How to choose a washing machine: manufacturer reviews, expert advice

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 22:35

Choosing a washing machine is sometimes a difficult task, especially for those who are not very tech savvy. Here it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions, but also the functions, as well as the capabilities of the equipment and know the rules of operation. Only then the washing machine will become a truly indispensable assistant in the house and will last for decades. Consider how to choose a washing machine and what parameters and characteristics to pay close attention to.

We will also consider the main brands of washing machines, their advantages and disadvantages depending on the characteristics, quality parameters, pricing policy and according to most consumer reviews.

Which machine is better: with vertical or horizontal loading?

There are two main modifications of laundry equipment on the market. These are washing machines with vertical and front, or horizontal, loading. Options withfront-loading more, but vertical loading, although such a machine is considered to be of better quality and with a long service life, since the drum is not mounted in one place, but in two at once, not all manufacturers make it.

Following the advice of experts, it is better to choose a washing machine from the top-loading options, as it is more reliable. But such products are more expensive, and besides, there are not many options in this segment.

Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of these two modifications.

Front loading		Vertical loading
Benefits	Flaws	Benefits	Flaws
low cost	large width compared to top-loading options	compact and smaller size	higher price
more models with all kinds of functionality	impossibility to add laundry during the running washing process	possibility to reload laundry already in the running washing process, if necessary	fewer models shown
possibility of embedding a washing machine in appliances	one drum support, while top-loading washers have two of them	the process of opening the door is up, so no extra space in front of the machine is required	impossibility to integrate into appliances in the kitchen or elsewhere

Assessing the pros and cons of each modification of the washing machine, as well as starting from the availability of free space in the room, it will not be difficult to answer the question of how to choose a reliable automatic washing machine. It all depends on the personal preferences and financial capabilities of the buyer.

Does the capacity of the washing machine matter?

The most important factor when choosing a washing machine is its capacity, which is measured in kilograms. For example, if the model is designed for washing clothes no more than 3.5 kg, then if the amount is loaded in excess of this indicator, the washing process will not start.

Directly on the amount of laundry that fits in the machine in one wash, the size of the selected technique depends. The larger the capacity of the machine, the larger the washing machine itself. Therefore, before choosing a washing machine, you should start from this criterion.

For example, if there are no small children in the family and there is no need to wash a lot and often, then you should pay attention to more budget options with a smaller capacity. If the family is large or you need to wash a large amount of laundry, then you should consider options with a capacity of five or six kilograms. In addition, larger varieties of laundry appliances are less prone to vibration and make less noise than smaller variations.

Overview of class and washing programs

The following classes are distinguished depending onvarious factors:

A+, A++ (it is economical even at spin speeds above 1500, and also does not consume a significant amount of electricity during operation) is the highest class that is most popular with consumers and, according to advice and feedback, how to choose a washing machine, products with this classification are in the top.

A, B. Washing machines of this class remove dirt well, and also have several different types of spinning process depending on the speed (from 1200 to 1500) and the quality of the laundry after washing.

C, D, E. The ability to spin from 600 to 1200 revolutions, which increases the duration of the drying process after washing. In addition, models of this class consume more electricity. But since the number of revolutions during the spin cycle is low, things do not wear out quickly.

F, G. Lower class. Spinning occurs at a speed of less than 600. The most energy-consuming models that are not made by some brands, as they are not popular with manufacturers.

Energy class of washing machines	Energy consumption, kWh/kg
Class A +	less than 0.17
Class A	0.17-0.19
Class B	0.19-0.23
Class C	0.23-0.27
Class D	0.27-0.31
Class E	0.31-0.35
Class F	0.35-0.39
Class G	more than 0.39

But before choosing a washing machine for quality, you should familiarize yourself not only with the class of goods, but also with additional functionality and basic programs for cleaning things from dirt.

Standard programs that are in every typewriter are the usual wash, delicate, hand, quick, synthetics and wool, rinse, spin, drain. These processes were chosen in 99% of cases among user requests. Other optional features are selected on a case-by-case basis as needed.

Additional functions of the machine

Many parents think about how to choose the right washing machine for a family with children, especially small ones. Here, washing machines with an additional child protection feature are the most suitable option. In this case, parents will be able to go about their business and not worry at all that their children can press something or reconfigure the task manager already in the process of washing itself.

Additionally, you should pay attention to grounding and the inability to open the door of the machine in the process of cleaning things from dirt. As a rule, almost all models have such a lock. Also, for a family with children, buttons or a programmer are important, they must be pressed tightly or turned with effort, so the option with a touch screenis inappropriate in that case.

The following functions can be attributed to the additional functionality of the washer:

• delay the washing process for a certain time;
• the ability to use spin or not (this is especially important when washing delicate items);
• soaking process (this applies to cleaning heavily soiled items);
• adding more water to improve wash quality;
• ironing (in this case, the rotation of the laundry in the drum occurs delicately and when it comes out it turns out not to be very wrinkled);
• leakage protection (the washing machine itself controls this process and, in the event of a leak, blocks the water supply; according to reviews, how to choose an automatic washing machine, such an additional function is important and necessary);
• models with direct drive (in these options, the drum rotates without the use of a belt, but this process depends directly on the engine, so fewer parts are involved in the rotation process, which increases the life of the product and makes it less noisy);
• sensors for monitoring water quality, foaming, powder dissolution, etc. (such models are not uncommon and they are in a high price category).

Therefore, before deciding on what parameters to choose a washing machine, you should familiarize yourself with the additional functions of the selected model, since the standard functionality is almost the same for all types of washing machines.

Machine with or without dryer: what to choose?

Washing dryers are a new generation of appliances that are gaining more and more positive feedback from customers, as it is a fairly convenient option that saves a lot of time. At the same time, the question logically arises of how to choose a high-quality automatic washing machine with a drying function.

"Two in one" - this is the name of washing machines with a drying function, which are cheaper in cost than a separate technique in the form of a washing machine and drying clothes itself. But there are several nuances that are taken into account when choosing such a modification.

Thus, washing machines with a drying function require additional free space than analogues without this process. The drying process requires a large drum, so you won't be able to save space.

The drying function consumes more electricity, so it is less energy efficient in this case.

The quality of washing machines with a drying function is lower than that of standard tumble dryers. In addition, a separate dryer not only improves the quality of the process, but also holds more laundry.

Given the differences between washing machines with and without a drying function, it all depends on personal preferences, as well as on the financial capabilities of the consumer. After all, the two-in-one technique costs an order of magnitude higher than a conventional washing machine with standard functions.

Size and dimensions of the washer

There are standard size, narrow and small size washing machines. Therefore, beforechoose a washing machine for quality, you should decide on the availability of free space in the room where the equipment will stand.

Standard or factory dimensions are shown in the table.

Washing machine size	Height, cm	Width cm	Depth, cm
Standard	85	60	58
Narrow	65	65	55
Small size	67	50	40

Also, the dimensions directly depend on the capacity of the washing machine. The higher the capacity, that is, the ability to wash a certain amount of laundry, expressed in kilograms, the larger its size. It all depends on the need for washing and its frequency in each particular home.

Among the options that can be built into appliances, there is a smaller variety of washing machines presented, but they must be selected and located even before the moment of repair or rearrangement in the room.

Built-in or freestanding appliances: which is better?

Before choosing a washing machine, you should decide on the availability of free space in the room where the equipment will stand. As a rule, the washing machine is placed in the bathroom (in 95% of cases), but if therethere is not enough space for it, then you can consider installing built-in appliances in the kitchen or other suitable room.

If you prefer the built-in option, for example, in the kitchen, then you can additionally decorate the washing machine with doors or curtains. This is done in order to preserve the overall existing interior in the room. Thus, it will not stand out from the overall color scheme and design.

Among the built-in options, although there is not such a wide variety of items of equipment, you can still choose a good automatic washing machine. The only disadvantages include the fact that free-standing equipment can be bought or replaced both before and after repairs in the room.

Built-in analogues of washing machines should be installed even before the repair or refurbishment in the room. In addition, all built-in machines have only front loading. Therefore, if a person prefers a device only with a vertical loading, then this option will not suit him.

Experts advise choosing a washing machine according to the parameters, especially the built-in version. It is worthwhile to clearly measure not only the width, but also the depth of the niche where the washer will stand, without taking into account pipes, ceilings or dimensions of the door itself. As a rule, built-in appliances are smaller in size, therefore, less laundry is placed in it, and some functions are limited.

Which is better to choose a washing machine?

There are many different modifications on the market of washing machines, whereeach consumer can choose exactly the option that suits him in terms of functionality and pricing.

Among the leading companies that have won the trust of customers and have been on the market for more than a year, the following manufacturers of washing machines stand out: Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Samsung, LG, Indesit, Zanussi, BEKO and Hotpoint-Ariston. These are world famous brands, there are also many domestic manufacturers in different price categories. They are no worse, but, according to customer reviews, it is in domestic-made washing machines that various elements often fail, and they have a shorter service life.

Which company to choose a washing machine? Depending on the manufacturer, the class, the period of operation of the washer, as well as additional functionality may differ. Here it is impossible to say which manufacturing company is better, since each consumer chooses according to the criteria that are most important to him. In addition, each manufacturer has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, Bosh washing machines are of high quality and easy to use, BEKO appliances are available to the middle class due to their low and affordable price, LG washing machines have a direct drive, but its warranty period is only five years.

Rating of manufacturers of washing machines

There are many variations of washing equipment on the market, with and without additional functionality, but the rating of manufacturers will help you decide which brand to choose a washing machine.

In terms of reliability, the Bosh brand occupies a leading position. Earlier modelsof this manufacturer were produced in Germany, now they are produced in Poland, which in no way affects the quality. Among the high-quality and reliable washing machines, devices from manufacturers such as Siemens, Electrolux, Samsung, LG, Indesit can be noted. The products of the VEKO trademark are characterized by the least reliability. It is also worth remembering that the more reliable and durable the equipment, the higher its cost.

Among the top-loading washing machines, brands such as Bosh, LG and Indesit can be noted. Bosh is reliable, high-quality and expensive equipment, LG is direct-drive models with an average price, Indesit is easy to maintain.

When looking at the top-loading washing machine market, Electrolux, Bosch and Zanussi stand out. There are not so many options and types of models of equipment. Some manufacturers, like LG, don't make top-loading washers at all.

Depending on the quality of washing, the following brands can be distinguished: Bosch, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit and LG - a quite expected number of leaders. But this criterion is quite controversial, since it depends directly on the powder, the degree of soiling of the laundry, as well as on the correctly selected washing mode.

Where is the best place to buy a washing machine?

Recently, shopping has moved significantly online. Now you can buy any product, including a washing machine, easily online. But experts still advise after familiarizationwith the dimensions and characteristics of the selected model and before choosing a washing machine, see the product, so to speak, “live”.

This will allow, during inspection, to identify possible minor external errors or scratches on the machine itself. This, of course, can be done when buying goods online, but in this case, you will have to pay for the delivery of the goods, even if it does not fit the client.

Also, in large supermarkets of household appliances, you can buy washing machines for a promotion or arrange service if necessary for an additional fee. Often, such stores offer cards upon purchase, where bonuses are credited for the next purchase. When making transactions online, these services are not provided.