Secrets of choosing a reliable automatic washing machine

How to choose an automatic washing machine so that it lasts a long time and washes well? By asking the right questions to the manager or reading the technical specifications, everyone can choose equipment that is suitable in terms of price and quality. A detailed analysis of the functions and parameters of modern models will help you find out which car is better.

What characteristics should you pay attention to?

All characteristics that need to be taken into account when choosing a “washing machine” are divided into three groups:

• constructive,
• technical,
• functional.

The characteristics from the first two groups will tell you whether the machine is suitable in size, the amount of laundry you can load, as well as ease of use. Technical parameters affect noise, amount of energy consumed and service life.

Size and method of loading laundry

Design parameters include the size of the machine, the amount of laundry loaded and the loading method - frontal or vertical. Their selection is individual - after all, very often the space for the machine is very limited.Before purchasing, you need to determine the location for the new equipment and take measurements, find out what the maximum height, width and depth it should have.

As a rule, the larger the machine, the more laundry you can load into it in one wash. This also needs to be taken into account. For a large family, a 3 kg load will not be enough. But it’s not worth buying a device with a “reserve”. Although the documents do not indicate a minimum load of laundry, if you throw one or two blouses into a large machine, the quality of the wash will suffer. Manufacturers recommend loading the drum 2/3, which ensures friction between the fabrics and guarantees high-quality washing. Machines are available with a load from 3 to 12 kg, so everyone can choose their own option.

Advice

For a family of 3-4 people, the best option would be a machine with a loading capacity of 5 kg. For each additional family member you need to add another 1.5 kg.

The choice of front or top loading also often depends on available space. If the loading doors open from the side, the machine can be installed under the washbasin. Yes, and built-in models are frontal. Vertical loading has its advantages - they have less depth. In addition, when loading, you can open the lid at any time and adjust the amount of laundry: pick up a random item or add a few more.

Functional

The number of programs and additional functions affect the ease of use of the machine. For example, if you have a delicate wash, you don’t have to wash your favorite linen by hand; you can trust it to the equipment.How to choose the right washing machine based on its functionality? Should you choose “more of everything,” or is it better to limit yourself to the most necessary programs? Let's figure out what manufacturers offer and what convenience it provides.

Interface

We need to start talking about washing programs with controls. Today there are two options: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical interface - rotary switches. The program switch operates on the principle of a timer, so the progress of the wash can be seen by its movement. Many people prefer this interface, as it is quite easy to understand. In addition, there is a prejudice that mechanics are more reliable, and if a breakdown occurs, it is cheaper to repair the control mechanism.

It must be said that the new generation of equipment is quite reliable, so electronically controlled cars do not burden their owners with repair stories. The visual electronic interface consists of buttons with which washing programs are set. There is an LED display on the control panel, it shows at what stage of the wash, what is the water temperature and the number of revolutions.

Some new models “communicate” not only through the display, but also through voice alerts. A pleasant female voice announces the start and end of the wash. Sometimes this can also be inconvenient. For example, if you use the “delayed start” function, then at night the voice notification will come as a complete surprise.

Main programs

When choosing a machine, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the washing modes. In order not to get confused in the store, it is better to make a preparation at home - a list of the most necessary programs. Modern models can have up to 20 programs.Cheaper ones have 8-10 washing options. Perhaps these 10 options completely coincide with your needs, then there is no point in overpaying. All programs are divided into several groups.

By fabric type:

• cotton;
• synthetics;
• silk;
• wool;
• delicate fabrics;
• kids clothes;
• sportswear;
• pillows and blankets;
• fabrics with a water-repellent effect (outerwear).

By washing intensity (by degree of contamination):

• intensive wash;
• biowash;
• quick wash;
• washing with shower jet;
• soak;
• prewash;
• boiling;
• additional rinse.

Additional programs:

• half load;
• economical washing;
• hand wash wool;
• anti-crease and anti-crease mode (light ironing);
• drainage;
• “Hygiene” mode (anti-allergenic;
• Silver nano.

Most programs do not raise any questions, as their name speaks for itself, but some are worth reading in more detail.

• Soaking program appeared recently and was implemented by different companies in different ways. Electrolux washing machines allow you to soak clothes for a long time: if you do not switch to a washing program within 19 hours, they drain the water themselves and turn off. In other machines, laundry can be soaked for 15 to 30 minutes.
• "Hand wash wool" different from the normal mode for woolen items. In this mode, the drum does not scroll, but sways. This prevents clothing from becoming deformed and pilling.
• "Economy wash" - a program that allows you to get clean laundry with less water and electricity consumption, but such washing takes much more time.
• Drainage mode ensures water drainage without twisting the drum, which is important for delicate fabrics.
• Washing in the “Baby laundry” mode - this is soaking, washing, boiling and double rinsing for 3 hours. In this case, washing is done in a large amount of water so that the laundry remains soft and allergens do not accumulate in it.
• "Biowash" optimal if powders with enzymes are used. The temperature regime of this program does not destroy biologically active components - lipase, protease, amylase.
• Hygiene program - washing that destroys allergens in laundry. This is achieved by special temperature conditions.
• Silver nano — allows you to disinfect linen and clothing with silver ions. Removes not only dirt, but also unpleasant odors.

Additional functions

In addition to soaking, washing and rinsing programs, automatic machines have some other useful functions. Some of them are simply necessary. For example, Aqua stop is one of the security systems, protection against leaks. Even if the washing is done in the absence of the owners, there is no need to be afraid of a flood in the apartment.

There are several more “safe” modes in washing machines.

• "Child protection" — blocks the control panel after starting work, so the baby will not be able to reprogram the wash or open the door.
• Aqua alarm - a sound signal that sounds when there is a leak.
• "Imbalance Control" — distributes laundry evenly in the drum. Due to this, the service life of the machine is increased, vibration and noise levels are reduced.

There are additional “convenient” and “economical” programs.

• "Start Timer" — delayed start – allows you to start washing at any convenient time.
• Aqua sensor — independently determines the need for repeated rinsing, thereby saving water and electricity.
• "Automatic water dosing" — allows you to use the optimal amount of water, without overspending.
• "Rinse delay" — prevents the machine from draining water immediately after washing. The housewife activates the rinsing mode herself, when she can immediately take out and hang things up.

Washer dryer or steam generation

Separately, it is necessary to say about two types of machines with special capabilities - drying and steam generation. Machines with warm air drying completely dry your laundry. This option will come in handy if there is a baby in the house and the laundry does not naturally have time to dry. The ability to quickly dry in a machine will also help out those who forget to prepare clothes in advance and dry them on the go. The disadvantages of such machines are that their cost is higher and their energy consumption class is lower. When drying, they consume much more energy, but if this mode is not turned on, then the consumption will be standard.

Washing machines with the function of steaming laundry have appeared recently. Initially, it was an alternative to Silver nano - disinfecting things with silver ions.

Today, models of machines with steam generation perform several functions.

• Steam wash – wash with water with additional steam treatment. Detergents dissolve better under the influence of steam, clean things and are washed out of them.
• Steam stain removal - This is dry cleaning. In order to remove stains, you need to select suitable cleaning products for them.
• Antibacterial treatment.
• Steaming helps smooth things out. After 20 minutes in the machine, clothes should be hung on hangers and, if necessary, ironed a little.
• Refreshment – a convenient mode for refreshing clothes without washing. Removes unpleasant odors and light stains.

As a rule, manufacturers implement 2-3 steam treatment modes in one model, so you need to choose the appropriate option. The Refresh mode is suitable for those who like to look flawless. Not all clothes can be washed daily, in which case steam treatment will help keep them in immaculate condition. This program will also be useful for those who have a lot of soft toys in their home. The steam will refresh and disinfect them.

“Steam washing” is indispensable for allergy sufferers - steam removes all allergens and rinses detergents out of fabrics well. “Steaming” is a useful function if you need to iron things that have been in a wrinkled state for a long time. It will remove not only wrinkles, but also the smell of caked laundry.

Advice

The steam wash mode requires much less powder. You cannot rely on previous experience with conventional machines; it is better to read the instructions carefully.

Specifications

The technical characteristics of an automatic machine are the most important of all its characteristics. This is not a cheap technique, you won’t be changing it every month, so we choose a model by comparing the following parameters:

• energy consumption class;
• maximum energy consumption;
• washing class;
• engine's type;
• noise level;
• the material from which the tank is made;
• spin speed and class.

Energy efficiency of automatic machine

The energy consumption class must be indicated in the documentation and on the body of the equipment itself. It is designated in Latin letters. Although in theory this indicator ranges from A (A+, A++, A+++) to C, in practice, cars of class A and higher are now on sale. Class C models are presented in the segment of washing machines with drying functions. The difference in electricity consumption between class A+++ and C machines is quite significant and reaches 12 W per hour.

When washing a full load at 60° C, the model marked A+++ uses 15 Wh, and C – 27 Wh. In addition to the class, the marking also contains a maximum consumption - from 2 to 4 kW. This is the energy consumption value in the most energy-intensive mode. For example, if you turn on the dryer all the time, then the electricity consumption will be exactly the same.

Type of motor and washing tank

Two types of motors can be installed in an automatic machine: commutator or inverter. In new models, the second option is installed. The inverter motor is quieter because it has no brushes. When washing, only the sounds of the washing itself will be heard without the hum of the motor. The service life of such an engine is longer than that of a commutator engine, so it is given a longer warranty period.

The material from which the tank is made affects the performance and lifespan of the washing machine. There are three options here - stainless steel, enameled steel or composite materials. Stainless steel is a more durable material that can withstand 50 or even 100 years of operation. However, the machine is unlikely to withstand such a period. Composite drums are designed to operate for 20-25 years, which corresponds to the total service life.

Enameled tanks showed their inconsistency during operation. If the slightest crack or chip appears there, the tank quickly rusts and has to be replaced. This is the worst option. If you discard the enamel and choose from stainless steel and plastic, then you need to consider the following points:

• stainless steel is noisier;
• a composite drum will reduce the cost of the machine without reducing the quality of washing;
• plastic retains heat better.

Noise

The noise level must be indicated in the characteristics of the machine. It consists of two numbers.The first shows what noise there will be during washing, the second - during spinning. It is better to buy a model with indicators no higher than 55/70 DB. If it is important that the equipment be really quiet, then you need to choose a washing machine with an inverter motor and a composite tank.

Advice

The noise level of the machine, in addition to its characteristics, is affected by the installation and quality of the floor. If the floor is uneven in the horizontal plane, vibration will occur during the spin cycle. If it is impossible to eliminate the unevenness of the floor, it is better to use anti-vibration stands or rubber feet to reduce noise.

Washing and spin class

The washing class indicates how effectively the machine copes with this task. Washing efficiency is marked in Latin letters from “A” to “G”, where “A” is the highest indicator, that is, the laundry is washed carefully, and dirt is removed as much as possible. In practice, you can find two options “A” and “B” on sale, and it is visually impossible to see the difference.

Spin differs in two parameters - class and speed. The spin speed is indicated in revolutions per minute and can be from 400 to 1800 rpm. Manufacturers always indicate the maximum possible speed. Here, more does not always mean better, different fabrics require different spin modes, and too high speeds can ruin the clothes. The best option is a machine with 1000 rpm. More is needed in case of frequent washing of terry clothes, blankets or outerwear. The spin class indicates the residual moisture content of washed and wrung clothes. For class A this figure is 45%, C – 54%, D – 72%.

What to choose?

When choosing a washing machine, everyone is guided by their own needs and preferences.Some people prefer “status” equipment – ​​the latest models of the most famous brands, others care about economical consumption of water and electricity, and others want the machine to be able to do everything – to perform more functions.

If we talk about matching price and quality, then in the middle price segment you can choose the ideal option for any needs. Expensive models are, as a rule, an additional payment for elitism, design and technological innovations. With today's technology development, if new products are successful, they are quickly adopted by competitors. If you carefully understand the characteristics of different models, you can choose the best option without overpaying. We hope this information will become a reliable assistant to you!