How to choose a washing machine: what parameters to pay attention to in order to purchase a reliable device

Nowadays, not a single modern housewife can imagine cleaning dirty laundry without an electric washing machine. But the first such units appeared in the 19th century; their creator was the American Blackstone.

Nowadays, washing machines are no longer a luxury item, but a necessity.

To choose the best device for your home, it is important to consider the type of product, its features and design. See the rating of washing machines here.

Types by type of laundry load

In addition to the fact that washing machines are divided into automatic and semi-automatic, these units also differ in the type of loading.

There is front and vertical loading, let's look at them in more detail..

Front loading

This type of laundry storage is considered the most optimal, unpretentious and convenient. In addition, the cost of machines with such loading and their repair will be much cheaper compared to vertical products.

These models have a simpler and higher quality design.

The transparent glass hatch, which is located frontally, makes it possible to watch the process of washing clothes. This is very convenient, because if the owner forgot to take documents or money out of her jeans pockets, she will be able to see it in the hatch window.

The loading window has a special sealing collar that ensures tightness.

With careful use, this cuff can last for many years without tearing.

The drum of the machine is fixed on one axis (vertical ones have two axes), this simplifies the maintenance and repair of the product.

A front-loading washing machine is great for small apartments - very often families use the upper body of the device as a bedside table, for example in the bathroom.

Frontal models are usually 60 cm wide and 90 cm high.

Vertical loading

Vertical-loading machines have a more complex design and therefore cost much more than front-loading models.

The drum in such washing machines is mounted on two axes and has two bearings . Such details do not simplify the maintenance of the model, but only create difficulties.

After all, to create alignment of the drum, it is necessary to balance the two parts. Not all washing machine manufacturers manage to do this, which is why some units shake during operation.

During the working process of a vertical washing machine, the drum flaps may accidentally open, which will lead to breakdowns and costly repairs..

However, such problems can often be found only with inexpensive Chinese manufacturers.

Vertical machines also have their positive features:

• option for additional loading of laundry while the machine is operating;
• the ability to remove excess clothing from the unit;
• the body is more compact compared to front-facing models - they have a width of 45 cm, a height of 85 cm and a depth of 60 cm.

In advertisements for washing machines you can often find the statement that vertical devices are more durable and reliable..

However, in practice, this is not always the case - the quality of the product does not always depend on the type of loading.

Control

The control of modern washing units can be mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical

Mechanically controlled machines are equipped with a set of push buttons and rotary toggle switches, with the help of which all washing parameters are manually set. The toggle switch, designed to switch programs, moves like a timer hand, so the stages of washing can be monitored by its movement.

For user convenience, the control panel may contain schematic pictograms or inscriptions that greatly facilitate the process of selecting the desired program. Some models have a light indicator designed to confirm each user action. Mechanically controlled units allow you to either stop or replace an already installed program at any time.

Older people, as a rule, prefer models with mechanical controls, which are intuitive for them. In addition, they consider them more reliable. This is true, but only partly.

No one doubts the reliability of mechanical control, however, the moving elements that ensure turning switches and pressing buttons may wear out, causing the washing unit to break down.

Electronic

Machines with electronic control are equipped with a built-in electronic programmer that fully automates all stages of washing. Before starting, the user must set only a few parameters (for example, the type of fabric and the desired washing intensity), the machine will do the rest itself.

Based on the weight of the items loaded into the drum and the type of fabric, the unit itself will set the required volume of water, the duration of each washing stage, and adjust the water temperature and spin speed.

The display will sequentially display all stages of the set program and the time remaining until the end of the wash or spin cycle. Some models may provide audible or voice alerts.

The main disadvantage of electronically controlled washing machines is their increased sensitivity to power surges, therefore, when purchasing such equipment, it is necessary to purchase a stabilizer that will protect it from burnout.

How to choose and what to look for when buying

There are basic criteria that you should focus on when choosing a washing machine. These include technical characteristics, types of devices, and additional features.

type of instalation

There are three types of washing machines on the household appliances market:

1. Built-in. Such equipment is most often installed in the kitchen. In Russia, these models are not very popular. Built-in units are equipped with legs that allow you to change the height so that the machine fits perfectly into the kitchen unit. This type is only available in the front version, since vertical units will require a special opening tabletop.
2. Freestanding . The most common option in our country, 81-85 cm high. Suitable for medium and large sized bathrooms. The top panel of the cabinet is often used by families as an additional bedside table.
3. Installed under the sink . An ideal option for small apartments. Such models have a more compact size, 65-70 cm.

Loading type – which is better?

Vertical loading has two important advantages:

• the ability to add additional laundry during washing without canceling the program;
• To load laundry you do not need to bend down or squat - optimal for the elderly, pregnant women, etc.

Front loading washing machines:

• generally more airtight and of higher quality;
• have a transparent hatch for monitoring the washing process;
• have simpler maintenance and cheaper repairs;
• can be installed anywhere - in furniture, under the sink, etc.

Maximum load of laundry (kg)

The maximum load of laundry is determined by the capacity of the washing machine drum . This parameter is different for all products and varies from 3 to 7 kg.

If a family consists of 4 people, then it is definitely worth buying a machine with a drum load of at least 5 kg.

Washing machines with large loads are also more profitable in terms of saving electricity, water and washing powder.

It is clear that for one person in an apartment a unit with a minimum load of laundry is suitable.

It is worth considering that the passports of washing machines indicate the capacity of the drum based on cotton fabric.

The minimum weight of loaded laundry is also indicated there (usually 1-1.5 kg); a small amount of laundry negatively affects the drum bearings.

Depth

The maximum amount of laundry that needs to be placed in the machine depends on the depth of the washing machine..

If the apartment is small, it is better to purchase a unit with a shallow depth - 30 or 40 cm; this parameter allows you to wash up to 5 kg of clothes.

Washing machines with a depth of 50 cm allow you to clean up to 7 kg of laundry at a time.

Products with the greatest depth (60 cm) will increase the volume of loaded laundry to 8-10 kg, which is optimal for a very large family (from 4 people).

Drying and steam ironing

The drying option is a very useful feature that allows you to use fresh laundry immediately after washing..

There is no need to hang it, and if the steam ironing function is included in the machine, then you will not need to iron it. These two useful options save space in the apartment.

When buying a model with drying, it is important to consider some nuances:

• number of drying programs - the machine needs to dry synthetics, cotton fabrics, wool, etc.
• the maximum volume of laundry that drying can handle is half that of the volume that the machine can wash;
• inexpensive models dry clothes over a certain period of time, while more expensive models measure the humidity in the drum, making the laundry optimal for ironing and saving electricity.

Spin speed

Its quality depends on the maximum spin speed.

Most washing machines have speeds between 800 and 1200 rpm.

For small household tasks, 1000 rpm will be enough, but in order to wash a lot of clothes, it is better to buy a machine with a higher load and a higher spin speed.

Leak protection

The clothes washing machine comes into contact with water and must have a good protection system so that there is no flood due to any broken part..

The most vulnerable places are the water supply and drain hose, as well as the device body itself.

Hoses are protected by solenoid valves and additional inserted hoses.

The housing is protected in the form of a pan and a float - if water gets into the pan, the float will rise and block the operation of the system.

You need to buy a washing machine with full protection, without saving money..

engine's type

There are traditional types of motors - asynchronous and commutator, as well as direct drive motor.

The inverter motor is the latest direct drive motor for washing machines and does not use brushes like traditional motors..

Washing machines with this type of motor are characterized by increased wear resistance. The inverter motor has a frequency converter that can change the rotation frequency and speed of the drum, converting direct current into alternating current.

It operates almost silently, and efficiency increases by 20%, unlike conventional engines.

Of course, the cost of washing devices with an inverter motor is higher than with a conventional one, but from the point of view of price-quality ratio, this is the best investment in household appliances that will not fail for a long time.

Water consumption

Each laundry washing device has its own standard consumption per cycle.

Typically this parameter ranges from 36 to 60 liters, but some large-sized models require up to 100 liters of water.

To use the latest units, it is better to install a water meter.

Control method

Almost all washing devices have an electronic control panel. However, its appearance may differ significantly.

Some models have a display that shows at what stage the program is running.

Activator models are equipped with a mechanical control system, where parameters are set manually.

Noise level

The standard noise level for washing machines is 55 dB . If the machine is installed next to a children's room or bedroom, it is better to pay attention to quieter models.

They can be used even at night, they do not irritate human hearing and do not shake or vibrate much during drying.

Additional functions

Sometimes the needs of the family may require additional programs from the washing machine.

Let's look at some popular helper functions:

• express wash;
• super rinse;
• control over the amount of foam;
• delayed start;
• night mode;
• steam wash;
• soak;
• programs for lace, jeans, down garments, sports training, black fabrics, etc.

How to find out the weight of clothes

It will be useful to learn how to determine the weight of things to wash without first weighing. Examples of the most common items can be seen in the following table.

Weight of laundry Source cosmo-frost.ru

If the machine has a maximum load of 4 kg, in practice this means that it can easily fit two sheets, a couple of pillowcases and a few small towels. The device easily washes such a quantity of items without severe deformation or twisting. If you need to wash jackets or down jackets, you will only have to load one item at a time.

Recently, washing machines are increasingly equipped with an “auto-weighing” function, which allows you to automatically determine the weight of the laundry being loaded. The main advantage is the ability to select the optimal mode and calculate the required amount of water for the device to operate. In this case, the user receives the following benefits:

• The equipment independently calculates the weight of the laundry and determines the parameters for working with it;
• You can save significantly on the cost of water and electricity;
• The machine selects the most suitable mode for a particular case.

White linen Source furnishhome.ru

Rating of the TOP 5 best models

Modes and programs: how many should there be?

Modern washing machines can have at least two dozen programs. The standard set available for most models is represented by programs that can be divided into several groups.

Fabric-specific programs are designed for washing:

• cotton;
• wool;
• synthetics;
• delicate fabrics;
• silks;
• sportswear;
• children's things;
• blankets and pillows;
• outerwear;
• blankets and pillows.

A good washing unit should have programs and modes:

• delicate wash;
• quick wash;
• intensive washing;
• hand wash;
• biowashes;
• pre-wash;
• soaking;
• boiling;
• additional rinse.

A set of additional functions can be represented by programs:

• half drum load;
• economical washing;
• easy ironing;
• hand wash wool;
• drainage (providing drainage of water without rotating the drum intended for delicate fabrics);
• “Hygiene” (washing that destroys allergenic substances through the use of a special temperature regime);
• ionization of water.

Before you go to the store for a new washing unit, it is useful to make a list of the necessary programs and choose a machine based on this list: this will save you from overpaying for functionality that will never be used.

The basic principles of choosing a washing machine are covered in this video:

The best washing machines

Samsung WW65K42E08W

A washing machine in a classic white casing with a convenient front-loading option is ideal for a large family.

The drum consists of stainless steel, rotates up to 1200 rpm and holds up to 6.5 kg of dirty laundry.

The machine consumes up to 39 liters of water per cycle. The device is equipped with 12 useful washing programs, including for delicate fabrics, black items, and children's clothing.

It is possible to reload laundry through an auxiliary hatch.

Convenient electronic control on a digital display is intuitive for any user.

The case is partially protected from leaks, there is also a child lock and control over the amount of foam.

Specifications:

• energy consumption class - A;
• spin - up to 1200 rpm;
• noise - 54/73 dB;
• size - 60*45*84 cm;
• weight - 57 kg.

pros

• there is a 15 minute mode;
• additional hatch for reloading laundry;
• low price;
• washes efficiently;
• low noise level when washing;
• There is a steam washing function.

Minuses

• small things get stuck between the glass and the rubber seal - socks, etc.;
• when spinning, it vibrates and buzzes strongly;
• the washing time cannot be adjusted;
• When the power is turned off, the machine starts the program again.

Bosch WLL 2426 S

Free-standing washing machine in a stylish silver shade, which can load up to 7 kg of laundry.

In one washing cycle it can consume up to 42 liters of water and consume electricity up to 0.13 kWh/kg.

The arsenal includes convenient spin modes - selecting speed and canceling the program.

The car boasts a complete security system, including a child lock.

A choice of as many as 17 programs will help make washing better and more convenient..

Additional features include temperature selection, as well as a cycle completion signal.

Characteristics:

• energy consumption class - A+++;
• spin - up to 1200 rpm;
• noise - 56/77 dB;
• size - 60*45*85 cm;
• weight - 63 kg.

pros

• convenient electronic control;
• stylish appearance;
• spacious drum;
• low noise level when washing;
• saves water and energy;
• there is a timer.

Minuses

• strong vibration and buzzing during spinning;
• Not all cars have a full Aquastop system; this parameter must be checked in the store.

LG Steam F2M5HS4W

Device for washing clothes with convenient front loading . Maximum

drum capacity - 7 kg.

Through the main hatch, you can reproduce an additional load of laundry during washing. The washing machine has an inverter motor with direct drive.

The device spends up to 48 liters of water per wash.

The rotation speed during the spin program is 1200 rpm, it is possible to select the desired value for the user.

The security system does not have a leakage system, but there is imbalance control, the amount of foam and a child lock..

The product's arsenal includes 14 washing programs, including steam supply and stain removal.

Characteristics:

• energy consumption class - A;
• spin - up to 1200 rpm;
• noise - 55/74 dB;
• size - 60*45*85 cm;
• weight - 60 kg.

pros

• washes and spins quietly;
• large capacity - optimal for a large family;
• a large number of programs;
• does not jump during operation.

Minuses

• difficult to choose a washing mode;
• Water remains in the rubber seal.

Candy GVS 34 126 TC2/2

Large freestanding front loading washing machine.

Consumes up to 48 liters of water per wash.

Excellent energy saving, has an A++ energy efficiency class . The tank is made of durable stainless steel and holds up to 6 kg of laundry.

Any user can understand the convenient electronic control on the symbolic display.

The energy consumed by the machine is 0.15 kWh/kg . The security system is complete and also includes control over the amount of foam.

15 special washing modes include programs for wool, children's clothing, jeans, as well as super-rinse, pre-wash, steam and much more.

Characteristics:

• energy consumption class - A++;
• spin - up to 1200 rpm;
• noise - 56/77 dB;
• size - 60*34*85 cm;
• weight - 60.5 kg.

pros

• big drum;
• low noise level when washing;
• does not shake when spinning;
• comfortable handle;
• There are rubber feet included;
• notification about the end of the program.

Minuses

• no boiling, maximum temperature - 75 degrees;
• no spin adjustment;
• Can't be pushed close to the wall.

Electrolux EW7F3R48SI

Built-in automatic washing machine with front loading . The device can

load up to 8 kg of laundry.

The spin speed of the drum is 1400 rpm, and the speed can be adjusted or the program can be canceled altogether.

Leakage protection system - complete, including child lock.

The washing machine has 14 washing programs, as well as a delay timer, temperature selection and a finish signal.

Characteristics:

• energy consumption class - A+++;
• spin - up to 1400 rpm;
• noise - 46/68 dB;
• size - 60*54*82 cm;
• weight - 82 kg.

pros

• Beautiful design;
• washes quickly;
• many additional options;
• low noise level;
• roomy.

Minuses

• very high price;
• You can hear the pump running while filling water.

What now?

Now young people cannot imagine their life without an automatic washing machine. Most girls and boys do not know how to wash even small items such as underwear or socks by hand.

And why would they do this? After all, it’s the twenty-first century! Almost everyone has a wonderful assistant in their apartment; the first most popular household robot is an automatic washing machine. She took on the most difficult tasks of housekeeping. And now, we are not afraid to get things dirty, because an invisible, but so necessary and important assistant will always help us out.