Choice of washing machine: selection criteria, manufacturers, vertical and front loading

Usually, the lower the class of washing, the less "bells and whistles" and price. Among the additional functions are many that are very useful in life, and there are also useless for ordinary people.

Options that you really need:

• The size of the load of laundry. Miniature cars have a small capacity( 3-4 kg), so they do not wash a lot of laundry, but for a small family this can be quite enough. But in the family more than 3 people may need a machine with a load of not less than 5 kg. Usually there are enough machines with a loading capacity of up to 7 kg, those that are capable of washing 9 or more kg already refer to professional ones, and they do not differ.
• The drive at the machine can be straight, it characterizes the way of connecting the engine and the drum, which is beneficial to the buyer. In such models the energy saving indicators are higher, there is less sound and vibration during operation. An additional advantage is the compactness of the models. The mechanism inside the machine is smaller, and this makes it possible to use space advantageously. This design is often combined with a large number of additional options, so these machines are not cheap.
• Spinning and drying. These are good modes, but not all are needed. Spinning at 1000 rpm is optimal for basic types of linen, for wool, silk and delicate fabrics you need less speed, for flax and cotton you will have 1000, maximum 1200. All that is over is waste of money( up to 40% of the cost of the machine) and electricity. Drying is needed for those who forget things in the typewriter or save space on the dryer( rope) for laundry. This is a little demanded function, as most things are still stroked, and overdried laundry is reluctantly exposed to this action.
• The class of the washing machine for today is determined by the consumption of energy, the degree of spin and the quality of washing. Already familiar gradation determines the cost of the device, as this is an essential characteristic. If the energy saving should be at level A, then the remaining two indicators can be at level B. This is a fairly high demand, such machines have many programs, the ability to configure and many functions. They are worth more than cars with a class of washing E in 2-3 times, but their mistresses adore them.
• Basic and additional programs. Almost all home appliances are based on smart electronics, sensitive to voltage drops. But its implementation extends our capabilities. In particular, it allows you to select an existing washing program or change it using additional options. A user-friendly interface shows what stage of work is happening and how long it remains until the end of the entire process. Producers offer about 15 basic types of washings, the rest - variations due to changing conditions( water temperature, speed of spinning, washing duration, etc.).Among the most necessary programs: cotton, wool, delicate washing, intensive washing, fast washing, children's things. The remaining programs may indicate the composition of the tissues or the purpose( synthetics, daily, dark things, sportswear, etc.), they are used less often. The machines allow you to program your own washing cycle or a separate stage( rinse, soak, spin).
• Hosting programs: boiling( for children's underwear) and steam programs. Interesting function "Freshen" - quick processing, in which the dried up things are moistened, they can be ironed immediately."Protection from children" will help parents of curious crumbs."Foam control" - the function of the suspension cycle, if the powder was too much, the machine waits for the foam to subside and then continue to work. Timer "Delay start" like thrifty: you can program the car for work at night( advantageous at the rate of "day-night")."Balance control" is convenient for partial loading of the machine, and also when the laundry is wrapped in a solid lump. The mass sensors fix the weight overload and select the movement algorithm so that the laundry is evenly distributed over the drum. This is useful for the device itself.
• Protection from leaks. Even on low-cost models there must be some protection, these can be simple methods in the form of a valve on connecting hoses or sophisticated( a water level sensor).Full protection includes a system of measures.
• Noise and materials. Normal noise when washing is not higher than 55dB, for pressing - 70dB.The volume of sounds depends on the noise insulation( a special material inside the machine that absorbs sound) and materials. For example, models with a plastic drum are generally quieter. Metal is more durable( use stainless steel), but it makes more noise. Collector type machines are always louder than asynchronous, so there is a special mode of "Noiseless Wash", which is convenient for night time.

Washing machine is a very important member of the family. For years, these assistants work, making life easier for almost every woman. Buy them for years and even centuries. What is the cost of a washing machine is fully justified, if the mind is to choose. In the Soviet era, there was no choice, but now - the eyes run up. How to choose a reliable ally on the field of domestic affairs?

The main way to classify machines is by type of loading, there are only two types - front and vertical. They determine how the door is opened and how much space is required for the unit as a whole. Each option has its own advantages and weak points. Before choosing, consider where to place the washing machine.

To advantages of machines with vertical loading it is possible to carry: the big capacity, accurate dimensions, convenience, cause less curiosity at small children and pets. It can be "squeezed" in a narrow room, the device does not fill the apartment.

Vertical loading( top cover) is considered a good idea: a compact machine allows you to add forgotten linen already during the washing process.

The cons are logical:

• there should be free space on top,
• as a work surface the machine is not suitable,
• cost is higher.
• beautiful design, these devices do not differ.

Front loading type( the door is placed on the side) is characterized by a wide opening of the door, this space needs more space for such a device.

Frontal cars are the favorites of buyers. Manufacturers offer different models and color solutions, so pick up the machine with the right options simply based on any budget. The transparent door allows you to follow the washing, the sizes vary, so it will fit many rooms and easily "hide" in the interior with the built-in furniture, will become a comfortable worktop. As for the reliability of machines with vertical loading - this is a myth. Each model has its weak points in the design.

The machine grading is classified according to the washing class( the degree of damage to the clothing fibers in the process), energy saving and wringing. Manufacturers use the A-G scale, the closer to the beginning, the higher the figure. The most delicate are A ++ and A +, bestsellers among machines are those that belong to classes A and B. Types such as C, D and E are inexpensive, usually they have few modes. F and G-classes are the most "rude", they do not enjoy the love of either buyers or sellers.

Similar energy saving partition. Optional indicators will be the same. There are washing machines such as washing E with high energy-saving indicators( A and A +).

The issue of narrow and compact machines is always topical. Most manufacturers have in their range a couple of models to meet this demand:

• Machines with vertical loading. Previously, their main advantages were already mentioned. Such machines have a standard height of 85-90 cm, their size is a width of 40 * 60, and access is actually needed on one side. The top of the machine should be free, but they do not use space in front of them, unlike frontal ones. Models are found in AEG, Bosch, Ariston, Electrolux, Whirlpool.
• Narrow machines have a standard height and width, they have a depth of 32 cm. This allows you to place the machine in a small bathroom or a corridor. Such devices are manufactured by Ariston,null, Indesit, LG, Samsung, Bosch.
• Small models can be smaller volumes( from 60 cm, depth 40-60 cm, width 50-55 cm), which helps to "hide" them in the interior. They are characterized by front loading of laundry. You can find Candy and Electrolux.

What do you need to remember about baby cars? Cutting out precious centimeters, manufacturers reduce the amount of loading and power of the machine, so pay attention to models with direct drive, where the volume of the machine works for its owner.

Price segmentation is found in a number of manufacturers:

• MIELE, AEG, BOSCH, Asko - this technique has a higher cost, it offers embedded models. It is very reliable, but not everyone can afford.
• WHIRLPOOL, ELECTROLUX, SIEMENS, BRANDT - high-quality and expensive equipment, which has competitors in the next segment. The difference between them in quality exists, but not as great as the differences in price.
• BEKO, ARDO, SAMSUNG, LG, INDESIT, ARISTON, ZANUSSI, CANDY, Hansa - quality mass models.

The imposition of price policy by consumers does not always follow from the quality. Many brands have European roots, they assemble on the territory of the European Union. Due to this, the cost is more. High-tech models can also afford a high price, which brands that specialize in large household appliances( for example, BOSCH and ELECTROLUX) can afford.

The most important parameter is how long has the firm been in the market of washing machines, what equipment it specializes in, how actively it innovates and what kind of guarantee it offers for its products. And the rest is a question of the budget and the options you need.

When choosing any technique, the buyer wants to focus on quality and brand, but the size of the wallet will play a decisive role. And yet such a purchase is made for the next 10 years. It is worth to approach the issue thoroughly.

Please note that a small download will not allow you to erase bulk items( blankets, bedspreads), they just do not get into the drum. The optimal load factor is 5-7 kg( this is the weight of raw laundry), is in most models.

Choose a model of the washing machine that will fit organically into the design of your bathroom.

Ask about the warranty and service centers in your city. Unsuccessful models are also found in luxury manufacturers.

The washing machine, stuffed with electronics, is a rather delicate device. So you need to remember the golden rules:

• Wash things in the right mode( do not save time on delicate things and observe the temperature for dark and woolen things), it will retain their color and shape. Delicate include also underwear and things with embroidery.
• Keep an eye on the pockets before washing, for delicate things you can find special protective covers.
• Do not stop washing cycles.
• Fast washing does not allow to wash out qualitatively old and serious dirt stains.
• For machines there are special powders and capsules, their application will improve the quality of washing. But the air conditioning units do not like, regularly flush the tray for liquid fillers: it quickly becomes contaminated.
• Do not use the machine to store things. Specific smell quickly passes to the drum.
• If the detergent does not contain special chemicals, then at least once a year use powders from scale( turn on the machine for a full cycle without laundry).
• Place the device on a flat floor, turn it into a separate outlet.
• Regularly check the filters and ventilate the machine. Stagnant water and debris can cause odor.

For details on installing the washing machine, see another article.

Washing machine is an excellent investment of money, so it is necessary to choose it for the soul and for life. Then your house will be filled with joy!