How to choose a washing machine

When choosing a washing machine, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics and installation features of the device.

content

What to look for when buying
Types of washing machines
Which washing machine to choose
Washing machine selection options
Additional functionality
The cost of washing machines
The best manufacturers of washing machines - which company to choose
Video on the choice of washing machine

We recommend to get acquainted with rated the best LG washing machines according to experts.

How to choose a washing machine: what to look for

When choosing a washing machine, it is most important to consider the following parameters and features:

Installation type (built-in, freestanding);
Dimensions (narrow, standard, wide);
Load volume;
Loading type (frontal, vertical);
Spin speed (in revolutions);
Type of control (mechanical, electronic, intellectual);
Classes of energy consumption, washing and spin;
Noise level;
Additional functionality.
Also important is the manufacturer.

Types of washing machines

Washing machines can be classified by type, by installation option and by the method of loading laundry.

Types of washing machines

By type of washing machines are divided into activator (semi-automatic) and full-size (automatic).

Activator washing machines

Activator washing machines are the most classic configuration of such household appliances. Structurally, they are a tank in which a screw is installed that rotates the water and therefore removes contamination from the fabric by friction of one web with another, as well as by passing streams through the material. Washing and rinsing occur in the same container.

The owner has to constantly be present at this machine in the process of washing - to put clothes in the tank, change the water in it, etc. But it's still better than washing by hand.

Some models are also equipped with a separate centrifuge, in which squeezing moisture out of clothes takes place.

Activator-type washing machines are not the best solution for use in apartments and just everyday care for clothes. However, they are great for use in the country.

Virtues

The minimum price (from several thousand rubles);
You can wash even very dirty clothes;
No installation required;

disadvantages

The high complexity of the washing process;
Large dimensions of the device;
Not suitable for delicate fabrics;
Lead to wear fabric with regular washing;
The quality of washing directly depends on the powder, temperature and softness of the water;

Full-size washing machines

Full-size - the most common type of washing machines. They can operate in fully automatic mode, the user will only need to load the clothes and remove them at the end of the cycle.

Convenience and practicality of such washing machines are directly dependent on their functionality.Modern models will perfectly cope with delicate fabrics, squeeze and dry clothes, turn on on schedule and remove even the most complex contaminants.

Full-size washing machines are the best choice for home, apartment and everyday use.

Virtues

Fully automatic wash;
Compact dimensions;
Wide functionality;
Maximum usability;

disadvantages

High cost (especially for multifunctional models);
The complexity of the repair;
The need for installation and connection to all utilities (hot and cold water, sewage, electricity);

Varieties of washing machines for installation options

According to the installation option, washing machines are divided into free-standing and embedded.

Freestanding washing machines

freestanding washing machines

The most common type of washing machines. They are easy to install - just connect the device to engineering communications and can be used. Such washing machines can have a variety of dimensions.

It is understood that they will stand separately in the bathroom or kitchen. However, with some engineering skills, they can be embedded in the furniture set. But this will lead to a reduction in the operational period due to improper heat transfer.

Virtues

A variety of models, colors, dimensions, types, loading options and other parameters;
Simplicity in installation and connection to engineering communications;
Relatively easy maintenance and repair;
Increased power due to passive heat transfer.

disadvantages

They take quite a lot of space, which is critical for small bathrooms;
They may not fit into the bathroom design concept.

Built-in washing machines

As the name implies, these washing machines are designed to be installed in special niches of a furniture set. Such devices should be used if you plan to place this equipment in the kitchen.

It is clear that such washing machines exist only of full-size type. And they are recommended for purchase if you plan to install this device in the kitchen.

Virtues

Can be built into the furniture;
Take up less space than freestanding.

disadvantages

Difficulty to install;
It is necessary to carefully select the size;
Slightly less power than the freestanding;
Difficulty in maintenance.

Type of loading washing machines

According to this parameter, washing machines are divided into two types - with vertical and horizontal loading.

Top-loading washing machines

The lid of the tank in such washing machines (talking about full-size models) is located in the upper part, and they open like a book or a box. They also differ in the design of the tank for clothes. First, it is mounted on a special axis (that is, two fixation points), and secondly, it is equipped with a special additional cover, which must be closed after loading.

Such washing machines are the ideal solution for small apartments with narrow bathrooms.

Activator washing machines mean only vertical loading, but they lack the advantages and disadvantages of the full-size ones (described above).

Virtues

Occupy a minimum of space;
With incomplete loading, especially with dense tissue materials, the risk of damage is minimal;
The door does not open into the passage;

disadvantages

Cost more than front loading;
The range of models is limited;
It is required to securely fix the inner cover of the tank;

Front-loading washing machines

Almost all models of full-size washing machines imply a horizontal load of linen through the hatch on the front panel.

Virtues

A wide range of models, sizes and design options;
Simplicity in management and loading of linen;
The washing process can be monitored (to stop it if necessary - if, for example, documents or a flash drive are forgotten in clothes);

disadvantages

Luke should always fit snugly. If, for example, the membrane cracks, it will lead to leakage;
Some models can not be washed with a minimum load, because it leads to vibrations in the drum.
The door can open into the passage or be accidentally damaged by an awkward movement;
However, these shortcomings are not critical, as they are easily corrected by replacing the membrane or the manhole cover, or by additional loading of things.

Which washing machine to choose

When choosing a type of washing machine, it is worth starting from the budget, planned use scenarios and installation features:

For a summer house that is planned to be visited infrequently or where there are no well-developed engineering communications, an activator type machine will do;
With a very limited budget, without taking into account the wear of clothes and installation difficulties, it is also worth buying an activator;
In case of small size of the bathroom - full-size, top-loaded or full-size built-in, which will be placed in the kitchen;
With very small bathroom sizes (for example, in studio apartments) - full-size built-in to be placed in the kitchen;
In all other cases - full-size, freestanding, front-loaded.

It is worth remembering that activator machines are recommended to be purchased only in very extreme cases. They really require the active participation of the person in the washing process, take up a lot of space and wear clothes.

Washing machine selection options

When choosing a washing machine, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

Dimensions (standard, narrow, wide);
Load volume;
Drive type (belt, straight);
Class of washing, spinning and power consumption;
Type of control (mechanical, electronic, intellectual);
The number of revolutions during the spin cycle;
Noise level;
The presence of a digital display;
Additional functionality.

Dimensions and load

The width of the washing machines are divided into three types - standard, narrow and wide. They differ not only in size, but also in capacity.

The narrow washing machines category are devices with a width of 32 to 47 centimeters, while the effective loading depth (tank depth) is on average 25-40 cm. Such devices, due to the small dimensions of the laundry container, are designed for 3-4 kg of laundry and are not intended for handling large things. But they can be accommodated even in a very small bathroom.

There are also "ultra-narrow" washing machines - a width of 30 cm or less. Due to the extremely limited volume of the tank, they are suitable for processing only a very small amount of laundry and therefore are not recommended for use. In fact, only one jeans can be washed in such a washing machine, for example, as a result of which the process of cleaning several items of clothing takes too much time and requires the use of an unreasonably large amount of water.

Standard washing machines have a width of 47 to 60 cm. As a result, they are designed to load a large amount of clothing - 4-7 kg. Such devices are best suited for everyday use.

Wide washing machines (from 60 to 78 cm) are equipped with a tank designed for 7-12 kg of linen. They can handle jackets, blankets, small pillows, bulk soft toys and similar things. Nevertheless, such washing machines take up quite a lot of space in the bathroom and are therefore recommended for purchase only if there is a direct need for this.

type of drive

The drive in washing machines is a way of connecting the electric motor to the laundry tank. It can be implemented in two structural versions - belt and straight.

In the first case, the engine is installed in the lower or upper part of the machine, and a special wheel is placed on the tank. They are connected by a special belt, which transmits torque.

Direct drive means placing the motor on the same shaft as the washing drum. This allows you to transmit torque "without intermediaries."

Belt drive

Virtues

Less risk of engine damage due to moisture in the washing machine;
Low cost;
Easy to repair;

disadvantages

Lower efficiency (part of the energy is lost during transmission);
The appearance of vibrations and noise during partial loading and during the spin cycle.
The instability of the transmission of high torque turns during the spin cycle;
High risk of damage to the belt due to drying out (nevertheless, it is easy to replace);

The direct drive (also known as inverter, and also having the proprietary name Direct Drive) was created to solve the above disadvantages.

Direct drive

Virtues

High efficiency;
Absence of vibrations at incomplete loading and during spinning;
The ability to create high torques (spin speed of more than 1500 revolutions per minute) without the risk of mechanical damage to components of the washing machine.

disadvantages

High price;
The complexity and high cost of repair;
Smaller effective volume of the drum (while maintaining an effective mass of linen);

If the surrounding tank drum is damaged, water may get into the engine mechanism and cause serious damage.

When choosing a washing machine with an inverter drive, it is better to pay attention to those models that have a maximum warranty period. For example, LG has been offering support for these devices for 10 years. Due to this, inverter washing machines from this manufacturer become a more profitable solution than belt machines from this or any other company.

For installation in the apartment is also recommended to use a washing machine with a direct drive, because it has less noise and vibrations.

Washing, spinning and power consumption classes

The most objective characteristics of washing machines, showing their performance and quality of work, are classes. They are separately assigned to the washing and spinning modes, as well as to the total power consumption of the device.

The class of washing is determined by the manufacturer experimentally - there is some kind of "reference machine", which is compared with the produced one. Both are loaded with clothes from the same fabrics, with the same soiling, using the same powder. If the manufactured car washes better than the reference one, it is assigned a class A or B. If it is worse, C, D, E, F or G.

The best washing class is A, the worst is G. For a home, it is worth buying cars that are C, B or A.

The spin class is also determined experimentally. It means how much water the washing machine can remove in the drying cycle. Machines that squeeze the maximum moisture are marked in class A, and the minimum in class G.

For a home, you should purchase washing machines with a spin class of C, B, or A.

The class and spin efficiency is determined based on the speed of rotation of the drum, its volume, type of fabric and cycle time. Therefore, the machine that best removes moisture from clothes is likely to have maximum speed. And it can damage delicate fabrics. Therefore, if there is no special need, it is not recommended to buy models designed for maximum spin quality.

Energy class shows how much current a washing machine spends on processing one kilogram of laundry. This is an objective indicator.Thus, class A + washing machines consume less than 0.17 kW per 1 kg of laundry. But G - the lowest energy efficiency - consumes more than 0.39 kW per 1 kg of linen.

As a result, for the home it is worth buying washing machines with the highest energy efficiency - class B, A, A +, A ++ or even A +++. Such devices will provide the minimum current consumption.

Control type

Control of the functional elements of the washing machine can be implemented in one of three ways - mechanical, electronic or intellectual.

Mechanical control is the simplest and most reliable implementation. The setting of operating modes is carried out through toggle switches and rotating disks, which are connected to the functional elements of the device through a system of transmitting circuits and levers.

Machines with mechanical control

Virtues

High resistance to moisture;
Simple and durable;
It is not damaged when the drop in electricity;

disadvantages

Minimal functionality;
A very limited number of models with this control system implementation;

Since modern washing machines are multifunctional devices, mechanical control is practically not found in them. It is not possible to tune a variety of modes using levers and chains. However, it can still be found in activator-type washing machines.

Electronically controlled cars

electronically controlled

Electronic control is the most common implementation. Almost all modern washing machines of the budget and medium price range are equipped with them. In devices with electronic control, there is a special module through which the parameters are set, as well as the control of the internal functional elements of the device.

Virtues

Extended functionality;
Rather accurate control of the functional elements of the washing machine.
Ability to select the desired (and not recommended) mode;

disadvantages

Many parameters need to be set independently;
High sensitivity of the electronic control module to the action of moisture and changes in electricity.

Intelligently controlled cars

Intellectual management is a logical development of electronic implementation. In this case, the washing machine is able to independently set the mode of operation, as well as carry out a full cycle of cleaning the laundry - from pre-rinsing to drying - after a single button press.

Virtues

The broadest functionality;
The most precise control over the operation of the functional elements of the washing machine;
Virtually complete automation;

disadvantages

High price;
High sensitivity of the control module to humidity and current differences.
The functionality depends on the firmware of the control module;

Spin speed

The spin speed determines the quality of moisture removal from the fabric. The higher it is, the more liquid it “flies” out of the material. But simultaneously with the increase in the number of revolutions, the power consumption of the washing machine increases, and also - for the models with belt drive - the level of noise and vibration.

Therefore, when buying a washing machine with a belt drive, you should pay attention to models with a spin speed of 1000 revolutions of the drum per second or even less. For devices with direct drive there is no limit.

However, at very high speeds of rotation, clothing made of sensitive and delicate fabrics may be damaged. Therefore, if there are such things in the wardrobe, you should not buy a high-power device. And the ideal solution would be to purchase a washing machine with a tunable drum speed in spin mode.

Noise level

When choosing a washing machine, you should also pay attention to the noise level. The lower it is, the more comfortable the operation will be.For use in urban environments, the limit value of the noise level is 70 dB in the washing mode and 80 dB during the spin cycle. The buzz of such a washing machine, of course, will be heard outside the bathroom - but it will not become intrusive.

The ideal solution would be washing machines, the maximum noise level of which is 70 dB. There are ultra-quiet models that, even when pressed, do not buzz more than 60 dB, but they are very few and expensive.

Digital display

The higher the functionality of the washing machine - the greater the need for a digital display. The selected mode, the temperature of the water, the remaining time until the end of the wash or the start, and other parameters are displayed on the screen.

For washing machines with low functionality digital display is not needed. All the modes set are quite understandable from the display on the front panel. But models that are equipped with an intelligent control system need it.

Additional functionality

Among the important functions of washing machines that can be implemented at the hardware or software level, it is worth highlighting:

Availability of quick wash programs;
The mode of washing delicate fabrics;
Bubble wash technology;
Delayed start function;
Child protection system;
Drying mode

Quick wash programs

Quick wash programs are designed to remove uncomplicated dirt from clothes. Unlike full-fledged cleaning, they do not imply prolonged exposure to materials, as well as pre-soaking or similar action. Just a short wash, quick spin and - possibly - drying. Total program lasts 15-30 minutes.

Some models of washing machines (for example, Samsung budget options) are not equipped with a separate quick wash program. This function is implemented through other modes, in particular "Cotton". If you need a quick wash, you should definitely clarify this when choosing a device.

Also, some models involve the use of quick wash mode in conjunction with other modes. In this case, the cycle takes about 30% less time. This is achieved by reducing the time of washing, rinsing, spinning and other operations.

Washing mode for delicate fabrics

The mode of washing delicate fabrics implies the most gentle effect on the material. It changes the speed of rotation of the drum, water temperature and other parameters. Therefore, the materials remain intact, and the rate of wear does not increase.

This mode is only necessary if there are a lot of delicate fabrics in the wardrobe.

Bubble wash technology

Bubble wash technology is as effective as possible against even stubborn dirt. As the name implies, when the bubble wash mode is on, the laundry is rinsed in a water-bubble mixture. The air, passing through the fibers, splits and pushes out even deeply ingrained pollution. This technology has much in common with boiling, but does not damage the laundry.

In addition, the bubble wash refreshes the laundry, makes it softer, and also prevents damage due to impacts on the drum.

However, it is not without flaws. First, washing machines equipped with this mode are more expensive than usual ones. Secondly, the water in which the laundry rinses should be as soft as possible.

Delay start function

The delayed start function is useful enough to fully automate the washing process. For example, in the machine equipped with it you can load laundry in the morning, go to work, and in the evening get it clean. The only "but" is that the delayed start must be configured.

Child protection system blocks

Child protection system blocks the control of the washing machine, opening the hatch and other functions. Most often it is implemented at the software level - that is, you will need to press and hold one or several buttons to activate or deactivate it.The function is quite useful, but people who are not familiar with the instructions attached to the washing machine may lose control of the device.

Drying mode

Drying mode involves treating clothes with hot air after pressing. A useful feature if there is no place to place a dryer. However, delicate fabrics in this mode may be damaged.

The cost of washing machines

The price of washing machines depends on their functionality, type, volume and other parameters.

Activator washing machines cost from a few thousand rubles, but most models are in the range of 6-9 thousand rubles.
Full-size washing machines with a vertical load cost from 20 thousand rubles, the vast majority of models - in the range of 40-60 thousand rubles.
Full-size washing machines with frontal (horizontal) loading cost from 10-12 thousand rubles, the vast majority of models - in the range of 18-50 thousand rubles.

The best manufacturers of washing machines - which company to choose

Top Washing Machine Manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of washing machines can be identified:

Bosch, LG - produce high-quality, reliable and durable equipment of the middle and premium classes;
Candy, Zanussi, Vestfrost - good washing machines of the budget price segment;
Miele, Siemens - multifunctional and durable models of the premium price segment.
You can also highlight the company Beko and Asko, which sometimes have very successful models of the budget price segment.