Today's busy lifestyles mean there often aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done - especially the washing. If you’ve ever realised an hour before leaving the house that your work clothes or the kids’ uniforms are still lining the bottom of the laundry basket, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a quick wash.

You’ll therefore be pleased to learn of the Beko washing machine’s Super Short wash on the WMD78144 Xpress. It’ll wash 2kg of clothes in 14 minutes (equivalent to one entire outfit or 10 shirts).

If you’re looking for a full wash and have a little more time, the machine offers two further useful time-saving Xpress programmes. The ’28 minute Xpress’ can tackle a 8kg load at 30 ºC in just 28 minutes and the ‘58 minute Xpress’ is perfect for more grubby clothes in less time-pressured circumstances. This programme allows an 8kg load to run a full 60°C cycle, with fantastic wash results.

Beko washing machine promotes energy saving

So on to energy saving. Beko is keen to shout about its excellent energy ratings, and why not! The Xpress Beko Washing Machine has an excellent A+++ rated class cleaning performance and low water consumption on a number of wash programmes. These include Pre-wash, extra rinse, rinse hold, anti crease and quick wash options. A+++ is 30% more energy efficient than A rated appliances.

So not only will the WMD78144W Beko washing machine save you time, it’ll save energy and money as well!

No matter what the colour or theme of your kitchen, when you invest in new laundry equipment the first place you should start is with washing machine dimensions.

This blog offers some top tips on how to fit a washing machine. There’s nothing quite as disappointing as diligently picking out your perfect new appliance, waiting patiently for the delivery date, removing all the polystyrene/cellophane/ transit bolts, and only then realising it simply won’t fit.

After you’ve realised your oversized appliance is going to cause you a problem you have two options.

• Rearrange your kitchen – particularly difficult with built in kitchens. Especially as washing machines need to be located close to a water source and waste outlet.
• Arrange for your appliance to be returned to the retailer and wait for a refund – wasting time and potentially causing a laundry basket explosion while you wait for your new machine.

Measuring washing machine dimensions

So, washing machine dimensions – now you know why measuring up for your washing machine is so important, here are some questions to ask yourself.

• How wide is your space? Most washing machines dimensions are built to fit in a 60cm wide gap. So a 59.5cm wide appliance will be the perfect fit, giving you 0.5cm wiggle room if your space is 60cm exactly.
• How tall is the machine? Height – if you’re placing your appliance under a counter, make sure washing machine dimensions allow for this. Most countertops stand at 90cm high, so your washing machine should be around 85cm to compensate for this and allow for adjustable feet on uneven flooring.
• How deep is the space? Depth – the depth of washing machine dimensions varies from machine to machine, so measure carefully if you want your appliance to stand flush with other cabinets. If its slightly slimmer it is not a problem because the machine can always be pulled forward.
• Think about the door – which way will it open? Is its direction changeable? How far will it open? If the hinges are on the left, your door will open to the right and vice versa. Some machines have doors which open 180degrees but think about where you’re placing the appliance before you make a decision. Will you easily be able to access the porthole?

I hope this guide on how to fit a washing machine and washing machine dimensions has been of use to you, if you have any top tips yourself, feel free to add them to the comment section below!

For those of you looking for eco-friendly kitchen appliances, you’ll be interested to know AEG-Electrolux seems to be growing greener every day.

In a single week the Electrolux Group has announced its ranking as a Brand Emissions Leader in the household appliances sector, as well as finalist status in the KBB Review Industry Awards for Environmental Innovation.

Electrolux group receives Brand Emissions Leadership status

The Brand Emissions Leadership assesses the carbon emissions performance of over 600 leading brands in the UK. Brands must satisfy four criteria relating to carbon reduction, intensity, reporting and targets.

Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux, and Zanussi were all placed in top positions for efforts to reduce carbon emissions in factories and through products.

Of the three brands Electrolux had the strongest reductions on both emissions intensity and absolute emissions reductions, and also the longest track record.

Environmental Innovation Product award

The KBB Review Industry Award award is given out to a specific product that has been developed to actively move forward the field of environmental consideration within the kitchen sector. AEG-Electrolux’s L64850LE washing machine has been shortlisted for the accolade.

The L64850LE washing machine features a Super Eco programme which has set new standards in efficiency. It offers energy savings of 83% against an easycare 40ºC wash and 72% savings against an easycare 30ºC wash.

The Award Winners will be revealed on Monday 22nd March 2010 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, so fingers crossed!

With their quiet laundry cycles and long lasting technology LG’s range of direct drive washing machines fit the needs of most families.

With open plan living becoming ever more popular, kitchen appliances can no longer afford to be loud and intrusive, which is why so many people have welcomed LG direct drive washing machines with open arms.

What makes the LG direct drive washing machine quieter?

The major noise reducing factor in the direct drive washing machines is the motor. Direct drive motors, also known as inverter motors, are built with less moving parts which means less vibration, so noise is reduced considerably. LG direct drive washing machines integrate the washing machine’s motor, belt, and pulley into a single, quiet, and durable mechanism, which is attached directly to the drum

Plus, many of you will be familiar with the whining noise a washing machine makes - usually signifying its dying days. This is the brush on the motor wearing out. The direct drive washing machine motor has no brush, eliminating the possibility of this whine developing.

Your direct drive washing machine will last longer

Conventional washing machines with their belts and pulleys tend to wear out faster due to vibration. By removing these moving parts and using an inverter motor instead, LG direct drive washing machines are guaranteed to last longer, without having to replace finicky belts and brushes.

The F1256QD LG direct drive washing machine is one of the best selling appliances in the marketplace. Our previous customers have rated it 4.8 out of 5 and specifically mentioned its ease of use, quietness, good build quality and value for money. So if you’re in the market for a new machine, why not try this one out for yourself – it comes highly recommended.

If you’re stuck for space in your kitchen or utility room, why not rearrange by investing in a stacking tumble dryer and washing machine?

Side by side laundry appliances are great under counters as they provide an extra work surface (somewhere to balance the washing basket), but if its floor space you’re lacking – try stacking.

Almost any washing machine and tumble dryers can be stacked as long as they are front loading like the Hotpoint Ultima TCD970P condenser tumble dryer. Top loaders have obvious drawbacks when it comes to stacking tumble dryers and washing machines!!

How to: stacking tumble dryers

Hotpoint offers a stacking kit to securely fix your tumble dryer above the washing machine. The Hotpoint kit even has a useful pull out shelf for you to balance your laundry basket on, so you can move clothes between the two machines with minimum effort. For further information on where to buy a stacking kit, call Hotpoint on 08448 22 52 25.

If you’re looking to stack your current tumble dryer and washing machine, it is wise to ensure your appliances are the same width and depth before stacking. Also, make sure you have an extra pair of (very strong) arms, as tumble dryers and washing machines can be incredibly heavy.