How to choose a washing machine?

In the modern world of household appliances, a washing machine occupies one of the prizes. Ideally, the washing technique should be of high quality, trouble-free and perform its functions without additional hassle. Washing machines are represented in various classes on the home appliance market - they differ in type of load, energy class, maximum capacity, and size. How to choose the right washing machine, so you don’t regret about wasted money and do not look for a repairman feverishly, we’ll talk in more detail.

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The main criteria for choosing a washing technique

First of all, decide on the purchase budget and decide for yourself what options the washing machine should have. Basically, it’s enough to give yourself answers to such questions.

What dimensions of the washer suit you?

Choose a location for household appliances, and also measure the width of the doorways through which you will enter the appliance. This must be done in order to choose the right washing machine.

Important! We have prepared a separate review on our website of useful tips, which described in detail dimensions of washing machines.

Which side of the boot is right?

There are 2 main types of downloads:

1. Frontal. This is the most popular option. The entire washing process is visible through the window. Advantages of front loading: the ability to integrate into furniture, a large selection of models with a load of up to 10 kg, the upper part of the washing machine can be used as a shelf, high quality washing, ease of monitoring the process. In order to choose a washing machine correctly, it is necessary to take into account the shortcomings of these models: the large size and the need for additional territory for opening the door, in addition, there is no way to add or extend things during the washing process.
2. Vertical. Loading of laundry in this case is carried out through the top cover, which, if necessary, can be opened even during operation. Since the cover is located on top, there is no difference which side to install the model, so you can put it in the most inaccessible and bottleneck without any problems. The height of the model with vertical loading is 85-90 cm, the width is 40 cm, the depth is 60 cm.

Important! Typically, top-loading models have few modern features. This explains the small selection of models with almost the same design. The advantages of such units include: the ability to add things during washing, ease of use, since you do not need to bend over during operation. The control panel is located on top, which provides a kind of protection against small children who can’t reach the buttons.

If you decide which type of download suits you best, then choose the best model for yourself using our special ratings:

• TOP of the best front-loading washing machines.
• Top loading washing machines rating.

What capacity and maximum load will suit you?

The load volume must be carefully considered in order to choose the right washing machine:

1. If your family consists of 2 people, then a machine with a load of 3-4 kg is enough.
2. For a family of 4 people, the maximum load increases to 5-6 kg.
3. For a large family, it would be right to choose a washing machine with a load of up to 8-10 kg.

Depth of the tank also depends on the maximum load in kilograms. For example, equipment with a maximum load of 3.5 kg is produced with a tank depth of 32 cm, 4.5 kg - 40 cm, 5-7 kg - 60 cm.

Important! Manufacturers usually indicate depth dimensions, excluding protruding controls and the loading door.  

The maximum load of linen in the drum is indicated for dry linen made of cotton, since different types of fabrics absorb moisture differently. If 6 kg is indicated in the technical specifications, then you can load no more than 2 kg of woolen products into the drum, and no more than 4 kg of linen from mixed fabrics.

What material is best for the tank?

The washing machine tank is where the drum fits. From how correctly you choose a washing machine according to this criterion, its service life and cost will depend.

The tank can be made of the following materials:

1. Stainless steel. Many consumers do not approve of the choice of a washing machine with a stainless steel tank, since it is worse in terms of noise level during operation and vibration, and also has a high price. But if you set the goal to choose the right washing machine, keep in mind that it is more resistant to wear and tear (up to 80 years of service).
2. Enamelled steel. It is not used in modern models, and also has negative reviews not only from buyers, but also from specialists.
3. Plastic. Modern composite materials smooth out internal noise and vibration, and due to their thermal conductivity save a little electricity. In addition, such systems are much cheaper than an alternative stainless steel model. The only drawback is that the machines are less durable. Their service life is not more than 25 years, although in practice it turns out even less.

Important! To choose the right washing machine, you must pay attention to the design features of the drum. The hilly rear wall effectively enhances the interaction of laundry with detergent, which makes washing better.

What type of connection will be convenient?

You can connect a washing machine either:

1. To cold water. This option saves hot water, but the cost of electricity will be higher. Due to the fact that the heating occurs inside the machine more evenly, this leads to a better wash.
2. To cold and hot water at the same time. This method of connection, as practice shows, is not very convenient. There may be a problem with insufficient temperature of hot water, this is especially true for rural areas. As a result, this will affect the quality of the wash.

Important! Given these features, in order to choose the right washing machine, give preference to more reliable equipment - with a connection only to cold water. And the information from our post will help you properly connect the washing machine.

Which control method is easier for you to master?

The control panel can be: mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical buttons and switches are more reliable in use, and do not affect the cost of equipment.

Modern electronic equipment is a touch screen display. Of course, this is a step into the future, but many models do not have decent display quality, and the sensor quickly fails. In addition, such an electronic option greatly affects the cost of the washing machine - it will cost an order of magnitude more expensive mechanics.

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Classification of the main parameters

Once you have decided on your requirements regarding functionality, convenience, design and price, it's time to choose a specific washing machine. Here you need to figure out what parameters will differ models presented in stores.

There are three main parameters:

1. Energy consumption.
2. Wash.
3. Spin.

They all have their own class, which is indicated in English letters from A (high) to G (low). The higher the grade, the better the performance of the machine.

Energy class

This parameter is determined by experiment. 1 kg of linen made of cotton is taken and washed at a temperature of 95 ° C, and at the end of the wash the counter reads.

Modern models belong to class A, to which "+" is often added. The greater the number of “+”, the higher the profitability. The highest level of A +++.

Washing class

Today, almost all washing machines belong, if not to class A, then to class B. This indicates the effectiveness of washing and a careful attitude to the things being processed. Washing of class C, D, E is less effective, and class F, G is the lowest level of the process.

Important! The washing class is one of the characteristics that you should pay special attention to when choosing a washing machine. Find out more information on this topic in our publication. “Washing class - how important is it?”.

Spin class

The spin efficiency is characterized by the number of revolutions of the drum of the machine in one minute and is also indicated from A to G. The greater the number of revolutions, the drier the laundry we get at the exit. Follow the link and get all the necessary information about which spin class is better in the washing machine.

It must be borne in mind that the diameter of the drum of the machine, as well as the duration of the spin, also affect the final degree of moisture in the laundry. For example, if 2 washers have one spin class, then the machine with the larger drum is better pressed.

Another nuance is the duration of the cycle. For some washing machines, the quality process lasts only 30 seconds (low-cost models), for others it lasts 2 minutes or 4 minutes.

Important! To choose the right washing machine, be interested not in the number of revolutions in the spin cycle, but in the residual moisture of the product after the process. For class A - 40-45%, C - 60%.

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Additional requirements

The above parameters are far from all that needs to be considered in order to choose the right washing machine. There are other criteria that are important specifically for your convenience and comfort during the operating cycle of the equipment.

Noise level

Of great importance in choosing a particular model is the noise level - both during the washing process and during the spin cycle. But often this characteristic is not indicated by the manufacturer, therefore, it is necessary to check independently directly with the sellers.

To date, the best indicator of the noise level during washing is 43 dB. The indicator of a specific model depends on the type of engine. For example:

1. Direct drive. Reliability of engines of this type is the highest of the presented options, but the main advantage is the absence of any parts subject to friction. The noise level during washing is 54-55 dB, and during the spin cycle more than 70 dB. The service life of the direct drive engine is more than 30 years. They have high wear resistance and durability.
2. Contactless asynchronous three-phase motor (inverter). Advantages: ultra-reliable, quiet operation (50 dB).

Such an engine is used in models of the highest price level. All the advantages and disadvantages of this type of engine, we described in our post “Inverter motor in a washing machine - what is it?”.

• Manifold engine. This is the most common type of “motor”, which has a low cost, but has several disadvantages:
  1. High noise level.
  2. Low reliability class.
  3. Service life - up to 7 years.
  4. The engine does not like power surges.

Washing Technology Software

Each model is initially programmed for specific washing modes. The norm for a modern machine is 15-20 programs with minor differences.

Mandatory and most popular are the following:

• Quick wash (30 minutes for lightly soiled items).
• Washing baby clothes (with boiling).
• Wash light cotton with a choice of water temperature up to 90 C.
• Prewash (soak).
• Wash silk, synthetics, delicate items.
• Hand wash (for light, gentle wash).
• Stain removal mode designed for a certain type of contamination.
• Mixed wash or “mix”.
• Processing linen with silver or steam (for disinfection).
• Economical wash or half load function.
• Rinse (indicating the number of rinses for more reliable rinsing of the powder).

Important! There are other washing programs. Therefore, in order to choose the right washing machine, pay attention to the set of proposed functions, as well as to the presence of additional options for adjusting installed programs.

You can always change the temperature and the spin speed by amplifying the “intensive” option, or vice versa, the spin time by the “accelerated” option. In some models, you can turn off the spin, for example, when processing delicate things. The option of easy ironing has become almost mandatory - it increases the amount of water during the spin cycle, thereby reducing the number of folds. All this adds convenience to you personally and allows you to spend less time on household chores.

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How to choose a washing machine?

A washing machine is a washing machine, but it has additional functionality and methods of washing. The machine can automatically select the modes, washing time and other characteristics.

Automatic washing devices can be divided into the following groups according to the washing system:

• The traditional car. In the washing process, such a machine is simply filled with water, and detergents come in contact with it at the bottom of the drum.
• Aqua Spar. The design of this type of machine contains asymmetric grips on the drum, thanks to which, water is captured and sent to the top of the drum. Underwear is in contact with water in such a machine below and above.
• Direct Spray. The system makes a constant intake of the washing solution from the drum and injects directly onto the laundry. Under pressure, water creates a shower for the laundry.
• Jet System. During washing, a washing solution is supplied to the drum under pressure.
• 3D Aqua Tronic. The laundry in the washing process is moistened from above, from behind due to asymmetric grips, so this process contributes to the rapid washing of dirt.
• Aqua Tronic. Asymmetric grips on a drum direct water up. In the washing process, the laundry is not only in contact with water at the bottom of the drum, but also irrigated from above.
• 3D Aqua Spar. In an automatic machine, water is supplied through special openings in the drum from three sides at once: from above, from the rear wall of the drum, and also pours from above due to grips.
• Asset. The system delivers to the drum all the required volume of water with a powerful jet in a short time. Within one minute, the laundry undergoes primary processing.
• Shower system. The laundry is in contact with the washing solution not only at the bottom of the drum, but is also irrigated by the system from above.
• Combivos. This is a combined washing system. The laundry is completely in the water, and if necessary (for delicate washing) under a falling stream.
• Air bubble. Water with air bubbles is fed through the holes on the drum. Bubbles passing between the fibers of the tissues clean it of dirt (linen, as it were, is “bombarded” with water and air). Distinctive features of this technique, read our article "Air bubble washing machine".

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Stock footage

When planning a purchase for a washing machine or automatic machine, make a choice of the class of equipment based on the optimal price-reliability-quality ratio. Which brand to choose is an individual issue, because there are practically no cars with a poor reputation on the market. Automatic washing machines are divided only into segments: lower, middle, highest, depending on the price group.Weigh all your desires, needs and opportunities and choose the household appliances that will completely satisfy you. Good luck!