Expert opinion: which washing machine is better

At present, the market for washing machines is so huge that it is not easy for consumers to make a choice in favor of a particular model. Manufacturers equip their products with more and more options, putting the buyer in front of a difficult choice. In this article we will try to figure out which washing machine is better to buy, so as not to be disappointed in it in the first months of operation. We will focus on the reviews of experts and the opinion of ordinary users.

What are washing machines

In a nutshell, it is almost impossible to say which washing machines are the best. Any technology has its own functional features, technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Washing machines are no exception. Let's try to figure out what parameters and functionality differ from each other washing machines of different manufacturers.

Modern washing machines are of two types: front-loaded and vertical.

Before buying a washing unit will be reasonable determine in advance the placewhere your helper will stand, it will help to orient in what size it should be. The fact is that today's choice is not limited to any single standard equipment size. In stores you can find:

• narrow modelswhose depth is not more than 45 cm;
• standard options, 55 cm deep and more.

Almost all manufacturers of washing machines, realizing the value of free space in the bathrooms and small apartments, began to produce smaller machines. But if only a few years ago, this indicator somehow affected the functionality of the equipment, then today the best narrow washing machines are not only not inferior to the standard, but, on the contrary, are equipped with a wide range of possibilities.

Particular attention deserves the Swiss company Eurosoba (Eurosoba), which manufactures compact high-quality washing machines for any request. The model range is represented by fully automatic washing machines with mechanical and electronic-mechanical (intelligent) control systems. This is one of the few manufacturers whose washing machines are hand-assembled, metal tank and drum, hydraulic shock absorbers. With relatively small dimensions (W-GV: 46-46-68), load of linen at 4 kilograms. The average service life of Eurosoba washing machines is 15 years, of which the warranty period is 2 to 3 years. Readers of our magazine can take advantage of the personal promotional code "tehnka.expert-500" and get an additional discount of 500 rubles when buying any Eurosoba washing machine on the website

Type of loading laundry

In spite of the fact that today the devices have become very popular front loading linen, do not forget about the vertical. Both types of technology have their advantages. Therefore, do not neglect the existing choice, since the machine vertically loaded can make a good horizontal competition. Let's see what is the difference between the two types of downloads.

Horizontal (frontal) loading

It is this type of loading that is most popular among buyers, although they appeared much later than models with a vertical system. Manufacturers, focusing on consumer preferences and feedback from experts, pay more attention to models with front-loading type, trying to improve the technology and increase its potential. The demand for such models is caused by the following advantages:

1. The price range of some brands is much lower than that of machines with vertical loading.
2. The design of the unit allows embed it in the kitchen under the countertop, or under the sink.
3. Relatively quiet operation with the correct installation allows you to perform the washing process even while sleeping young children.
4. The upper part of the device can be used as a shelf for storing clean towels, or a basket of dirty laundry, in general for all that does not fit in the existing cabinets.
5. Due to the presence of the hatch, you can observe the process of washing.

But there are also disadvantages, which should be noted:

1. Some models do not allow to reload the laundry, if the washing process is already running, you have to start all over again.
2. In the event of a breakdown of the equipment, the water inside can spill onto the floor.
3. Often enough, the rubber gasket, which is necessary to completely seal the drum when the washer is working, becomes less elastic over time, as a result of which leaks can occur.
4. Dimensions of the machines front-loading, in particular, their width is larger than that of vertical ones.

These shortcomings are so insignificant that many owners do not even notice them, but are perceived as features of a particular model.

Vertical loading

The first units that appeared on the Soviet market were top loading. This technique is designed for the same amount of dirty laundry, but it takes much less space. It is good to install in small apartments, in bathrooms, combined with a bathroom.

Cars with a vertical type of boot today are no less popular than horizontal. And this is not surprising, since this type of technology has significant advantages:

1. Does not take much spaceTherefore, such equipment is a great option for small bathrooms, it can be installed in almost any corner.
2. There is a possibility throw off dirty laundry during the washing process.
3. Low vibration and noise.
4. Peculiar child protection, since all controls are at the top of the device.
5. Lack of a door from the frontal side only adds to the attractiveness of the typewriter, making it even more compact.

However, some of the drawbacks of top-loading machines affect consumer choice:

1. The cost of such machines higher compared with front models equipped with similar functions.
2. Limited Design Opportunities, inability to embed technique under the sink, or in the kitchen.
3. More expensive repairs in case of breakdown of the unit, due to limited spare parts.
4. Despite the fact that the washing machine with a vertical system can not be called noisy, yet during washing the noise is slightly strongerthan front-loading models.

When choosing between two versions of washing machines, you should rely on personal preferences, interior features and square footage.. If you are constrained by square meters, then pay attention to the devices with vertical loading. In the event that the need for austerity of free space does not touch you, feel free to make a choice in favor of front-loading washing machines.

Specifications

Trying to understand which models are the best: vertical or frontal, it is worth considering other criteria that washing machines have.

Before you buy equipment, you should ask what characteristics provided you liked the model. Since the presence of any one specific program or function that is not so essential for you, can affect the cost of the device in a big way.

When selecting, pay attention to the following parameters:

• tank capacity;
• spin class;
• wash class;
• energy class;
• types of wash programs;
• additional functions;
• country, manufacturer, brand;
• feedback from experts.

To decide which washing machine is better to buy, it is worth understanding in more detail what these indicators are.

Optimum capacity

An important criterion when choosing a technique is capacity of her tank. It is determined in kilograms. Most modern devices are equipped with a drum with the ability to download up to 6 kg. This means that the owner of the equipment has the ability to load no more than 6 kilograms of linen per wash.

If you exceed the allowable rate, your machine will refuse to start the wash mode.

For your information, one set of bed linen weighs about 2 kg. If you do not plan to wash heavier items, for example, duvets or winter outerwear, then you should not overpay for more expensive models. You can stop your choice on a narrow washing machine, for example, from Beko, with a maximum allowable load of 5 kg of dry laundry or Indesit, with a capacity of 4 kg. Both of these manufacturers set relatively affordable prices for their products.

Of course, if you plan to wash a lot, and periodically also blankets, blankets and pillows, then consider devices with a capacity of from 7 kg and above. Just keep in mind: the more this indicator, the higher the cost of the unit.

Energy saving class

Absolutely any modern washing machine has its own energy efficiency class.

Generation of cars until 2010: marking was carried out with letters of the English alphabet from A to G.

New generation units:

• A +++ is the most economical;
• A ++;
• A +;
• A;
• B;
• C;
• D - the highest level of energy consumption.

As you can guess, the most economical are those devices that have an energy class A +++. But do not rush to give in to the pressure of manufacturers. Understandably, when your refrigerator is working 24 hours a day and 7 days a week without a break, it makes sense to choose the lowest level of energy consumption. Of course, in this case, the savings will be tangible. But what about the washing machine, which you use 2-3 times a week?

The average time for which the equipment manages to wash, rinse and squeeze underwear is about one and a half to two hours. How tangible will your savings be in this case? If you are not able to overpay for a model equipped with A +++ class, choose A. Moreover, many modern devices, even from the budget category, have exactly this class of energy efficiency.

Wash class

Wash classes, as well as energy efficiency, are denoted by letters borrowed from the English alphabet:

• BUT;
• AT;
• WITH;
• D;
• E;
• F.

Only six classes. The method of determining the quality of washing was recorded in 1995. Its principle is very similar to the advertising of washing powder. A piece of cloth that has an approved size and impurities is loaded into the washing machine, and a one-hour wash is started at a temperature of 60 degrees. Techniques capable of washing this flap better than the existing standard are assigned class A. If the quality is no different from the standard, then B.

It is worth noting that with the naked eye it is almost impossible to notice the difference. But with repeated washing it will be possible to see something. However, so many years have passed, as this technique has been proposed, and so much has happened: new powders have appeared, a new technique, equipped with advanced technologies, that almost all washing machines of the level have now been assigned class A. The only exception is rare instances.

Spin class

This indicator has an analogy with the class of washing and is determined according to international standards. Spin class - This is the parameter that indicates the number of revolutions of the drum per minute at the time of pressing the laundry. The highest level corresponds to the English letter A, it is assigned if no more than 45% of moisture remains in the laundry that has undergone this procedure. This class corresponds more 1500 rpm.

But think, is it necessary for you to have your machine spin the drum with such intensity, because you have to pay a lot for a high figure? And this is not the only negative point that you get for a relatively “dry” underwear. You will have to sacrifice his appearance.

After pressing at such speeds, clothes are unlikely to look good, you have to put a lot of effort into smoothing it and giving it a decent look.

Let's see which class corresponds to the residual moisture percentage on laundry and the number of revolutions:

• A - over 1500 rpm - 45%;
• B - 1200-1500 rpm - 54% or less;
• C - 1000-1200 rpm - 63% or less;
• D - 800-1000 rpm - 72% or less;
• E - 600-800 rpm - 81% or less;
• F - 400-600 rpm - 90% or less;
• G - not more than 400 rpm - more than 90%.

Most modern washing machines have a spin class of C or B.

Types of programs

Probably, many remember that just a dozen years ago, washing machines could not boast such functionality as they are now. Mistresses had at their disposal only 2-3 modes, choosing between cotton, wool and delicate fabrics. At present, almost every manufacturer of washing machines, whether Indesit, LG, Electrolux or Bosch, has awarded this technique with such functionality that you really start to believe that it is necessary to have all the possibilities offered. Consider the most common modes most machines are equipped with:

• cotton mode;
• delicate wash or hand wash;
• quick wash;
• wool mode;
• duvet blanked;
• dark fabrics;
• sportswear;
• Kids' things;
• outerwear;
• hypoallergenic wash;
• steam wash;
• bed linen and so on.

However, feedback from experts suggests the opposite trend. Indeed, 99% of all users constantly use just a few modes. With their help, you can wash clothes from any kind of fabric and any degree of soiling. Other programs are used on the basis of personal wishes. But still they help to facilitate the process of washing laundry of a certain texture.

Additional functions

Since the washing machines today are many, manufacturers go for tricks, rewarding the technique with all sorts of know-how to isolate it from the crowd. Some built-in functions are really quite useful. Here are a few of them:

• leakage protection;
• Eco bubble;
• direct drive;
• control systems.

Leakage protection

The function is very practical and necessary. Thanks to it, you can avoid the situation with water leakage in the event of an accident, and as a result, there is no danger of flooding the neighbors on the floor below. Leakage protection - common function, it can be found on almost all new machines from manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Indesit, Bosch, Electrolux, Zanussi, etc.

This function is of two types:

1. Partial - it is possible to do it on your own by buying a special hose and installing it on your unit.
2. Complete, so-called Aqua stop. It works in the event that water gets there where it should not.In this case, the hose is equipped with a special solenoid valve, which is controlled by the washing machine. Such protection can be supplied only by the manufacturer.

Eco bubble

Undoubtedly, cars that have Eco bubble (complete dissolution of the powder before washing), as well as others, on which the function “six movements of care” is installed, and so on. they wash clothes a little better, but this is not a panacea, but only an advertising move by manufacturers who have created a beautiful picture around their products.

Direct drive

Principle direct drive lies in the technical design features: the drum does not spin with a belt, but due to the work of the engine itself. This function is exclusively equipped LG washing machines. Due to the absence of many rotating parts, the life of the unit is increased.

Control systems

The newest washing machines are equipped with various sensors that allow you to monitor the process of the equipment. For example, control of water quality and imbalance, protection from children, etc. Definitely, such additional functions make the washing process more enjoyable and fun.However, you will have to pay for them.

Top manufacturers

Who are the best manufacturers of washing machines? It is almost impossible to answer this question. No one specialist will tell you unequivocally, what are the best washing machinesand which ones are not, which producer is good and which is bad. For it is impossible to determine. But in order to find out the frequency of breakdowns among various manufacturers, it’s enough to look at the manufacturers rating for the past 2016.

It can be said that all firms can find their consumers. For example, Indesit and Veko are renowned for their affordable price, LG for warranty service and direct drive, Bosh for good build quality, Samsung for Eco Bubble. By the way, any consumer can find the unit based on their needs and financial capabilities.

Evaluation of experts on the quality of technology

In order to finally answer for yourself the question of which washing machine is better, let's review the reviews of experts who disagree.

Conclusion

Buying a washing machine is a serious event. After all, the technique will serve you 3, 5, or even all 15 years.Therefore, treat it with maximum detail. Trying to determine which washing machine is the best, we revised our ratings for 2016. Most of the purchased narrow washing machines are from LG and Samsung. Among the standard devices with maximum load the most popular are Siemens and Electrolux. The most compact models are considered Candy.

What kind of cars will be in the top in 2017? Hopefully, due to healthy competition, manufacturers will lower the prices of most top models, and raise the quality of them, so that the purchased goods will rarely upset their owner.