Comparison of technical characteristics of washing machines
Studying the technical characteristics of the washing machine you choose is one of the most important, at the same time one of the most difficult stages before purchasing the “ideal home assistant”. Neglecting to compare the technical characteristics of various washing machines means ultimately purchasing a technically backward model or, on the contrary, a model crammed with unnecessary advertised functions and costing “astronomical” money. As part of the article, we will make a comparison and review various models of machines and their technical characteristics in order to orient you and guide you on the path of the right choice.
Basic characteristics - distinctive features
What are the basic characteristics of modern automatic washing machines?
- Load type.
- Washing and spinning classes.
- Maximum load and drum rotation speed.
- Drum volume, diameter and opening angle of the hatch.
- Washing programs.
- Energy consumption.
- Display information for the user.
- Dimensions and weight.
- Protection and safety.
It is wiser to start reviewing the basic characteristics of automatic washing machines with the type of loading. Just some 5-7 years ago, people, without hesitation, bought machines only with horizontal loading, since it was believed that vertical loading was the lot of old Soviet semi-automatic machines. Currently, the share of purchased horizontal-loading automatic machines is still many times larger, but, nevertheless, gradually automatic “vertical” machines have begun to conquer the market.
Note! 90% of all automatic washing machines purchased in the world are horizontal loading.
So, machines with horizontal loading have a hatch on the front wall into which laundry is loaded; the drum of such machines is also located horizontally. For top-loading machines, the hatch for storing laundry is located on top, as is the control panel. Some top-loading machines do not have a drum at all; such machines are called activator machines.
The basic characteristics of washing machines include washing and spin classes. There are 7 washing and spinning classes. Each class has a specific characteristic, which is encoded by a letter of the Latin alphabet; the decoding is presented in the table below.
Most of the best modern washing machines have a washing class of at least B and a spin class of at least C.
One of the most important basic characteristics is the maximum load and rotation speed of the washing machine drum. Currently, household automatic machines have a wide variety of loads from 2.5 to 18 kg. But there is a problem here: the larger the load, the larger the volume of the drum, and therefore the larger the dimensions of the washing machine. From here we can highlight:
- Machines with small loads from 2.5 to 5 kg inclusive.
- Machines with an average load of 5.5 to 7 kg inclusive.
- Machines with large loads from 7.5 to 18 kg.
It’s not for nothing that they say you need to look for the “golden mean” in everything; automatic machines with a medium load are considered the most stable, the most reliable, and also the best in price. They are also the most popular, since for an average modern family of 3-4 people, a machine with a load of 6 kg is considered optimal.
So it turns out that machines with a small load are smaller in size, but less stable and you cannot wash large items in them, while a machine with a large load is too expensive and is designed for a large family, of which there are not many.
An important basic characteristic is the drum volume, opening angle and hatch diameter. At first glance, it seems that why should we bother with the drum volume when we have already calculated the maximum load?
- The maximum load may be overestimated by the manufacturer, and measuring the drum volume gives a more or less complete picture of the actual amount of laundry that can be washed at a time.
- It is by the volume of the drum, and not by the maximum load, that one can judge how large an item can be washed in a washing machine.
- It is by the volume of the drum that one can judge the efficiency of a washing machine.
In addition to the volume of the drum, it is important to take into account the diameter of the hatch; the wider it is, the more convenient it is to operate the washing machine, although this, of course, is a matter of taste. But the opening angle of the hatch is very important if the machine needs to be built into furniture or placed in a narrow space. You can calculate in advance how convenient it will be to open the hatch at the location of the washing machine.
The basis of the basic technical characteristics is rightfully formed by the list of washing programs, which is included in a specific model of the washing machine. Modern automatic machines must have the following basic programs in their arsenal:
- Quick wash - this program may have a different name, but the essence is the same - to thoroughly wash the laundry in the shortest possible time (from 20 minutes).
- Cotton – there may be options such as “cotton quick”, mixed laundry and the like.
- Synthetics – designed for washing synthetic fabrics; there may be variations in the name.
- Hand wash is a mechanical imitation of hand wash.
- Delicate wash - designed for washing delicate fabrics; there may be variations in the name.
- Bulk items - designed for washing outerwear, blankets, pillows and other things, it may be called differently.
- Intensive wash - designed for intense impact on laundry in order to remove heavy soiling.
- Boiling - the goal is the same, while washing occurs at a temperature of 90-95 0WITH.
In fact, these are all programs that the vast majority of people use constantly, the rest remain unused, although manufacturers are struggling to develop new programs just to offer more and beat competitors in this component. Regarding such characteristics as energy consumption, we can say unequivocally that a modern machine without drying should not have energy class below “B”, and with drying not below “D”.
Visualization of the execution of washing programs for the user is also of great importance, although from a practical point of view this is completely unimportant. A machine that does not have a display at all can wash just as well as a machine with a touch panel and a large display. But you will have to pay about ¼ more for the “miracle of technology”.
Note! A washing machine stuffed with electronics is not only expensive, but also less durable due to its complexity. Whether you need to buy such a car is up to you to decide.
The dimensions and weight of the washing machine must be taken into account if the “home assistant” needs to be placed in a narrow space or built into furniture.In this case, every centimeter is important, so these basic technical parameters come to the fore. The average dimensions of washing machines are 80x60x40, but there are models with dimensions 90x65x55, 95x75x60 or 70x50x35. When choosing dimensions, you should remember one thing - a compact car does not mean a good car!
The last important basic characteristic should be considered the safety of the washing machine. Modern models have protection:
- from children's interference;
- protection against leaks;
- protection against excessive foaming;
- from overloads of the electrical network, etc.
In our opinion, the more this set is in the car model you choose, the better; you should not skimp on safety.
Additional characteristics - distinctive features
Modern automatic washing machines have a huge number of additional characteristics. There is no point in listing them all, there are too many of them, so let’s pay attention to the really worthwhile characteristics, which are expressed in the list of specific additional functions.
- Preliminary automatic weighing of laundry. This function allows you to determine the exact weight of the laundry before starting the washing program. What does this give? This allows the on-board computer of the washing machine to calculate the exact amount of water and powder for a specific amount of laundry, and this in turn allows you to save water, energy and powder.
- Delay the start of the washing program. This function allows you to wash at a certain time, when the user needs it.
- Adding laundry during washing. This function allows you to stop the washing process in the middle and add previously forgotten laundry.This is much better than running a second wash and saves water, powder and energy.
- Easy ironing. This function involves processing the laundry after washing in such a way that it becomes soft and has a minimum number of folds and wrinkles. Ironing such linen is really very easy; you don’t need to make any extra effort.
- Drying. Some modern automatic machines are equipped with additional heating elements, which allows you not only to wash, rinse and spin clothes, but also to dry them directly in the drum.
Some readers may ask why we do not consider such additional functions of washing machines as fuzzy logic or eco bubble, because they are known to everyone and provide so many benefits when washing clothes. Indeed, commercials “scream” about the magical properties of advanced washing machines with fuzzy logic, eco bubble and other similar functions. They say they wash clothes much better thanks to various technical “baubles”.
In fact, experts are very skeptical about such technical innovations. Real tests that checked the operation of such machines, so to speak, in the field, and not as part of promotions, showed that they wash well, but no better than an ordinary good automatic washing machine. The question immediately arises: is it necessary to overpay for the newfangled bubble wash, if it really does not provide any advantages - only consumers can answer.
Review of popular washing machine models
A description and detailed analysis of the technical characteristics of automatic washing machines gives us the opportunity to rank the best washing machines and make a brief comparison of them.We will not limit ourselves by brand, model or any brand designations, so as not to give the impression that when compiling a review, we are advertising specific washing machines. We do not pursue such goals, but on the contrary, we try to be as objective as possible.
Having weighed all the main technical indicators, independent experts gave the first place in our rating to an automatic washing machine with horizontal loading Siemens WD15H541O.E. For clarity, let us present its characteristics in the form of a table.
As you can see, this car has everything you need and nothing extra. Add impeccable German quality here, and you will get a high-quality washing machine that will wash your clothes perfectly for many years, and maybe even decades. True, this technology also has one big disadvantage - the price. Impeccable technical characteristics are expensive, but what can you do, you have to pay for everything.
In second place in our rating is the horizontal loading automatic washing machine LG F12U2HDM1N. We bring to your attention its technical characteristics.
A very decent model of a washing machine from a well-known manufacturer, it also has everything you need, but our experts lowered its rating and put it only in second place, because...
- If there is a dryer, there is only an intensive drying program, which, in fact, is suitable only for coarse fabrics; drying cannot be used for more delicate fabrics.
- This brand is an expensive car model, but it has surprisingly few protective functions, not even protection against leaks, which is a clear disadvantage.
- The quality of the materials from which the case is made leaves much to be desired, although the internal parts are of very high quality.
In third place in our rating is a horizontal loading automatic washing machine from Italy, Electrolux EWW1686HDW. Here are its technical characteristics.
The washing machine is generally very good, but experts put it in third place in the ranking for the following reasons.
- Quite poor quality of the automatic washing machine. This applies to both external and internal elements.
- The manufacturer has declared false technical specifications regarding the maximum load of laundry with the drying mode turned on. The load is stated to be 7 kg, in reality no more than 4 kg.
- In addition, the machine has a very limited number of drying programs. In fact, there is only one program - intensive drying, which is not very good.
Buying Tips
In conclusion, I would like to give some advice to buyers who are trying to choose a very good washing machine from a technical point of view. A washing machine that would serve the whole family “faithfully” for many years. These are the tips.
Note! A good review from experts can answer the question of which model of washing machines from a particular manufacturer is less noisy; study the information on the topic.
- When choosing an automatic washing machine, do not try to buy a more expensive model. Price is not always a sign of good technology.
- When choosing built-in equipment, pay special attention to its dimensions.
- The automatic machine you choose should be more or less economical, so pay attention to the class of energy consumption, water consumption and the ability to save powder.
- If you decide to give preference to a specific model of automatic washing machines, study the review from authoritative authors, which indicates its full characteristics, including comparative characteristics and description.
- Pay attention to the noise level of a specific model of washing machine, although this characteristic is rarely indicated truthfully by the manufacturer.
Buy a safe washing machine. It must have at least child protection, hatch locking and leak protection.
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It is important to me in technical specifications that the machine consumes little water. My Indesit can handle this. I was specifically looking for an economical washing machine.
Such models can no longer be found. I recently bought a Midea MF100W60/W, I really liked the look, it looks stylish. But I bought it because of the large load volume - up to 6 kg, the presence of a large number of programs, including quick wash and delay start. Well, the budget suited me. Also a great option, I think.