A large capacity washing machine is one that has a drum that is large enough to hold a greater amount of laundry than a standard-sized washing machine. A large capacity machine will be at least 4.5 cubic feet in size which is enough to hold a king-sized comforter or about 11 towels. This translates to a weight capacity of about 15 lbs of laundry.
Below are some pros and cons of a large capacity washing machine as well as specs and options to choose from.
Large Capacity Washing Machine Pros:
- Can handle large loads of laundry: With a larger drum, a large capacity washing machine can handle more laundry in one load, which can save time and energy.
- Can accommodate large items: Such as very large comforters, bed sheets, and other bulky items that may not fit in a standard-sized washing machine such as sports equipment.
- Fewer loads to do: With the ability to wash more clothes at once, you can save time and energy by doing fewer loads of laundry.
Large Capacity Washing Machine Cons:
- Higher price point: Large capacity washing machines are generally more expensive than standard-sized washing machines.
- Larger machine: A large capacity washing machine will take up more space in your home, which could be a problem if you have limited space.
- More water and energy consumption: With larger loads, the machine will use more water and energy to wash the clothes.
- Less flexibility in loading: With a larger drum, it can be harder to ensure that clothes are evenly distributed, which can lead to less efficient cleaning.
It’s important to consider your needs, space and budget when choosing a washing machine. A large capacity washing machine may be a great option if you have a large family or if you frequently wash large items, but it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Large capacity washing machine specifications
Large capacity washing machines typically have a drum capacity of 4.5 cubic feet or more. Here are some other specifications and features that are commonly found on large capacity washing machines:
- Size: Large capacity washing machines are generally larger than standard-sized washing machines, and can have dimensions of 27 inches wide, 35 inches deep, and 40 inches high or more.
- Drum material: Drums can be made of stainless steel, porcelain-coated steel, or plastic.
- Loading style: Some large capacity washing machines have a top-loading design, while others have a front-loading design.
- Wash settings: Many large capacity washing machines have a variety of wash settings, such as different cycle options for different types of fabrics, temperature settings, and spin speeds.
- Additional features: Some large capacity washing machines come with additional features such as steam cleaning, delayed start, energy-saving settings, and smart home connectivity.
It’s worth noting that these specifications and features can vary depending on the brand and model of the washing machine. It’s important to check the specific specifications of a washing machine before purchasing it to ensure it meets your needs.
Who manufactures large capacity washing machines?
Many different manufacturers make large capacity washing machines. Some of the most popular and well-known include:
- LG: LG is a South Korean electronics company that offers a wide range of large capacity washing machines with features such as steam cleaning, smart home connectivity, and energy-saving settings.
- Samsung: Samsung, also a South Korean company, offers a variety of large capacity washing machines with features such as smart home connectivity, steam cleaning, and VRT Plus technology for reduced vibration and noise.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool is an American manufacturer that offers a range of large capacity washing machines with features such as Adaptive Wash technology, which senses the needs of each load and adjusts the wash accordingly, and Load & Go system, which allows you to load 12 loads of laundry and then set the machine to automatically start a load whenever you want.
- Maytag: Maytag is an American manufacturer that offers a range of large capacity washing machines with features such as PowerWash technology, which uses extra cleaning action to fight tough stains, and the Optimal Dose Dispenser, which automatically releases the right amount of detergent for each load.
- Bosch: Bosch is a German manufacturer that offers a range of large capacity washing machines with features such as ActiveWater technology, which saves water and energy, and SpeedPerfect, which reduces wash time by up to 65%.
- GE: GE is an American manufacturer that offers a range of large capacity washing machines with features such as SmartDispense technology, which automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent for each load, and the ability to control the washing machine with voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
These are just a few examples of manufacturers that offer large capacity washing machines. It’s important to compare different brands and models to find one that meets your needs and budget.
If you aren’t sure about whether or not to purchase a large capacity washer, you could visit a local coin laundromat and give one of their larger machines a go and see what it performs. The one you buy for your home won’t be exactly the same but the bigger size is something you can at least test.