ARTICLE

Trade Secrets: The Washer And Dryer Features I Can’t Live Without

April 13, 2023 - 3 min read

Laundries have had a glow up. No longer the runt of the reno litter, a beautiful laundry space kitted out with a high-performance washer and dryer duo is now a hot home renovation goal (and one that can really rev up the resale value of your digs)!

“Laundries have come a long way since they were considered no-frills zones, tucked away out of sight,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundries. “Now it’s all about extending your home’s interior design story into this hardworking space and capping it all off with the latest sleek appliances to create a laundry that you’re super proud to show off!”

Wondering which are the most deserving laundry appliances for a starring role in your new build or laundry remodel? Wonder no more! We asked our laundry king Peter Simic to share his most highly rated washer and dryer features, guaranteed to turbocharge washdays and add the wow factor to any new laundry. (They’ll also save you time and money! You’re welcome.)

First… here’s Peter to dish the dirt on the must-have washing machine perks!

Complete Fabric Care

Why you want it: Want game-changing fabric care? You need a smart washing machine like Fisher & Paykel’s 10kg Front Load Washer – it has 14 different cycles, so you’ve got every load covered – including Steam Refresh, Quick 30, Bulky and Easy Iron. With clever tech, these washers know how to create the right mix of water, temperature, detergent, and movement to achieve the best results for your delicates, durables, and everything in-between. The Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Dryer has been designed to match, both in aesthetic and in features, offering exceptional fabric care, water and energy savings. Say goodbye to tired clothes and hello to a fresh wardrobe.

Best buy: Fisher & Paykel’s 10kg Front Load Washer

Auto-Dosing

Why you want it: Always worrying that you’re pouring way too much detergent into your machine each wash? Especially for those tricky half-loads? “An auto-dosing machine eliminates that waste by automatically calculating the weight, fabric type and dirt factor of any load and dispensing the perfect amount of detergent and water for optimal results,” explains Peter. “Auto-dosing tech can save up to 7000 litres of water a year, so it’s a clear win for convenience, your conscience and your back pocket!”

Best buy: Asko 8kg Style Front Load Washer

Pause And Add

Why you want it: “Who hasn’t experienced the frustration of starting up a load, only to discover that a straggler sock or your favourite shirt has somehow missed the wash!” says Peter. “You used to only be able to add a rogue item mid-cycle to a top-loading washing machine, but now front-loading washing machines have gotten in on the action, too. This very welcome feature also comes in handy if you just need to rinse or spin dry something and want to add it later in a cycle.”

Best buy: Samsung 8.5kg Front Load Washer

Next… dryers!

Steam Cycle

Why you want it: The modern laundry is getting steamier! “One of the best dryer trends in my view is the rise of the steam cycle – and trust me, your clothes will love it!” predicts Peter. “Steam cycles are a brilliant and budget-friendly way to reduce odours and dewrinkle lightly worn outfits without the need for a full wash. And because steam is so good at killing bacteria and dust mites, it’s a dream feature for allergy sufferers, too.”

Best buy: Haier 9kg Heat Pump Dryer

Auto-Sensor

Why you want it: Again, the name of the game here is tackling unnecessary waste in the laundry. “If you upgrade to a model with auto-sensing tech, it will automatically stop when your clothes are dry, so you’ll never need to scratch your head again about which setting to use for that mixed load. Or wind up with scorching hot, over-dried towels that have been tumbling around in your machine for far too long!” says Peter.

Best buy: Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Dryer

Heat-Pump Technology

Why you want it: “In my humble opinion, heat-pump dryers are one of the best laundry tech breakthroughs of recent years,” says Peter. “Heat-pump dryers recycle heat while extracting moisture from your clothes, so they burn through much less energy, and because these environmentally kind appliances don’t generate swampy air in your laundry, there’s no need for venting, so they can literally be installed anywhere. They’re gentle on your garments, too, which helps extend the working life of your wardrobe!”

Best buy: Bosch 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Combo Washer-Dryers: The Last Word In Convenience

So… you’ve got a super squeezy space to factor in? A functional and flex-worthy new laundry can still be yours with a washer-dryer combo!

Why you want it: “A washer-dryer solution that does double duty in one stylish, streamlined appliance lets you reinvent your laundry routine and layout,” suggests Peter. “You can use the washer or dryer element separately as needed, or wash and dry your clothes in one smooth, easy action by simply choosing your load settings and hitting ‘start’.” Looking for optimal energy efficiency? “Look for a washer-dryer combo that uses heat-pump technology to gently dry your clothes,” says Peter.

Best buy: LG WashTower 17kg-10kg Combo Washer Dryer

A laundry worth flaunting starts with awesome washday appliances – and The Good Guys! Find your dream washing machine and dryer duo by heading online or in-store for the best expert advice and deals.