How to choose a washing machine by 7 parameters: review, comparison and reviews.
How to choose a washing machine by 7 parameters: review, comparison and reviews.
An automatic washing machine is not a one-day purchase, so it is better to take a responsible approach to this issue and study all the nuances before choosing it. In order to acquire the most silent equipment with a long service life and comfortable operation, a number of parameters must be taken into account. Which ones are described below..
General characteristics of an automatic washing machine.
A good car means wide functionality, ease of maintenance and ease of use..
Recessed, which blend harmoniously into the interior. They are installed in kitchen furniture at the design stage. For a small room, choose a built-in front-loading machine. Stationary ones are used autonomously when both the design and the interior have already been decorated. Such a machine can also be built under a table or sink. In this case, the height of the technique is taken into account when choosing. Washing machine without drying. Dispenses damp laundry after washing. The amount of moisture depends on the set spin speed. A tumble dryer provides comfort to the hostess, because the laundry is taken out completely dry. And if you make a choice in favor of an ironing machine, things after washing can be immediately folded into the closet..
Device.
A washing machine usually consists of the following components:
Housings. Rear panel and front panel with door, top cover and side panels. Water tank with a capacity of 35-60 liters, depending on the model of the machine. Heater. The heating element installed in the machine heats the water to the desired temperature. It is adjusted on the control panel when the washing mode is selected. Drum. The element is equipped with loopholes to improve the quality of washing. Hoists can be straight or curved. Control unit. The washing machine menu is equipped with software that controls spinning and washing modes. A self-diagnosis sensor is also installed here, which, in the event of a breakdown, displays an error code on the panel. Drainage system. It contains a pump that pumps out water from the machine, and a corrugated hose that connects to the drain system of the house. Hose length from 1 to 4 meters. The water from the machine is drained several times per cycle. The motor that drives the drum, as a result of which washing occurs.
Principle of operation.
There are two forces that act on the drum:
Belt that transfers rotation to the drum from the engine. Equipment with this principle of operation is affordable and inexpensive to repair (you can change the belt in 20 minutes). Motor. Direct drive technology is as quiet as possible, with a long service life. It features an increased drum load due to a powerful motor and minimal vibration during operation, which improves the washing result.
The process of washing laundry takes place in several stages. The laundry is loaded into the drum, powder is poured into the cuvette. After closing the door, a washing mode is selected on the control panel, which already includes rinsing and spinning. After the end of the process, the machine emits a signal warning of the unlocking of the hatch. The laundry can now be removed and hung.
All equipment on the market differs in:
Dimensions (compact and ultra-narrow, full-size, narrow). Drum volume. The parameter is calculated from the load of dry laundry (5, 7, 10 and even 12 kg.) Each machine has certain functions, on which the cost and convenience of their use depends..
The technique is chosen based on their needs.
Main selection criteria.
The buyer sometimes finds it difficult to choose because of the large assortment of models. You should choose the one according to the parameters below..
Loading side.
By loading, there are frontal and vertical. It is easy to distinguish between automatic washing machines. In the first, the hatch door is located in the front, and in the second, the laundry is loaded through the top cover.
In terms of functionality, the cars do not differ. As for convenience, users note front-loading equipment – it is more comfortable to load and reload linen into it..
Capacity and maximum load.
Devices are conventionally divided by size. This indicator affects the capacity:
The weight of the load is calculated from the weight of dry items that can be loaded into it. According to this parameter, four groups are distinguished:
from 2.5 to 4 kg; from 4 to 5 kg; from 5 to 7 kg; over 7 kg.
To choose a typewriter for this parameter, it is worth considering that one person has 1 kg of dry linen. That is, for a family of two parents and 1 child, there will be enough tank for 3-4 kilograms, and for a large family – from 7 kilograms.
Drive and motor type.
There are three types of types of electric motors with which the machines are equipped..
Collector.
The collector-type motor, operating from direct and alternating current, has the following advantages:
light weight and size; ease of maintenance; budget cost.
Rapid wear of brushes. Noisiness. High power consumption.
Inverter.
An inverter type machine has the following advantages:
compactness; low noise; spinning laundry at high speeds; low power consumption.
There is only one drawback – expensive maintenance due to the high cost of components.
Asynchronous motor.
Machines with an asynchronous motor – these are the advantages:
noiselessness; ease of maintenance; low cost.
However, they have disadvantages in the form of low power and torque, which can weaken over time and give a reduced quality of washing..
Spin, wash and energy efficiency.
The machines are divided according to the spin class:
Economy class:
A good inexpensive washing machine must comply with class A and A +. The only difference between expensive and cheap models is the number of installed functions..
Software.
Automatic washing machines are conventionally divided into two types: classic and smart models. You need to manage the first using the panel. The latter can be synchronized with a smartphone thanks to the built-in NFC chip. Each type has its own advantages and features..
Smart washing machines.
Smart home appliances use NFC software, which takes washing to a new level. He has such features:
When working with the program, you do not need to enter passwords. Also, special skills of interaction with modern technologies will not be useful. You need to install the app on your smartphone. Sometimes the manufacturer releases it for a specific model, in other cases you can use a standard NFC reader – for details, see the instructions for the machine. The app then sets up suggested parameters, such as color, type of clothing, level of dirt, and more. The technology makes it possible to determine the washing mode, set the spinning speed, and also inform the user about the end of the cycle with a sound signal. In the event of a software failure, an error number is displayed on the control screen, which makes it easier to determine the breakdown.
Smart technology makes it possible to adjust the washing machine more precisely for different types of fabrics. But washing machines without NFC are also not inferior in quality of work..
The main modes of machines machine.
Manufacturers have introduced different types of basic programs into washing machines:
Quick wash at 30 °. Cycle time – up to 40 minutes. Saving electricity – up to 30%. Intensive is a wash with an extended cycle of work and at a water temperature of 60 to 90 ° for particularly stubborn dirt. The program for linen and cotton clothes (up to 95 °) is available in almost any automatic machine. It is used to remove stubborn dirt on cotton items and bed linen. Spin on the program – with the maximum speed. Synthetic fabric program (up to 60 °). Also used for mixed laundry. Differs in a long cycle and maximum speed. Hand wash, which some manufacturers call delicate. Gentle washing for delicate items with a label that can only be washed by hand. Hand wash is carried out at a water temperature of 30 °, delicate – at 40 °. For woolen products (up to 40 °), this means no spinning, gentleness, slight heating of water.
The mode is selected on the control panel.
Tank and drum.
When the equipment is working, the drum in which things are put rotates, and the tank where water is collected remains in a stationary state – all washing machines function according to this principle. Depending on the material of manufacture, they have a different service life..
The tanks of all automatic washing machines are made of stainless steel, metal and plastic. This is an important criterion in answering the question which one is better..
A stainless steel tank is strength and long-term operation, but there are also disadvantages:
high noise, the vibration of which cannot be extinguished by the material; high price.
Plastic.
The plastic tank has only one drawback – fragility, since the material is susceptible to mechanical damage during transportation. However, manufacturers claim that the element can be used for 30 years..
The advantages of the tank include:
low cost of equipment; silent work; energy efficiency; resistance to aggressive environment of chemicals and corrosion; lightness of the element and technique; relative strength.
In comparison with stainless steel tanks, plastic loses in fragility, but wins in durability.
Which is better.
The metal tank is found in the first generation of machines. It makes the equipment heavier, the enamel breaks off during operation, this leads to the appearance of rust on the element. For these reasons, manufacturers have abandoned steel tanks in modern models..
Modern devices are equipped with a stainless steel drum. On one side of the element there are small holes through which water enters. A cross is installed at the back, with the help of which it is fastened.
Inside the drum there are loopholes that provide mixing of things. They are straight and curved. It is better to choose the second option, since the curved firing pin improves the quality of washing.
Noise level.
Optimal noise during the operation of equipment:
washing – 50 decibels; spin – 70 decibels.
human conversation – 40 dB; office noise – 50 dB; street noise – 80 dB.
To understand how to choose a technique, you need to focus on the above criteria. The link below describes the correct care to maximize the lifespan..
Advantages and disadvantages of automatic machines.
Quality technology has many advantages:
Compactness. Even with its modest dimensions, a modern automatic washing machine has a good capacity. Energy efficiency. Low energy consumption. Safety. After starting, the door closes, so children will not be able to open it until the end of the wash cycle.
Disadvantage of the device: more expensive maintenance than a semiautomatic device, as well as possible errors in the software due to a network failure.
Review and comparison of the best manufacturers of automatic washing machines.
According to reviews from online stores, in 2018-2019, automatic washing machines from brands such as Whirlpool, LG, Siemens, Bosch and Electrolux were most often chosen. Below are the most popular models. Quality rating of equipment:
What equipment to buy is influenced by the budget, the number of households, the expected level of comfort and the size of the bath. The advantages of modern models – the smart functions of the units, which make life easier for housewives, also influence the choice.
