Which washing machine to choose: a guide to action

Most families no longer have a question about whether or not to buy a washing machine. Today it is not a luxury, but an urgently needed thing in the house - especially where there are small children. However, having come to the store for this useful device, you can be slightly taken aback by the variety, completely not imagining which washing machine to choose and how they differ from each other. We'll figure out.

What are the types of washing machines

On sale you can find three varieties of washing machines - automatic machines, semiautomatic devices and devices that work using ultrasound. Since the most popular are automatic models, we will talk about them in more detail. Naturally, we will give an idea of ​​the other two types.

Automatic washing machines

Automatic machines are controlled by software and can do a lot. The simplest models are erased according to the algorithm set by him, while the more “advanced” ones can measure the required amount of water, adjust the temperature at the spin speed, and pour the desired dose of powder. Their working mechanism is mainly of the drum type - it is somewhat more complicated than the activating mechanism (which we will discuss a bit further) and less resistant to damage. But the machine with the drum is very neat to the laundry, and also saves powder and water.

Automatic washing machines - with vertical and front loading.

Semiautomatic devices

Semiautomatic devices do not have any additional controls except a timer. The mechanism they have is an activator type. Simply put, there is a certain capacity equipped with a motor, on the shaft of which a special disk or blades are mounted. They twist the laundry in the car, mixing it. In this case, very little foam is formed, so it is possible to pour powder for hand washing into the device. Activator cars were in almost every Soviet apartment - after all, automatic models in those days were available to few. Today, such units have remained in some places, and sometimes they are even sold under ads for a penny.

However, even now manufacturers (as a rule, Russian ones) produce activator-type devices. Surely everyone heard about the "Baby", "Fairy" or "Lily." There are still brands UNIT, Saturn, Wellton. Such cars are good in that they are light in weight. Wanted - picked up and moved to the right place (for example, "Baby" during washing just fixed on the edge of the bathroom). They do not require a permanent connection to the water supply and sewage systems, so they are bought by those who often change their place of residence.

Underwear in different models of semi-automatic machines can be loaded from 1.5 to 7 kg. They don’t have a choice of washing programs, the speed is quite small, you can’t wash them with cold water (the machine will not heat it). Pouring waste water is also not very convenient - you need to direct the drain hose into the toilet or bath. So this option is better suited for a summer residence, and not for an apartment.

Modern activator washing machines.

Ultrasound washing - is it possible?

Manufacturers initially positioned these small devices as massagers.And then they changed a little and became known as ultrasonic washing machines. Do not flatter yourself - using such a device is equivalent to the usual soaking of linen, and nothing more. Take a good powder, pour it into water and hold dirty things for a couple of hours - the effect will be the same. But we really need a full wash, so we will continue to talk about automatic machines.

Ultrasonic washing machine.

Choose a model by type of load and design

According to these parameters, the devices are divided into machines with vertical loading (linen is placed in the tank on top) and front loading (linen is loaded through the hatch on the front panel).

Front loading - admiring the washing process

Such cars are quite convenient and not very “capricious”. They are both cheaper to buy and repair than vertical models, since they are simpler in design. A sunroof with a transparent window allows you to watch how washable clothes spin. There have been times when it was very helpful to scattered citizens who, along with trousers or a jacket, had put in a driver’s license, passport, or “stash” hidden from their spouses. Seeing in the window of the hatch that something else is being erased there, you can turn off the device and save your values.

The hatch for tightness is surrounded by a special sealing ring (cuff). Sometimes, as an argument, opponents of machines of this type argue that the cuff quickly fails. But with careful handling this does not happen. And if the seal breaks often, then this is more likely to indicate inaccuracy of the owners. Now about the design of the drum, which is mounted on one axis (and not on two, as in vertical machines). This does not make the front devices less durable and reliable. In addition, they are easier to maintain and repair if necessary.

Such a machine is good for those who need to use every centimeter in the apartment. After all, its upper part may well be used as a bedside table in the bathroom or in the corridor, and in the kitchen - become a part of the work surface. With a vertical "washer" this will not work - it is not suitable for the role of a bedside table. According to the instructions, its upper cover needs to be slightly opened for ventilation, otherwise a fungus may settle inside the drum.

Vertical loading - convenient laying

Structurally, these devices are more complicated than the previous ones, so their cost is higher. The drum, which is supported on two axes, has two times more bearings, respectively, than the front models. However, the biaxial design is not only not a significant advantage, but also creates additional difficulties. In particular, alignment is not so simple. After all, a double-winged drum needs to be balanced in order to balance both of its halves. Alas, not all manufacturers succeed in perfect balancing, and sometimes the machine trembles and shakes because of this.

Another unpleasant moment is worth noting - sometimes the flaps of a drum of a running machine can suddenly open themselves. In some cases, this can lead to damage, and very serious - it will take a long expensive repair. But in vertical models, the ability to load additional servings of laundry during washing without changing anything in the program is built-in. Or you can pull out extra things. Another plus is more compact sizes than front-end cars.

MMany buyers, not knowing how to choose a washing machine, believe unverified facts. For example, the legend that the drums of vertical devices is stronger, better and more reliable than that of the front ones. Not at all - this is just a clever marketing ploy. The reliability of the drum in no way depends on the type of load.

Comparison, all the advantages and disadvantages of two types of downloads:

Dimensions of washing machines to consider

The choice of size of the washing machine will depend on the room and the place where it is planned to be installed, as well as on the maximum allowable load of the washing machine.

Front-loading model sizes

Such washing machines have, as a rule, a height (85 - 90 cm) and a width (60 cm). There are a number of models of washing machines with compact dimensions, which allows you to install them under the sink or any other hard-to-reach places. But as a rule, the maximum possible load of such machines is 3 - 3.5 kg. linen no more. Depending on the size, washing machines are divided into: full-size, narrow, ultra narrow and compact.

Classification of front-loading washing machines, depending on their size:

Sizes of models with vertical loading

Almost all top-loading washing machines have no difference in width (40 - 45 cm), depth (60 cm) and height (85 cm). So you need to choose a specific model to your liking and the planned load. As for the basic functions, in automatic machines they are usually identical. And as for the maximum one-time load, it should be remembered that the larger this parameter, the more things the machine will be able to mash in one wash.

How to determine which drum volume is preferred

When you have already decided the main thing for yourself, that is, you have decided on the type of loading and the location of the machine, you need to study the characteristics of the models you like, comparing them. Let's start with such an important parameter as drum capacity, which averages from 3 to 7 kg. If you have 3 or 4 people in your family, then get ready for the fact that for one wash you will accumulate somewhere 5 kg of linen. From such considerations, one should make a choice.

Important: In the passport of the typewriter, the load is usually indicated per cotton fabric. But the weight of cotton, wool and synthetic products is significantly different. So, instead of five cotton T-shirts, you can wash just one wool sweater. This should be taken into account, considering the plates with the average weight of the products in the instructions (meaning cotton).

There is one more nuance that many seem quite insignificant. This is the minimum weight loaded into the drum. Usually it is a kilogram or a half, and you should not neglect these data. After all, it depends on them how long your machine will last. You can, of course, throw one shirt or a pair of socks, but this will lead to uneven loading of the drum. The machine will begin to tremble and shake, but for its mechanism it is very harmful. Therefore, today most models are equipped with a system that does not spin if the machine is not fully and evenly loaded. All this is done to prevent premature wear of parts.

If you argue from the point of view of economy, then a machine with a large drum to acquire more profitable. However, there is not always enough room for it, so you have to compromise by looking for something more compact. A small device will fit perfectly even in a small apartment, but it is unlikely that it will be difficult to handle a large wash. You will have to wash several batches, spending more powder, water, and electricity. The larger the unit, the cheaper it is to wash.

How can you evaluate the performance of a washing machine

All washing machines are classified according to three main criteria - washing, spinning and energy saving. All the comparison parameters of washing machines are standardized and evaluated on an adopted scale, the role of which is the first 7 letters of the Latin alphabet from A to G. Each washing machine is equipped with a special insert that reflects its classes of washing, spinning, energy consumption and other characteristics. An example of such an insert and decoding of the notation is given below:

Energy classes of washing machines

Now about the consumption of electricity. The generally accepted standards of Europe provide for 7 classes of devices, denoting them in Latin letters from A (the highest and most economical class) to G (the lowest class). These rates are determined by the consumption of electricity per hour when washing one kilogram of cotton underwear. As already understood, A is the best option. True, this was only until 2013, when even more economical devices and two new subclasses appeared: A + and A ++. Each letter corresponds to a specific energy consumption:

Energy class	Consumption (kWh / kg)
A ++	0.15
A +	0.17
A	0,17 - 0,19
B	0,19 - 0,23
C	0,23 - 0,27
D	0,27 - 0,31
E	0,31 - 0,35
F	0,35 - 0,39
G	0,39

Washing efficiency

The washing quality of the future machine can be determined by also reading the Latin marking, consisting of the same letters - from A to G. The closer this letter is to the beginning of the alphabet, the cleaner and more carefully your favorite machine will wash. The best result, of course, is for devices with class A.

Select the desired spin class.

After washing and rinsing, the laundry must be wrung out. To do this, the drum rotates at a high speed, which can be adjusted, focusing on the composition of the fabric. The faster the drum spins, the more the laundry will be wrung out. At maximum speeds, the remaining powder is also removed with excess fluid. For allergy sufferers this is very beneficial. Spin adjustment is a convenient thing. It allows you not to spoil the silk blouse by scrolling it at minimum speed, and terry sheets squeeze almost dry at high speeds. As an example: for cotton and synthetic fabrics, 600 rpm is enough, while jeans are best wringed at a speed of 1000 rpm.

Important: the minimum speed that the drum can do during the spin cycle will show whether the machine can handle fine products. If this indicator is of great importance, it is better to squeeze such things with your hands - otherwise they may break.

Well, for this characteristic the same European letter standards are also applicable. Spin class A indicates that the number of revolutions of the drum of such a machine is higher. Accordingly, the quality of the spin is better than that of a product of the lowest class G. Each class has a certain level of moisture in the laundry:

Class designation	The residual moisture content of the laundry, in%
A	less than 45
B	45 - 54
C	54 - 63
D	63 - 72
E	72 - 81
F	81 - 90
G	more than 90

How to determine if you need a drying function

When deciding which washing machine is best to buy, many people think about the need for drying. After all, this is very good - he pulled out the washed thing, and it is already dry. You do not need to hang clothes on a rope, just walk on it with an iron. However, do not forget that the built-in fan heater, necessary for this function, “eats” a lot of electricity, which you should pay for. So look, what is more important for you - comfort or economy. However, perhaps it makes sense to pay extra for such a convenient application.

In practice, it looks like this: hot air passes through the washed laundry, turning excess moisture into steam. The laundry becomes dry, and the vapor settles in a special vessel in the form of condensate. Drying can be carried out in two ways:

• A specific time is set by the timer, after which the device turns off. Checks for moisture on the laundry are not carried out. So dry the most inexpensive models of washing machines equipped with this function.
• The indicator of residual humidity is set, which is checked by a special sensor. In this case, the laundry is dried as much as necessary to achieve the desired parameter.

Important: machines equipped with a device for drying things have one small minus. If the drum is completely filled, then they can only cope with half the laundry. And then you have to do the operation again.

Washing machine safety

Instead of comfortable using household appliances, nobody wants to face unexpected troubles. Therefore, each manufacturer considers it his duty to worry about the modes and functions that protect against sad consequences. Sometimes they help to save not only the mass of nerve cells, but also health. Here, for example, are some of these useful additions:

#1. The “child protection” function allows you to lock the washing machine through a specific key combination. At the same time, the display will kindly notify you of the inclusion of this mode, blinking an inscription where it will be indicated. By pressing the same key combination again, the lock can be released. Undoubtedly, those who have inquisitive kids in the family need such a regimen. So neither the child will be able to accidentally suffer, nor the desired washing regimen will fail.

#2. The "leakage protection" function will help if the tank suddenly leaks out or the hose breaks. After all, these malfunctions can not be noticed in a timely manner, and then a flood will await the lower neighbors, and you will incur the costs of repairing their apartment. And how many nerves will be spent at the same time - and you won’t count. So it is better to choose units that protect you from leaks. They can work in different ways:

• Full protection against leaks - turning off the water when a malfunction is detected in the washing machine. If at this point the tank is full of water, then the overfill protection device is turned on.
• Partial leakage protection - when there is a malfunction signal, the water supply to the hoses is cut off. However, when the tank is full, there is no overflow protection.

#3. Another necessary function is protection against possible surges in electrical voltage. Alas, it is by no means stable in domestic networks. And this often leads to the failure of expensive equipment. Washing machines are able to fully work at voltages from 170 to 255 volts. This is a fairly wide range that allows you to protect yourself from the "surprises" of the power grid. There is such a nuisance - the electricity is suddenly turned off at the very height of the wash, and then you have to start all over again. However, models of washing machines are available that can remember the stopping place. And with the appearance of current, they continue to erase, as if nothing had happened.

#4. The function that blocks the opening of the drum door for a working machine is especially needed with a weak lock. She reliably fixes this lock, and there is no threat that during work all the laundry will fall out onto the floor, and at the same time a fair portion will pour out of water. Nobody wants to crawl with a rag and remodel things, so it's better to protect yourself.

#5. Silence is something that is very fashionable to advertise today. Many manufacturers of washing machines for this characteristic make the main bet. Of course, it is convenient when the unit is quietly working for itself, but it does not bother you at all. You can watch TV and calmly, and do other things. The baby who is sleeping sweetly in his bed will not wake up - the machine will not make loud and unpleasant sounds. So we select devices where the noise level is minimal. It is indicated in decibels. On average, when washing cars, they make a noise of 55 decibels (but some also 63). Spinning is louder with a noise level of 70 to 76 decibels.

Mechanical switches or electronic touch controls

In machines with rotary switches, you must manually set both the mode and the program, and the desired temperature, and spin speed. Simplifies the choice of the desired program, the presence of special pictures, pictograms, prompting what is better to stop. There is also a few keys to control. Each step of the wash program is displayed on a slowly turning switch. This control system can be useful to those people who are not very well versed in modern systems with touch control.

The mechanical control panel.

Electronic control is more flexible and perfect. The user does not need to think about anything - the machine itself will think how much to put the powder and how much to pour water. She will weigh the things prepared for washing, checking how dirty they are, what fabric they are sewn from. Accordingly, the optimum washing temperature, spin speed and rinse mode will be selected. All highlights will be shown on a bright color display. In particular, we will see on it a temperature indicator, shaft rotation speed, and timer.

A machine equipped with electronics will be able to determine that the laundry in the drum is uneven. And then it will not allow the drum to spin at maximum speed to prevent excessive vibration. Sensors located in various places indicate how hard the water is, what its temperature is, how clear the washing solution is, and whether the laundry is thoroughly rinsed. If suddenly water does not flow into the car, the electronics will turn off the unit. The same will happen with excessive foaming or leakage.

However, with an unstable voltage in the mains, an electronically controlled machine may make mistakes. Perhaps even her burnout.

Electronic control system with rotary programmer, touch keys and a small display.

About modes, programs and how many should be

Naturally, we all want to buy goods cheaper, and at the same time get the maximum functions. Here are the manufacturers and try, using all their ingenuity. They come up with more and more new modes for washing, actively and widely advertising them. However, brand-new “tricked out” models equipped with all these software delights cost customers a decent amount of money.

Therefore, it is worth considering not only which brand of a washing machine it is better to choose, but also determining for yourself which modes are required without fail, and which ones can be perfectly dispensed with. A family with kids, for example, will find it very useful programs in which the machine launches soft toys or children's clothing. But to a bachelor such programs are completely useless. So do not overpay for what you do not have to use.

However, there is a minimum set of standard programs that are suitable for almost every consumer.

We list them:

• Cotton Laundry Program;
• a program for washing colored clothes, allowing you to adjust the temperature;
• delicate program for delicate fabrics;
• express wash program for those in a hurry.

And then look according to your needs. Take for example athletes. Perhaps not all of them are aware that some cars have a special mode that allows you to easily and quickly wipe sneakers or sneakers.And it turns out much better than with manual wiping of dirt. All you need is to ask the seller before buying whether there is this mode in the selected model. By the way, if he is absent, do not try to wash the shoes in the usual way - they will be hopelessly spoiled.

Naturally, the more expensive the machine, the more programs the manufacturers supply it with. Simple budget models have only the most necessary minimum, but devices from the premium segment are equipped with a solid number of programs and modes. They can easily wash any products: fluffy soft toys, the finest silk blouses, tracksuits and shoes, blankets and rugs. There are even a number of models that can starch underwear.

Choose the tank of the machine: plastic or metal

Someone may confuse, deciding that this is a drum. Not at all - the vast majority of machines have a metal (stainless) drum. A few exceptions are just some of the trademarks from Asia. But the tanks at the washers can be both plastic and made of stainless steel. For a long time, when automatic machines were just beginning to be produced, their tanks were steel with an enamel coating - now there are none. But you can find models with a stainless steel tank. Plastic gradually displaces metal. Asian manufacturers do not have models with metal tanks at all.

Note that plastic has many advantages. It is much more efficient than metal, it retains heat, which saves electricity. And it absorbs noise much better, both from the inside and from the outside. Of course, this material has flaws - it is afraid of fire and is not as resistant to shock as a stainless steel. But we do not buy a car in order to set it on fire or to test its strength. So you can safely wash the device with a plastic tank for years, and nothing bad will happen to it. And even the thought does not appear that a stainless tank is needed.

Plastic tank of the washing machine, with a stainless steel steel drum.

About nice and convenient add-ons

Intelligent Wash Management

The smart Fuzzy Logic system is a microprocessor built into a number of modern models. Such a “brain” is able to arrange the entire washing process completely independently - you only need one click of a button. A fully automated wash frees us up a lot of time. Constant monitoring of what is happening allows the intelligent system to make the necessary adjustments in time if something goes a little wrong. Before washing, you only need to indicate what material the thing is from, and everything else is a matter of the system.

The microprocessor will determine the desired mode, heating, speed. He will check the water for transparency and temperature, and the flow of water and energy will be selected the most optimal (taking into account the loading of the drum). With such a system, you can always wash quickly and inexpensively. Although such SMs are somewhat more expensive than conventional devices, it makes sense to acquire them. After some time, these $ 100 or $ 150 will pay off with interest, as you can save more.

Silence is the guarantee of our peace

To choose the most silent device, we will study the stickers on its case. Noiselessness is mentioned there as one of the advantages. The difference between such washing machines is that inside they have a thick layer of noise insulation made of special material. In addition, manufacturers are replacing the standard commutator motor. Instead, an asynchronous three-phase motor is installed, which makes much less noise. The result is a device next to which we are absolutely comfortable. But it is worth the extra cost.

Spinning the laundry - vibration protection

The washing machine equipped with this function will independently distribute things inside the drum, evenly spreading them on its surface. And until she does, spinning will not begin. Thanks to such forethought, the device will last longer, and will break much less.

Ironing function - the ability to forget about the iron

For those who hate ironing, such an addition will be to their taste. Machines equipped with this function analyze the fabric, choosing the most suitable conditions for washing it. Thanks to this, wrinkles on things are practically not formed.

Fault Alarm

Conveniently, when a car breaks down or in an emergency immediately reports that it “hurts”. She displays one of the icons in her arsenal. Some of them say that the water no longer flows or overflows, others - about the open door of the drum. If there is no display, then the signals are given by indicators on the LEDs. And if you notice their alarming flashing, you need to urgently sound the alarm.

Meet the main manufacturers of washing machines

Considering the abundance of brands and models of washing machines in the shop windows (it doesn’t matter, real or virtual), it's time to get confused. Indeed - how can you know which brand of washing machine to choose without having the slightest idea about any of these brands? Well, let's find out who is who.

Now in the market "washers" there is one unpleasant tendency. Tricky manufacturers are trying to increase sales by releasing less durable models. Those who do not know how to choose a washing machine should be on the alert. When buying the unit, check where it was produced. Products of many Asian and European brands are assembled in Russia. Their prices are low, but the quality is not the best. For example, Ariston and Indesit are made in Lipetsk, Zanussi in St. Petersburg, Candy in Kirov, and Whirlpool and Vestel in Alexandrov.

To make it easier for you to navigate in the choice of manufacturer, we present the hierarchy of washing machine brands by classes and price:

7 steps when choosing a washing machine

Video: How to choose a washing machine