How to choose a washing machine?

This technique is classified by the installation method, the type of laundry loading and the presence of drying. Choosing a washing machine, you, first of all, must decide where it will stand. Secondly, decide how much you are willing to allocate finance for the purchase. Based on the answers received, and consider the current range of equipment, taking into account the pros and cons of each type listed below.

The following types of washing machines are available:

• recessed - are fully built-in and installed under the countertop. The first option is great for the kitchen, as it is completely hidden behind the headset. As a result, such models make noise and vibrate less, but cost more.
• freestanding - A classic version for the bathroom, the dimensions of which depend on the method of loading linen and the dimensions of the tank.
• with separate tank - An excellent solution for a summer residence. Such washing machines are chosen when there is no way to connect the equipment to the sewer or water supply.
• top loading - dirty laundry is placed through the hatch located on the surface, which is why the lid cannot be used as a shelf. However, such models are more compact.
• front loading - due to a well-thought-out design, it holds up to 10 kg of linen, but takes up more space, because the linen is placed in the drum with the help of a hatch installed on the side.
• with dryer - More advanced models, suggesting the possibility of spinning the laundry after washing. On average, they cost 30% more, regardless of the type of construction.

Which load is better front or vertical for the washing machine? - many users are interested! As a rule, no one receives an intelligible answer from manufacturers and craftsmen, which is why various theories and assumptions appear. For example, that a vertical machine is more reliable due to the fact that the shaft is located on both sides and is fixed by two bearings to the drum. In a side-loading machine, a shaft rotating a drum in a circle is located only on one side, and for some reason many people think that it is mounted with one bearing on the rear wall. This is not true! There are also two of them, but they are in close proximity to each other (10-15 cm). Given the design features, the shaft is attached with more reliable and durable parts, which compensates for their unfavorable location relative to each other.

Accordingly, the type of load of linen does not affect the efficiency and service life of the equipment. The difference is only in the dimensions, the method of opening the door and the noise level. Full-size devices with a vertical loading of 15 cm are narrower, but due to the fact that the area is smaller, they vibrate and shake harder. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a washing machine according to the type of loading of laundry, starting from where it will be installed. In some cases, there is simply no free space to open the side door.

We offer more details on the strengths and weaknesses of different types of washing machines. Just note that there is no fundamental difference in the work of embedded and classic models. The differences are only in price, since the dimensions of the bathroom do not always allow you to install a full-sized washing machine. Therefore, you have to pay extra for additional elements in the design for installing equipment in the kitchen. When choosing a washing machine for the price, keep in mind that you will have to pay extra for the size, number of programs, power, capacity of the laundry, the quality of the tank, drum and dryer. We will try to tell you as much as possible on which aspects you can’t save, and why ...

Unfortunately, sales consultants do not focus on the quality of the drum, trying to interest the buyer with the functionality of the models they sell. However, the potential service life of the equipment depends on this particular construction detail. When choosing a washing machine for quality, make sure that the ribs are extruded in the drum and made of stainless steel. Impellers mounted on fasteners can fly out literally after a month of operation. At the same time, taking advantage of warranty service, you are most likely to install them on sealants, doubtfully increasing the operating period for an unpredictable period of time.

The tank in which the drum is installed can be made of steel or composite materials. The first option is more durable, but they make a lot of noise. Carboran, polynox, polyplex perfectly absorb vibrations, but not so wear-resistant. Other types of composite materials are not worth considering.

Speaking of dimensions, you should consider that for models with different types of laundry loading, the standards for height, width and depth differ:

1. Full-sized vertical can be of the following types: 85x40x60 and 90x40x60 centimeters;
2. The front ones, in turn, are divided into compact, narrow 85x60x32-47 cm and full-sized 85x60x52-60 cm.

The maximum load of linen for washing machines with a vertical load is 5 and 6 kilograms, respectively. For frontal analogs from 3.5 to 10 kg. Please note that manufacturers use this parameter for dry laundry.

The topic of energy saving is quite relevant today, so manufacturers pay much attention to the energy consumption of their models. If you do not know how to choose a washing machine at a price, keep in mind that the energy efficiency class plays a very important role in this matter, as it indicates the consumption of electricity. Class A and B models are initially more expensive, but they quickly pay off in relation to devices with a power level of C and D, since they require less resources to work. Do not forget that this type of equipment has a significant impact on the total amount of utility bills.

Washing class - characterizes the degree of effectiveness of removing contaminants for different clothes. It is marked with Latin characters from A to G. Some manufacturers who focus on the Russian market immediately sign for which fabrics this or that symbol is suitable.

Another common question about choosing a washing machine is how many revolutions do you need for a good spin? In most cases, the power varies from 600 to 2000 rpm.For a full spin, 1000-1200 rpm is enough. The higher the indicator, the stronger the centrifugal force inside the drum, which stretches and spoils things. As a rule, jeans, towels and other dense fabrics wring out a maximum of 800 rpm. A little more speed may be required for terry things: bathrobes, bedding, etc. Why then do manufacturers offer such a margin of power? The fact is that low-pressure washing machines operate on small bearings that fail more quickly. As a result, you have to completely change the entire tank, which is very expensive. In devices with a powerful extraction, more expensive parts are used that can withstand the declared loads, although they are not used in full.

As for the quality of work, an important parameter is the degree of effectiveness, it is marked, like the washing class, in Latin letters. The higher the index, the less moisture remains in the laundry, and it dries faster after spinning.

It is more difficult to choose a washing machine by price and quality every day, because manufacturers have taken a course on cheaper equipment. As a result, even premium brands began to condescendingly treat important structural elements, compensating for this with all kinds of programs and additional options. There is no need to view each of them through a prism. It is more important to understand that a cheap equipment, equipped with many options, cannot perform its tasks qualitatively! We propose to focus on the most important elements of any washing machine in order to figure out how to save and what should not be done.

If you intend to choose the right washing machine, you should pay due attention to the control method, since the convenience of operating the equipment depends on this parameter. There are two types of models:

1. Mechanical - equipped with several rotary switches designed to select the washing class, speed and water temperature;
2. Electronic - provide extended and simplified control over the washing parameters: spin, temperature, number of rinses, etc. As a rule, such models are additionally equipped with an electronic display, which also allows you to monitor the progress of the process. In particular, information is displayed on the time until the end of the wash, the number of revolutions, and other parameters.

It is worth adding that electronically controlled inventions are more expensive, but they allow you to control the consumption of electricity and water.

Of course, programs focused on working with certain things are a very nice addition. If the machine is aimed at choosing a good washing machine, we recommend that you take care of the following modes: “Quick wash”, “Half load” and “Soak”. Judging by customer reviews, “Extra Rinse” does not particularly affect the quality of the wash, although many brands are very desperate to buy such models. You can also save on “Intensive Wash” and non-trustworthy modes, such as “Outerwear”, “Shirts”, etc. It is better that there are programs for certain types of fabrics "Synthetics", "Linen", "Cotton". In total, up to 20 options can be set. But of these, a maximum of 5-10 are useful.

All manufacturers are trying to add a twist to their products in the form of proprietary technologies. But, most often, such measures lead to the appearance of an inappropriate price / quality ratio. Do not forget why you choose a washing machine. Nevertheless, it will not hurt to get acquainted with interesting features of technologies of different brands:

1. LG - six patented drum rotation modes, which allows you to find the optimal movement for a specific type of fabric;
2. SAMSUNG - equips a number of models with air bubble generation technology, which allows completely dissolving the powder in water;
3. CANDY - a system of continuous injection of detergent into the drum;
4. BOSCH - water injection from three different sides;
5. HOOVER - protection against leaks;
6. ZANUSSI - dissolution of chemicals by water, previously enriched with air bubbles;
7. WHIRLPOOL - automatic control over the consumption of electricity depending on the weight of the loaded laundry;
8. ARDO - equipped with a processor capable of determining and drawing conclusions regarding the degree of contamination of linen on the quality of water during the washing process.

Draw conclusions, friends. We hope we could help you with something with the parameters of choosing a washing machine. Good luck