How to choose a washing machine UniversalThe demand for washing machines makes the production of these devices extremely attractive for manufacturers of large household appliances. It is not surprising that there is a serious struggle for the consumer between them. Today, there are more than 50 brands of washing machines alone on the Russian market. Among the most famous long-standing players, we can name the Italian company Indesit Company (trademarks Ariston, Indesit), the German concern BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte (trademarks Bosch, Siemens, Neff), the Swedish Electrolux (trademarks Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire). They are actively competing with such companies as Ardo (Italy), Candy Group (Italy, Candy, Hoover, Vyatka brands), Asko (Sweden), Gorenje (Slovenia), LG, Samsung (Korea), Arcelik (Turkey, Beko, Blomberg brands), Hansa, Kuppersbusch, Miele (Germany), Whirlpool (USA), Atlant (Belarus), Oka (Russia). The price range is from 4,000 to 70,000 rubles. for the standard model (5-2013;6-kg) loading. In general, there is something to think about.
Every owner wants to know…
Choosing a washing machine is not an easy task.Its potential owner should take into account not only technical and economic factors, but even psychological ones. This is the notorious issue of the brand (if a person has long and happily used equipment of a certain brand, then, most likely, he will choose it in the future), and the preference for one or another design. For example, in France, housewives traditionally use machines with vertical loading, in Russia with horizontal loading. In the USA, activator-type washing machines are relatively popular, and they are produced by such reputable companies as Frigidaire, General Electric, Whirlpool. But in Russia, this technology has not become widespread. So, what basic parameters should you pay special attention to when choosing a washing machine? First of all, capacity. Several years ago, models with a maximum load of 5 kg of dry laundry were considered the norm. But today you can find machines on sale that are designed for 7, 8, and even 9, 10 kg. These include, for example, the GO 712 TXT (Candy, 19 thousand rubles), WD-12275BD (LG, 35 thousand rubles), AWM 8900 (Whirlpool, 33 thousand rubles), H1245A (Samsung, 32 thousand rubles), WBB 24750 EU (Bosch, 35 thousand rubles). Such performance will be especially useful if you have a large family or you plan to wash bulky and heavy items. However, with regular washing, the weight of items loaded at one time rarely exceeds 3,013,4 kg. By the way, install the washing machine with some extra space: add a few centimeters to the width, depth and height. The appliance may vibrate quite noticeably during operation, so it should not be placed close to the wall or squeezed between cabinets, nightstands and other furniture. However, there are models of washing machines specially designed for installation, for example, in solid kitchen furniture.
Should you buy a roomy car if youDo you rarely have to wash a large amount of laundry at once? Yes, it is worth it. As practice shows, such equipment copes better with heavily soiled items. It is good if you have a separate room - a laundry room. But not everyone can afford it. Alas, when it comes to a small kitchen or bathroom, then literally every square centimeter of space counts. If a standard-sized washing machine (85 cm high, 60 cm wide and deep) is not suitable for you, the only way out is to save money. In terms of dimensions, but not in terms of price, such models are usually more expensive than full-size ones. Front-loading washing machines with a depth of 40-45 cm or even less can help solve the problem. Buying narrow and compact washing machines is usually a forced measure dictated by a lack of space. The record holders here are models with a depth of 33 cm, for example, WIUL 103 (Indesit, 9 thousand rubles), CY-104-TXT (Candy, 12 thousand rubles). They can be placed in a narrow corridor or a cramped bathroom. Another option is a top-loading machine that does not need additional space to open the hatch (say, Claudia, Electrolux, 17 thousand rubles). There are compact models (up to 70 cm high and about 46 cm wide/deep) for installation under the sink. Such machines are produced under the brands Candy (Aquamatic series), Electrolux (EWC series), Eurosoba (a trademark of the Swiss company SOBA International Trading). The retail price of compact devices is 12-18 thousand rubles. As for the question of which machines are more convenient, with front or top loading, then for clarity we decided to give a comparison of their advantages in the form of a table. This strange Fuzzy Logic Some of the control functions are taken over by the washing machine itself. This is facilitated by the Fuzzy Logic system used in new models. With its help, the machine adjusts its operation: if necessary, it adds water, increases or decreases the spin time. Fuzzy Logic increases the efficiency of washing and the economy of the equipment. However, today only a lazy manufacturer does not designate its equipment as equipped with the Fuzzy Logic system. So you should not rely too much on these "magic words".
We erase and squeeze sparingly
How to determine how well it will workthe model you like with washing and spinning? You can roughly estimate the potential capabilities of the equipment by such indicators as washing class and spinning class. There are seven classes, designated by Latin letters from A (highest) to G (lowest). In this case, the calculation of the quality of washing, power consumption and spinning is made for the standard program (washing cotton items in water with a temperature of 60 °C). It is difficult to say in advance how the machine will behave if you offer it not 6 kg of cotton, but 3 kg of heavily soiled wool. It is possible, however, to assume that a washing program with a higher temperature will give a better result than a program with a lower temperature. Or that loading the machine with a smaller amount of laundry will almost certainly provide a higher quality.
To achieve the best results in various"In severe cases", manufacturers develop additional programs: for washing wool and silk products, children's clothes (with the addition of rinse cycles to remove detergent residues), intensive washing in very hot water (almost boiling water). Advantages of front- and top-loading machinesFront loadingTop loadingMore comfortable for short peopleMore comfortable for tall people - they don't have to bend over muchWide range: about 80% of all models on the market. It is easier to choose a device with the necessary parameters, for example, with the ability to build in, a compact model, a large-capacity machine, etc.At any stage of washing, you can add an accidentally forgotten item (the notorious "second sock"). In front-loading machines, this is not possible in all models and not in all operating modes (for example, only at a low water level)To save space, the washing machine and dryer can be installed in one columnThe control panel located on top is not so accessible to small childrenThe washing machine can be used as a shelf - provided that there is no noticeable vibration during operationSometimes it is specifically stipulated that this program provides washing class "AB" A "BB". There are also exotic modes, for example, for simultaneous washing and impregnation of fabric with a water-repellent agent. Such a program is intended for processing the clothes of athletes and tourists, implemented in the IQ series washing machines from Siemens. Or the Special Shoes mode for washing sports shoes (provided for in a number of Indesit machines). Sneakers are attached to the walls of the drum, which helps to avoid their wear and scratches. The machine operates almost silently. Special washing programs ("shirts", "jeans") are designed for untrained users - teenagers and men. Research conducted several years ago showed that due to the complexity of control, some functions in washing machines remain unclaimed. Manufacturers try to take this into account and make the control panel as simple as possible. We will evaluate the intuitive clarity of the displays in the following test. Among the "economic innovations" we can note the Steam technology, which is implemented in the WD-14370TD model (LG, 30 thousand rubles). The steam action system allows you to spend 21% less electricity than would be required to heat water. In addition, cleaning the washing drum with steam saves water and time. At the same time, steam not only disinfects the drum, but also has a gentle effect on clothes, preventing creases, as with conventional washing.
New ergonomics
Despite the fact that the washing machine wasinvented more than 100 years ago, its design is being improved to this day. What do manufacturers offer us for comfort today? Such are, for example, machines EWN 1020 (Electrolux, 14 thousand rubles), H1245 A (Samsung, 32 thousand rubles). The inclined position of the drum significantly simplifies all manipulations with laundry. There are models with different angles of inclination (8-20). There are also more advanced developments. For example, the EWN-10780 W model from Electrolux, which is expected to go on sale at the end of spring this year. In this appliance, the front panel is vertical when the drum is installed at an angle. The result is more familiar than in machines with a beveled front panel, the appearance is reduced, the depth of the appliance is reduced. Appliances for cottages Some buyers choose professional equipment for their country houses and cottages. For example, Miele washer-spinners with a load capacity of up to 10 kg. These models can be connected to both cold and hot water. As a result, the speed of program execution is doubled compared to household machines. The execution time of a standard program is 48 minutes. To save space, it is permissible to install the washing machine and dryer in a column, one on top of the other. Pay attention to the design of the hatch and the loading opening. It is desirable that in front-loading machines the hatch opens as wide as possible - 180". In some Beko models it can be hung from one side to the other (this operation is performed by a specialist). The loading opening should be extremely wide. Today its maximum width is 35 cm for models designed for loading 5-6 kg of laundry (AQSL85 from Ariston, 14 thousand rubles; GO 612 from Candy, 15 thousand rubles). In machines designed for 8-10 kg of laundry, the width of the loading opening can be even greater - 40-41 cm. These are the models BS 1400 EX (Ariston, 24 thousand rubles), WBB 24750 EU (Bosch, 35 thousand rubles), WD-12275BD (LG, 35 thousand rubles). When washing with hot water, the inner surface of the hatch can noticeably heat up. To eliminate the slightest possibility of burning, the porthole window is equipped with double glass, which remains cold on the outside. In addition, some manufacturers (Asko, Miele) equip their products with a system that blocks the opening of the hatch until the machine drains the hot water and the temperature drops to a safe level. Among other "useful little things" we can mention pull-out drawers for linen, which are provided in the models AQXF 129 H (Ariston, 22 thousand rubles), AWO 10761 (Whirlpool, 25.5 thousand rubles). The W 3985 WPS Navitronic machine (Miele, 78 thousand rubles) is equipped with a tank backlight. This allows the owner to "keep the situation under control" and not to forget small items inside.
Information for consideration
The editors would like to thank the company «BSH Bytovayaequipment», representative offices of Asko, Beko-Russia, Candy, Electrolux, Indesit Company, Gorenje, LG, Miele, Samsung, Whirlpool for assistance in preparing the material.
