What to look for when buying an automatic washing machine?

What to look for when buying an automatic washing machine Buying a washing machine is an expensive business, so without prior research and planning, you can get confused and buy the wrong thing. Most people prefer to focus only on the price tag and appearance, although in addition to this you need to pay attention to more important parameters. So, correctly selected power, dimensions, type of control or hatch location will allow you to choose the best model and not overpay for useless functions. All details are in the article.

Hull size and hatch location

First of all, you should find a place to place the machine in advance and evaluate the available space. Depending on the number of free square meters, you need to decide which washing machine is suitable for the allocated premises: with horizontal or vertical loading. In simple words, we look at where it is more desirable for the loading hatch to be located - on top or in front. If the frequently opening door will interfere with everyday life, then horizontal machines will be more suitable.

Next we look at the dimensions. Depending on the size, washing machines come in three types:

full-size – 85-90 cm in height, 45-60 cm in depth, 60 cm in width;
narrow – depth less than 45 cm;
compact - height, depth and width less than 85, 45 and 60 cm, respectively.

Compact and narrow models are more vulnerable and break faster.

We immediately pay attention to whether the machine will be built-in. If you plan to place the machine in a kitchen unit or under a sink, then you need to look for units with a removable top cover or special built-in models.They cost more, but they can significantly save space and create additional work surfaces in the room.

Drum capacity

The next point is the permissible load volume. Each machine is marked with its capacity, which clearly shows how many kilograms of dry laundry can be washed in one cycle. A sufficient value is calculated based on the number of people planning to use the machine. Approximate numbers are as follows:

for 1-2 people, a washing machine with a capacity of up to 4 kg is enough;
for 3-5 residents – at least 5-6 kg is required;
for families of 5 people - at least 7-9 kg will be required.

We also take into account the frequency of washing - if you prefer to wash often and little by little, then you can limit yourself to 4 kg.

Some people think that it is more profitable to take a reserve and immediately purchase a machine with a maximum load of 8-9 kg. But this is not the best option, since capacious machines are characterized by a high price, large size and impressive energy consumption and water consumption. Ideally, you need to calculate your needs and select a washing machine strictly for the number of residents.

Machine capabilities

Every washing machine can wash, rinse and spin. But some models can offer their owner additional opportunities. Some of them can really simplify and speed up the washing process, but many only increase the cost of equipment, remaining useless in everyday life. In order not to waste money in vain, we understand the functions offered by the manufacturer.

Leak protection. Complete protection will be insurance in case of leakage problems and will automatically turn off the system if water gets to the bottom of the machine.
Special modes.Help you save time and money by offering special programs for specific fabrics and types of clothing. Thus, “Children’s mode”, “Sports”, “Quick wash”, “Shoes”, “Bulky items” and “Economy wash” are considered useful.
Delicate wash. It will come in handy if you have lace underwear in your wardrobe, as well as silk, organza or other light and fragile fabrics. This is a special program with abundant water supply, no water heating and slow spin, which guarantees gentle care.
Quiet wash. Models with an inverter motor and direct drive can boast of the absence of strong vibrations and a running engine. They make much less noise, so they are suitable for night washing or small apartments.
Steam wash. Offers enhanced cleaning by supplying hot air. As a rule, it is a fairly universal program that helps get rid of unpleasant odors on any type of fabric.
Drying. A very expensive option, but it allows you to dry things immediately after finishing washing. If this is provided on the machine, then the washed clothes do not need to be hung up, but can be immediately put away in the closet.

The equipment may also have a delay start timer, drum lighting, child lock and many other additional functions. The buyer’s task is to carefully examine the unit’s dashboard when purchasing an automatic washing machine and soberly evaluate the usefulness of the built-in options.

Features of the control module

Among the main characteristics of the washing machine is the type of control. It depends on how convenient it is to use the machine. There are two more common options:

With a mechanical control module, the washing parameters must be adjusted manually by turning special controls or pressing buttons.As a rule, they are equipped with old and cheap models that offer rather low functionality.
With electronic control, the user only needs to select a mode, after which the washing system itself will set the temperature, spin force and cycle duration.

Machines with an electronic module are more convenient to use, but they break down more often than mechanical machines.

Statistics show that complex electronic systems often fail. The fact is that mechanical control is limited to fewer parts, which last 50-60% longer. However, manufacturers have practically stopped releasing “simple” cars with low prices on the market, since their demand among buyers has dropped significantly.

How to evaluate the efficiency of the machine?

SM energy consumption classes Not many people know that you can evaluate the efficiency of a machine’s washing, the quality of the spin cycle and the degree of consumption even before purchasing and putting the equipment into operation. For this purpose, a class system has long been developed, according to which manufacturers test specific models at the factory and assign them certain levels. All of the listed parameters are designated in Latin letters - from A to G.

Therefore, choosing good equipment is easy: just pay attention to the energy consumption class, washing and spin efficiency. The best machines will have the highest levels from A to A+++, and uneconomical and poorly washing machines will have from D to G.

So that the noise does not irritate

The noise level is always indicated on the label of the washing machine. This characteristic is indicated in dB and allows you to immediately estimate the average volume of the machine. As a rule, the acceptable and non-irritating value ranges from 47-68 dB.

The noise of the washing machine depends primarily on the washing tank.If it is made of stainless steel, the unit will be noisier than with a plastic drum. The installed motor also affects the noise level. Inverter motors and direct drive automatics are much quieter.

Some machines offer to reduce the operating volume using the “Quiet Wash” function.

Much depends on the dimensions of the washing machine. Thus, heavy units are less mobile, therefore they practically do not vibrate and do not create additional noise. The quality of installation is also significant - installation on a hard and level surface guarantees reduced decibels.

Frequent malfunctions and protection against them

Manufacturers promise 5-7 years of trouble-free operation, but machines often break down much earlier. To prevent a sad outcome, it is necessary to carefully examine the offered models at the purchase stage and choose the most stable design. To do this, it’s worth keeping in mind the most common causes of washing machine breakdowns:

failure of the heating element;
control module burnout;
drive belt slipping;
engine breakdown;
wear of the bearing unit;
tank damage;
shock absorber wear;
broken hatch door handle;
unreliable pump.

Most often, the listed elements of the washing machine “fail” during improper operation, but you can protect yourself from many things in the store. For example, it is recommended to trust a waxed dashboard, which is more sealed and durable, or to avoid plastic tanks that are flimsy and often deteriorate. Also, before purchasing, you should correctly calculate the required loading volume so that you do not subsequently exceed the maximum permissible weight.

It's not worth saving either.If it is very important that the washed clothes are dry, then it is better to buy a machine with drying capabilities. Otherwise, savings will force you to turn on the spin speed to the maximum value, which is why the unit will operate at increased power, exhausting its technical potential.

How to buy and install?

The selected machine must be carefully inspected. There should be no dents, scratches or chips on the body and internal parts - all this indicates improper transportation and future problems. Be sure to rotate the drum, check the contents and open the door and powder receptacle several times.

It is better to entrust further installation and connection to professionals. Remember that if a problem is detected, the technician will issue a special certificate to replace the equipment. If you act on your own, you will have to prove to the store that the breakdown was not your fault.