Automatic washing machine

Is it time to buy a new washing machine? Fine! In any catalog you will find many models for every taste. Different sizes, program sets, control types, design and, of course, prices. What should be a washing machine in order to wash well, fit well into the interior and serve as long as possible? This will be discussed in our article.

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First or second?

On sale you will find several types of household washing machines. The most popular of them are two:

• activator;
• drum.

Activator

In activator machines, a special screw with blades is located in the tank. It spins, the laundry moves, and is washed off by friction.

The main advantage of such machines is that the washing cycle takes a minimum of time. But everything else has to be done manually - pour water at the right temperature, measure the powder, drain the water, and sometimes even squeeze the laundry.

Therefore, most housewives choose such machines if they need a separate unit, for example, for baby clothes, or if the family lives in a rented apartment, where there is no way to put an automatic washing machine, which, moreover, must be connected to communications.

Drum

In drum type machines, laundry is placed in the drum. It rotates in one way or another, depending on the selected mode. The housewife’s task is to load the laundry, fill the detergent tray and install the desired program, and the unit will cope with everything else.

Therefore, buyers most often prefer just such machines, especially since manufacturers offer many different options, including very small ones.

Important! There is even a hanging drum washing machine, which does not take up space on the floor at all.

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Top or front?

Having opted for an automatic drum machine, the first thing to decide on the type of load. He can be:

• frontal;
• vertical.

Important! With the front type, the hatch is on the front wall, with a vertical one - on top.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Front loading

Such machines are larger than vertical ones of the same capacity, and this is their main drawback. But they have undoubted advantages:

• it’s easier to choose what suits you personally - there are many more such models on the market;
• they are cheaper than their vertical counterparts of the same class;
• washing can be observed through the window - the hatch is made transparent;
• the top panel can be used as a shelf - for example, for detergents, and for a small bathroom or kitchen it is very convenient;
• Great for any bathroom or kitchen interior.

Important! It will be much easier for you to choose such a model if you use the ready-madeTop rated front-loading washing machines.

The last advantage is due to the fact that the front washing machine can be:

• built-in;
• freestanding.

Important! The main disadvantage of front-loading units is that they need even a little more space than they should be in size. The hatch opens 180 °, and this requires additional space.

Another disadvantage is that it is not very convenient to load laundry, because you have to bend over. So if you have back problems, the vertical type will do better.

Vertical loading

Despite the fact that doing this is not recommended, but in case of emergency it is possible to add things to such a machine during washing, which simply will not work in units with front-loading.

There are other pluses:

• such units are usually quite narrow, so you can put it anywhere - from the large kitchen to the small hallway, if there is the possibility of connecting to the sewer;
• when filling the tank does not have to bend over;
• cars, although narrow, but roomy - they simply do not have loads of less than 5 kg.

Important! You definitely cannot use the top panel of such a washing machine as a shelf. But this is not so important. Worse than the other - the choice is not very large, in addition, such models from different companies are practically no different from one another.

In addition, cars with a vertical loading are usually more expensive than similar in capacity with the front type. Our model will help you to choose such a model.TOP best top loading washing machines.

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Built-in units

Embedded machines are also different, including the type of installation. Among them are:

• fully recessed;
• those that are placed under the countertop.

What is the difference?

• In the first case, the unit is completely hidden in a cabinet and rigidly attached to the section. This reduces noise and vibration.
• In the second - the car is covered with a countertop, which can be removed during operation.

Important! Built-in machines in their functions are no better and no worse than freestanding, it is a question almost exclusively of the design of the room. The main disadvantage of built-in washers is a higher price compared to freestanding ones.

Important! Choosing the right model for the washing machine, you will probably want to connect it right away. This issue must be approached with knowledge of the matter, so that subsequently it would not be necessary to repair the equipment. Our individual reviews will help you with this:

• Rules for installing the washing machine.
• Connecting the washing machine to electricity.

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Dimensions

Before you go to the salon, think about how much space you can allocate for a new unit. The size of the case of your future assistant depends on this. This parameter is affected by:

• car capacity;
• type of download.

Think about which car will suit you:

• full size;
• narrow
• compact.

Important! The washing machines, identical in size, can differ significantly in weight. Find out what this characteristic affects in our post "The weight of the washing machine".

Full size

Vertical cars are only full-sized. Their standard sizes are the same as those of similar front-loading machines:

• width and depth - 600 mm each;
• height - 850 mm.

Important! This is the average size, from different manufacturers you can find models with deviations in one direction or another for each of the parameters. The catalogs contain the most automatic washing machines, designed for a maximum load of 5-6 kg of dry laundry. But you can also meet larger specimens - at 7, 9 and even 10 kg.

Narrow cars

If desired, you can find a narrow unit, designed for 5 kg of linen, however, as a rule, the capacity of such automatic washing machines is less - 3.5-4.5 kg.

Dimensions are:

• width - 340-450 mm;
• depth - 600 mm;
• height - 850 mm.

Important! The machine is placed in any angle, takes up little space, but at the same time in its functions does not differ from full-size.

Compact cars

These miniature units are good for small apartments. Their capacity is small, not more than 3 kilograms. You can even meet the real crumbs, which fit two or even one kilogram of laundry. But the smallest models are hardly suitable as the main “helpers".

As for the largest among the “little ones,” then three kilos is quite enough for a family of two, at a time you can wash three duvet covers and several pillowcases, for example.

Dimensions of such machines:

• width 430-450 mm;
• depth - 470-500 mm;
• height - no more than 700 mm.

Important! Miniature appliances can even be taken to the country with you. The most famous representatives of compact washing machines are Fairy 2 and Assol.

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Maximum load

It directly depends on the dimensions:

• For a large family, a washing machine for 8-10 kg is needed.
• For a family of 4-5 people, a car where 5-6 kg is placed, that is, a standard full-size one, will be enough.
• A young couple or a lonely person is quite happy with a compact machine, where you can wash 2-3 kg of laundry at a time.

With or without drying

Decide if you need a drying mode. There are washing machines, there are washing and drying machines. Follow the link where you will findrating of washing machines with dryer.

In units of the second type, loading is almost always frontal. Typically, washer-dryer washers are full-sized.

Important! There are also narrow ones, but they are not particularly convenient, and those who used them are not advised to purchase such an aggregate from others.

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We study the parameters

In addition to the dimensions and type of load, it is necessary to take into account a whole series of parameters:

• washing class;
• spin speed;
• type of management;
• energy efficiency
• water consumption;
• additional functions.

Washing class

This is the main criterion, because a washing machine is needed to wash a variety of things well. The washing class is indicated by the letters of the Latin alphabet from A to G.

Washing can be:

• effective;
• medium;
• ineffective.

Important! Effective washing is indicated by the letters A and B. If you see letters from C, D or E in the product passport, the machine erases a little. The letters F and G most often mean that after a machine wash there will be quite a lot of hand washing.

Class and spin speed

The spin class is also indicated by Latin letters:

• And - the highest when the indicator of residual moisture is not more than 45%.
• If the residual humidity is 60%, the letter C.
• Sometimes the letter D also comes across, but to find such a machine in the stores of new equipment is quite difficult, you can stumble upon it only in the commission.

The spin class is directly dependent on speed. It is indicated in revolutions per minute - from 400 to 1600.

Important! The best option is 1000 rpm. At this speed, the unit removes moisture and quality, and is relatively inexpensive. In addition, at too high a speed, linen very quickly loses its appearance.

Energy efficiency

This is a very important indicator, because you have to pay for electricity, and the less the better. Energy efficiency is also indicated by the letters of the Latin alphabet. The highest class is A, however, cars with A +, A ++ or even A +++ indicators regularly come across for sale now.

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Washing programs

Manufacturers constantly offer buyers new and new features for washing machines. But do you personally need all the features of an ultramodern washing machine? Before choosing a washing machine, consider:

• what modes you really need;
• which may be useful occasionally;
• which you will never use.

You can find from 15 to 20 washing programs on any machine of the new generation. But the main ones are just a few:

• cotton;
• wool;
• synthetics;
• delicate wash;
• quick wash.
• prewash or soaking;
• rinsing.

Important! A very useful program is “quick wash”. It is used if the laundry is not particularly dirty, and lasts about half an hour. In high-quality models, you can also find such modes as silver or steam treatment. This is important if you have to sanitize things.

What is the difference:

• In the “cotton” mode, washing is performed at a temperature of 90-95 ° С.
• The “wool” mode means that it is possible to wash clothes at 30-40 ° C.
• The synthetics are washed at 60 ° C.
• For delicate washing, 40 ° C is needed.

Important! Moreover, in each mode, the drum rotates differently.

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What other programs are there?

In addition to the most common modes that almost all automatic washing machines have, there are additional ones:

• half load;
• intensive washing;
• extra rinse;
• preliminary ironing.

Choose the ones you need:

• Half load mode is very convenient - no need to wait until a lot of dirty laundry accumulates. With this mode, time, water and energy consumption are reduced.
• For very dirty laundry, the intensive washing mode is suitable - the drum in this case spins much faster than usual, but there is more water and electricity consumed.
• For a family with allergies, an additional rinse regimen is simply necessary. After washing, particles of detergents always remain in the fabric, almost never can be removed completely. Additional rinsing significantly reduces the number of such particles.
• The pre-ironing program allows you to straighten things right in the drum, removing unnecessary folds. Read more about its features in a separate articleEasy Ironing.

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What is the machine protected from?

Modern automatic washing machines have protection systems from various troubles that may lie in wait for their owners:

• leakage protection;
• child protection.

Important! Unfortunately, very often there are power surges, which adversely affect the operation of household appliances. Protect your washing machine from these swings with surge protector.

Leaks are an extremely unpleasant phenomenon, which, moreover, is fraught with material losses and quarrels with neighbors. Therefore, the machine must not leak:

• If the model is cheap, it usually has only partial protection - valves on the inlet hoses. Sometimes the case is protected against overflow.
• Expensive models have a complete protection system. If more water is poured than necessary, its supply is interrupted.

Important! As for the protection against children, it is a lock that prevents you from accidentally pressing anything. This system is also needed by many adults.

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Choose a tank

It would seem, what difference does it make of a tank? Meanwhile, the washing quality, the noise level, and the service life depend precisely on this.

For the manufacture of tanks, mainly three materials are used:

• stainless steel;
• enameled steel;
• plastic.

Stainless steel

A stainless steel tank can last up to eighty years. This is the most durable material. However, it has two significant drawbacks:

• high price;
• high noise level.

Enamel + Steel

Enamelled steel tanks are not found in new machines. This material has proven itself very poorly, so they have stopped using it.

Plastic

For the manufacture of plastic tanks, several types of composite materials are used:

• polyplex;
• polynox;
• carbon.

By their properties, these materials differ little from each other. Machines with plastic tanks are significantly cheaper than those with a stainless steel tank, but they have undeniable advantages:

• the noise level is much lower;
• have good thermal conductivity, which saves energy.

They serve, however, less than their stainless steel “brothers,” only 25 years. But are you going to buy a car for a longer period?

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Type of connection

Modern washing machines can be connected:

• only to cold water;
• to cold and hot water.

Important! The second option is considered more economical, since you do not have to spend electricity on heating. However, in cases where the machine itself heats the water, the wash is obtained better.In addition, in the hot water circuit, temperature and pressure drops occur quite often, which does not contribute to the normal operation of the unit.

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Type of management

There are only two types of controls you can find:

• mechanical;
• electronic.

The mechanical panel consists of several switches that rotate manually. Such a system is still more reliable, and cheaper. However, modern touch panels are more convenient.

Important! When choosing a car with touch control, be sure to ask if there is a service center nearby where you could be helped in case of a sensor breakdown.

Important! Each operating mode of the washing machine corresponds to a specific symbol. Find out what they mean icons on the washing machine.

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Noise level

Nobody likes when the equipment growls too much, especially if the unit works for a long time. Noise level is indicated in decibels:

• In most modern washers with plastic tanks, it is about 55 dB for washing and about 70 dB for spinning, with slight deviations in one direction or another.
• But manufacturers are striving to make the operation of the units as quiet as possible, and now there are already machines that give 45 dB and even 43 dB.

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Water consumption

The better the automatic washing machine, the less water it consumes per wash cycle. This, in turn, saves energy and detergents.

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Additional options

Expensive cars have a variety of functions that can make washing an extremely interesting activity:

• drum balance auto control;
• foam control;
• delayed start;
• cost optimization;
• “More water”;
• automatic cooling of water before discharge;

Why is all this necessary?

• Auto-control of the imbalance allows you to extend the life of the unit, because if there is an imbalance in the drum, the vibration increases. If the laundry in the drum tangles into a tangle, the auto-control system unravels it.
• Excess foam does harm to automatic machines. The foam control system stabilizes the process, respectively - protects the unit. Foam is simply extinguished if you suddenly filled up too much powder or chose it incorrectly. To exclude possible problems during the washing process, simply use our review on the subject“Which is better - powder or washing gel?”.
• The program “delayed start” allows, if necessary, to postpone the start of washing. This is important if your area has a different price for electricity day and night. As a rule, the start is delayed for 9 hours.
• The function of automatic cost optimization allows the rational use of water and electricity. The machine decides how much water is needed for a particular amount of laundry.
• The “more water” program allows you to qualitatively wash products that require a lot of water.
• Careful attitude requires not only technology, but also sewer pipes. Especially if they are made of plastic. If the water comes out of the machine too hot, the plastic expands and leaks can appear at the joints. The water cooling system before draining avoids such a nuisance.

The imagination of manufacturers is insatiable, and it is possible that in a few months units with new functions will appear.

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Price and Brands

All automatic washing machines can be divided into three price categories:

• elite;
• medium;
• budgetary.

Elite units

Companies such as Miele or AEG specialize in elite technology. Such machines serve at least ten years - more often 15-20. Units work almost without noise, the quality of washing and spinning is high with minimal energy consumption and water consumption. Alas, the price is not available to everyone.

Middle class cars

There are companies that produce excellent reliable equipment that is much cheaper than elite. These are such recognized manufacturers as Bosch, Candy, Electrolux.It is such models that can most often be found in salons.

They are extremely popular, and this is easy to explain: the quality is not worse than that of the elite, these units often serve even longer, and the price difference can be very significant.

Budget models

Such units are produced by Samsung, LG, Indesit, Ariston and some other companies. Among such models, you can find very worthy ones that will last more than one year and will wash and wring very well. Such machines, as a rule, have fewer programs, but on the other hand, those that are, many of them are executed above all praise.

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Stock footage

This concludes our review of automatic washing machines. We hope that the information received is more than enough so that you can make the right choice in favor of a technique that is ideally suited to you in all respects.