A washing machine is a major appliance purchase and should never be undertaken lightly. These are a few things you should consider before bringing your new washing machine home.
Space
What area of the house are you going to put it in? Check how sound is going to carry from other rooms and investigate how much noise your new machine is going to make.
Is the area you want to put it already wired for the machine, or will an electrician be needed? Choosing an area where a washer was already located may be best, as there could be structural reasons you aren't aware of that particular space was used.
How big is the space? Make sure you measure precisely, allowing a little space on either side for margin of error. Never buy a washer that fits your space exactly, as it may not fit right after all. Better to have a slightly smaller washer than one that won't fit at all and has to be loaded back onto the delivery truck.
Functionality
Decide what kind of display is easiest for you to work with. Touch pad models cost more and can sometimes be harder to use. Old fashioned knobs and dials can sometimes still be the way to go.
Consider a front load washer. Not only can they save you money in water and energy bills down the line (not to mention wear and tear on your clothes), but they're easier on the back than reaching all the way inside a standard machine.
Research
Do your research. Check consumer reporting agencies and popular websites that sell appliances for customer ratings and reviews. This investment will cost you anywhere from $300 to $1000 and should last between 15 and 20 years.
Find out what your washing machine is made of. You want porcelain coating for the surface, but the insides where your clothes will be spinning should be stainless steel, as they will last much longer than something that's been painted.
Compare prices. Many models will come equipped with a lot of the same features, but cost substantially more. Brand loyalty is important up to a point, but once you've researched the features you want and eliminated the ones you don't care about, making a price based decision becomes easier.
As long as due diligence is done, you'll be adding a functional, lasting appliance to your home.