Doing the laundry can be an exercise in time-management as much as it is actually washing, as fitting in an entire household’s clothes into one day can prove to be a struggle, particularly when you need that one shirt to complete your outfit. But thankfully, there may be a way to save you some time when it comes to the washing, with twin tub washing machines looking to fill a need for those pressed for time. But what are twin tub washing machines, and are they any good? Find out all you need to know about twin tub washing machines in this Canstar Blue guide.
What are twin tub washing machines?
Twin tub washing machines are washing machines that have two tubs, just as the name implies. The idea is that each tub looks after a different part of the washing cycle, or allows for two separate washing cycles at the same time, depending on the brand and model, allowing you to potentially do multiple loads of washing at the same time, or at least make the washing process more efficient.
How does a twin tub washing machine work?
Twin tub washing machines work by using both tubs to clean and dry your clothes during each full cycle, although this will depend on the model and brand. While some models use one tub as the washing cycle and the other tub as a spin cycle to dry the clothes as much as possible, some twin tub models use the separate tubs as two different washing cycles, allowing you to tackle heavily-soiled clothes in one tub, while doing a cold-only wash in the other.
However, as opposed to traditional front-load or top-load washing machines which automatically draw in as much water as each wash requires, you have to manually fill a twin tub washing machine with water, as well as manually drain the water once the cycle is complete, which is an important area to consider.
How energy efficient are twin tub washing machines?
While larger capacity units tend to increases energy consumption, the latest dual tub washing machines typically boast four stars and up for the energy star ratings. With the design of a smaller capacity drum, you can wash a small load without the energy consumption of a large capacity drum, which is a plus. High spin speeds on certain models also help to save on energy costs by decreasing the time the washer is in use.
Who sells twin tub washing machines?
There are multiple brands who currently sell twin tub washing machines in Australia, including:
- LG
- Haier
- Lemair
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines
LG produces a number of washer dryer machines in their TWINWash range, priced between $1,400 to $6,000. These tend to look more like fridges rather than washing machines, with the bottom compartment being designed to slide out in a similar way to a freezer. The LG Signature model has 4.5 stars for both energy and WELS star ratings. It also has a maximum spin speed of 1,600 RPM, giving a powerful appliance for a larger household.
This new era of washing machines also allows you to control the machine from the palm of your hands – via a smartphone. The LG Smart THINQ app allows you to remotely start and even monitor the washing machine progress as well as track the energy consumption and troubleshoot any problems. There is a 2-year part and labour warranty and 8 years on inverter direct drive motor (parts only).
- LG Signature TWINWash Dual Washer Dryer Combo
- LG TWINWash Dual Washer System
- LG TWINWash Dual Washer System
- LG TWINWash Dual Washer System
- LG TWINWash Dual Washer System
- LG TWINWash Dual Washer System
This new era of washing machines also allows you to control the machine from the palm of your hands – via a smartphone. The LG Smart THINQ app allows you to remotely start and even monitor the washing machine progress as well as track the energy consumption and troubleshoot any problems. There is a 2-year part and labour warranty and 8-years on inverter direct drive motor (parts only).
- Energy Rating: 4 stars (washer) & 2.5 stars (dryer)
- WELS Water Rating: 4 stars
- Height: 1340mm
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Haier Twin Tub Washing Machines
Haier has a couple of models with dual ability, including the Haier 4kg/8kg Twin Tasker and the Haier XPB60-287S 6kg Top Load Twin Tub. The Twin Tasker combines two drums one on top of the other, giving you a total of 12kg load capacity, ideal for a large household. Both tubs allow for variable temperatures and have a maximum spin speed of 1,500 RPM. It costs around $2,300 and has a 5-year parts and labour warranty.
- Energy Rating: 3 stars (4kg tub) and 4 stars (8kg tub)
- WELS Water Rating: 4 stars (4kg tub) and 4.5 stars (8kg tub)
- Height: 1280mm
The Haier XPB60-287S model is a more traditional twin tub washer without the extra high-tech features. It’s designed to wash and spin clothing separately with a 6kg load capacity. You can use both sides at once. While you’ll still need to hang out the clothes out after, the spin tub aims to remove most of the moisture with a 5-minute cycle. It has a retail price tag of $605 and a has 2-year warranty.
- Energy Rating: 2.5 stars
- Height: 920mm
Lemair Twin Tub Washing Machines
Lemair offers jus the one twin tub washing machine – the Lemair LWTT80 8kg Top Load Twin Tub. It has a spin speed of 1,300 RPM and 3 inbuilt programs, and boasts easy maintenance and a simple operation. The RRP for this twin tub washer is $688 and it comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Energy Rating: 1.5 stars
- Height: 957mm
Pros and cons of twin tub washing machines
While made to obviously fit a need in busy households, what are the pros and cons of twin tub washing machines? Find out below.
Pros of twin tub washing machines
- Efficiency: Manually filling the water gives you more control over how much water you use, and if you’re only doing a few loads of lightly-stained clothes, you can re-use the water if you so choose. Additionally, you may save on drying costs with the second tub spinning moisture out of the clothes, shortening the drying time needed, which may potentially impact your water and electricity bills.
- Cost: While you can still pick up a cheaper washing machine, twin tub models are generally cheaper than most front or top-loader models, giving you a more affordable option to choose from.
Cons of twin tub washing machines
- Manual aspect: Having to manually fill up and empty some twin tub models may cut into the time-saving aspect that draws some people in, making it an argument of time versus effort.
- Physical size: Twin tubs are generally top loaders, meaning they won’t fit in every laundry space. Additionally, most twin tub washing machines are larger than traditional front or top loader models, meaning you may not be able to squeeze it into the area you’re hoping for.
- Range: Twin tub models aren’t the most common type of washing machine, with only a few brands producing models for you to choose from. So even if you’re keen on getting one, there isn’t as much variety to choose from as with other washing machine types.
Should I buy a twin tub washing machine?
A twin tub washing machine can certainly be a convenient way to save you time when doing the washing, which may appeal to larger households, or those who simply always have a lot of washing to do. With certain models having an additional dryer feature, it further helps to combine two appliances into one, potentially saving you space. The separate smaller tub may provide extra convenience for the small washing loads such as for baby clothes or gym gear.
However, the twin tub model may not be a suitable fit for every household, both literally (depending on how much space you have in the laundry), and how figurately, with how much washing and how closely you have to manage your time (and your budget), all factoring into the decision-making process. If you need help making a decision, why not check out our front-loader washing machine ratings to see what brands are out there, and which one might be the best fit for your needs.
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