How to choose a washing machine: tips from professionals

Currently, a washing machine is a necessary item in every home. That is why when choosing it, you should pay attention to a number of important details by which you can determine whether a particular machine is suitable for a particular person. It is also important to know how to choose the right washing machine for your specific needs.

Varieties of washing machines

There are three main types of washing machines in accordance with their mechanism of operation: automatic, semi-automatic and ultrasonic. The most common in the ranking is the first type due to its simplicity and ease of use.

Automatic machines

Automata have software control, which greatly facilitates the work with them. Earlier and simpler constructions have a predetermined action algorithm in accordance with which washing is carried out. Modern modernized models are equipped with an automatic determinant of the required water volume, a temperature controller and the number of revolutions during the spin cycle, as well as a device that measures the required amount of washing powder.

Automatic washing machines most often have a drum design, which makes them more vulnerable to damage (the activator design is simpler, but stronger). The drum machine is economical because it does not use surplus water and laundry detergent.

According to the type of loading, the machines can be divided into vertical (linen is loaded from above) and frontal (linen is loaded from the side).

Semi-automatic machines

This type of design of the washing machine does not have a control panel other than a time meter. Typically, semiautomatic devices are equipped with an activator mechanism: in the laundry container there is a motor mechanism that rotates things. Foaming with this type of washing is low, therefore, for a semi-automatic machine, it is allowed to use a powder intended for washing by hands.

Such washing machines are compact and easy to transport, but are quite outdated in design. Typically, the maximum load of the device does not exceed 7 liters. Semi-automatic machines do not require constant access to water supply and sewerage.

Using a semi-automatic machine involves preheating water, as the machine does not have a heating element. It is necessary to provide such a location for the washing machine so that dirty water drains into the sewer - toilet bowl or bathtub.

Ultrasonic machines

An ultrasonic washing machine is a small appliance connected to a power source. A feature of this type of washing is that the laundry is soaked in a basin or bath in water with powder, and a special wire mechanism that emits sound waves is lowered to the bottom of the container. After soaking, things will need to be washed with your hands.

Due to the fact that an automaton is the most common option according to the rating of acquisitions, we will talk more about how to choose an automatic washing machine.

Front loading laundry

This type of construction is simpler and more convenient than vertical. This type of washing machine has a transparent hatch on the front side through which you can see the washing process.
The outlet is hermetically sealed to prevent splashing of water. To do this, a special cuff is provided around it, which, if necessary, is replaced with a new one. The drum of such a washing machine is attached on one axis, which allows it to rotate during washing.

Vertical loading of linen

Typically, cars with such an architectural cost are higher, since their design is more complicated than the front due to the presence of additional fasteners and parts.

This type of machine can create certain difficulties, since with the slightest structural defects the device can begin to tremble and move around the room during washing. During operation, the accidental opening of the shutters of the machine is also possible. Sometimes this leads to serious malfunctions of the device.

At the same time, many washing machines with vertical loading of laundry have the function of additional loading of laundry during washing without changing the previously set washing parameters. Similarly, if a foreign object gets into the machine, it can be removed by suspending the wash and continuing it with the same program.

Often, machines with vertical loading of linen are more compact than analogs with a drum, but have a large capacity. It is important to know how to choose a washing machine with a vertical load, depending on its size and properties.

Type of washing machine in size

Machines with frontal and vertical loading may vary in size of the device depending on capacity and volume.

Dimensions of frontal cars

Typically, frontal cars have a height of about 90 cm and a width of 50-60 cm. Models with smaller dimensions are also distinguished, but usually their maximum load does not exceed 3 kg. Therefore, depending on the possible size of the machine are compact, ultra-narrow, narrow and full-sized (each of them can be built-in).

Full-size machines have standard dimensions of 90x60x60 with a load of up to 7 kg. Narrow devices have a similar height and width, and the depth is much less than the standard - about 40 cm. Machine capacity up to 5 kg. Ultra-narrow machines are even less deep - no more than 35 cm. Accordingly, the capacity of such a machine is up to 4 kg. The smallest cars in size are compact with dimensions of 70x45x50. Compact washing machines load up to 3 kg of laundry at a time.

Reduced models are usually used when there is a lack of free space, space saving, or if the machine is built-in.

Dimensions of vertical machines

Typically, top-loading machines have identical dimensions, similar to those for front-loading machines. Vertical washing machines have a width of 45 cm, a depth of 60 cm and a height of 85-90 cm.

Select desired drum volume

In ordinary models of machines, the drum capacity ranges from 3 kg to 7, but there are also individual models whose capacity reaches 10 kg.

The choice of drum volume is determined by the volume of washing and the size of the family: the more people, the higher the capacity of the drum or hatch. A car with a volume of about 5 kg or less is suitable for two people, more for a larger family. If there is free space, it is better to give preference to models with a larger capacity, as this will significantly speed up the washing process and save electricity and resources.

It is necessary to pay attention to the minimum load parameter, considering it when washing a small number of things. Otherwise, the mechanisms of the machine can quickly become worthless.

Control method

There are 2 types of machine control:

• digital;
• mechanical.

Digital control

Most automatic washing machines have automatic control. This type of control simplifies the process of setting the wash by parameters. If there is an automatic weighing function, the program will select the optimal type of washing on its own.

You can also select the parameters manually, by setting the following values:

• washing temperature;
• rinse intensity;
• the presence or absence of spin;
• the number of revolutions per minute during the spin cycle.

The program also has a function to save user settings, which allows you to quickly enable previously set parameters.

Manual control

With the mechanical type of control of the machine, the user can set much fewer parameters, limited to standard modes. For washing non-delicate fabrics and products, such settings will be quite enough.

All characteristics are set by turning special knobs and buttons.

The cost of machines with mechanical control is lower than analogs with an automatic interface due to the fact that the latter are more understandable and convenient.

Washing modes

When selecting an appliance, special attention should be paid to the washing modes available for a particular model. Typically, the machine contains 16 washing modes. This amount is optimal - the provision of additional modes is a marketing move and does not affect the overall quality of washing things.

It is desirable that the following washing modes are present:

• for cotton (warming up - 95 degrees);
• for colored laundry with automatic or manual temperature setting;
• for cleaning delicate fabrics (hand wash at 30 degrees);
• for quick washing (accelerated process lasting half an hour).

If there are small children in the house, a washing regimen for toys or children's items may come in handy.

How to choose a washing machine in a particular case based on the available washing modes should be determined based on the needs of a particular person.

Additional options

An optionally reliable washing machine may contain a number of other functions. Based on the rating of frequency of application, these include:

• Fuzzy Logic (an intelligent system that selects the optimal washing mode on its own - the amount of water, powder, speed, temperature and mode);
• auto-balancing (distributes the laundry in the hatch or drum so that it is evenly spaced to avoid vibration, unwanted movement of the machine and breakdowns);
• malfunction report (display of the error code, which can be found in the instructions for the device);
• easy ironing (the machine launches in large quantities of water, softening the spin - this helps to reduce bruising and wrinkling);
• delayed start (the washing start time is set in advance, it is especially convenient for those who have different day and night traffic or high employment);
• additional rinsing (repeated washing of linen from traces of cleaning agents in the presence of allergic reactions to them);
• steam washing (high-quality washing with simultaneous decontamination of linen);
• ALC system (adjustment of consumed resources depending on the type of volume washing);
• Aqua sensor (a system for evaluating the transparency of water is required to predict the need for repeated rinsing).

Additional parameters are selected depending on the wishes of the person and his goals.

Assessment of the quality of the washing machine

The attached instructions for the washing machine provide its main significant characteristics: modes, power consumption, spin.

Spin quality

When spinning, the machine removes excess moisture from the product. Depending on how delicate the wash should be, the number of revolutions is adjusted. Also, this characteristic may reflect the quality of the machine as a whole.The greater the number of revolutions per minute, the better the machine will dry the product. The optimal number of revolutions is from 800 to 1000.

The choice of modes and speeds of the machine is determined by the composition of things for which the selected machine is intended.

Washer / Dryer

Some machines completely dry the washed thing. The function is quite convenient, but has a number of shortcomings:

• apparatus cost;
• additional consumption of electrical energy for drying;
• the machine should be no more than half loaded.

This parameter is rarely used. Before choosing a washing machine with dryer, you need to determine its energy consumption and compatibility with home outlets to avoid fire.

Laundry Safety

There are several functions designed to make washing safer. These include:

• child access protection (control and hatch blocking);
• leakage protection (sealed housing and special hose);
• blocking the hatch door from accidental opening;
• protection of electronics from voltage surges in order to avoid burning of the device (fuses, memory function - after an unexpected shutdown, the machine starts washing from the same moment);
• protection against water overflow (installation of a hose inside the drum).

This characteristic is important, since the safety of using the device in case of unforeseen situations depends on it.

Choosing a car manufacturer

The most important question for many is which company should choose a washing machine so that it lasts a long time. Depending on the class of devices, several categories are distinguished:

• low (Ariston, Samsung, LG - $ 200);
• medium (Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux - $ 400);
• high (Aeg, Miele - $ 800).

The higher the rating class of products, the higher the price set for it and the better the quality and longer warranty period (in luxury segments up to 20 years).

When deciding which washing machine to choose, you should pay attention to several determining factors: price, warranty period, characteristics and reputation of the manufacturing company. The selection of the device is based on personal preferences and the needs of the choosing buyer. The selection of characteristics should be taken seriously, since improper use can lead to quick breakdown. When selecting an apparatus, the question of which brand of a washing machine to choose is important: it all depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer, desired properties and the expected warranty period.