The washing machine market today is more diverse than ever: models differ in power, energy consumption and spin classes, the presence of additional functions and, finally, simply in the quality of washing. Fortunately, a monopoly has not been established in the SMA (automatic washing machines) segment, and a number of countries produce them, from domestic companies to foreign countries. In this article we will try to provide an overview of washing machine manufacturers in most countries that export their products around the world.
SMA selection criteria
To understand which washing machines are the most reliable, you need to consider the offered options and their characteristics. The washing machine is evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Load type. Here everyone chooses to their own taste. Some focus on design, others on convenience. In vertical versions, laundry is loaded from above - this is much more convenient than bending down and putting things into the hatch as in front-type devices. In Europe they prefer models with vertical loading, in Russia - with front loading. The latter are more impressive in appearance, but take up more space. There is no connection between reliability and loading type.
- Dimensions. Dimensions for vertical versions (WxDxH) - 40x60x85 cm, front - 60x45x85 cm.
- Spin class. The higher it is, the less damp the laundry is after washing. The tallest is A.
- Energy efficiency. The amount of your electricity bills depends on it. The highest is A+++.
- Washing quality. Modifications with class A are best erased.
- Loading. It determines how much laundry can be washed in one cycle.
- Number of modes and programs.
- Spin speed - 400-1700 rpm. Affects laundry dryness and vibration levels.
Country and brand
For most buyers, this is the first guide to choice. The most expensive models do not always top the durability rating. To buy a good machine at an affordable price, you need to know what the market offers and which company deserves attention. There are well-deserved and well-advertised brands, well-known to everyone, and the more often you hear their name, the more expensive the products are - for example, Bosch or Siemens. However, there are brands that produce cars that are no worse, they are just younger than their famous competitors. You can save money if you buy SMA from brands such as Beko, Whirlpool or Candy.
Often the buyer focuses on the country of origin. In principle, this approach is rational - goods from the same country usually have similar indicators of quality, reliability, and durability. If you take into account the geography of production when choosing, take into account:
- Siemens, Bosch, Miele, AEG - made in Germany. Reliability is top notch. Some of the best devices. They constantly top all sorts of ratings.
- Zanussi, Sandy, Ardo, Ariston, Indesit - from Italian manufacturers. They are in no way inferior to the Germans. Decent technology.
- Asko, Electrolux, Hansa, Reeson, Gorenje, Hoover - products from other European countries. Here you can find models of different quality levels.
- Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire - cars from America.
- Samsung and LG - South Korea.
- Vestel and Beko - Türkiye.
- "Vyatka" and Evgo - Russian assembly.
If you organize brands according to reliability, the order will be approximately the same.
Budget price category of washing machines
Do you have a limited amount of money and don’t know which washing machine brand to choose? In this case, pay attention to the three companies described below. These brands have proven themselves well in the global market and are quite suitable for apartments, houses, cottages and student dormitories. Of course, if you wish, you can find more affordable washing machines, but the decrease in their quality will be disproportionately greater than the decrease in price.
Indesit
The Italian company is well known to domestic users. It supplies its products to most countries, and the price of washing machines of this brand is at an acceptable level for the average user. You can pick up a good Indesit car for less than 20 thousand rubles. The Italians are also famous for some of the best vertical models. The presented brand also does not cause any complaints regarding the quality of washing, and good functionality only adds arguments in favor.
Pros:
- reasonable cost
- attractive design
- duration of service
- good customer reviews
- large selection of built-in modes
The best model according to reviews is Indesit BWUA 51051 LB
Beko
In terms of cost and functionality, Beko washing machines are considered one of the most interesting solutions on the market. For similar features, you will have to pay significantly less than when purchasing equipment from your main competitors. BEKO equipment is assembled in Russia, China and Turkey. The components used by the manufacturer are almost identical to Whirlpool and ARDO parts. Unfortunately, this also affected the “sores” of the equipment of the Turkish brand. When choosing BEKO products, you can expect frequent breakdowns. Fortunately, most of them can be fixed quickly and inexpensively. However, there is also a class of breakdowns when it is better to purchase a new machine rather than restore an existing one.
Pros:
- attractive design
- BEKO price tags are among the lowest on the market
- Huge selection of washing programs
- attractive design
- spin efficiency
Minuses:
- often break down
- sometimes repairs are less profitable than buying a new washing machine
The best model according to customers - BEKO WRS 55P2 BWW
Gorenje
When talking about which brand of washing machine is best to buy in the budget segment, we cannot ignore the Slovenian brand Gorenje. Its advantages include good equipment, reliability, ease of repair and availability of consumables. But the price of parts that do not fall into the category of consumables is very impressive. And some of them have to wait 1-2 weeks for delivery. The Gorenje brand produces not only budget cars, but, according to experts, the brand deserves attention only in the lower price segment. The more expensive models of the company from Slovenia have a too high price tag, which allows you to choose a similar solution from competitors for about 10-15% cheaper.
Pros:
- high-quality assembly
- washing efficiency
- beautiful appearance
- efficiency
Minuses:
- overcharge
- difficult to find parts for repair
Best reviewed - Gorenje W 64Z02/SRIV
Price
The second guideline for the buyer. Cheap cars are rarely models of reliability. But high cost does not guarantee durability. Here you need to take into account the brand and the main price category in which it operates:
- Dear: AEG and Miele. They work for 15 years, no less. Economical and silent.
- Average price: Bosch, Siemens, Candy, Whirlpool, Electrolux perfectly combine price and quality. They have disadvantages - for example, high noise levels.
- Budget: Samsung, Indesit, Ardo, Beko, LG and many others. The main advantage is the affordable price. Ariston is the leader in this subgroup.
- SMAs produced and assembled in Russia are placed in a separate category. In terms of technical level, they cannot compete with imported SMAs.
Which brand of washing machine to choose
The above ten brands are an excellent choice for users who want to get high-quality devices at a reasonable cost. Among the available models, we recommend taking a closer look at Indesit and Gorenje machines. If you require an ideal ratio of cost and quality, then especially for you we have included two South Korean brands in the ranking of the best washing machine manufacturers. Impeccable quality and functionality, in turn, are offered by the German brands Siemens and Miele, which the Germans themselves buy most often.
Model overview
If you have decided on the brand and price category, all that remains is to find a suitable SMA. To decide which model is worth considering, evaluate the capabilities and characteristics of those at the top of the reliability ratings. Let's consider several models from each price group.
Samsung WW65K42E08W
Equipment from the Samsung brand is one of the favorites of Russian buyers, because this brand produces not only high-tech household appliances, but also high-quality electronics that seriously compete with the market “sharks”. Buyers chose this model based on several criteria - washing quality and low noise level, but what makes it reliable is its design and build quality.
Look at the price in: Beru, Yandex.Market, Eldorado, e-Katalog.
More details about the parameters:
| Maximum load, kg | 6,5 |
| Spin speed rpm | up to 1200 |
| Installation/Download Type | free-standing, frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin class | A/A/B |
| Water consumption, l | 39 |
| Number of programs | 12 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 60x45x85 |
| Drying | No |
| Weight, kg | 57 |
Assessing the performance of the device, users who purchased this model noted a number of advantages of Samsung’s brainchild:
- Possibility of reloading things.
- Well balanced, does not jump (if installed correctly).
- Steam treatment.
- Child protection.
- Quiet operation.
- High quality washing.
- Saving resources.
There were also disadvantages:
- Steam is only available for some modes.
- Not the most ergonomic and simple control panel - it takes some getting used to.
- Unusual temperature conditions: 20, 40, 60 (for most models it is 30, 60, 90).
Candy GVS34 126TC2/2
The electronically controlled machine from Kandy captivates with its variety of programs (a total of 15 modes, including Children’s, Economy, Steam and others). A large hatch with a diameter of 35 cm allows you to load especially large items - jackets, down jackets, blankets, blankets. Other parameters:
| Maximum load, kg | 6 |
| Spin speed rpm | up to 1200 |
| Installation/Download Type | free-standing, frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin class | A++/A/B |
| Water consumption, l | 48 |
| Number of programs | 15 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 60x34x85 |
| Drying | No |
| Weight, kg | 60,5 |
Benefits noted by users:
- Quiet operation, no spin surges.
- Program settings can be adjusted even during washing.
- There is no need to buy an anti-slip stand, because... the legs are already rubber.
- Convenient control - a well-thought-out knob for selecting modes.
- Design.
- Price.
Flaws:
- There are models with poor-quality welds on the drum.
We recommend checking it by touch when purchasing for the presence of burrs. Also, in this case, you can easily contact service centers and demand that the device be replaced under warranty.
- Does not boil water - maximum heating is up to 75 degrees.
- SMART TOUCH only works if your smartphone has NFC.
Bosch WLG 20060
Look at the price in: Yandex.Market, Eldorado, Beru.
German version of reliability. Equipped with a removable lid - can be built under the sink. Intelligent control. Has all the necessary protection and a set of programs.
| Maximum load, kg | 5 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1000 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | WITH |
| Water consumption, l | 45 |
| Number of programs | 15 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x40x85 |
| Weight, kg | 60 |
| Cost, rubles | 16 300 |
| Drying | No |
Pros noted by users:
- Narrow;
- Works quietly;
- Fast and high-quality washing;
- Shoe program;
- Spacious and compact at the same time.
Disadvantages noted by owners:
- Imperfect leakage protection system;
- It did not turn off when the door was not tightly closed.
When purchasing an SMA, be sure to check the location of assembly. “Boshi” are actively assembled at factories located in Russia - the quality of such devices lags significantly behind the “originals”. The service life of Russian-assembled models is 2-3 times less than that of analogues assembled in Germany.
AEG L 6FBI48 S
Look at prices on: Yandex.Market
This brand represents expensive German cars. Touch control. White body. Compartment for liquid powder. Specifications:
| Maximum load, kg | 8 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1400 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A+++ |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | IN |
| Water consumption, l | 52 |
| Number of programs | 10 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x60x85 |
| Weight, kg | 69 |
| Cost, rubles | 36 500 |
| Drying | No |
The reviews are mostly enthusiastic, which is not surprising - this is AEG. What users noted:
- Cost-effective;
- Spotlessly clean linen;
- Separate rinse cycle for 40 minutes;
- Large load;
- Silent;
- Displays the time until the end of the process;
- Large diameter hatch.
Noticed disadvantages:
- The minimum speed is 800.
This version has practically no disadvantages; there is no talk of breakdowns in the reviews. Such a machine can easily claim the title of the most reliable machine.
Electrolux EWT 1567 VIW
Vertical models are a priori recognized as one of the most reliable due to the special fastening of the tank. Of course, this still does not guarantee operation without other failures, but numerous reviews from owners of vertical devices, even not the most expensive ones, speak of long-term operation of 10-15 years or more. Electrolux EWT 1567 VIW has a nice design, is equipped with a display and takes up very little space, so it will fit even in a small bathroom.
Model parameters:
| Maximum load, kg | 6 |
| Spin speed rpm | up to 1500 |
| Installation/Download Type | free-standing, vertical |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin class | A+++/A/A |
| Water consumption, l | 39 |
| Number of programs | 14 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 40x60x85 |
| Drying | No |
As you can see, it is distinguished from other models by its very fast, top-class spin, and maximum savings of water and electricity. And users also discovered the following advantages:
- Ease of use.
- Easy setup of many modes.
- Availability of short cycles.
- Perfect spin.
- Steam function.
- Inverter motor.
- A well-thought-out tray for detergents - water and residues of detergent/rinse aid do not spill onto washed items.
And the cons:
- Noisy during power saving mode.
Manufacturers with the best price/quality ratio
Few manufacturers offer their products at a truly fair price, when every ruble is justified by the high quality, functionality, and appearance of the device. Washing machines from these brands are relatively inexpensive, and they not only wash well, but also have many comfort and safety options. If the unit has a higher price, it means that it has something worth paying for: innovative technologies that guarantee perfect washing and careful handling of things, a guarantee of many years of trouble-free operation, etc.
LG
LG engineers were the first to develop direct drive technology for washing machines. The brand is one of the leaders in terms of the number of innovations introduced. Moreover, Korean specialists “upgrade” their cars in any price sector. Thus, inexpensive machines have effective drum rotation algorithms (which are only possible with an inverter motor), while expensive ones have a built-in steam generator for implementing the True Steam program.
Steam function in LG washing machine
Another distinctive feature of LG machines is their efficiency and caring attitude towards nature. And all these advantages are complemented by the high quality and reliability of the units.
The LG F-2V5GS0W is considered the best model; buyers rate it a solid “five”.
Samsung
This brand also comes from South Korea. And it absorbed the best features of all Korean technology: a large number of innovations and its own developments, acceptance of intelligent technologies.
Samsung laboratories created a ceramic heating element, Eco Bubble and Bubble Soak technologies, and a hatch for reloading laundry during the washing process.
Samsung washing machine with a hatch for reloading laundry during the washing process
In washing machines of this brand, a large number of modes are pre-programmed. For almost any type of laundry and any situation, you can choose the appropriate mode. Intuitive controls and a reasonable price, coupled with the advantages listed above, make Samsung washing machines a leader.
The best machine according to customer reviews is Samsung WW65K42E08W.
Hotpoint-Ariston
Hotpoint-Ariston is a subsidiary of the Italian brand Indesit. This division of the manufacturer specializes in equipment in the mid-price segment. The range of Hotpoint-Ariston machines is huge; the brand produces equipment from compact to full-size models, from simple units with a basic set of options to multifunctional devices. It turns out that any buyer with his own list of requirements will find a suitable copy for himself.
A distinctive feature of Hotpoint washing machines is their almost silent operation at any stage of washing.
The best model according to customers is the Hotpoint-Ariston RST 7029 S washing machine.
