12 tips for choosing a washing machine

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of washing machines?
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Samsung

Electrolux

Hotpoint-Ariston

Bosch

haier

Indesit

Siemens

Zanussi

AEG

BEKO

LG

Total voted: 240

Vote results

According to the opinion and reviews of most experts in the field of household appliances, when choosing a washing machine, you should give preference to proven, well-known companies. Do not trust dubious Chinese brands, no matter how they lure, and no matter what functionality they promise. The following firms enjoy the deserved trust of buyers and specialists.

Indesit. The Italian brand is widespread among Russian buyers due to the balanced price-quality ratio. It offers models of different sizes, including the narrowest front-loading options. Despite the moderate cost, all the equipment of the company fully meets the requirements of consumers, is equipped with a wide range of additional options.

Siemens. A well-known German manufacturer supplies the market with high-quality and not very expensive automatic washing machines. A big advantage is the European assembly at our own factories.

Zanussi. Italian appliances are popular due to their durability, modernity and impeccable design. The company offers a wide range of washing machines with different types of loading. The range includes both devices that are quite simple in terms of characteristics, and models equipped with a rich set of options.

Bosch. One of the most famous brands that most users trust. The company's equipment is distinguished by impeccable quality, a worthy set of options and a long service life.

Also worthy models are offered by the brands AEG, Electrolux, BEKO, Samsung, Hotpoint-Ariston. Of the Chinese manufacturers, you should pay attention to the Haier brand. Her models are as functional as possible, stylish in appearance and even quite reliable.

By type of loading, washing machines are divided into vertical and frontal. Both types are equally good at their functions - you can choose one or another model, depending on the free installation space and personal preferences.

Frontal. In the market of washing machines, models of this type are represented in the vast majority. Therefore, their main advantage can be called a huge choice. This is a design familiar to us with the loading of linen through the hatch in the front of the case. Front-facing washing machines are good because they are available in different sizes (from compact to full-size), suitable for installation under the sink, embedding in the kitchen set.

Another plus is spaciousness. Loading in frontal models can reach 15 kg, and in some cases even more. But this solution also has its downsides. To place the laundry in the drum, you have to bend over. And opening the hatch requires more space in front of the washing machine, which is inconvenient for small bathrooms.

vertical. Such models are more convenient in terms of loading and unloading laundry. The hatch is located at the top of the washing machine - no need to bend over or squat to put laundry in it. Vertical models are usually more compact in size, great for small apartments. Also, in most cases, it is possible to reload laundry at any stage of the wash, and it is really convenient.

Another distinguishing feature is increased reliability. The drum in vertical washing machines is fixed on both sides, which increases the service life of the equipment.This option is also good for families with small children, as the control panel is located at the top. Among the design flaws are the impossibility of embedding and too simple design.

Loading volume for many buyers is the main criterion. The larger the drum, the more laundry can be washed at a time. True, as the volume increases, the cost of equipment also increases. The maximum load refers to the amount (weight) of dry laundry that can be placed in the drum at one time.

When choosing a volume, you need to focus on your own requirements. For example, for one person, a washing machine designed for 4 kg of dry laundry is enough. The larger the family, the larger the drum should be. The most popular now are models with a load of 5-6 kg. But, if funds allow, you can purchase an automatic washing machine with a capacity of up to 10 kg or more. A big plus is that you can wash overall things in it. For example, large jackets or blankets made of synthetic winterizer.

Preferred dimensions depend on the installation site, the characteristics of the room. A narrow vertical-loading machine will harmoniously fit into a small bathroom. If the area allows, you can choose an overall and roomy model.Vertical washing machines are compact, the depth is usually standard, about 40-45 cm. The advantage is that you do not need to provide free space to open the door. The width of such machines rarely exceeds 60 cm. The height is also typical - it is 85 cm.

The choice of sizes of front washing machines is much larger, since the capacity of the drum directly depends on the depth and width of the equipment. The standard depth is 50 cm, but there are models from 30 to 60 cm. The width varies in the range of 60-85 cm. The height is usually standard, the same as for vertical models - 85 cm. The exception is built-in models - they can be any height.

Most modern washing machines are automatic. But, despite this, they may have a different type of control - mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical. Differs in simplicity and the increased reliability. This principle was used in the first automatic machines and is still used today. The operating modes are set by a rotary mechanism, which operates on the principle of a timer. Also on the control panel there are buttons responsible for activating additional options. Despite the reliability of the system, breakdowns are still possible due to wear and tear of moving parts. Mechanically controlled washing machines are a little cheaper, so they can be considered as a budget option.

Electronic. Such models are equipped with a touch screen, from which all the necessary settings are set. The control board is responsible for the execution of the included options and the washing program. Electronic models are more functional.A big advantage is that all performance indicators are displayed on the display. Disadvantages - susceptibility to moisture, instability of the electrical network, expensive repairs.

Since new technologies are constantly being developed, buyers have the opportunity to choose equipment not only according to the main characteristics, but also the washing system. It would be correct to say - the method of implementing this process. And there are a lot of them.

Standard. The container in which the drum is located is filled with water. Items come into contact with soapy water at the bottom of the drum.

3D Aqua-Tronic. The fastest cleaning from dirt is achieved due to additional moistening of the laundry from above and from the back wall due to asymmetric grips.

Activa. Significantly speeds up the washing process. Water is fed into the drum under pressure, so the laundry is quickly wetted. The required volume of water is collected in just a minute.

Direct Spray. This system has two advantages at once - less water is used and delicate fabrics are gently washed by supplying soft jets with the gradual addition of dissolved powder.

shower system. A fairly common option - at the bottom of the drum, the laundry is "bathed" in soapy water and additionally irrigated from above.

shower jet. A more advanced system based on the additional action of small air bubbles. Air-enriched water is sprayed onto the fabric. Passing through its fibers, the air contributes to the rapid and gentle removal of contaminants.

All washing machines have a standard set of programs designed for different types of fabrics - linen, cotton, synthetics, wool. To improve the quality of washing and user convenience, manufacturers equip their models with additional programs.

Daily. The program is designed for a quick wash of a small amount of laundry. You can load laundry of different colors into the drum at the same time, as it will be washed in almost cold water - 30 ° C. Duration - no more than 40 minutes. Not suitable for heavy soiling.

intensive. Considered an optional extra, but available on most automatic washing machines. It is characterized by an extended cycle and stronger water heating. It is convenient to use when you need to remove old stains.

preliminary. Whatever fabric you wash (except delicates), prewashing will provide the best result. The program is found in most washing machines, in fact, it is a soak in a detergent solution for about two hours.

soft wool. Program designed for especially delicate woolen garments. Washing is carried out at low speed due to the reverse rotation of the drum.

Manual. This program is quite common, used for things that cannot be washed by machine. The drum does not rotate, but only sways, ensuring gentle stain removal from fine and delicate fabrics.

economical. During the execution of the program, less water, electricity and powder are consumed, since the heating is negligible, and the cycle is increased.

Stain removal and eco-program. are used to remove difficult contaminants. After the program has been completed, the standard wash cycle continues additionally.

And this is only a part of the programs used in modern washing machines. There are also washing modes for black, bed linen, blankets, children's clothing, sports shoes, jeans and others. So in the case of the criterion for a set of programs, you should focus on your own needs.

Most buyers try to choose the most economical but efficient washing machine. How to do it right? Pay attention to indicators such as energy efficiency, washing and spinning efficiency, water consumption. For example, according to power consumption, devices are divided into seven classes - from A to G. Class A models consume the minimum amount of electricity.

The same letters mark the effectiveness of washing and spinning. In the first case, you need to focus on indicators A and B, in the second - on C and B. The spin efficiency is determined by the speed of rotation of the drum. The more revolutions per minute it makes, the less moisture will remain in clean linen. The most common and optimal option is 1000 rpm. The volume level of the washing machine does not affect the quality of washing, but affects the comfort of being in the room where the equipment is installed. It is better to choose a model whose noise level during washing does not exceed 55-56 dB, during spinning - 70 dB.

A set of special features is aimed at reducing the likelihood of leaks, reducing vibration, the amount of water, and increasing the service life. The following options are useful.

AquaStop. Guarantees protection against leaks thanks to the block with the electromagnetic valve. The inlet hose is equipped with additional protection, withstands high pressure. A tray with a float and a switch is installed at the bottom of the machine. If even a slight leak occurs, the water supply will be blocked automatically.

AntiVibration™. The purpose of the option is to reduce noise and vibration due to the special design of the sidewalls.

fuzzy control. A smart system that automatically optimizes washing. For example, if there is too much foam left at the end of the cycle, it will turn on an extra rinse. And when spinning, the system itself selects the optimal mode.

Fuzzy Logic. Another smart system that accurately determines the required amount of water for washing, depending on the workload and the characteristics of the fabrics. The washing time varies depending on the initial water temperature.

Turn-on delay. This function will be useful for two electricity tariffs - night and day. You can set the washing time for the night in advance so that the energy consumption is less.

Balancing control. Vibration is extinguished almost completely due to the uniform distribution of linen, achieving balance. This not only reduces noise, but also extends the service life.

Manufacturers also provide various options to improve the quality of washing. Each company tries to add its own unique feature to make the equipment stand out from the competition.Some of these options can be very useful.

Crease protection. Provides the most gentle spin at the final stage of washing. Spinning lasts about half an hour at minimum speed, which subsequently greatly facilitates the ironing process.

Spin control. Automation independently selects the spin speed depending on the type of fabric, so that after washing things are as dry as possible, but without wrinkles.

Foam control. If there is too much foam left at the end of the wash, the technique automatically adds another extra rinse to the cycle.

Automatic dosing of detergents. A useful option, used so far mainly in expensive washing machines. Liquid detergent is poured into a special container, consumed depending on the set program. One such "refueling" is enough for an average of 20 washes. At the same time, the amount of washing gel is optimal - the laundry is well stretched, but no excess foam is formed.

Steam wash. Processing things with hot steam is now equipped with many, not even the most expensive washing machines. Steam helps to remove difficult stains, has a disinfecting effect, and at the final stage of washing smoothes wrinkles, softens the fabric, making it easier to iron the laundry later.

Washing machines 2 in 1 equipped with a drying option are gradually becoming more and more popular. Unlike separate dryers, they do not take up additional space, but at the same time they allow completely dry laundry to be taken out of the drum, ready for the next ironing. The choice of such models in the home appliance market is not very large. But, nevertheless, there are several parameters that you should pay attention to when buying.

Loading and allowable weight of laundry for drying. When choosing a washer-dryer, it should be borne in mind that the entire volume of wet laundry cannot be dried at one time. For example, in a model with a load of up to 7 kg, the allowable amount of clothes for drying will be no more than 4 kg. So it is better to choose the most spacious washing machines of this type.

Drying type. On sale you can see washing machines with different types of drying - by time or residual moisture. In the first case, drying will continue exactly as long as the program has set. Whether it dries completely or not depends largely on the type of fabric. Drying by residual moisture is more efficient, it is used mainly in expensive, most modern models. Here, the sensors in the washing machine themselves determine the level of humidity, stop the program when the desired indicators are reached. As a result, the laundry is dry, but not overdried, perfectly ironed. So, if possible, it is better to give preference to a model with drying by residual moisture.

Such washing machines will be especially convenient for families with small children or for small apartments where it is difficult to hang clothes. But their cost is much higher than standard models.

On sale you can find washing machines with two types of engines - collector and inverter.The first type is considered standard, it is used in most models, the second one appeared relatively recently, but is gaining more and more popularity every year. There are good reasons for this - the inverter motor is quieter in operation and durable. But for the sake of fairness, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Collector. Most of the washing machines on the home appliance market are equipped with just such engines. They have a simple electrical circuit, are inexpensive, so that in the event of a breakdown, repairs do not hit the family budget too hard. But this type of motor cannot be called durable and quiet either. Most often, the brushes wear out and the drive belt becomes unusable.

inverter. At first, washing machines with an inverter motor were produced only by LG. Only a few years later, other manufacturers began to use the same technical solution. The inverter motor is attached directly to the drum, which reduces the likelihood of breakdowns. In addition, the lack of brushes makes it quieter. According to the observations of users, the motor in such washing machines is almost inaudible, only the splash of water in the drum gives out the working equipment. In the event of a breakdown, repairs will be more expensive, but many manufacturers give a guarantee of up to 10 years for an inverter motor.