Which washing machine to choose and how?
If you are thinking about buying yourself a car, but have not yet decided which one, then this article will help you. Here we will discuss the different types of washing machines and what parts are important when choosing one.
Species and types
Washing machines may differ in various ways. The most popular option for Russia is front-loading machines. And in the USA and China, top-loading machines are more in demand. Let's look at their features.
Top loading machines
In cars of this design, there is no hatch on the front side of the hull, which is familiar to many. It is replaced by a hinged lid, which is located on top. It is through this that the dirty laundry is loaded into the drum. It can be opened using the lock button.
In most of these models, to remove clean items after washing, you need to turn the drum so that the opening flaps are on top. Also, in some models, at the end of the wash, the machine automatically positions the drum flaps so that there is no need to rotate it. This feature is called "Drum Up".
One of the most important benefits of a top-loading washing machine is that it saves space. Using this model, you do not need to take into account the presence of additional space on the front side of the machine to open the hatch. Since it does not have a front hatch, but has a lid that opens upwards. The volumes of this device themselves are approximately the same as those of conventional front-facing devices (about 80-95 cm in height, about 40-45 cm in width). The depth of the vertical machines is about sixty centimeters.And for machines with loading from the front side, it can vary from 40 to 60 cm.
There is an opinion that this type of household appliance is characterized by increased reliability. But experts do not confirm this. And they claim that there are no fundamental differences in the drums between different types of washing machines.
The quality of washing, rinsing and spinning is not particularly different between front-facing and vertical machines. But for those who like to see the washing process, the “vertical” is not suitable, for the reason that it does not have a transparent door or any window. They are simply not included in the design.
Front loading machines
As we mentioned above, this type of household appliances is very popular in Russia. And when most Russian people think about a washing machine, they imagine exactly this model. It is distinguished by a round hatch located at the front with a transparent wall. For those who like to watch the progress of washing clothes, this option will be the most suitable. Because through the glass window of the hatch you can see everything that happens inside the machine.
“Frontal” can wash from 3.5 to 10 kg of laundry, depending on the technical characteristics of each specific model. One of the small disadvantages is that when installing and using the machine, you should always take into account that there should be free space on the front side of the machine for the hatch to open freely.
The height of most machines of this type is 80 plus or minus 15 cm. There are also front-loading washing machines suitable for small spaces. For example, narrow ones, which do not exceed forty centimeters in depth. Or mini models. They are significantly smaller than standard ones. And they are easily suitable for even the smallest spaces.But it is also worth considering that these models will have a smaller laundry capacity. And possibly less power.
Dimensions.
- Standard. They have a height of about 90cm. Their width and depth are approximately 60cm. Allows you to wash 5-7 kg of laundry.
- Compact. Their height is about 70 cm (plus or minus 2 cm). The width is about half a meter. And the depth is about 45 cm. Loading 3 kg of laundry.
- Narrow. The height and width are the same as standard machines. Depth about 40 cm. Depth 35-40 centimeters. You can wash from three and a half to five kilograms at a time.
- Super narrow. Height and width are the same as standard models. Depth is about 35 cm, sometimes a little less. Loading from three and a half to four kg.
Comparison of frontal and vertical washing machines
Frontal.
- Front-end machines have a wide range on the Russian household appliances market.
- Also, they are often cheaper than their vertical “colleagues”.
- Using front washing machines, you can see the entire washing process through the transparent part of the hatch.
- Standard models include a fairly large amount of linen.
As a small disadvantage, we can note that you need to bend over to remove washed clothes. And the fact that it is necessary to have some free space for the hatch to open normally.
Vertical.
- Most models are narrow and suitable for small spaces.
- The capacity is quite high.
- There is no need to bend over hard when removing and loading laundry.
- It is possible to add items even while washing.
The downside is that such machines tend to be more expensive. Also, most household appliances of this type do not have any special differences in size.That is, if you want to find a mini “vertical”, you are unlikely to succeed.
How to choose?
We have already discussed the types of washing machines. And you can move on to the next equally important parameters that apply to both types of machines. Let's start with the drum capacity. When purchasing new household appliances, it is worth considering the number of people who live with you. If you have three to five people living with you, then the machine should be able to wash at least 5 kilograms of laundry at a time.
You also need to consider that different types of fabrics may require different amounts of space. So one wool sweater can replace 5-6 cotton T-shirts.
Be careful! Do not overload the washing machine. Do not place more laundry in the drum than the instructions allow. Also, do not put too little laundry. No need to wash just one T-shirt or tank top. Wait until at least 1.5-2 kg have accumulated. Items that need washing.
How to save money?
From a cost-saving point of view, it is more profitable to buy standard-sized machines. But if you are limited in free space, then your choice is narrow or compact models. A significant disadvantage of such options is the small amount of laundry that can be washed at one time.
If you want to save on water and electricity, it is better to purchase energy-efficient household appliances. How to determine which washing machines are economical? Cars are divided by energy classes. The highest classes are those that consume less. And the lowest ones are more.
Energy consumption by class:
- Class “A++” is the most economical class at the moment. This technique consumes less than 0.15 kWh/kg.
- Class “A+” is a very economical option.Electricity consumption when using a machine of this type is less than 0.17 kWh/kg.
- Class “A” - such machines need 0.17-0.19 kWh/kg.
- "B" consumes from 0.19 to 0.23.
- “C” – 0.23-0.27.
- “D” – for this class you need 0.27-0.31.
- Other classes – more than 0.31 kWh/kg.
By the way, the presence of a drying function in the machine increases the consumption of both energy and water.
Also, the quality of washing is also determined by Latin letters. And the washing quality designation with the letter “A” will mean that the washing machine copes with its duties well.
Spin
Spinning occurs at the very end of the wash. And how wet things will be depends on the spin force. And how easy it will be to iron them. The number of revolutions at this stage of washing can be set independently. This is usually done when selecting a mode for a specific type of fabric. For items made from delicate fabrics, use a gentle spin. For coarser fabrics, you can use a strong spin. Spin is also divided into classes. We will not consider them in detail.
Drying machine
The advantage of washing machines with a drying function is obvious - you get dry laundry immediately after the wash and dry cycle ends. This is much faster than waiting for it to dry on its own after being hung. But there are also disadvantages. After drying, some fabrics can be very difficult to iron even with an iron. And in addition, when using this function, energy consumption increases. On the one hand, such a machine is more convenient. On the other hand, it is more expensive. Should you save money on washing or is it better to get dry laundry faster? The choice is yours.
Drying occurs due to heated air, which removes moisture from things and collects it in a special container. Models can be dried using a timer.In these types, drying starts automatically after washing. And in terms of humidity. These machines use a special sensor that analyzes humidity and decides when and how long it takes to dry clothes. The latter type of drying is considered more modern and is used in new washing machines.
Control
Cars that are produced nowadays have a built-in control system. Usually it is quite simple and intuitive. As a rule, in order to set the mode and start the wash, you do not need to do any complicated things. You just need to press a couple of buttons. The machine will do the rest itself. It has built-in control and monitoring systems for all washing processes. And at the right moment, the water is changed, rinsed, spinned, the temperature is controlled, and so on.
The latest models are increasingly equipped with a display. On it you can set programs and monitor the information that the processor tells you.
Types of protection
The developers of the machines tried to protect consumers as much as possible. Therefore, you may notice different protective systems in new washing machines. For example:
- From leaks. This system protects the machine from internal leaks. If the hoses are broken or damaged, the access to water is blocked. This will help avoid a large amount of liquid on the floor. And it will save you and your neighbors from this trouble.
- From accidental opening of the door during washing. The lock, which is present in all modern machines, is made to ensure that the machine hatch cannot be opened during washing, rinsing and other processes. It fixes the closed position of the hatch until the very end of the machine’s operation.
- From children. This protection feature is not available on all washing machines.But if you have small children, then you need it. The whole point of this function is that using a combination of certain keys, a lock can be set and removed. There is something similar on mobile phones so that buttons are not pressed accidentally when it is in your pocket.
Modes
The number of modes and their types are updated quite often. Manufacturers strive to make household appliances that are as convenient and interesting for the buyer as possible. And, of course, the presence of new functions increases the cost and attractiveness of the machine. The most common programs that are found in almost all machines are the following:
- Delicate mode
- Quick wash,
- Cotton washing,
- Washing for colored laundry.
These are the most requested features, which is why they are used in most washing machines. If you need any special treatment, you can talk to sales consultants. Good hardware stores usually have qualified staff. The staff at these locations will be happy to answer all your questions.
The variety of different modes and programs is usually greater in those machines that cost more. And lower for those that are cheaper. Therefore, we recommend choosing washing machines that suit your needs and the amount of money you want to spend.
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For me, a top-loading machine is better - you can add forgotten things to it and fit it into even the smallest bathroom.
I have a front-loading Bosch machine - you can see what’s going on with the laundry, and the coolest thing is watching how our cat watches the progress of the wash, it’s just hilarious! In addition, the car “moonlights” as a bedside table for us, so it’s convenient to put something on it. Now we have it in the bathroom, but if desired, it can be built into the kitchen, which cannot be done with a vertical one.
I trust the German manufacturer, they make all the equipment with high quality. I'm currently looking for one, but for now I've settled on Siemens iSensoric, a smart machine with innovative technologies.
We have ardo TL800EX It will be 11 years old in March! Super car! Track. I would also like ARDO.
I can't help but share. Vyatka - automatic. “The Old Woman” worked for 27 years. The only repair was to replace the hose. Are there Vyatki in nature now?
There are, but they seem to be assembled in China.
And I have Candy Aqua, compact. It stands under a special large sink. The bathroom is small, but it doesn't bother you at all! The load is 4 kg, it copes well with a double bedding set, with a terry robe, and a holofiber coat was washed in it - excellent. I only set the spin speed to 400 rpm, as recommended by the coat manufacturer. And it doesn’t jump – the master leveled it well, plus it stands on special rubber feet; It sways slightly during operation, but does not hit either the bathtub (a gap of a couple of centimeters) or the coil on the other side. I am very pleased!
I, too, now find vertical ones more interesting, although I didn’t pay much attention to them before. And in general they seemed strange to me.Vertical Indesit was actually given to us by my husband’s relatives. At first I thought about taking her to the dacha and buying a frontal one for the apartment. But it’s good that I tried it out and quickly changed my mind.
I've heard that there are several good models of vertical Hotpoints, but I don't understand them and can't remember! Please tell me!
I looked on Yandex Market and chose Whirlpool because of good reviews and a reasonable price. Works well, definitely not a mistake.