How to choose a washing machine - reviews of specialists

Washing machine - this is a large household appliances, and therefore, and large spending. Such units want to buy once, but so that then another 10-15 years do not think about replacing a failed or simply morally outdated model. They are called to maximally ease our way of life, qualitatively washing things and at the same time giving the owners a minimum of hassle. That is why multifunctional automatic cars are so popular today, although semi-automatic machines have their own admirers. In fact, everything here depends on the needs of the family, so it's better to select a suitable model individually.

The best manufacturers of washing machines - which firm to choose

If a washing machine is required urgently andyou have no time to delve into the features of designs, materials and modes, read our rating of the best washing machines. With an unlimited budget, the producer's name will suffice to make a decision: it is enough to fork out a machine from Miele or AEG - and you will get all the functionality that is only available to modern technology.

If the money for the purchase is not too much, it would be more reasonable to look for the washing machine in the lines of other manufacturers:

• Bosch
• Siemens
• Indesit
• LG
• Zanussi

The principle of operation and the device of the washing machine

In terms of the machine, here the main working body isa drum with numerous holes. It is installed inside the tank, and water with detergent after heating the TEN freely penetrates into it. When you turn on the drum with already loaded laundry starts to rotate, washing things in soapy water.

Also in the housing is installed a pump and a hose to drain the waste water into the sewer.

All actions of the machine are controlled by the processor with the stored washing modes. It also receives signals from various sensors. All that is required of the owner is to select the program, the rest will be done by the smart technique itself.

Semi-automatic or activator machines are much simpler and always come with a vertical load, which allows a person to "intervene" in the process at any time. Water here has to be poured by hand, pre-heating it to the desired temperature - and this is the main difference between such models and automata.

There are also few modes here, since the activator is located in the tank, rotating at a constant speed. And all the management of such a technique is reduced to setting the timer and turning on the drain pump at the end of the wash.

Types of washing machines

Automatic with front loading

To date, this is the most common type of washing equipment, where laundry is loaded into the drum through the side door. This allows you to easily integrate the unit into furniture kits, niches and even install under the countertops and sinks, saving space. Also, the top cover can be used instead of the shelf, if the machine is in the bathroom.

Automatic machines are highly functional, as they are all equipped with "smart" and technological control units. And due to the fact that manufacturers focused all their attention on improving this particular class of devices, in shops regularly there are cars with the widest possibilities of washing and drying clothes.

Pros:

• Fully automated washing process;
• Rich functionality;
• Sufficient capacity( up to 12 kg);
• Ability to embed.

Cons:

• Complex design and control;
• To load the laundry you will have to tilt;
• Large Width;
• Long cycles of work.

Automatic with vertical loading

These units operate on the same principle as the models described above, only the open part of the drum is turned not to the front side, but upwards, where it is closed with a conventional lid. Alas, the choice of vertical automata in the market is not so rich, and the price is higher than for frontlines, but there are also positive aspects in this decision.

Pros:

• Compact size due to elongated shape;
• Loading linen from above is more convenient, especially for people who are hard to tilt;
• The same set of functions as the frontal;
• Capacity up to 8 kg;
• Maximum leakage protection.

Cons:

• High cost;
• Can not be built under the countertop in the kitchen;
• Like all machines, depend on the quality of water.

Semiautomatic washing machines activator type

These simple machines are still popular due to the low price, light weight and its unpretentiousness. The main part of them is occupied by a tank with vertical loading, and the engine with an activator is simply located below. Such machines are not exacting to the quality of water, since they lack a heating element, but the efficiency of their washing leaves much to be desired.

Among the semi-automatic machines there are models with an additional compartment for pressing clothes. They are more cumbersome and take up a lot of free space, but the presence of a side centrifuge makes it possible to reconcile with other inconveniences of this aging technique.

Pros:

• Relatively light weight;
• No need to connect to communications;
• Vertical loading and the ability to add things during the wash;
• Minimum power consumption;
• Simple operation;
• Spaciousness( up to 8 kg, although you can add more if you wish);
• Low cost.

Cons:

• You have to fill the water yourself;
• Very noisy;
• Non-ideal quality of washing.

Classification by control method

For washing machines, this separation is also relevant, since the number of programs and additional functions of technology depends on the implemented control system.

Mechanical models have the simplest scheme, where on-off is done with the help of rotary knobs. The engine can be stopped at any time or set other washing parameters, although the latter are often limited only by the cycle time. The functionality of such machines is minimal - mechanics today is installed mainly on aggregates of activator type.

Electronic control opens up much wider opportunities for both manufacturers and users of washing machines - it is used in all models. The panel is usually represented by buttons for selecting modes, and the most advanced technique already has a touch screen, from which it is possible not only to manage the programs of work, but also to monitor the condition of the unit. Alas, electronics are too dependent on the voltage drops, so it needs special protection.

Parameters of a choice of a washing machine

Dimensions and volume of loading

Before buying a machine you need to determine the place of its installation in order to know what size to navigate when choosing. But do not forget that the dimensions of technology are directly related to its spaciousness. Saving a place in the bathroom or in the kitchen, you risk dooming yourself to frequent laundering, if the laundry accumulates a lot.

The minimum volume of loading for compact front automatic devices is 3 kg - this will be enough for bachelors and for those who have many small things, but there is not enough room in the bathroom or in the kitchen. The average indicator is the tank capacity of 4-6 kg. From 7 kg and above accommodate the overall "family" units.

Full-size washing machines usually have a height within 70-90 cm, but width and depth depending on the model can vary. For automatic machines with front loading, standard dimensions are 60x60 cm. But if the width of most units remains unchanged, the depth can be reduced to 30-40 cm, which will facilitate the embedding of technology in furniture modules.

With automatic machines with vertical loading, the dimensions are more compact: they are very narrow( 40-60 cm), but they have a relatively large depth of 60-65 cm. The most important are activator type machines. Without the drying compartment, they can occupy 40x60 cm, and the side-mounted centrifuge increases their width to 75-90 cm.

The possibility of embedding

Today, this question is more than relevant, since household appliances are all trying to build, hide and close the hinged facade so as not to spoilimpression of the interior. However, do not forget that embedded devices are more difficult to install and connect, and their cost is higher than stand-alone models. But if you have a small kitchen, and you want to put a washing machine in it, it is better to still place the unit in a common row of furniture or under the countertop.

Classes

First of all, pay attention to the energy consumption class - the higher it is, the fewer kilowatts will wind the machine on your meter during operation. Marking is indicated on the label and in the main characteristics of the device.

The decrypted letter is quite simple:

• A( 170-190 W / h);
• B( 190-230 W / h);
• C( 230-270 W / h);
• D and below - up to 400 W / h( such machines on sale already almost do not occur).

There are also aggregates of classes A + and above( the number of pluses is limited to three, but it seems that this is not the limit).In fact, even a technique from the B-category is already considered economical, so it's not necessary to look for models marked A ++ or A +++.Stiralki do not work around the clock, like refrigerators, and the benefits of low power consumption are irrelevant.

At the same time for each plus sign on the sticker will have to pay extra, and a rather large sum. Such investments are unlikely to pay off until the end of the life of the machine.

The same initial letter is used to indicate the effectiveness of washing machines. The characteristics indicate the quality of spinning - the closer to the cherished letter A, the less moisture remains in the laundry after the cycle is completed. This indicator directly depends on the speed of rotation of the drum. On average, it reaches 1000 rpm, which gives a wet residue of about 10% at the outlet. However, there are models with more high-speed drums( up to 1500 rpm).

The most interesting is the class of efficiency of washing. It is calculated only for the standard mode and "tells" how well the machine removes stains from the first time. Class A and B models wash almost 100% of impurities from the laundry, but also from units with a low F or G rating, an efficiency of at least 80% is required.

Washing modes

Different modes are designed to maintain the integrity and appearance of things, but to ensure the most effective removal of contaminants. The main programs are present in most modern machines and take into account the most common fabrics: cotton, nylon, wool, etc.

Also to the basic modes are:

• Hand wash at +30. . + 40 ° C - with slow rotation of the drum and without spin;
• Delicate - the same manual, but already with squeezing;
• Express - more like a quick rinse and refresh not too dirty clothes;
• Intensive washing - works in opposition to the previous program for a long time and carefully;
• Prewash - a soaking mode to remove stubborn stains;
• ECO - optimization of the flow of water, electricity and detergents.

There are other functions that manufacturers introduce into their machines. And although they do not influence cardinal quality of washing, they are even more convenient to use modern technology. Just keep in mind that for every additional option you will have to pay extra - choose the programs that you really need.

Among the additional options can be:

• Bio-phase - maintaining a constant water temperature for a certain time;
• Ionization - disinfection with silver ions;
• Regulation of the water level in the tank;
• Control of foam formation;
• Delayed start;
• Aquastop - protection from leaks;
• Drum imbalance control.

Tank material

This parameter largely determines the service life of the washing machine, so ask the consultant what exactly the tank is made from in the selected model. Here several options are possible:

• Stainless steel is the prerogative of expensive units from well-known brands. Such a tank will not be demolished, but only on condition that it is welded qualitatively.
• Enamelled steel is a cheaper option. However, inside there will be a solid object, when striking, it will probably leave chips on the enamel, after which the "live" tank will not last longer than 2 years.
• Plastic is the most affordable option, which is found in all modern machines of activator type, as well as in budget machines. It is lightweight, not afraid of corrosion, but in case of unbalance or a strong blow it can crack.

Which washing machine to choose

? Dimensions and the possibility of embedding household appliances, each will have to be selected individually for the available area of ​​the bathroom or kitchen. The desired method of loading should take into account the state of health of the owners: the young family is suitable for the usual frontalka, but people aged or with back problems clearly need vertical loading.

As for other selection criteria, here you need to focus on the number of things and the frequency of washing. We will only give general recommendations:

1. Those who have a large family and have little time, definitely need an automatic machine with a loading volume of at least 6-7 kg. It also requires a good set of programs, the possibility of a delayed start and a high class of economy not lower than A or A +.It is not out of place that the choice of the speed of rotation of the drum and the shortened cycle of washing will be.

2. Bachelors and childless families will have a compact model with a load of up to 5 kg. For a rich set of modes, you should not chase - enough basic capabilities of cars with electronic push-button control. The energy consumption class is allowed A or B, the tank can be enameled or even plastic - the load on it will be small.

3. For the dacha, an activator type car will suffice - with a centrifuge, if there is enough room in the house, and "solo", when the area does not allow for a larger version.

Cost of washing machines

1. Stand-alone machines with front loading are sold at a price from 9000 to 50,000 rubles., Built-in equipment will be 6-8 thousand more expensive. Premium models and completely cost from 100 to 400 thousand rubles.

2. Automatic machines with vertical loading cost about 15-30 thousand. In the premium class, the price tag is increased to 60-110 thousand rubles.

3. The cheapest - semi-automatic activator type. Their price fluctuates between 2500-8000 rubles.