How to choose a washing machine

The efficiency of washing, comfort and safety during operation, noise level, and design of washing machines are constantly being improved.

The market offers updated models to customers several times a year. However, a truly happy owner can be called one whose washing machine works properly, having become obsolete.

Choosing a washing machine is a responsible undertaking.

The personal experience of most buyers is based on the operation of the previous car, and it is not enough for a rational choice. The pace of technological progress is so great that the functionality of new models of household appliances is mind-blowing: protection of leather products, touch display with support for 10 languages, 3D-Washing technology and much more.

The article provides practical advice to help you make an informed choice.

Let's decide on the price category

The price of household appliances is influenced by a large number of its characteristics. Washing machines in different price categories have a similar set of functions. A high price is not always an indicator of high quality, but the general trend is obvious: you have to pay more for quality.

Everyone chooses a washing machine based on personal beliefs, goals and capabilities. Before searching for a specific model, it is rational to set a purchase budget for yourself. Having decided on the maximum price, you can begin to select the options you are interested in and, accordingly, the model.

Machine type

The most common type of car is an automatic. Such machines have a drum mechanism, a set of programs for different washing scenarios, depending on the fabric, soiling, amount of laundry, and user wishes.

The automatic washing machine is easy to operate and comfortable to use. The variety of models covers a wide range of options and allows you to satisfy the needs of a wide range of customers.

A less popular, but for some indispensable, type is the semi-automatic. A semi-automatic washing machine has a reservoir with blades inside and a motor outside. The motor activates the blades and they stir the laundry in the tank.

This machine does not connect to the water supply and does not heat the water. You need to fill it with warm or hot water yourself, and also drain it yourself. Such machines were indispensable assistants in the household until they were replaced by automatic ones. Today, semi-automatic machines are popular for dachas where there is no centralized water supply and where it is a pity to bring an expensive automatic machine.

Choosing an automatic washing machine

Design selection

The washing machine can be top-loading or front-loading. Both types of construction have comparable service life. The type of construction does not directly affect the quality of washing and service life.

The choice depends on where the machine is installed and on personal preferences. When choosing a design, the following conditions must be taken into account:

• dimensions that will suit the installation site: with vertical loading they are smaller than with front loading;
• free space for opening the door: it should be sufficient so that when opening the hatch does not accidentally rest against hanging towels, pipes, shelves, laundry baskets, etc.;
• the need to use the surface of the machine: with front loading, a bunch of things can be folded and placed on the machine;
• desire to observe the washing process: through the transparent door during front loading, you can promptly detect foreign objects in the machine.

Load volume

It is advisable to choose this parameter based on personal experience, as well as the experience of relatives and friends.

The choice is influenced by the number of people the washing machine will serve, as well as established washing traditions. Some people wash a week’s worth of clothes in one day. Some people prefer not to save, but to wash it every other day or two.

Some are forced to regularly tidy up their workwear sets. For most families with small children, daily laundry is the norm, especially in rainy weather.

It is very important that the actual load matches or is close to that specified by the manufacturer. There is no need to constantly weigh your laundry. It is enough to visually verify that the drum is full, but you don’t have to squeeze anything in or push it in.

Important! When choosing a washing machine, you need to take into account the weight of the largest curtain, blanket or rug you expect to wash in the machine.When choosing textiles for your home, it is also advisable to take into account the load capacity of your machine, already installed or planned to purchase.

For proper operation and satisfactory results, the laundry must be evenly distributed throughout the drum. This is only possible with proper loading. Regular overloading or underloading of the machine reduces its service life and washing quality.

Programs and modes

Most washing machines have a basic set of programs: cotton, synthetics, delicate wash, pre-wash, short wash, wool, rinse, spin, drain.

As a rule, there is a choice of temperature conditions and the number of revolutions per minute during spinning.

Let's take a closer look at the rarer programs.

• jeans – regular wash at 30-40 °C with spin at very low speeds;
• sport implies heavy soiling of clothes, therefore an intensive program with pre-wash;
• sneakers – a very convenient program for keeping sports shoes clean;

Attention! It must be remembered that not all shoes can be washed in a machine: machine washing is suitable for textile sneakers without scuffs and holes, with securely stitched seams. Leather, suede sneakers, as well as fragile ones, will lose their appearance after machine washing. Sneakers with mechanical damage can ruin the car (if, for example, a small piece of foam gets into the drum)!

• wash in cold water Not everyone needs it, but some people have things in their wardrobe whose care instructions simply require it;
• easy ironing implies less wrinkled laundry after washing; This effect is achieved due to more water during rinsing and fewer revolutions during spinning; as a result, more moisture remains in the laundry;
• handwash even more careful than delicate; with its help you can wash items with a label prohibiting machine washing;

Attention! When using the “hand wash” program, you may doubt whether the machine is working properly. Wait a few minutes to make sure. This is how long the drum can remain stationary during hand washing.

• business suitable for washing shirts, this program is more gentle than synthetics or cotton, but more intense than delicate wash;
• 3D—washing – washing in triple dimension implies uniform movement of the laundry throughout the drum, which ensures uniform contact of the laundry with the detergent;
• night program ensures peace of mind at night: washing and rinsing proceed as usual, and then the machine soaks the laundry in clean water; In the morning, all you have to do is start the spin cycle, and the laundry is ready;
• protection of leather products – a function available on new models of Swiss V-Zug washing machines will, in the foreseeable future, become available to a wide range of consumers and provide the opportunity for gentle machine washing of leather products.

The list above is extensive, but thanks to technological progress, it is not exhaustive. During the selection process, take the time to consult with sellers and read the instructions for the models you like.

Drying or steam mode

Modern models of washing machines offer drying and steam generation functions. It is advisable to weigh all the arguments for and against such an acquisition.

Pros of drying:

• no need to hang clothes on dryers;
• dust localization;
• The time from the start of washing until the laundry is ready to wear is significantly reduced.

Disadvantages of drying:

• the cost of the model is higher than without drying;
• energy costs increase significantly (be sure to check the energy consumption in the operating instructions);
• To fully dry the laundry, the drum should be loaded only half of its nominal capacity.

Advantages of steam generation:

• the possibility of steam treatment after washing, which provides more effective cleaning, both from dirt and detergent;
• possibility of steam treatment instead of washing: acceptable for minor stains;
• possibility of removing stains with steam;
• heat treatment, which in most cases can replace ironing;
• saving detergent.

Disadvantages of steam generation:

• high cost of the car;
• energy costs increase significantly (be sure to check the energy consumption in the operating instructions);
• You will still have to dry the laundry after steaming.

Summarizing the listed advantages and disadvantages of models with heat treatment, it seems the most rational to purchase them:

• families with children, when there is not enough time and energy for drying and ironing;
• drying machines are suitable for families with limited space in the apartment, when there is nowhere to dry clothes;
• The steam generation option is indispensable for wealthy people who do not want to do ironing.

Tank and engine

The tank is the container that holds the drum. It can be stainless or plastic.If you are not going to use the machine for more than 20 years, and the likelihood that it will be dropped often is not great, there is no fundamental difference in the material.

Stainless steel is much more expensive, which is why plastic tanks are increasingly found in modern cars. They are not inferior in consumer properties to their stainless counterparts. Plastic is less shock-resistant and less durable, but this property is not critical for a drum.

Plastic, in principle, provides better sound insulation than stainless steel. However, at the moment, stainless steel tanks are installed in washing machines of the middle and above average price segment. Their manufacturers provide noise insulation of stainless steel structures no worse than plastic ones.

Tanks are collapsible and monolithic. There are bearings installed inside the tank, which tend to wear out. With a collapsible tank, replacement will require a small amount of time and will be inexpensive. A monolithic tank must be completely replaced, which is much more expensive than individual bearings. It is possible to cut the tank, then replace the bearings and seal the tank. This is labor-intensive and expensive work, the quality of which can be questionable.

During the warranty period for the washing machine, a monolithic tank will not cause much trouble. If necessary, the service center will completely replace it. However, machines tend to last longer than their warranty. Most owners are faced with post-warranty replacement of bearings.

Important! The washing machine tank is not visible from the outside, and the store is unlikely to agree to dismantle the surface to show it. Consultants rarely know about the design of the tank; there is no information in the accompanying documents either.

There are not many opportunities to find out what's inside, but they are there:

• contact an official representative of the manufacturer; in the Internet era this is not difficult;
• if you know a car repairman, get advice from him, although he may not have sufficient knowledge about the chosen model;
• go to the store with a strong man who can tilt a car; on most models the tank can be seen from below. If for some reason you cannot tilt the car enough to view the tank, you can tilt it a little and take pictures of the internal fragments with your phone. A collapsible tank is easy to identify by its connecting bolts; they are quite massive.

Motors in modern cars are installed mainly of two types: brushed and direct drive (they are also called brushless or inverter).

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of commutator motors:

• simple design, available for widespread use;
• moderate dimensions;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages of commutator motors:

• loud noise;
• the presence of brushes in the design that are subject to rapid wear; as a result, the need for repairs.

Advantages of direct drive:

• the design is even simpler than that of a commutator motor;
• compact dimensions;
• high efficiency;
• lack of spare parts that require frequent replacement (brushes);
• low noise level;
• durability.

There is perhaps only one disadvantage of direct drive: the high price due to the complex technological process of installing such an engine.

In old and cheap car models you can find an asynchronous type motor.

Its advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• low noise;
• low cost.

Disadvantages of an asynchronous motor - large size and low efficiency - determined its obsolescence. Not found in modern automatic machines.

Energy consumption

The most efficient machines have energy class “A”. Manufacturers that significantly exceed the standard indicate “A+” ... “A+++”.

This information is marked on a bright sticker that is difficult to miss. Less efficient models have classes B, C, D, E, F, G. The difference between the energy consumption of A+++ and G is more than 2 times. If you wash frequently, the difference in your energy bill will be significant.

Additional functions

Additional functions make using the machine more comfortable, but you will have to pay extra for them:

• intelligent washing control: the machine itself scans the level of contamination, selects the appropriate program, temperature, amount of powder;
• child protection: a certain key combination blocks the electronic system, preventing accidental malfunction and accidental injury to a child;
• Leakage protection: if a leak occurs in the machine, the water supply or operation of the machine stops;
• protection against electrical surges: machine operation over a wide voltage range;
• delayed start allows you to schedule a wash that will end at a certain moment, while washed clean clothes will not lie in a sealed drum for hours;
• balance control: the machine does not start spinning until the laundry is distributed evenly throughout the drum; this reduces vibration and wear of the mechanism;
• possibility of connecting to hot water supply: economic benefits are possible depending on utility tariffs, and most importantly, the absence of scale due to heating.

How to choose a top-loading washing machine

From the point of view of washing quality, there is no fundamental difference between a top-loading machine and a front-loading machine.

The choice is influenced by the dimensions of the room in which the machine will be parked and the individual aesthetic perception of the buyer.

Advantages of vertical washing machines:

• compact dimensions;
• Convenient loading from the top;
• the ability to add laundry during washing.

Size and designs

Top-loading washing machines have almost the same dimensions and look very similar. Their width is always 40 cm, depth - 60–65, height about 90.

Which brand of washing machine to choose

The list of brands at any hardware store will take some time to read, let alone choose. Most buyers have their own “white list” of brands. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the list of brands that have proven themselves to be the best.

Inexpensive

Gorenje is a manufacturer from Slovenia that has been producing washing machines since 1964. It is distinguished by reliability, efficiency and rational design.

LG is a South Korean company founded in 1958. Thanks to production volumes, it has the opportunity to present inexpensive models that are comparable in quality to samples from higher price segments. LG specialists invented an inverter motor, which became a real breakthrough in the field of washing technology.

Atlant - Belarusian plant founded in 1962. It began producing washing machines in the 90s. The equipment is distinguished by its laconic design, increased durability and affordable price.

Indesit is an Italian company with a rich history. Founded in 1930, in 1993 it opened a representative office in Lipetsk. The favorable price-quality ratio of washing machines ensures their high demand.

BEKO is a Turkish manufacturer of household appliances that traditionally supports sporting events. It has been sold in Russia since 1997; its own plant in Kirzhach was opened in 2006. Washing machines have a discreet design, mainly a set of basic functions, and are characterized by a low price.

Mid price category

Bosch is a large German company founded in 1886. The production of household appliances began in 1928. Historically, Bosh symbolizes high quality. Over the past decades, the plant has opened many representative offices in different countries of the world. Some of them are introducing cheaper technologies. Thanks to this step, washing machines are widely represented in the middle price segment.

LG – already mentioned in the list of inexpensive brands, LG produces a large number of models for the mid-price category. Such washing machines have a wider range of functions, as well as the possibility of larger drum loads.

Samsung is a South Korean brand founded in 1938. High quality technology and constant innovation determine Samsung's position among the world leaders in its field.

Siemens - a German concern founded in 1847, the production of washing machines began in the 1920s. Siemens washing machines have a fairly laconic design, are economical, and easy to operate.

Zanussi - Italian company, operating since 1916. It is distinguished by constant innovation, simple design, high quality, reasonable price.

Expensive

Miele is a German manufacturer that has been producing equipment since 1899. Has an impeccable reputation. Washing machines are made exclusively from high-quality materials, have increased durability, operate quietly and economically.

Whirlpool – founded in 1911, since then it has been producing washing machines.Uses the latest technologies. The machines are of high quality, a wide range of functions, and a friendly interface.

Electrolux is a Swedish company founded in 1910. It is characterized by a wide range of washing machines, high quality, stylish design.

Asko is a Swedish company opened in 1950. Initially it produced washing machines, and later expanded its range of household appliances. High quality washing, the latest technology and high prices are the distinctive features of Asko. The company introduced the first washing machine without a rubber cuff. It is believed that such a machine is more hygienic and less prone to leaks.

Recommendations for choosing a washing machine - what to look for

The choice is an individual matter. We hope that among the listed tips you found useful ones.

Attention! Once you've decided on your options and washer model, make sure the description you based your choice on is accurate!

Characteristics in the descriptions in catalogs, on the pages of online stores, and in advertisements often have typos. Some suppliers protect themselves by stating that the information on such media is for reference only.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions. In a retail store, you can ask sales consultants for instructions. Online stores have links to instructions available for download. If you don’t have one, you can find instructions on the manufacturer’s website, accurately indicating the model and modification of the washing machine you are interested in.