How to choose a washing machine: vendor reviews, expert advice

Choosing a washing machine is sometimes not an easy task, especially for those who are not very versed in technology. Here it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions, but also the functions, as well as the capabilities of the equipment and know the operating rules. Only then the washing machine will become a truly indispensable assistant in the house and will last for more than a dozen years. Let's consider how to choose a washing machine and what parameters and characteristics to pay close attention to.

We also consider the main brands of washing machines, their advantages and disadvantages depending on the characteristics, quality parameters, pricing policy and according to most consumer reviews.

Which machine is better: with vertical or horizontal loading?

There are two main modifications of the washing technique on the market. These are washing machines with vertical and frontal, or horizontal, loading. There are more options with front loading, but vertical loading, although such a machine is considered to be of better quality and with a long service life, since the drum is not mounted in one place, but in two at once, is not made by all manufacturers.

Following the advice of experts, it is better to choose a washing machine from the options with vertical loading, as it is more reliable. But such products are more expensive, in addition, not many options are presented in this segment.

Consider the main advantages and disadvantages of these two modifications.

Having appreciated the pros and cons of each modification of the washing machine, as well as starting from the availability of free space in the room, it will not be difficult to answer the question of how to choose a reliable washing machine. It all depends on the personal preferences and financial capabilities of the buyer.

Is washing machine capacity important?

The most important factor when choosing a washing machine is its capacity, which is measured in kilograms. For example, if the model is designed to wash laundry no more than 3.5 kg, then when loading quantities in excess of this indicator, the washing process will not start.

The size of the selected equipment depends directly on the amount of linen that fits in the machine for one wash. The greater the capacity of the machine, the larger in size the washing machine itself. Therefore, before choosing a washing machine, it is worth starting from this criterion.

For example, if there are no small children in the family and there is no need to wash a lot and often, then it is worth paying attention to more budget options with less capacity. If the family is large or it is necessary to wash a large amount of linen, then it is worth considering options with a capacity of five or six kilograms. In addition, larger versions of the washing technique are less susceptible to vibration and produce not as much noise as smaller variations.

Overview of class and washing programs

The following classes are distinguished depending on various factors:

A +, A ++ (differs in thriftiness even at spin speeds above 1500, and also does not consume a significant amount of electricity during operation) - this is the highest class that is most popular with consumers and, according to tips and reviews, how to choose a washing machine , products with this classification are in the top.

A, B. Washing machines of this class remove dirt well, and also have several different types of spinning process depending on the speed (from 1200 to 1500) and the quality of the laundry after washing.

C, D, E. The ability to spin from 600 to 1200 revolutions, which increases the duration of the drying process after washing. In addition, models of this class consume more electricity. But since the number of revolutions during the spin cycle is low, things do not wear out quickly.

F, G. Lower class. Spin occurs at speeds less than 600. The most energy-consuming models that are not manufactured by some brands, as they are not popular with manufacturers.

But before choosing a washing machine for quality, you should familiarize yourself not only with the class of the product, but also with additional functionality and basic programs for cleaning things from pollution.

The standard programs that are in every machine are ordinary washing, delicate, hand, fast, synthetics and wool, rinsing, spin, draining. These processes were selected in 99% of cases among user requests. The remaining additional functions are selected in each case, if necessary.

Additional features of the machine

Many parents think about how to choose a washing machine in a family where there are children, especially small ones. Here, the most suitable option are washing machines with an additional function of protection from children. In this case, parents will be able to go about their business and not worry at all that their children can press something or reconfigure the task manager already during the washing process.

In addition, you should pay attention to grounding and the inability to open the door of the machine in the process of cleaning things from pollution. As a rule, almost all models have such a lock. Also, buttons or a programmer are important for a family with children, they must be pressed hard or rotated with effort, so the option with a touch screen is not suitable in this case.

The additional functions of the washing machine include the following functions:

• delaying the washing process for a certain time;
• the ability to use the spin or not (this is especially important in the process of washing delicate things);
• the soaking process (this applies to cleaning heavily soiled things);
• adding more water to improve the quality of washing;
• ironing (in this case, the rotation of the laundry in the drum is delicate and upon exit it does not turn out very wrinkled);
• protection against leaks (the washing machine itself controls this process and, in the event of a leak, blocks the water supply; according to reviews of how to choose a washing machine, this additional function is important and necessary);
• models with direct drive (in these versions, the drum rotates without the use of a belt, and this process depends directly on the engine, so fewer parts are involved in the rotation process, which increases the service life of the product and makes it less noisy);
• sensors for monitoring water quality, foaming, powder dissolution, etc. (such models are not uncommon and they are in a high price category).

Therefore, before deciding on what parameters to choose a washing machine, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the additional functions of the selected model, since the standard functionality is almost the same for all varieties of washing machines.

Machine with or without dryer: what to choose?

Washing machines with a drying function is a new generation technique that is gaining more and more positive feedback from customers, as it is a fairly convenient option that saves time. This logically raises the question of how to choose a high-quality automatic washing machine with a drying function.

“Two in one” is the name of drying-type washing machines, which are cheaper in cost than a separate appliance in the form of a washing machine and drying clothes themselves. But there are several nuances that are taken into account when choosing such a modification.

So, washing machines with a drying function require additional free space than analogues without this process. An overall drum is required for the drying process, so space can not be saved.

The drying function eats up more electricity, so in this case it is less energy efficient.

The quality of washing equipment with a drying function is lower than that of standard tumble dryers. In addition, a separate drying machine not only makes this process better, but also holds more laundry.

Given the differences between washing machines with and without drying function, it all depends on personal preferences, as well as on the financial capabilities of the consumer. After all, the “two in one” technique costs an order of magnitude higher than a conventional washing machine with standard functions.

Size and dimensions of the washer

There are washing machines of standard size, narrow and small. Therefore, before choosing a washing machine for quality, it is worth determining the presence of free space in the room where the equipment will stand.

Standard or factory dimensions are presented in the table.

Also, the dimensions directly depend on the capacity of the washer. The higher the capacity, that is, the ability to wash a certain amount of laundry, expressed in kilograms, the larger its size. It all depends on the need for washing and its frequency in each particular house.

Among the options that can be built into the equipment, there is a smaller variety of washing machines presented, but they must be selected and arranged before the moment of repair or rearrangement in the room.

Built-in or freestanding appliances: which is better?

Before choosing a washing machine, it is worth determining the presence of free space in the room where the equipment will stand. Typically, the washer is placed in the bathroom (in 95% of cases), but if there is not enough space for it, then you can consider installing built-in appliances in the kitchen or other suitable room.

If you prefer the built-in option, for example, in the kitchen, then you can additionally decorate the washing machine with doors or curtains. This is done in order to preserve the overall existing interior in the room. Thus, it will not stand out from the overall color scheme and design.

Among the built-in options, although there is not such a wide variety of items of equipment, you can still choose a good automatic washing machine. The only disadvantages are the fact that stand-alone equipment can be bought or replaced both before and after repair in the room.

The built-in analogs of clothes washing machines should be installed before the moment of repair or conversion in the room. In addition, all built-in cars have only front-loading. Therefore, if a person prefers a device with only vertical loading, then this option will not suit him.

Experts advise choosing a washing machine according to the parameters, especially the built-in option. It is necessary to clearly measure not only the width, but also the depth of the niche where the washing machine will stand, without taking into account the pipes, ceilings or dimensions of the door itself. As a rule, the built-in equipment is smaller in size, respectively, less linen is placed in it, and some functions are limited.

Which is better to choose a washing machine?

There are many different modifications on the market of washing machines, where each consumer can choose exactly the option that suits him in terms of functionality and pricing policy.

Among the leading companies that have won the trust of customers and have been on the market for more than a year, the following manufacturers of washing machines stand out: Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Samsung, LG, Indesit, Zanussi, BEKO and Hotpoint-Ariston. These are world famous brands, there are also many domestic manufacturers in different price categories. They are no worse, but, according to customer reviews, it is in domestic washing machines that various elements often fail, and they have a shorter service life.

Which company choose a washing machine? Depending on the manufacturer, the class, the life of the washing machine, and also additional functionality may differ. It cannot be said which manufacturing company is better, since each consumer chooses according to his most important criteria. In addition, each manufacturer has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, Bosh machines are of high quality and easy to use, VEKO appliances are available to the middle class due to their low and affordable prices, LG washing machines have direct drive, but its warranty period is only five years.

Rating of manufacturers of washing machines

There are many variations of the washing technique on the market, with and without additional functionality, but a rating of manufacturers will help in which brand to choose a washing machine for.

In terms of reliability, the Bosh brand occupies a leading position. Previously, the models of this manufacturer were produced in Germany, now they are produced in Poland, which in no way affects the quality. Among high-quality and reliable washing machines, devices of such manufacturers as Siemens, Electrolux, Samsung, LG, Indesit can be noted. The least reliability is characterized by goods of the VEKO trademark. It is also worth remembering that the more reliable and durable the equipment, the higher its cost.

Among the horizontal loading washing machines, brands like Bosh, LG and Indesit can be noted. Bosh - reliable, high-quality and expensive equipment, LG - models with direct drive and average price, Indesit - ease of maintenance.

Looking at the market of top-loading washing machines, one can notice that the Electrolux, Bosch and Zanussi brands stand out significantly. There are not many options and types of models of equipment. Some manufacturers, such as LG, do not produce top-loading washers at all.

Depending on the quality of washing, one can distinguish the following brands: Bosch, Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit and LG - the expected number of leaders. But this criterion is quite controversial, since it depends directly on the powder, the degree of soiling of the laundry, as well as on the correctly selected washing mode.

Where is better to buy a washer?

Recently, purchases have significantly moved to the Internet. Now you can purchase any product, including a washing machine, with ease online. But experts still advise after getting acquainted with the dimensions and characteristics of the selected model and before choosing a washing machine, to see the goods, so to speak, “live”.

This will allow the inspection to identify possible small external errors or scratches on the machine itself. This, of course, can be done when purchasing goods online, but in this case you will have to pay for the delivery of goods, even if it does not suit the client.

Also, in large supermarkets of household appliances, you can buy washing machines for a stock or arrange service if necessary for an additional fee. Often such stores offer cards when buying, where bonuses are awarded for the next purchase. When making transactions online, such services are not provided.