There are numerous factors to consider while shopping for a washing machine. For instance, you’d want to establish the equipment’s degree of automation. Is it semi-automatic or fully automatic?
You’d also want to know the machine’s size vis-à-vis its load capacity. Bulkier equipment can be challenging to move, while smaller load capacity translates to extended runtime, which could reduce the efficiency of your washing machine in the long run.
Recently, washing machine buyers have also become concerned with the number of tubs that this equipment comes with. Some washing machines feature a single tub, while others are designed with two tubs.
If you’ve been considering purchasing a twin washing machine but didn’t know if it was the right investment idea, this article is for you. Read on as we unpack the five pros and cons of twin washing machines. But first, let’s begin by defining these equipment pieces.
What Is A Twin Washing Machine?
Twin washing machines are pretty much what the name implies. Also known as twin tub washing machines, these are simple machines designed with two tubs for washing your clothes. The tubs are typically set horizontally.
In most cases, the left tub is where you soak, wash, and rinse your clothes. You then transfer the clothes manually into the tub on the right to spin the moisture out of them so they can dry much faster on the line.
There has been a surge in demand for twin washing machines in the recent past. It’s now easier to get your hands on an LG twin washing machine or a twin tub washer by other reputable brands than a few years ago. But before you invest in this equipment, you’d do well to familiarize yourself with its benefits and potential drawbacks.
Pros of Twin Tub Washing Machines
Higher Efficiency
Twin-tub washing machines are considerably more efficient than single-tub washers. That’s for the simple reason that there’s a tub allocated for each task.
Your clothes will come out of the first tub thoroughly washed, with the second tub only helping to spin moisture out of them.
Less Water Consumption
This benefit of twin-tub washing machines falls within the broader context of higher efficiency. Twin-tub washers use less water than their single-tub counterparts.
You can rinse water from the first load and use it in washing the next load. This is a clever way to keep your monthly water bills down.
- Shorter Spinning Time
Twin-tub washing machines have a very efficient spin cycle. The fact that the clothes are transferred to the second drum with less foam and water on them reduces the spin time.
Better Reliability
Washing machines are irrefutably prone to breakdowns. Even well-maintained washers will develop malfunctions from time to time.
If these faults were to occur in the drum of a single-tub washing machine, they would easily cripple your entire laundry process. On the other hand, a twin tub washing machine can still serve you if it develops malfunctions in one of the drums.
Great for Last-minute Loading
We’ve all been there – you load your laundry into the washing machine, set the timer, and turn on the device, only to realize that you left some clothes behind.
Twin tub washing machines take away the hassles of waiting too long to add more load to the drum. That’s due to their shorter spinning time.
Cons of Twin Tub Washing Machines
Lower Durability
The initial purchase price of one tub washing machine is usually higher than a twin-tub washer. But that’s only because many components of twin tub washers are made from materials of inferior quality, like plastics, ultimately reducing their durability.
Experts recommend having a robust maintenance plan before shopping for washing machines. Such a plan will be particularly necessary if purchasing the non-durable twin tub washer.
Higher Maintenance Cost
Since many parts of twin-tub washing machines typically feature substandard materials, these washers are more prone to breakdowns. Frequent malfunctions translate to higher repair and maintenance costs.
It’s worse if these breakdowns necessitate replacements. While the replacement parts for twin drum washing machines are cheaper (obviously because of the inferior material quality), finding them can be much more complicated.
Higher Electricity Consumption
Twin-tub washing machines may use considerably less water than single-tub washers. But they can consume more electricity. This is especially if you have both drums running at the same time.
- Lower Automation
Nearly all twin-tub washing machines are semi-automatic. In other words, you must manually transfer the laundry from the washing tub to the spinning tub. That’s compared to their single-tub counterparts that do not require constant monitoring.
Reduced Storability
This is another notable drawback to twin tub washing machines. Including an additional drum will undoubtedly make these machines bulkier, hence more challenging to store or move.
A twin-tub washing machine would be suitable if you already live in your permanent home and aren’t planning to move. Otherwise, be ready to incur additional moving costs.
Summary
Twin-tub washing machines have their benefits and drawbacks. The onus is to weigh the pros and cons before investing in this equipment. Remember to consider the brand while choosing a washing machine, regardless of whether you’re shopping for twin-tub or single-tub washers. Ultimately, if you get the washing machine from the right brand, it can make a wholesome difference.
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