Large capacity washing machine - worth it?

[TychosNose]

Just got back from holiday, really looking forward to doing the laundry (bit of a saddo), washing machine won't turn on!
the one we've got currently is a zanussi 6kg load capacity. We've had it for about 5.5 years and it's not that fab so no desire to get another zanussi.

Is it worth getting a larger capacity one, say 9kg? There's 4 of us (dc are 2 and 6) and we usually do 6 washes per week.

What do you reckon? Any advice on choosing another machine?

What features are worth paying more for?

It'll be a washer-dryer if that makes a difference.

TIA

[Bluecarrot]

Would you do the same number of washes with a higher capacity machine? ( ie if you separate out white/colours/dark/bedding/towels/tea towels?) I was going to go for a high capacity one too I realised it wouldn't make any difference other than being able to wash a duvet in it. Wasn't worth the money. ( though found a 7kg one on offer and it's fine)
If buying again I'd look for
Rinse hold ( less creases)
Delay timer ( love mine)
Ability to soak stuff in the machine (eg whites soaking in drum of vanish white stain remover) that will automatically drain and switch to a main cycle after a specified time.

[PenelopeFlintstone]

I saw an article which suggested weighing a typical basket of washing. Suprisingly, it was only 3kgs so instead of going to a 8-9kg as planned, I went from a 7 kg to a 5kg. It's been fine and was much cheaper.

[applesandpears33]

Would you be able to dry all the washing if you had a machine with a bigger capacity. I don't have a tumble dryer and so have to dry a lot of washing inside over the winter. I manage by doing a medium sized load a day, if I did a larger load 3/4 times a week I don't think I'd be able to dry it.

[TychosNose]

Brilliant replies. Thank you.
Not sure I would be able to dry a bigger load. Need to investigate bigger clothes horses.
Most of the washes are 'mixed' loads so they could be washed together (I only separate my whites and towels).
Still not sure. Atm I do a load most days but going back to work pt tomorrow so will only be able to do washing the 4 days a week that I'm not at work.
I like the possibility of a soak before the cycle though. That'd be really useful.

Thanks again for the helpful responses.

[ladydoer]

I'd say 6 or 7 kg machine is absolutely fine
Given you split the clothes (i wash dark colors separately from white, red colors are also separate), you can hardly wait to fill a bigger capacity machine (unless your family has tons of spare clothes, we don't buy that many, especially for the kids - they grow so fast!). So, you will run it the same amount of times, only not filled to full capacity

So, no need to pay the extra money I think.

[badaboom]

I would only opt for the bigger load if the machine have a half load function and you have the space to dry it including putting them away/iron asap once dry instead of leaving it in a pile. Are you planning to wash the duvet too? Other main factor I look for is SPIN rate and hand wash/delicate function. The model I went for doesn't have a half load so went for 7kg . It works fine since I do like to split my wash into categories.

[TwoLittleBlooms]

I would go for a bigger machine - but then I only have a small 5kg washer. I get fed up having to do two dark loads when I could do one. I have a 10kg dryer which is fab!

[badaboom]

Mine doesn't have a pre-wash function but a stain away which does the job for stubborn stains. If you can cope with current machine, I would wait for the sale and look out for promo from manufacturers eg extended warranty, rebate, etc. Mine is a Samsung and have lasted well including a house move. Don't forget to measure for size.

[HyacinthBouquetNo1]

I would say if you have children, definitely get the larger washer. I have a 9kg Indesit washer and a 8kg dryer. I only use the dryer occasionally for towels or bedding. I have a lot of drying airers and a dehumidifier in the room.

My children are grown up now but it would have been a Godsend when they were younger and I was doing at least 2 washes a day in the smaller machine. There are 4 of us now, I do one wash per day but when youngest goes back to Uni, I can have some days where I dont have to do any washing! Bliss

[Anothernamechanger1]

Last year I brought a zanussi and it is 10 kg. it doesn't matter if you don't fill it as it has some sort of 'technology' that weighs the amount you have in there and adjusts how much water it needs. So there isn't any waste. I find I use my washing.m machine less due to the size. if you fill it up, yes you need the drying space but you could just get a large washing line? I have a 4 legged (armed?!) washing line and a whole machine load will fit on it.

[Noseypoke]

I adore my large capacity washing machine, i could never go back to a small one. It's so much easier being able to do fewer washes. I have a large tumble dryer and also a couple of pulleys to dry the clothes.

I love that I can fit even our king size feather duvet in it.

[Noseypoke]

this is the one I have