How to choose a washing machine: what parameters to look for to purchase a reliable device

Nowadays, no modern hostess can imagine cleaning dirty laundry without an electric washing machine.

But the first such units appeared in the 19th century, their creator is the American Blackstone.

Now washing machines are no longer a luxury item, but an essential assistant.

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

Types of laundry type

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

There is frontal and vertical loading, we will consider them in more detail.

Front loading

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

These models have a simpler and better design..

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

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

With careful use, this cuff can last for many years and not break.

The drum of the machine has a fixation on one axis (vertical have two axes), this simplifies maintenance and repair of the product.

Front models usually have a width of 60 cm and a height of 90 cm.

Vertical loading

Machines with a vertical type of loading have a more complex design, therefore, they are much more expensive than front models.

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

Indeed, to create alignment of the drum, it is necessary to balance two parts. Not all manufacturers of washing machines manage to do this, so some units shake during operation.

During the working process of a vertical washing machine, the drum flaps may accidentally open, resulting in breakdowns and costly repairs.

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

Vertical machines have their own positive features.:

• option for additional loading of laundry during the operation of the machine;
• the ability to remove excess clothing from the unit;
• the case is more compact in comparison with the front models - they have a width of 45 cm, a height of 85 cm and a depth of 60 cm.

In the advertising of washing machines, one can often find the claim that vertical devices are more durable and reliable..

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

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 are technical specifications, types of devices, and additional features.

type of instalation

There are three types of washing machines on the home appliance market:

1. Recessed. Such equipment is most often installed in the kitchen. In Russia, these models are not very popular. The built-in units are equipped with legs that allow you to change the height so that the machine fits perfectly into the kitchen. This type is executed only in the frontal version, since vertical frames will need a special opening tabletop.
2. Freestanding. The most common option in our country, with a height of 81-85 cm. Suitable for medium and large bathrooms. The top panel of the case is often used by families as an extra nightstand.
3. Under the sink. Ideal for small apartments. Such models have a more compact size, 65-70 cm.

Download type - which is better?

Vertical downloads have two important advantages.:

• the ability to add extra laundry during washing without canceling the program;
• you don’t need to bend down to load clothes, squat down - optimal for elderly people, pregnant women, etc.

Front-loading washing machines:

• mostly more airtight and high-quality in execution;
• have a transparent hatch for observing the washing process;
• have easier maintenance and cheaper repairs;
• can be installed anywhere in furniture, under the sink, etc.

Maximum load of linen (kg)

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

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

High-load washing machines are also more profitable in terms of saving electricity, water and washing powder.

It is clear that for one person in the apartment, an aggregate with a minimum load of linen is suitable.

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

Depth

The maximum amount of laundry to be put in the machine depends on the depth of the washer..

If the apartment is small in size, it is better to purchase an aggregate with a small depth of 30 or 40 cm, this parameter is allowed to wash up to 5 kg of clothing.

Washing machines with a depth of 50 cm make it possible 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).

Steam drying and smoothing

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

It does not need to be hung up, and if the steam smoothing function is also included in the machine, then it will not be necessary to iron. These two useful options save space in the apartment.

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

• the number of drying programs - you need the machines to dry both synthetics, and cotton fabrics, and wool, etc.
• the maximum amount of laundry that drying can handle is half that of the machine can wash;
• low-cost models dry clothes for a certain time, while more expensive models measure moisture in the drum, making clothes optimal for ironing and saving electricity.

Spin speed

The quality of the spin depends on the maximum spin speed.

Most washing machines have speeds from 800 to 1200 rpm.

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

Leakage protection

The washing machine is in 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 nested hoses.

The body has protection 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.

It is necessary 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 a direct-drive motor.

The inverter motor is the latest direct drive motor for washing machines, the design of which does not use brushes, like traditional motors.

Washers with this type of motor are characterized by increased wear resistance. The inverter motor has a frequency converter, capable of changing the frequency of revolutions and the speed of the drum, converting direct current to alternating current.

It works 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 washing device has its own standard consumption per cycle.

Usually this parameter has a value from 36 to 60 liters, however, some large 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 vary significantly.

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

Noise level

The standard noise level for washers 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 the human hearing and do not shake and vibrate strongly during drying.

Additional functions

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

Consider some popular helper functions.:

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

Rating TOP 5 best models

Top washing machines

Samsung WW65K42E08W

The washing machine in a classic white case with a convenient front view of the load - ideal for a large family.

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

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

It is possible to reload laundry through the auxiliary hatch.

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

The case is partially protected from leaks; there is also a child lock and foam amount control.

Specifications:

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

Bosch WLL 2426 S

A free-standing washing machine in a stylish silver color, in which you can load up to 7 kg of laundry.

For one wash cycle, it can consume up to 42 liters of water and consume electricity up to 0.13 kWh / kg.

Convenient spin modes are included in the arsenal - speed selection and program cancellation.

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

Choosing from as many as 17 programs will help make the wash better and more convenient..

Among the additional features can be noted the choice of temperature, as well as a signal to complete the cycle.

Specifications:

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

LG Steam F2M5HS4W

Convenient front-loading laundry washer. Maximum drum capacity - 7 kg.

Through the main hatch, you can play an additional load of laundry during washing. The inverter motor is installed in the washing machine, on a direct drive.

For one wash, the device spends up to 48 liters of water.

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

There is no system in the security system from leaks, but there is an imbalance control, the amount of foam and a lock from children.

The arsenal of the product includes 14 washing programs, including steam supply and stain removal.

Specifications:

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

Candy GVS 34 126 TC2 / 2

Oversized freestanding front-loading washing machine. Consumes up to 48 liters of water per wash.

It saves energy, has an energy efficiency class A ++. Durable stainless steel tank holds up to 6 kg of laundry.

With convenient electronic control on the character display any user will understand.

The energy consumed by the machine is 0.15 kW * h / kg. The security system is complete, it also includes control over the amount of foam.

In 15 special washing modes, programs for wool, children's clothes, jeans, as well as super-rinse, pre-wash, steam supply and much more are included.

Specifications:

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

Electrolux EW7F3R48SI

Built-in front-loading washing machine. The device can load up to 8 kg of laundry.

The spin speed of the drum during the spin cycle is 1400 rpm, while the speed can be adjusted, or completely cancel the program.

Leakage protection system - complete, including child lock.

The washing machine has 14 washing programs, as well as a delay timer, temperature selection and a signal to complete the work.

Specifications:

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

Useful video

From the video you will learn how to choose a washing machine: