Washing machine

It's time to buy a new washing machine? Excellent! In any catalog you will find many models for every taste. Different sizes, sets of programs, types of management, design and, of course, prices. What should be a washing machine to wash well, fit well into the interior and serve as long as possible? This will be discussed in our article.

to the contents ↑

First or second?

On sale you will find several types of household washing machines. The most popular of these are two:

• activator;
• drum.

Activator

In activator machines in the tank there is a special screw with blades. He turns, the laundry moves, and rubs off due to rubbing.

The main advantage of such machines is that the washing cycle takes a minimum of time. But all the rest has to be done manually - pour water of the right temperature, measure the powder, drain the water, and sometimes even wring out the laundry.

Therefore, most housewives choose such machines, if you need a separate unit, for example, for children's underwear, or if the family lives in a rented apartment, where there is no possibility to put an automatic washing machine, which, moreover, must be connected to communications.

Drum

In drum-type machines, laundry is placed in the drum. It rotates in one way or another, depending on the mode selected. The landlady's task is to load the laundry, fill the detergent tray and install the necessary program, and with the rest the unit will manage itself.

Therefore, buyers often prefer these machines, especially since manufacturers offer a variety of very different options, including very small ones.

Important! There is even a pendant drum-type washing machine, which does not take up any space on the floor.

to the contents ↑

Top or front?

Having stopped the choice on a drum automatic machine, first of all determine the type of loading. It can be:

• frontal;
• vertical.

Important! With the front type, the hatch is on the front wall, with the vertical one on top.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Front loading

Such machines are larger than vertical ones of the same capacity, and this is their main drawback. But they also have undoubted advantages:

• it is easier to choose something that suits you personally - there are more such models on the market;
• they are cheaper than their vertical counterparts of the same class;
• for washing can be observed through the window - the hatch is made transparent;
• the top panel can be used as a shelf - for example, for detergents, and for a small bathroom or kitchen it is very convenient;
• is great for any bathroom or kitchen interior.

The last advantage is due to the fact that the front washing machine can be:

• built-in;
• detached.

Important! The main disadvantage of the units with front loading is that they need even a little more space than it should be in size. The hatch opens 180 °, and this requires additional space.

Another disadvantage is that it's not very convenient to load laundry, because you have to bend over. So if you have problems with your back, the vertical type will fit more.

Vertical loading

In spite of the fact that it is not recommended to do this, but in case of emergency it is possible to add things to this machine during washing, which in units with front loading simply does not work.

There are other advantages:

• such units are usually quite narrow, so you can put anywhere - from a large kitchen to a small hallway, if there is a possibility to connect to the sewer;
• does not have to bend when filling the tank;
• machines, albeit narrow, but capacious - loads less than 5 kg they simply do not happen.

Important! You can not use the top panel of such a stylar exactly as a shelf. But this is not so important. The worst is different - the choice is not very big, besides, such models from different firms practically do not differ from each other.

In addition, machines with vertical loading are usually more expensive than similar in capacity with a front-end type.

to the contents ↑

Built-in aggregates

Built-in machines can also be different, including the type of installation. Among them there are:

• fully embedded;
• are those that are put under the countertop.

What's the difference?

• In the first case, the unit is completely hidden in the cabinet and fixed firmly to the section. This reduces noise and vibration.
• In the second - the machine is covered with a table top, which can be removed during operation.

Important! Embedded machines in their functions are no better or worse than detached ones, it is a question almost exclusively of the design of the room. The main disadvantage of built-in washers is a higher price compared to the stand-alone ones.

to the contents ↑

Dimensions

Before you go to the cabin, think about how much space you can allocate for the new unit. On this depends the size of the corps of your future assistant. This parameter is affected by:

• capacity of the machine;
• type of download.

Think about which machine will suit you:

• full-size;
• is narrow;The
• is compact.

Full-size

Vertical machines are only full-sized. Their standard dimensions are the same as for similar machines with front loading:

• width and depth - at 600 mm;
• height - 850 mm.

Important! This - the average size, from different manufacturers, you can find models with deviations in either direction for each of the parameters. In the catalogs most washing machines are automatic machines, designed for a maximum load of 5-6 kg of dry linen. But you can also find larger copies - by 7, 9 and even 10 kg.

Narrow machines

If desired, you can find a narrow unit, designed for 5 kg of laundry, but, as a rule, the capacity of such washing machines is less than 3,5-4,5 kg.

Dimensions are:

• width - 340-450 mm;
• depth - 600 mm;
• height - 850 mm.

Important! The machine is placed in any angle, takes up little space, but it does not differ in its functions from the full-size function.

Compact machines

These miniature units are good for small apartments. Their capacity is small, not more than 3 kilograms. You can even meet the real crumbs, in which two or even one kilogram of laundry is placed. But the most miniature models are unlikely to fit as the main "helper".

As for the largest among the "babies", three kilos is enough for a family of two, at a time you can wash three duvet covers and a few pillow cases, for example.

Dimensions of such machines:

• width 430-450 mm;
• depth - 470-500 mm;
• height - no more than 700 mm.

to the contents ↑

Maximum load

It directly depends on the dimensions:

• For a large family, you need a washing machine, designed for 8-10 kg.
• For a family of 4-5 people, there will be enough machines, which will accommodate 5-6 kg, that is, the standard full-size.
• A young married couple or a single person is quite satisfied with a compact machine, where at the same time you can wash 2-3 kg of laundry.

With or without drying

Decide if you need a drying mode. There are washing machines, there is washing and drying.

For units of the second type, the loading is almost always frontal. Usually washing-drying stylalki are full-sized.

Important! There are also narrow ones, but they are not particularly convenient, and those who used them, others do not advise buying such an assembly.

to the contents ↑

We study parameters

In addition to the dimensions and type of loading, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters:

• washing class;
• spin speed;
• type of control;
• energy efficiency;
• water consumption;
• additional functions.

Washing class

This is the main criterion, because the washing machine is an automatic machine and it is necessary to wash out a wide range of different things well. The washing class is denoted by the letters of the Latin alphabet from A to G.

Washing can be:

• effective;
• average;
• ineffective.

Important! Efficient washing is indicated by the letters A and B. If you see letters from C, D or E in the product passport, the machine will erase the middle. The letters F and G most often mean that after machine washing there will be quite a lot of manual washing.

Class and spin speed

The spinning class is also denoted in Latin letters:

• A is the highest when the residual moisture content is not more than 45%.
• If the residual humidity is 60%, the letter C is placed.
• Sometimes the letter D also comes across, but it is quite difficult to find such a machine in the shops of new equipment, it is possible to stumble on it only in a commission.

The spinning class is directly dependent on speed. It is indicated in revolutions per minute - from 400 to 1600.

Important! The optimal option is 1000 rpm. At this speed, the unit and moisture removes qualitatively, and it is relatively inexpensive. In addition, if the speed is too high, the linen quickly loses its appearance.

Energy efficiency

This is a very important indicator, because you have to pay for electricity, and the less - the better. Energy efficiency is also denoted by the letters of the Latin alphabet. The highest class is A, but on the regular basis there are cars with A +, A ++, or even A +++.

to the contents ↑

Washing programs

Manufacturers constantly offer new and new functions to washing machine customers. But do you personally need all the possibilities of ultra-modern styralky? Before choosing a washing machine, think:

• what modes you really need;
• which can come in handy occasionally;
• which you will never use.

At any new generation machine you will find from 15 to 20 washing programs. But the main ones are a few:

• cotton;
• wool;
• synthetics;
• delicate washing;
• quick wash.
• prewash or soak;
• rinse.

Important! A very useful program is "quick washing".It is used if the laundry is not particularly dirty, and lasts about half an hour. In high-quality models, you can also find such regimes as processing with silver or steam. This is important if you have to disinfect things.

What is the difference:

• In the "cotton" mode, washing is performed at a temperature of 90-95 ° C.
• "Wool" mode means that there is a possibility to wash things at 30-40 ° С.
• Synthetics are washed at 60 ° C.
• For delicate washing, 40 ° C is needed.

Important! In this case, the drum rotates differently in each mode.

to the contents ↑

What other programs are there?

In addition to the most common modes, which are practically all washing machines, there are also additional:

• half load;
• intensive washing;
• additional rinse;
• preliminary ironing.

We choose the necessary: ​​

• The half load mode is very convenient - do not wait until a lot of dirty laundry is accumulated. With this mode, the time, water and electricity consumption are reduced.
• For very dirty laundry, the intensive washing mode is suitable - the drum rotates much faster than usual in this case, but water and electricity are consumed more.
• For a family where there are allergies, you just need additional rinsing. After washing, the detergent particles always remain in the fabric, they can not be completely removed almost never. Additional rinsing significantly reduces the amount of such particles.
• The preliminary ironing program allows you to straighten things straight in the drum, removing unnecessary folds.

to the contents ↑

What is the machine protected from?

Modern washing machines have a system of protection from various troubles that can lie in wait for their owners:

• protection from leaks;
• protection from children.

Leaks - a very unpleasant phenomenon, which, besides, is fraught with material losses and quarrels with neighbors. Therefore, the machine should not leak:

• If the model is cheap, it usually only has partial protection - valves on liquid hoses. Sometimes it is necessary to protect the case from overflow.
• The expensive models have a full protection system. If the water has poured more than it needs - the supply stops.

Important! With regard to protection from children, it is a lock that does not allow accidentally clicking on anything. This system is needed by many adults.

to the contents ↑

Choosing a tank

It would seem, what's the difference, what is the tank made of? Meanwhile, it depends on this and the quality of washing, and noise level, and service life.

For the production of tanks, mainly three materials are used:

• stainless steel;
• enamelled steel;
• plastic.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel tank can serve up to eighty years. This is the most durable material. However, it has two significant drawbacks:

• high price;
• high noise level.

Enamel + steel

Enamelled steel tanks are not found in new machines. This material proved to be very bad, so it stopped using it.

Plastic

Several types of composite materials are used to make plastic tanks:

• polyplex;
• polynom;
• carbon.

The properties of these materials differ little from each other. Machines with plastic tanks are much cheaper than those with a stainless steel container, but they have undeniable advantages: the

• noise level is much lower;
• have good thermal conductivity, which saves energy.

They serve, however, less than their stainless steel "brethren", only 25 years. But are you going to buy a car for a longer period?

to content ↑

Connection type

Modern washing machines can be connected:

• only to cold water;
• to cold and hot water.

Important! The second option is considered more economical, since you do not have to spend electricity on heating. However, in cases where the machine itself heats the water, the washing turns out to be more qualitative. In addition, in the hot water circuit, changes in temperature and pressure occur quite often, which does not contribute to the normal operation of the unit.

to the contents ↑

Control type

Control types you can find only two:

• mechanical;
• electronic.

The mechanical panel consists of several switches that are manually turned. Such a system is still more reliable, and cheaper. However, modern touch panels are more convenient.

Important! Having chosen a car with touch control, be sure to ask if there is a service center nearby, where you could be helped in case of sensor failure.

to content ↑

Noise level

No one likes when the technique is too strong growls, especially if the unit is working long enough. The noise level is indicated in decibels:

• In most modern washers with plastic tanks it is about 55 dB for washing and about 70 dB for spinning, with slight deviations in either direction.
• But the manufacturers are trying to make the operation of the units as quiet as possible, and now there are already machines that give 45 dB and even 43 dB.

to the contents ↑

Water consumption

The better the washing machine, the less water it consumes for one wash cycle. This, in turn, allows you to save electricity and cleaning supplies.

to the contents ↑

Additional options

The expensive machines have a variety of functions that can make the laundry very interesting:

• auto balance control drum;
• foaming control;
• delayed start;
• cost optimization;
• "more water";
• automatic water cooling before draining;

Why is this all necessary?

• The unbalance control allows to prolong the life of the unit, because if there is an imbalance of the drum - the vibration increases. If the laundry in the drum gets tangled, the autocontrol system unravels it.
• Excess foam to automatic machines harms. The foam control system stabilizes the process, accordingly - the unit is protected. Foam is simply extinguished, if suddenly you have poured too much powder or wrongly picked it.
• The "delayed start" program allows you to transfer the start of washing if necessary. This is important if in your area day and night a different price for electricity. As a rule, the start is delayed for 9 hours.
• The function of automatic cost optimization allows rational use of water and electricity. The machine itself decides how much water it will take for a particular amount of laundry.
• The program "more water" allows you to thoroughly wash products for which you need a lot of water.
• Careful attitude requires not only technology, but also sewer pipes. Especially if they are made of plastic. If the water from the machine goes out too hot, the plastic expands, and leaks may appear at the joints. The water cooling system before draining avoids such trouble.

Fantasy producers are unquenchable, and it is possible that in a few months there will be new units with new functions.

to the contents ↑

Price and brands

All washing machines can be divided into three price categories:

• elite;
• average;
• budget.

Elite aggregates

Elite machines specialize in such companies as Miele or AEG.Such machines serve not less than ten years - more often 15-20.Units work practically without noise, the quality of washing and spinning is high with minimal energy consumption and water consumption. Alas, the price is not available to everyone.

Medium-sized machines

There are companies that produce excellent reliable equipment, which is much cheaper than the elite. These are such recognized manufacturers as Bosch, Candy, Electrolux. It is these models that are most often found in salons.

They are extremely popular, and it's easy to explain: the quality is not worse than the elite, these units often serve even longer, and the difference in price can be very significant.

Budget models

Such units are produced by Samsung, LG, Indesit, Ariston and some other companies. Among such models you can find very worthy ones that will last for more than one year and will be washed and squeezed very well. Such machines, as a rule, have fewer programs, but those that are, many of them perform above all praise.

This concludes our review of washing machines. We hope that the information received is more than enough to enable you to make the right choice in favor of a technique that is ideally suited to you in all respects.