Currently, everyone has the opportunity to choose the technique that suits him not only in price, but also in appearance.

It is almost impossible to decide which washing machine is the best, because each of them is special, with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Let's decide in this article which washing machine is the best.

We study visual parameters

Modern manufacturers take into account the small space in the bathroom, and in the home appliance market you can often find small machines with great functionality.

Depth and loading

It will be narrow (no more than 45 cm) or standard (from 55 cm). To do this, you need to choose a place where it will stand, and also understand what you will wash.

When looking for an assistant, it is important to know the parameters that you need to focus on when choosing.

Most machines have drums with a load of no more than 6 kg, but if you plan to wash a lot or pillows with blankets, then it is more advisable to purchase a machine with a capacity of 7 kg or more.

Super narrow machine with a load capacity of up to 4 kg and a spin speed of 1000 rpm.

Not far gone Korean model LG F-12U2HFNA with a wide range of options.

Overview of Top Loaders

Top-loading machines first appeared in Soviet times. An ideal and indispensable technique in small apartments. Today they are no less popular than front-loading machines.

Significant benefits include:

The disadvantages are:

1. low cost;
2. lack of design frills;
3. lack of spare parts, which affects the cost of repairs.

What are the best vertical washing machines?

... spin

It indicates the number of revolutions and which spin in the washing machine is better depending on your preferences.

At 1500 rpm, the laundry comes out with a moisture content of less than 45% and corresponds to the letter A.

At such speeds, things are almost dry, but they are often lost. appearance and you have to work hard to iron the product.

Each company has its own consumers and answer the question: “Which company’s washing machine is better?” - not easy.

For example, Bosh has a good build, Samsung - additional features, Indesit - an affordable price.

Additional functions

There are a lot of them, but the main ones are useful and can come in handy, for example:

• control system (availability of water quality control sensors, child protection, etc.);
• Aqua Stop leakage protection (necessary and practical, it will save neighbors from flooding and is installed on almost all modern cars);
• direct drive (the drum works thanks to the engine, not the belt);
• Eco bubble (more effective removal of dirt due to the dissolution of the powder before washing);
• delayed start.

Price

It can be very cheap, a little more expensive and quite expensive.

Mechanical or electronic control

Mechanical control involves manual switching of modes. This type is simple but less functional.

With electronic control, the machine is more complex, but also more independent. She weighs herself, collects water herself, pours the powder and calculates the washing time. After that, the display will display all the data and inform the “brain” about the washing parameters.

But not everything is so smooth, the machine will not work correctly except in a 220 volt network.

Buying a washing machine is a responsible and serious business. After all, not many can afford to change it every couple of years. Usually this is a purchase for many years.

A modern washing machine with automatic washing is no longer a luxury. Rather, it is an item of urgent need, without which it is difficult to do without. And therefore the question is always relevant - how to choose a washing machine and which one is better? What to focus on when choosing and what kind of cars are, further in the review.

Before heading to the store or starting to search for a decent model on the Internet, you need to clearly understand where and how the new washing machine will be based and connected to communications. As practice shows, there are two main installation locations:

• Bathroom or shared bathroom.
• Kitchen (under the countertop).

The main criteria for determining the location of the machine are its the size and optimal location of the water supply, sewerage system and electrical outlet. Knowledge how to choose washing machine, is not always enough. You still need to clearly understand how to connect it.

For a bathroom or bathroom, the size of the machine is most important. It is necessary that it fits and there is enough space for its comfortable operation (the door opens and there is a place for hoses).

How to choose the right washing machine for installation in the kitchen? For this, built-in machines or models are used, in which the top is completely removed (many models have a removable cover, but are not built-in due to the high front panel). This will allow you to insert the machine under the countertop.

A simple conclusion is that the installation site must be suitable in size and that communications for further connection should be in the immediate vicinity. And already based on this, you can decide which washing machine to choose.

Types of loading for washing machines and their features

Often this criterion raises certain doubts during the selection. There are two main types of washers according to the loading method:

• Frontal (hatch with a door on the front wall).
• Vertical (the top cover and the hatch in a drum opens).

Each variety has its own characteristics, and also has pros and cons compared to each other. Further, in more detail about which washing machine to choose in the reviews of experts.

Front loading machines

The most common variety. And more in demand, because these devices are more traditional. This type is characterized by:

• Variety of sizes.
• Possibility of installation in the kitchen (under the countertop).
• Ease of loading laundry and detergents.
• The top cover of the machine can be used as a shelf.
• There are models with drying.
• Possibility to observe the washing process.

The dimensions of the frontal machines, with all their diversity, still have certain standards:

• W x 60 cm.
• H x 85 cm.

The depth may vary. The main types of sizes:

• Narrow - 30-33 cm.
• Compact models - 33-40 cm.
• Medium - 40-45 cm.
• Full size - 50-60 cm.

A clarification for those who have limited space and who do not know how to choose a narrow automatic washing machine. The most compact (30-33 cm) should be purchased if nothing else interferes. It is desirable that the car was from 40 cm in depth. This will eliminate excessive vibration and “walking” of the device around the room during the spin cycle. And loading more.

The main disadvantage is the constant width of 60 cm. Taking into account the fact that opening the hatch door also requires additional space, for small rooms this parameter often becomes critical.

Top loading machines

Such machines have a standard in size:

• H x 85 cm.
• W x 40 cm.
• D x 60 cm.

In stores you can often hear that in such models the drum rests on two bearings. And this supposedly answers the question - how to choose a reliable washing machine Right? Actually, the drum is held on two axle shafts with bearings. And in terms of fastening reliability, there are no noticeable differences between vertical and frontal machines.

The main and clear advantage of top-loading machines is their compact size with a large load of laundry. Only 40 cm wide and opening the door upwards will allow efficient use of such machines in small rooms. In addition, during the washing process, you can both report and pull out things.

Which company to choose a top-loading washing machine? The most common machines of this type are Whirlpool. Among the many models, you can choose at a price that depends on their functionality and load. It is better if there is an automatic parking of the drum. Also, Bosch and Ariston have decent models.

Unfortunately, it must be said that there are also disadvantages.

• Due to the size and location of the drum, these washing machines are more prone to vibration.
• The manufacture of vertical units is more difficult, and therefore the price is higher than that of similar frontal ones.
• The powder dispenser is located on top cover. In case of blockage, water enters the panel, which threatens to damage the control unit and corrode the housing.
• There is a possibility of opening the hatch of the drum during operation. This can cause serious damage.
• All parts and assemblies inside the machine are located very compactly. Therefore, the masters are reluctant to undertake the repair of vertical machines and want more money for it.

The main parameters influencing the choice

Which company's washing machine is better to choose, we will consider after, but for now, about the physical parameters.

capacity

• Narrow (33 cm) - from 3 to 3.5 kg.
• Compact (40 cm) - from 4 to 5 kg.
• Medium (45 cm) - from 5 to 7 kg.
• Full-size (50-60 cm) - from 6 to 14 kg.

The difference in loading for machines of the same size appears because modern models more effectively use the entire surface of the drum and have a greater margin of safety. Previously, only the main surface of the drum with water holes and laundry grippers worked during washing. In advanced models, this surface and grips are improved, and the rear wall and the convex glass of the hatch door are actively involved.

Washing class, energy consumption and spin efficiency

These parameters are indicated by Latin letters.

• A is the best
• B, C and subsequent - worse in descending order.

Wash class. How to choose a washing machine according to the class of washing? Everything is simple. It makes no sense to purchase an automatic machine with a declared washing class lower than the class marked with the letter A.

Energy class. A parameter that indicates how much energy the washing machine consumes in a standard wash cycle. When buying a car, you should not blindly trust some manufacturers who designate the energy class with the letter A with incredible amount pluses (A++++, etc.). Very often, energy consumption standards are interpreted freely. And it turns out that a washing machine with the specified class A has the same energy consumption as another with a large drawn A + (or with more pluses). This happens because, in addition to the demanding European, there are other "picky" standards. It is better to look not at the pros, but at the real numbers.

The indicator is not as important as for washing and energy consumption. It reflects the residual moisture in the laundry and depends on the spin speed. The more of them, the higher the spin class (can reach 1800 rpm). But few people need a spin of more than 1000-1200 rpm.

Noise level. It mainly depends on the type of engine. Older or budget models with a brushed motor run louder. In modern ones, brushless inverter motors are installed, which are almost inaudible during washing. It should also be noted that the metal tank is noisier. And there is no silent spin. If night silent washing is relevant, you should choose machines with the presence of such a subprogram.

Drying

If there is nowhere to dry the laundry and there is no place for a separate dryer, it makes sense to buy a combined machine with a dryer. However, it should be understood that such machines are considered less reliable and there are few drying modes (or even one at all).

Control

There are two types - mechanical type of control and electronic. It cannot be said that the "mechanics" are outdated long ago, although there are machines with electronic modules in large quantities on the market.

Programs

Contrary to popular belief, all automatic washing machines have 3 main types of programs - linen-cotton, synthetic fabrics and woolen clothes. All the rest are varieties of the main or auxiliary modes, designed to correct given program. Very useful are such modes as "prewash", "easy iron", "rinse plus", "fast wash" and the delay timer. And, of course, machines with temperature and spin speed adjustments are more convenient to operate. It would be useful to have a key lock or, in other words, “protection from children”. This will help keep both children and pets (if any) safe.

Types of protection against leaks

The filling (or drainage) system or the tank inside the washing machine itself can leak. Tanks made of metal have "sunk into oblivion" for a long time, and modern ones are made of a special polymer (there are many names, but the properties are identical for all) and consist of two halves tightened with screws or soldered. The most common type of protection against internal leaks is the bottom tray with a float sensor, which, when filled, blocks the further flow of water into the machine. A hose with a protective valve will protect against leakage from the outside. If this hose breaks, the water is shut off near the tap. More advanced is the AquaStop electronic protection system for Bosch and Siemens.

Important: Do not confuse the tank and the washing drum. As mentioned above, modern tanks (the part of the machine in which the drum is located) are mainly made of plastic, while the drums (the part of the unit where the laundry is placed) are made of stainless steel.

Additional features

direct drive- a design in which the motor is connected to the drum not through a pulley with a belt, but directly. It is generally accepted that machines with such a drive are quieter and more economical, but their main advantage is the ability to quickly change the direction and speed of rotation of the drum.
Fuzzy Logic. This term refers to the "artificial intelligence" of the washing machine. Thanks to him installed program can be automatically adjusted to optimize washing and water and energy costs.
Stain removal mode. Usually present in premium models. You can select the type of soiling (juice, blood or others) and the machine will optimize the wash for the best result.
Warranty and service. Usually the warranty period (not to be confused with the service life) is 12 months. The warranty is sometimes supplemented by post-warranty service. Easier - free repair upon breakdown. Quite convenient if the service period is given by the manufacturer. You should find out about the availability of service or support in your city.

Popular manufacturers

Which brand to buy a washing machine depends on your own preferences and financial capabilities. Among the leading manufacturers of washing machines there is a hierarchy.

• Premium washing machines. These include, for example, Miele and AEG. The price of such machines varies from 800 to 3000 USD.
• Washing machines of the average level. These are well-known Siemens, Bosch, Whirlpool, Zanussi and Electrolux. Their price range is from $400 to $600.
• budget segment. LG, Samsung, Beko, Ariston, Candy, Indesit and others. Their usual price tag ranges from 300 to 350 USD.

If you still have an open question, which washing machine to choose - expert reviews and helpful tips The video will help you make the right decision.

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Choosing a washing machine for your home is a relatively simple task (compared to many other types of household and computer equipment), but there are some nuances here. Therefore, it would be best to decide in advance on the main criteria, which will minimize the number specific models among which a final choice must be made. Let's list these options and see what they affect.

Type and size of washing machine

The simplest and most obvious parameter is the size of your future washing machine and the type of laundry loading (front or vertical).

You should also decide whether you need a built-in or freestanding machine. Built-in washing machines are usually installed in the kitchen. I must say that embedded machines are not very popular in Russia. A more common option is with a free-standing washing machine, which is installed in the bathroom (in small apartments, smaller machines are often installed - “under the sink”).

Built-in washing machine

Most washing machines have a height of 81-85 cm. For compact models that are installed under the sink, the height does not exceed 65-70 cm. Built-in machines are equipped with legs that allow you to change the height so that the machine fits under the height of the kitchen unit. We add that if you prefer a top-loading model, then a few tens of centimeters will need to be added to the height of the machine for an opening lid. The same is true for the model with horizontal loading: it is better to check in advance how convenient it will be to open the hatch during everyday use.

Keep in mind that top-loading models have two significant advantages. The first is universal: they allow you to add laundry to the wash after starting the program without canceling it (who, half a minute after pressing the Start button, has never found a T-shirt accidentally forgotten outside?). The second will certainly be appreciated by the elderly: in order to load and take out the laundry, you practically do not have to bend down or squat. If you are planning to buy a washing machine for an elderly person, top loading can be safely put on the list of the most important priorities. But there are no “verticals” in the built-in version (after all, it would require a special rising tabletop), and it cannot be used as an additional shelf in the bathroom.

However, in fairness it should be noted that there are still front-loading washing machines that allow adding something to the tank during the washing process. They've been released quite recently. Samsung, in her terminology this is called the "AddWash" function. It is implemented quite simply.

with AddWash function

The maximum amount of laundry that can be loaded into it depends on the depth of the washing machine. In case of lack of free space, you can limit yourself to a small machine with a depth of 30-40 centimeters, which will allow you to wash from 3 to 5 kg of laundry - this is quite enough for one or two people. Machines with a depth of up to 50 centimeters allow you to wash up to 6-7 kg at a time. Increasing the depth to 60 centimeters will increase the maximum laundry capacity to 8-10 kg, which is best suited for a large family.

Narrow washing machine is a rare example of custom design

More popular front loading machines will require about 50 centimeters of clearance in front of the machine in order to fully open the loading door. By the way, one of current trends, which can only be welcomed - to make the loading hatches of front-loading washing machines as large as possible in diameter. This really greatly simplifies and facilitates the process of loading laundry.

activator machines

Note that in addition to traditional drum washing machines, there are also activator-type machines. In an activator-type machine, linen is loaded from above into a fixed tank, and the contents of the tank are mixed due to the operation of the activator - a rotating shaft with blades. I must say that such machines are not very common. Primarily due to the fact that most of them are not connected to the water supply and will require the user to pour and drain the water manually (using a special hose). Spinning in such machines, if present, is usually in the form of a separate centrifuge drum. Models in which washing and spinning are done in the same tank are not very common. But such machines can be used where there is no running water. For example, in the country.

Erasers

The most common is the scheme in which the washing machine is equipped with a drawer with three compartments: for prewash detergent, main wash detergent and rinse aid. The first two compartments, again traditionally and in the vast majority of cases, involve the use of powder detergents, while the rinse aid, on the contrary, is supposed to be liquid.

This scheme suits almost everyone, except for those who use the gel, but do not want to completely abandon the pre-wash: in all other cases, the gel can be poured directly into the drum, but after the pre-wash, it will be drained, and the main one will simply pass without detergent. In this case, it is worth looking for a model in which the box is equipped with an additional partition that prevents the gel from pouring out: this partition is removed when using powder and installed if you use gel.

There are washing machines with automatic supply of detergent: washing gel and conditioner are poured into special containers in the machine, after which you can simply load the laundry and select the washing program - the machine will add the required amount of funds at the appropriate stages. The main thing is not to forget to add funds to the tanks in time: in some models, the control over their presence is completely shifted to the user.

inverter motor

Not so long ago, washing machines with an inverter motor appeared on the market, the design of which does not imply the use of brushes, and therefore, such an motor will be characterized by reduced wear. Key Feature Such an engine is the presence of a frequency converter that changes the speed and frequency of revolutions of the drum, converting current from direct to alternating. This allows you to more accurately control the operation of the mechanism.

Compared to traditional inverter motors, they operate almost silently, and their efficiency is on average 20% higher. In addition, inverter machines are able to wring clothes at high speed.

Despite all of the above, we cannot unequivocally state that buying a washing machine with an inverter motor is certainly a rational decision in terms of value for money. The price of such engines is high, and the cost of repair will also be high if it fails.

Wash and spin quality

The next item that is usually of interest to a person choosing a washing machine is the quality of washing and spinning clothes. The first parameter determines how clean your laundry will be after washing. From the second - how dry it will be.

The washing class is a rather difficult parameter to understand, invented more than 20 years ago and calculated based on the washing of “reference” soiled linen in various machines. Today, this parameter has practically lost its meaning: almost all modern washing machines have class A or higher (A +, A ++, A +++), and it is unlikely that the naked eye will be able to notice the difference between these classes.

But the spin class is a completely understandable and adequate characteristic by which you can understand how dry (or vice versa - how wet) the laundry that you take out of the washing machine will be.

• A (less than 45% humidity)
• B (45%-54% humidity)
• C (54%-63% humidity)
• D (63%-72% humidity)
• E (72%-81% humidity)
• F (81%-90% humidity)
• G (more than 90%)

At the same time, models in the range from A to E are widely represented on the market, and therefore, this parameter is very important when choosing.

spin speed up to 1500 rpm

The spin quality can also be determined by the maximum available spin speed. For most home washing machines, this is typically in the 800 to 1200 rpm range. For most household tasks, 1000 rpm is sufficient, and higher values ​​​​usually mean that a greater load will be placed on the machine (for example, it is supposed to wash a lot of laundry for a large family).

Energy class and water consumption

Since we are talking about different classes, it will not be superfluous to mention the energy class. Here, exactly the same scale is adopted - from A +++ to G. The calculations are made for washing 1 kilogram of cotton linen at a water temperature of 60 ° C.

Class A models, previously the most economical, use less than 0.19 kWh/kg. Class A+ is less than 0.17 kWh/kg, A++ is less than 0.15 kWh/kg, and A+++ is less than 0.13 kWh/kg. In addition, for each machine, the standard water consumption for one wash is indicated. On average, this parameter ranges from 36 to 60 liters, although you can also find models that require more than 100 liters. It is clear that if there is a water meter, such water consumption can significantly affect the value of the monthly bill.

Drying laundry

The laundry drying function is a rather useful feature that allows you to use freshly washed laundry immediately after the machine has finished working (of course, you still have to iron it). In addition, the linen does not have to be hung, and therefore, it becomes possible to save free place in the apartment. If you decide to opt for a washer-dryer, it will not be superfluous to check a few nuances.

The first is the number of drying programs. For various types fabrics are suitable for various drying modes, so it is better that your machine is universal and can dry synthetic fabrics, cotton, wool, etc.

Secondly, we must not forget that the maximum amount of laundry that the machine can dry will be about half as much as the maximum amount of laundry that it can wash.

Thirdly, we note that simple models simply dry clothes for a certain time, while more advanced ones measure the humidity in the tank, thus allowing not only to save energy, but also, for example, to get slightly damp clothes that are best suited for ironing. .

Noise level

Noise level is a simple and understandable parameter based on which you can determine whether your machine is suitable for installation in close proximity to, for example, a bedroom or a combined kitchen-living room. For most standard situations, a car with a noise level of no more than 55 dB is quite suitable.

Control

Almost all modern washing machines (with the exception of activator ones) have electronic system management. However, the appearance of the control panel, as well as the overall usability, can differ quite significantly. Some machines are equipped with a special display that shows what stage of the program the machine is currently in. It can also display hints and error codes in case something goes wrong.

Washing machine with large display

In activator machines, you can still find a mechanical control system in which the user sets everything required parameters manually - using knobs and buttons.

Availability of additional programs

Depending on the needs for various users it may be important to have certain special programs and additional features. Let's mention the most important ones. The name of many of them speaks for itself:

• Bio-phase - pre-heating water to 40 °C for 10-15 minutes, which allows bioadditives that act on organic pollution to take effect
• Quick wash
• Extra rinse
• Foam level control - draining water and then removing foam after completion of a certain cycle
• Delayed start
• Night mode- a special mode in which the machine does not go into "noisy" modes (for example, it does not wring out the laundry at the end of the wash)
• Prewash or Soak
• Special programs for outerwear, delicate fabrics, children's clothes, jeans, downy clothes, mixed fabrics, sports shoes, sportswear, black clothes, silk, wool, etc.

All of these features only make sense if you really plan to use at least some of them. From our point of view, the minimum required set of programs is as follows:

• wash with prewash
• normal wash
• washing synthetics
• neat ("gentle", "hand") washing
• quick wash
• option to turn off spin

This set, in combination with manual temperature control, is 99% likely to be enough for you for all occasions, and it is present in almost all modern washing machines.

Fuzzy Logic

After talking about programs, it's time to mention such a fashionable combination as Fuzzy Logic or "intelligent wash control". A washing machine with this function has a set of sensors that monitor the weight of the laundry, the degree of soiling, water hardness, etc.

Based on the data received from these sensors, CPU automatically determines the required washing time, the amount of water and the appropriate mode.

So, for example, an optical sensor will determine the degree of contamination of the linen by the transparency of the water, and the nature of the contamination will also be determined by the rate of contamination of the water with microparticles.

with Fuzzy Logic function

It is clear that such machines will cost significantly more, and some users may even be scared off by such an “intervention of technology” in a familiar area. After all, surprises are possible here: for example, you decided that your laundry would be ready in an hour, and the machine considered that it would take at least two hours. However, judging by the feedback from users, most of them tend to trust automation and evaluate such an innovation positively. After all, automation will allow you to avoid overspending washing powder and eliminate situations when the machine spends time on additional washing of already clean linen.

Leak protection

Finally, the last but not least point for many is protection against leaks. After all, the washing machine interacts with water every day, and therefore, if any part fails, a flood can occur. The most vulnerable places in this case are the water supply and drain hoses, as well as the body of the machine itself.

The body of the machine is traditionally protected by a sump and a float: if water enters the sump, the float rises and disables the system. The hoses are protected by nested "double" hoses and solenoid valves. If water enters the "external" hose, the protection system is activated and the water supply stops. By the way, such a hose can be installed separately - they are suitable for almost all washing machines. The presence of full protection allows you not to worry about potential accidents and calmly turn on the wash, even if you are not at home (using the delayed start function).

Outcome

In fact, almost any modern washing machine is 99% likely to cope with the tasks that you set for it. Therefore, the most important selection criteria are purely geometric parameters: whether she can fit into the room that you are planning for her. Everything else is options, not so essential. One of the most important is capacity: how much laundry the machine can wash at a time. Obviously, this amount should not "stress" you - that is, the amount of linen should be more than used in order to provide the necessary supply: at least one set should always remain "clean".

Buying any household appliances is a headache. After all, you want to have a high-quality, but inexpensive and with all the necessary functions. The task is not easy. To put it mildly. How to choose the right washing machine, what is worth overpaying for, what you can refuse - read on.

Washing machines can have a loading hatch located at the top - vertical loading, or they can - on the front side of the case - front loading. How to choose a washing machine on this basis?

There are two significant advantages of vertical loading. The first is the ability to add laundry during washing. The second is that they usually have a smaller width and depth (but higher) compared to front-facing washers with a similar load. There are a couple more positive points that can affect the choice if there are small children in the family: you can’t get burned on its body (like on the glass of the door) and small children can’t get to the loading door and control panel. If this is important to you, consider this option, but consider the cons.

Which washing machine to choose - top-loading or front-loading ...

There are also disadvantages. The first is that you cannot build such a machine under a sink, countertop, etc. The lid opens up, so only the “solo” washing machine is installed. The second disadvantage is that the prices for top-loading washing machines are higher (40-50% difference or even more). And this is probably the main limiting factor.

An additional plus to the decision to choose a front-loading washing machine is their wide variety. There are many more models from any manufacturer.

Choice of maximum load and dimensions

These two parameters should be considered together as they are interconnected: small machines have a smaller drum, respectively, they can accommodate a smaller amount of laundry. In any case, this applies to machines with a frontally located loading hatch.

Dimensions for Front Loading Models

Conventionally, all washing machines of this type can be divided into four groups by size:

Considering the dimensions of the machines, please note that the measurements are given on the top cover. In real life, for installation, you need a place more in depth. A few centimeters will be added to the conclusions sticking out from behind and connecting the hoses. Also, a door protrudes for some distance. This must be kept in mind.

Dimensions for top-loading models

The choice of sizes for top-loading washing machines is much smaller:

In addition to size, pay attention to the shape of the top panel. For some models, it is flat and can be used as a shelf. Other manufacturers try to make the design more interesting and add decorative elements. It is difficult to say how much they improve the appearance, but nothing can be put on them.

Amount of dry laundry

The dimensions are more or less clear. The machine must "fit" into the available space. But how to determine the maximum load? In general, they proceed from the fact that it is convenient to run the wash once a day or in 2 days. this, of course, depends on lifestyle and habits, but there are general recommendations:

Here, based on these criteria, you can choose an automatic washing machine immediately both in size and in drum volume (load size).

Drum - stainless steel or plastic

The drum of an automatic washing machine can be made of stainless steel or composites - special durable plastics. Once upon a time there were drums made of enamelled steel, but they turned out to be so unreliable that even sellers refused them. Despite low price such units. So today you have to choose a washing machine with a plastic or stainless tank.

We are more familiar with stainless steel. Everyone knows that she serves for a long time. And it is. But it's expensive. If you want to save money, you can consider a washing machine with a plastic tank. If the car is not overloaded, they are no worse. Their working life is 25 years. No washing machine will last that long. So if you need to fit into a small budget - look at models with a plastic tank. What you need to pay attention to is that the surface of the tank is smooth. All. No more subtleties.

What you should pay attention to is the shape of the baffle grips inside the tank. The asymmetric shape enhances the washing quality, as do the raised perforations in the body of the tub.

Drive and motor type

Washing machines with direct drive appeared a few years ago. Compared to a belt drive, they are less noisy, with equal dimensions they have a larger load, reduced washing time (due to the fact that a sharp start and stop are possible and the laundry is washed better). And one more plus - a slightly reduced power consumption (higher energy efficiency).

Direct drive - more "maneuverable"

In addition to the drive, you need to pay attention to the type of engine. Better in performance inverter motor. There are no brushes in its design, therefore, there are no losses on them. It is more economical, has a long service life (longer than conventional), can be accelerated to significant speeds, and it is easier to control and regulate the speed of rotation. There are other positive aspects: during operation, it produces less noise.

If you need to choose an automatic washing machine that is quiet, reliable, so that it can wash well and be economical - see models with an inverter motor and direct drive. They meet these criteria. However, their prices are above average. And this is with a minimum of programs. But this option has other disadvantages - expensive repairs and spare parts in case of problems with the motor.

Control: mechanics or sensors and electronics

An unequivocal answer to this question has not yet been found. On the one hand, electronics gives more opportunities to control the washing process, which reduces energy consumption. Not for nothing that almost all washing machines with a high energy class with electronic control. On the other hand, electronics are more sensitive to the quality of the supply voltage. For long and continuous work, it is desirable to install a stabilizer. In addition, few people repair control boards today. They are usually just replaced. And at a cost, they are approximately equal to half the cost of the car.

The choice between mechanical and electronic control - depending on your wishes

The advantage of mechanical control is that it is less sensitive to voltage drops. But also less functional. Also, the lower price can be attributed to the positive aspects. But additional service functions, protections, etc. no such equipment exists. So, according to this parameter, you will have to choose a washing machine based on your own preferences.

Specifications

It is impossible to choose a washing machine and not pay attention to its technical characteristics. Perhaps you should not delve into the subtleties, but know the parameters that affect the quality of washing and the efficiency of the unit.

Energy class and power consumption

The energy class is also called energy efficiency. It is designated by letters of the Latin alphabet - from A (first class) to G (lowest). Shows how efficiently energy is consumed during the washing process. In connection with the rise in electricity prices, this parameter has become relevant - the higher the energy efficiency, the less electricity consumption will be, all other things being equal. To choose a washing machine with minimal consumption, take class A with pluses (A +, A ++, A +++). The more pluses, the more economical it is. But here it is necessary to look in combination with the price - sometimes it rises greatly with an increase in the number of "pluses".

How the energy class is set - according to the energy consumption for washing one kilogram of laundry

Just don't confuse energy efficiency with power consumption. The power consumed by the washing machine is very dependent on the power heating element. And here you need to look so that the power consumption is not too low. Otherwise, in winter, the water may not have time to warm up to the desired temperatures. So it is better to take medium or high power, but paired with good energy efficiency. Then the water will also be heated to the required temperature, and, due to good governance and energy-saving technologies, electricity consumption will not be excessive.

Spin efficiency class and drum speed

The efficiency class of washing clothes with a washing machine is indicated in the same way - they put Latin letters from A to G. They reflect the amount of moisture that remains in the washed clothes:

• class A - 45%;
• class B - 54%;
• class C - 63%;
• class D - 72;.

In percentage terms, the difference is significant, but in practice the difference between class A and C is not very big. Yes, it takes a little longer to dry, but not to the extent that you can shell out a solid amount for a higher class. After all, the amount of remaining water directly depends on the speed of the drum during the spin cycle, and the more revolutions it should gain, the more powerful the motor and more reliable bearings are required. And this is reflected in the price.

Spin class - not so important characteristic to pay big money for it

In general, today the best choice is the B-C spin class with a drum rotation speed of 1000-1200 rpm. There are models that develop even 2000 rpm (Gorenje WA 65205), but why overpay? At high speeds (meaning 1000-1200 rpm), mainly cotton fabrics (but not knitwear) and synthetics are wrung out. For everyone else, more than low speeds. Do you have a lot of cotton fabric (not knitwear) and pure synthetics? Most likely no. So why such capacities that will not be used?

So, it is better to choose a washing machine with a spin class B or C and a maximum speed of 1000-1200.

Wash class

With this parameter, everything is more or less clear. The better the machine washes, the higher its class. It is also designated in Latin letters from A to G. That's just the difference between classes A-B-C hard to find even on close inspection. But the difference in price is very noticeable.

In general, no one invented anything fundamentally new in the field of washing modes, and, from operating experience, we can say that the quality of washing depends on the correctly selected program and the detergents used. The class of washing does not really affect this indicator.

Noise level

IN technical specifications washing machines indicate two levels of noise: during washing and during spinning. Happy is he who has a dedicated technical room in which all noisy Appliances. They can ignore this indicator. For those who put a washing machine in an apartment or house, and even try to run it at night, during the reduced rate, the noise level is a very important point.

The washing machine will not interfere even at night if the noise level during spinning does not exceed 70 dB, but it is better if this figure is lower. There are several models that can be considered the best according to this criterion:

• LG F1296SD3. Loading 4 kg, noise level during washing 47 dB, during spinning 67 dB.
• LG F1020ND1. Loading 6 kg, washing noise 54 dB, during spinning 64 dB.
• AEG L6FBG48S. Loading 8 kg, noise level during washing 50 dB, during spinning 70 dB.
• Gorenje W 6843. At 6 kg, noise 55/70 dB.
• Bosch WIS 24140. AT 7 kg, noise 56/70 dB.

To reduce the level of vibration and noise, it is worth putting vibration-damping pads under the legs. They will allow you to reduce noise a little more - due to the fact that the part that is transmitted through vibrations is cut off.

Water consumption

For a washing machine to be truly economical, it also needs to use as little water as possible. This is another resource whose prices are constantly rising. With this indicator, not everything is so simple. Sometimes the technical specifications indicate the consumption of water per wash - they just cost liters. But this is incorrect - the loading of machines can be different, so it is more reasonable to calculate the water consumption per kilogram of dry laundry. For some manufacturers or in some online / stores, this characteristic is indicated.

If not, you can divide the indicated total flow by the maximum tank load yourself. So the comparison more accurately reflects real situation of things.

Number of programs and additional functions

To finally choose a washing machine, see the list of available programs. Of course, I want to have as many of them as possible. But there is a strict pattern - the more programs, the higher the cost. And you won't be able to use all of them. Some are turned on once - to see what kind of mode it is, others are not used at all. With a limited budget, it makes sense to limit yourself to a minimum.

What must be required

It is easy to determine the necessary set of functions. Eat basic programs used by almost everyone:

Not bad if it is possible to put an extra rinse or separately only spin without washing. This is useful for families with children or asthma/allergy sufferers.

Pre-wash / soak / bio-mode can be useful. These are all the names of the same algorithm, in which the laundry is aged for 15-20 minutes in soapy water without heating before washing. This allows you to wash heavily soiled things.

Leak protection

If you live in an apartment building, the fear of flooding the neighbors from below is always present in the background. Therefore, it is scary to leave a running washing machine unattended. But there are smart machines that monitor the water level during washing. If it drops for no reason (water pumping is not turned on), the machine blocks the flow of water and stops the program.

There is protection against leaks of only the body or only hoses, and there is complete protection, with the installation of sensors and valves at the inlet and outlet of the hoses, the inlet and outlet of the body. In general, a good thing, but if this option fits into your budget.

Delay start timer

This option is useful for those who have . With this function, you can reschedule the wash for the duration of the reduced rate, and do not keep track of the time yourself, do not wait for the onset of this very preferential time.

You just need to look at how long you can postpone the start. The longest transfer is 24 hours. There is no longer one yet, and even then not everyone can transfer it to such a period of time. Some models (with electronic control) allow you to set the delay to the nearest minute, others have only certain time intervals. For example, 3 and 9 hours.

Drying

If the apartment does not have space to install a dryer or a separate dryer, a drying mode can help. At this time, the laundry is turned over in the drum and blown with warm air.

Some models allow you to set only the duration of this mode, others control the condition of the laundry, turn off automatically when a certain humidity is reached.

List of additional modes of automatic washing machines

In addition to the above modes, which are found in about a third of the units, there is also a fairly solid list of additional features. They are obviously not required, but may be useful to someone:

These are all the main points thanks to which you can choose a washing machine that will fully satisfy your needs.

Nowadays, you can find a very large number of different goods on store shelves, and before buying a washing machine, we often go to the Internet for expert advice and expert reviews in order to solve the age-old question - which washing machine is better and which one is better for us to buy.

In fact, everything is not so simple here. It is impossible to give an unequivocal answer to this difficult question, because each type of equipment has its own technical and other characteristics. Therefore, we want to offer you to understand this issue by examining washing machines from different angles and understand which machine is right for you.

Which machine is better: top-loading or front-loading

The first thing you need to decide before choosing a washing machine is the type of load. Some machines are top-loading and some are front-loading. And each of these types has its own advantages, let's talk about them.

Front loading

It is much easier to choose the best front-loading washing machine, because it is the most washing machines with such a load on the market .. This is due to the fact that they are more affordable and, probably, more familiar to us. Their advantages are as follows:

• Lower price compared to vertical machines
• The possibility of embedding them in furniture
• Lower washing machine height, especially for some models.

The disadvantages of such machines are:

• Large dimensions compared to top-loading machines
• With the door open for loading laundry, the dimensions increase even more.
• Inability to load laundry during washing.

But all these shortcomings are not very critical and are not a strong argument to refuse this type of download.

Vertical loading

Cars with this type of loading are less in demand, but with the growth of the market their share is increasing, and they are gaining popularity. This is natural, because they have the following advantages:

• Small dimensions - these washing machines are more compact than front-loading machines.
• Possibility to load laundry during washing.
• The door, when opened, does not require additional space as with front-loading machines.

Of the shortcomings, only two can be distinguished:

• Higher cost compared to similar models of front loading machines.
• Impossibility to build under the sink and into the kitchen under the countertop, because the loading door opens up.

After reading the pros and cons of both types of washing machines, you now have to decide for yourself which one is best for you and which one is worth buying. We can only advise you to pay attention to the following points.

If you have a fairly small area for a washing machine and space is limited, then you should consider a top-loading model, otherwise you can safely buy a front-loading machine.

What capacity should a washing machine have?

A very important criterion when choosing a washing machine is its capacity. It is measured in kg. For example, there are washing machines for 3.5 kg of dry laundry. This means that you can load no more than this amount of dry laundry in one wash, otherwise the machine will refuse to wash.


The amount of laundry that the machine can hold in one wash also determines its dimensions, in particular, the width of the washing machine. The more laundry the machine holds, the larger its dimensions and vice versa. Therefore, when buying a washing machine, give preference to the one that would meet your requirements. For example, if you live alone, then a narrow washing machine with a load of up to 3.5 kg of laundry per wash will suit you. If you have a large family and children, then you need to look at models from 6 kg, because you will have to wash a lot and quite often.

In addition, it is worth noting: the larger the washing machine, the less it is subject to vibrations, and vice versa, narrower washing machines are more vibrating and noisier. This is true under otherwise equal conditions.

Which class of spin, wash and energy saving is better

To determine which washing machine is better for this type of characteristics, you need to figure out what these characteristics are.

Spin class

The spin class is a parameter that determines how well the machine spins the laundry and, accordingly, the higher the spin class, the better. The highest spin class at the moment is class "A" with a maximum number of revolutions of 1300-2000.

But do you need such a spin class? That is the question. In fact, no more than 1400 rpm, or even 1200 rpm, is enough for clothes to be wet. Of course, you can adjust the number of revolutions and set it to a lower one, but you still have to pay more for a higher spin class.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice and choose the spin class that is right for you, read our recommendations for choosing the spin class of washing machines in a detailed article.

Wash class

The washing class, by analogy with the spin class - the higher, the better. But today, most washing machines, even from the budget price segment, have the highest spin class "A". Therefore, choose a machine with an “A” spin class without hesitation.

Energy class

As you might guess, the higher the class, the better. And this is true, but you need to take into account such a moment that you will need to pay extra for a higher class, because more economical cars are more expensive. The energy saving class is better for machines with an inverter motor, you can read more about them, but in our opinion it is not worth overpaying for this today.

Therefore, other things being equal, give preference to a machine with a higher energy saving class.

Which washing machine programs are best

Do I need to pay attention to the presence of certain programs when choosing a washing machine? Of course, if you have asked a similar question, then it is worth considering it closer and understanding it. Today, different manufacturers of washing machines and in different models present completely different programs washing. At first glance, it may seem that the choice of programs is so high that it is almost impossible to understand it.


But it is worth noting that with all the variety of washing programs in different models, they are all similar in application. Let's list the typical programs that are present in almost every washing machine and answer 99% of user requests:

• Normal wash (cotton)
• Synthetics
• Delicate wash
• Quick wash
• Handwash
• Wool

These programs solve almost any task of washing clothes, all the rest can be chosen only from your preferences and wishes. They tend to add convenience when washing certain types of clothes.

What additional features to look out for

Since there are a lot of washing machines, and each of the manufacturers is trying to bring some know-how to this unit, it is worth knowing the main functions that you should pay attention to.

Leak protection is a pretty popular feature these days. It allows the washing machine to control water leakage and, in case of such, block the water supply, thereby preventing floor flooding (respectively, neighbors from below). The function is quite useful and, of course, necessary, but it happens not on all models.

Partial protection against water leaks is more common - it prevents water from leaking due to a special hose that you can buy at the store and put on any washing machine.


Models with full protection against water leaks with the Aqua Stop system will prevent leakage in the event that water gets into any wrong place in the washing machine. The complete protection against water leaks has an additional solenoid valve on the hose, which is controlled by the washing machine itself. Only the manufacturer of the washing machine can install such leakage protection.

Of course, you should choose a washing machine with full protection against water leaks, but keep in mind that such models are of a more expensive segment.

Direct drive machines- today there are a lot of various myths around these washing machines. It should be noted that direct drive machines are manufactured by LG and if you decide to buy just such a washing machine, then consider that you have already decided on the manufacturer.


Advantages of this type drive is that the drum rotates directly from the engine itself without the use of a belt, respectively, the number of rotating parts is reduced, their service life is extended and noise is reduced.

Eco bubble, "Six movements of care", etc.- this is, so to speak, the know-how that each manufacturer has, and each has its own. We tend to believe that, undoubtedly, they have their advantages, and they have a positive effect on the quality of washing. But the role of these know-hows is greatly overestimated and is more of a commercial move. Therefore, we recommend not to focus on them.

Various control systems- modern washing machines have a bunch various sensors control of various parameters: imbalance control, foam control, water quality control, washing powder dissolution control, anti-crease control and the like. Undoubtedly, these types of sensors make the operation of the washing machine easier. But it is worth noting that you have to pay for the pleasure: the equipment itself with additional functions is already in the more expensive segment.

Also pay attention to the conditions in which you plan to use the washer. For example, if you want to choose a washing machine for a summer residence, then there are many nuances here, ignoring which in the future you will experience inconvenience or even the inability to use a washing machine. Such a situation may arise, for example, in the case of insufficient water pressure in the country. You can read more about all the intricacies of choosing a washing machine for a summer residence on our website.

It is impossible to list all the functions of washing machines, because manufacturers come up with new ones every day. So pay attention to key features washing machine, namely the quality of washing, spinning, programs, dimensions, capacity, type of load. And all additional functions choose from your preferences.

Buy a washing machine with or without a dryer

Recently, more and more washing machines with a drying function began to appear on the market, and people began to ask a logical question: which washing machine is better with or without a dryer?

The presence of drying in the washing machine, of course, is a very positive thing - after all, in one device you have the function of two. Buying a washer-dryer is cheaper than buying a separate washer and dryer. But there are some pitfalls here, let's talk about them:

• Washers and dryers take up much more space, because in order to use the dryer, you need a fairly large drum. Therefore, such a washing machine may not even go through the door - it will have to be disassembled a little.
• Large power consumption– Compared to a conventional washing machine, drying requires additional energy and consumes more electricity.
• The drying quality of washing machines is worse than that of individual tumble dryers- if you are faced with the choice of buying a washer-dryer or a set of two units, then it is better to choose the second. First, the dryer can accommodate large quantity clothes for drying. Secondly, the quality of drying clothes is higher.

We are not saying that washer-dryers are evil. No, of course, this is a wonderful invention, which is undoubtedly necessary. But you should be aware of the disadvantages of these devices.

Which brand of washing machine is better

This is a very difficult question that no professional can give you an objective answer to. Here everyone decides for himself what he likes best. But, if we talk about the frequency of breakdowns in a washing machine of a particular manufacturer, then it is worth looking at the rating of washing machines for this year and drawing the appropriate conclusions from it. It is definitely impossible to say that the best LG brand washing machine; or Hotpoint-Ariston is worse than Samsung.

Washing machines of all brands are worthy of attention. LG, for example, is famous for its direct drive and its 5-year warranty. Bosh - for its build quality and ease of use, BEKO - for its low price and availability.

In a word, each buyer can find the best washing machine according to his needs and wallet.