trusted HeyBryan Expert who specializes in appliances or plumbing to help. HeyBryan is a marketplace app that connects homeowners with vetted, trustworthy home experts to help with small tasks around the house.
