How To Choose A Washing Machine? Selection Of Automatic Machines By Parameters. Which Company Should You Choose?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

For the modern household automatic washing machine is an irreplaceable assistant. The choice of these devices in retail chains is represented by a variety of models that not only thoroughly wash and rinse the laundry, but even dry and iron it. When planning to purchase washing equipment, buyers often wonder how not to be mistaken with the choice of an automatic machine and buy, indeed, a good option for long-term use in everyday life. To make such a choice correctly, you will need to study information about the types of washing machines, their characteristics and fundamental differences from each other in terms of design and cost.

What are the parameters to choose?

Selection of a washing machine - it is a responsible matter, and it would not be entirely correct to take the first model that caught my eye without studying its characteristics. There are certain criteria that you should pay attention to - load volume, engine type, dimensions and much more. Taking into account all the nuances, you can choose the washing equipment that suits your needs.

Before choosing a suitable model of a washing machine, you need to clarify many of its technical parameters.

Loading type

One of the important parameters is the type of loading the laundry into the machine. It happens vertical or frontal (horizontal) . The choice of the type of download depends on the preferences of the buyer. Often, automatic washing equipment is placed in the kitchen, embedding it in a kitchen set - in this case, a front loading type is required. If you want to place the car in the bathroom, where it is possible to open the lid upwards or to the side, then the choice can be stopped both on the front and on the vertical model. In the bathroom, washing equipment is placed separately, placed under the sink or in the place where there is free space for it.

As bathrooms are small in size, then in this case, the solution to the issue will be a vertical model of the machine . The access point to the drum for such machines is not located on the front of the machine body, but at the top. And the drum itself is located inside the machine in a vertical position. Thanks to this design, the washing machine has a compact and elongated appearance.

Experts believe that this type of equipment is most convenient for loading laundry, since you do not need to bend over to the drum, and these models are also most protected from any water leaks that may occur in the event of a breakdown.

In addition to automatic machines, there are also semi-automatic activator type … This technique still does not leave the shelves because of the low price, ease of use and reliability of the design. In the process of washing in an activator-type machine, your participation will be required, since most of the operations in it are not automated.

Such machines are not connected to the sewerage system and water supply system - filling and draining of water, as well as you will have to rinse the clothes on your own , that is, manually. The main electromechanical element in this technique is special activator connected to the engine, due to which it rotates. Some machine models have a special centrifuge - it is used to wring out the washed laundry.

Miniature activator washing machines are in demand among buyers and are used in the country or in private houses where there is no plumbing and sewerage system.

Dimensions (edit)

The standard height of most automatic washing machines ranges from 85 to 90 cm . There are also more compact options, which do not exceed 65 to 70 cm in height. The depth of washing equipment ranges from 45 to 60 cm, but there are also narrower models, less than 45 cm.

Washing machines that are designed to be installed in cabinet furniture are equipped with screw feet , with the help of which the height of the vehicle can be adjusted with the required accuracy.

When choosing a vertical model of a washing machine, you need to remember that you need to add 30-40 cm to its height so that the lid of the machine can open freely … The same requirements should be taken into account when buying front-loading equipment - it also needs to provide space for opening the hatch of the drum intended for loading laundry.

The choice of dimensions for an automatic washing machine depends on the availability of free space in the room where you plan to place it.

In addition, it is worth considering that top-loading machine options have advantages - this technique allows you to stop the washing process at any time and add an additional portion of laundry to the drum. Such models are very convenient for the elderly - they do not have to bend over to load and unload the laundry.

The only disadvantages of such a small washing machine are:

• it is not suitable for embedded use;
• it cannot be used as a shelf for arranging household items in the bathroom.

Spaciousness

One of the important factors when choosing a washing machine is its capacity, which calculated depending on how many people are in your family . If the washing equipment will be used by 1 or 2 people, then it will be enough for them to have a machine with a capacity of up to 4 kg. For a family of 3, 4 or 5 people, you will need a larger washing machine - with a capacity of up to 6 kg. And if washing is needed for a family of more than 5 people, then you will need a unit with a load volume of 8, or better - 9 kg.

In the case when there are small children in the family, experts recommend buying washing equipment with the maximum load volume that you can afford, since having babies involves a lot of washing in large quantities.

Loading volume washing machine depends on how deep the model is in terms of its design. If the depth of the equipment is from 35 to 40 cm, this means that it is possible to wash from 3 to 5 kg of things in it at once. Automatic machines, the depth of which is from 45 to 50 cm, will allow you to wash from 6 to 7 kg of laundry. And full-size devices up to 60 cm deep can wash from 8 to 10 kg of linen - this is the most convenient and economical option for a large family.

It is worth noting that large automatic washing machines are not always a good solution in terms of their capacity … Choosing such a unit, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will take up a lot of free space. In addition, if you need to wash a small batch of laundry, then doing it in a machine with a volume of 8 kg will be uneconomical - not only water costs, but also electricity costs will be high. Therefore, when buying washing equipment, assess your needs sensibly and correlate them with the load volume of your future machine.

Drum and tank

Quite often, buyers cannot tell the difference tank from the drum of the washing machine. Buck is the water tank, and you put things in the drum for washing. The durability of an automatic machine depends largely on what material these important parts of its design are made of.

In modern models of washing machines, the tank can be made of different materials

• Stainless steel - is the most durable material used in most modern models of the premium and middle class of the price category.
• Enamelled steel - inferior to stainless steel, but it is a cheaper option. The durability and reliability of such a tank is maintained exactly until, by chance, there is a solid object in it that can cause damage to the enamel in the form of a chip or crack. After such damage, the tank begins to rust and fails.
• Polymer plastic - the most budgetary option used in inexpensive brands of activator and automatic washing machines. A plastic tank is very light, it does not corrode, but in the event of any strong mechanical impact, as well as in case of imbalance, it can crack - and in this case it cannot be restored.

The cost and durability of a drum, just like that of a tank, depends on the material from which it is made . Most often, the drums of expensive models are made of stainless steel, and more budget options are found with drums made of polymer plastic.

Durable plastic is resistant to impacts and scratches, and with careful use it may well serve you at least 20-25 years.

Motor

The operation of an automatic washing machine is ensured by the main part of its design - electric motor … It can be inverter type or collector type. Their technical design is different, which is reflected in the operational properties of washing machines.

1. Inverter motor - it is also called a motor with a direct drive type. Approximately 20% of modern washing machines are equipped with this type of engine. Such a motor has a compact size, its design is extremely simple and rarely breaks down, does not require frequent preventive maintenance and operates without making a lot of noise. The weak point of the inverter motor is its high instability to voltage surges in the network, because of which it quickly fails.
2. Collector type engine - the vast majority of washing machine models are equipped with this option. The collector-type motor has smooth adjustment, and it is also not afraid of mains voltage drops, which often occur in the electric voltage network. The disadvantages include rapid wear of engine components and parts, noise during operation and fragility.

If we compare the efficiency of these motors, then inverter-type models are 20-25% more efficient than collector counterparts.

Moreover, only automatic machines with inverter engine type have the ability to spin the laundry after washing at extremely high drum spinning speeds.

Experts recommend in case of choice give preference to options for washing machines equipped with an inverter motor, since such a purchase will be most appropriate in terms of quality and price ratio. Washing units with inverter motors somewhat more expensive than cars with a collector motor, but they will fully justify themselves, given that collector motors will have to be repaired one or more times due to its fragility.

Control type

The type of control in modern washing units is directly related to their technical design and its features . For example, activator-type machines use control by means of knobs that regulate the mechanical system of the structure. The functional capabilities of such machines are minimal, therefore the main options for adjustment are start, cycle of the duration of the wash by time and the ability to stop the engine at any time you need.

As for the new modern automatic models of washing machines, half of them are equipped with touch-type display , where it is possible to set the parameters of the washing program and track the passage of the machine through each stage. In automatic units with a frontal type of loading of linen, it is used electronic control system , which makes it possible to adjust the options of the machine using small buttons and a rotating disc.

The appearance of the control panel is different for each model and manufacturer . The control unit system can vary significantly in design, options and construction.

Some of them have the ability to display special service codes that prompt the user that the washing machine has a breakdown or other situation that requires urgent human intervention.

Appearance

Most often, automatic type washing machines are found white , but sometimes you can find it on sale black, silver, blue and red options. Manufacturers can change the configuration of the hatch - instead of the traditional round shape, the hatch can be in the form of an ellipse, completely flat, illuminated or made of mirror materials. Such an unusual design of the washing machine allows you to include it in any style project, where it can become a decoration for the interior of a bathroom or kitchen.

But in the case when your washing machine is hidden from view by a furniture set, where you will build it, it makes no sense to overpay for a unique design.

Selection depending on the quality of washing

When choosing a washing machine for your home, before purchasing it, it is important to find out how well she washes things, and what is her optimal degree of spin . Among manufacturers, there are rules according to which the quality parameters of washing and spinning are marked with Latin letters starting from the letter A and ending with the letter G. According to tests carried out by manufacturers of washing machines, the most upscale brands are those closest to class A . But this is not all the information you need to buy a washing machine.

Modern washing units are also classified by energy class … All models produced in the last 10 years are mainly energy class B. But in expensive units, these indicators are improved and can reach class A - and even if they are more expensive than their counterparts, this quickly pays off in the form of their saving of electrical energy during operation.

The energy consumption class of the automatic washing machine is marked (per 1 kg of loaded laundry):

• class A - power consumption from 170 to 190 Wh;
• class B - energy consumption from 190 to 230 Wh;
• class C - power consumption from 230 to 270 Wh;
• classes D, E, F and G - power consumption does not exceed 400 Wh, but you are unlikely to find such models in retail chains.

The best energy-saving machines are washing machines, which are assigned the A +++ class, but since the washing is not performed continuously, even class B machines will not look lagging against this background.

As for the quality class of washing the linen, it is the classiness that will clearly show how well the washing machine copes with its functions, because of which it is acquired. To date, automatic washing units even of budget models have high quality washing, corresponding to class A , you are unlikely to see a lower class on sale.

After the end of the wash and rinse cycle, the laundry must be spinned. How dry it will be can be determined not only by the given program, but also by the class of the machine:

• class A - more than 1500 rpm, with a degree of residual moisture <45%;
• class B - from 1200 to 1500 rpm, humidity from 45 to 55%;
• class C - from 1000 to 1200 rpm, humidity from 55 to 65%;
• class D - from 800 to 1000 rpm, humidity from 65 to 75%;
• class E - from 600 to 800 rpm, humidity from 75 to 80%;
• class F - from 400 to 600 rpm, humidity from 80 to 90%;
• class G - 400 rpm, humidity> 90%.

If the indicator of residual moisture is minimal, then it will take a little time for the final drying of things, which is very appreciated by many housewives, especially if the family has small children.

Top brands rating

Focusing on advertising, we often pay not so much for the product itself and its capabilities, but for the brand under which it is sold. Today there are about 20 well-known brands of washing machines that produce appliances in three categories, depending on cost and quality.

Budget stamps

This is a reliable and high-quality equipment, which is available in the price range from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. The best brands in this category are Hotpoint Ariston, Indesit, Candy, Daewoo, Midea, Beko.

For example, a car Indesit IWSB 5085 … Front loading, drum volume 5 kg, maximum speed 800. Dimensions 60x40x85 cm. Its cost is from 11,500 to 14,300 rubles.

Mid-range models

They are produced by firms LG, Gorenje, Samsung, Whirpool, Bosh, Zanussi, Siemens, Hoover, Haier . The cost of such machines ranges from 20 to 30 thousand rubles.

For example, a car Gorenje WE60S2 / IRV + . Water tank, front loading, drum volume 6 kg, energy class A ++, spinning 1000 rpm. Dimensions 60x66x85 cm, plastic tank, touch control, 16 programs, protection against leaks, and so on. The cost is 27800 rubles.

Expensive models

This category includes excellent cars that meet the latest inventions and have improved technical characteristics compared to budget models and representatives of the middle price category. Most often, such machines are represented by brands AEG, Electrolux, Smeg . The cost of such equipment starts from 35,000 rubles and can reach 120-150 thousand rubles.

For example, a car Electrolux EWT 1366 HGW . Top loading, drum volume 6 kg, energy class A +++, spinning 1300 rpm. Dimensions 40x60x89 cm, plastic tank, touch control, 14 programs, protection against leaks and foaming and other features. The cost of this model is 71,500 rubles.

Among the representatives of various brands, as a rule, there is a wide range of models of washing machines of various price proposals. For example, excellent brand washing machines Beko can be found in the budget version for 14,000 rubles, there are models in the middle price range for 20,000 rubles. and expensive units at a price of 38,000 rubles.

For any demand, you will find the offer of well-known manufacturers.

Expert advice

When choosing which washing machine to take, it is worth pay attention to the opinion of experts in the field of marketing or find out which models are more reliable from a car repairman - in a word, study the recommendations of professionals.

1. Choosing a washing machine, try to protect yourself from an unsuccessful purchase even at the stage of selection … Therefore, pay attention to the machine, the control unit of which the manufacturers have prudently sealed against water ingress with wax - such a solid model will serve you for a long time, since the possibility of moisture getting into the electronics is excluded. It is worth paying attention to those models whose tank and drum are made of stainless steel - such options, as practice has shown, are the most durable and reliable in operation.
2. Careful and attentive operation will help to extend the life cycle of the automatic machine . If the volume of the drum is designed for 5 kg of laundry, then you should not load 6 kg into it, since with each wash such an overload will wear out all mechanisms, and they will quickly fail. In addition, it is not recommended to always use the maximum spin speed - this is also the ultimate load for the washing unit and does not extend its life cycle, but, on the contrary, reduces it. If you want your laundry to be practically dry after washing, then it is best to buy a model that has a drying option.
3. When purchasing an automatic washing machine, inspect it for damage, dents, deep scratches , as this indicates that during transportation, the equipment could be damaged or dropped. What this will result in during operation is unknown. It is better to refuse such a purchase.

After you buy and bring your washing machine home, entrust its connection to specialists , called from the service center, which is indicated in the warranty card attached to your purchase. If in the process of work hidden defects in technology are revealed, the master will be forced to draw up Act , and you can in the store exchange defective goods or get your money back.

The main thing is that in this case you will not need to prove that the defects in the washing machine appeared as a result of your unskilled and incorrect actions.