When buying a washing machine, it is now difficult to make a choice right away, because there are so many models available. Therefore, it is necessary to study the technical parameters of the models in advance. And then - understand which of them are most important to the buyer at a given time. This article will tell you how to choose a washing machine according to its parameters.
Orientation information
Before going to the store, the buyer should have at least a rough idea of what type of equipment he needs. Otherwise, you can only fall for the tricks of sellers. And you don’t buy what you need.
But it is almost impossible to deceive buyers who have been prepared in advance. They already know what to look for, at least minimally, but they are technically savvy. Let's start our consideration with the parameters that should first attract the attention of buyers.
- Price.
Everyone wants their purchase to cost as little as possible. The main thing is not to get carried away with saving. After all, each additional function costs its money, as does the final quality of the product.
- Dimensions.
The size of the washing machine also matters for those who choose it.Future owners are often willing to put up with technical shortcomings if the device is placed without problems where there is especially little free space. Sometimes it is better to buy a small washing mashine than to continue living without it at all. And there is some reason in such explanations.
- Reliability.
This concept is very relative. For some, reliability is associated with the brand under which the models are produced. Others pay attention to the assembly location. Still others look closely at objective criteria that can influence the final result.
- Appearance.
This factor also occupies not the last place. Many users choose a beautiful and unusual design, while technical characteristics fade into the background.
- Brand.
In many ways, the choice depends on how well-known and advertised the manufacturer is. Often technology is chosen simply because it is shown too often on TV, in all media. Although the technical parameters, again, are inferior to analogues.
- Special promotions.
This trick is used by sellers to attract attention to their product.
The above describes the basic parameters that everyone who is thinking about purchasing pays attention to. Or which are more often talked about by those involved in production. There are additional characteristics that deserve special consideration.
- Features related to management.
- Functions and programs. Their composition and total quantity are important.
- The noise level emitted during operation.
- Drum design, capacity level.
- The type of loading scheme used.
Where is the hatch located on washing machines?
Modern automatic washing machines can be divided into two main groups: with vertical or front loading. Depending on this, the hatch of the device can be located at the top or on the central panel. For some, the question of the boot option used may seem unimportant. But even here there are some nuances, which it is recommended to learn about in advance.
- Vertical loading will be relevant for consumers who want to find the narrowest models that can fit in a small space. The cases of such models are indeed narrower compared to their analogues.
- Horizontal loading allows the machine to fit under the sink. Or under the countertop. Vertical models are most often free-standing.
- Price and drum capacity are factors that are also often tied to the loading method used. Compared to horizontal models, vertical options are often more expensive. For a number of reasons, capacity also varies, sometimes not in favor of vertical products.
- Top-loading machines are easier to maintain. There is no need to bend over when placing laundry inside. But the front designs allow you to use the upper part as an additional shelf. For example, to accommodate special cleaning products.
How the washing mashine will look depends on the location of the hatch. The appearance of models with a vertical layout is often simple. But other models are more diverse in this regard.
Learning drums
A large family requires washing machines that can hold at least 8 kilograms of laundry at a time.Large drums will also be relevant for those who often have to process bulky items with non-standard dimensions. Experts give several recommendations in this regard.
Before making a purchase, you need to see which items are washed most often and in what quantities. Drums designed for 8 kilograms of dry laundry should be enough in normal household conditions.
It is recommended not only to look at the inner surfaces of the drum, but also to feel it. A smooth surface should be present at the rib punches and cells. If you come across at least a couple of burrs made of metal or plastic, the product is definitely worth avoiding.
What about the noise level?
Many people prefer quiet home models that can be run not only during the daytime, but also during sleep. But most modern machines are too noisy for night work. And some models are so noisy that even during the day the sounds they make are more like a hammer drill.
To avoid mistakes, buyers should carefully study the instructions included with the equipment. And a description of technical parameters. The noise level for the normal washing mode, as well as for the spin cycle, is indicated by most manufacturers in the accompanying documentation. The spin cycle is associated with the loudest noise, so it should be of most interest.
The following tips will help you decide.
- If the description says at least 80-85 DB, then you should refuse to purchase the model.
- Within the spin range, noise of 70-75 dB is considered normal.
- It’s good if you can find an option for 60-65 dB. But in this case, the spin speed itself decreases, which can negatively affect the operating results.
It’s better when you have the opportunity to listen to how the equipment works after switching on before making a purchase.
Regarding additional functions with programs
How justified is it to pay attention to the maximum number of functions available to the owner? Here are the following rules.
- Additional and unusual programs always require additional payment when purchasing a particular model. The user must decide for himself whether he is ready to spend extra money.
- The more features supported, the more complex the electronics themselves are. This means the likelihood of failure increases.
- Many features are constantly advertised, but from a practical point of view they are of little use.
It is important for buyers to note what will actually be used in real life. Based on this, it will be easier to decide on the final choice. For most buyers, the following options are most relevant:
- Half load support.
- Simplification of the ironing process.
- Additional protection against children.
- Spin.
- Rinsing.
- Gentle wash.
- Shoe processing.
- Outerwear.
- Quick wash for cotton items.
- Working with synthetics.
- A quick wash that only takes half an hour.
The Eco Bubble function, for example, has not proven its effectiveness in practice either. Therefore, there is no point in spending money on it.
Features of washing machine control
The main difference between electronic control is the additional panel, which displays all the information regarding the current settings. The electromechanical version of the model only has buttons and indicators, there is no electronic display. Electronic control also involves additional expenses.
But in this case there is additional savings in terms of energy consumption. The program independently selects the parameters according to which you need to organize the rinsing and spinning process.
Each user chooses the interface that is easiest to work with. It is recommended to give preference to models that are easy to understand on an intuitive level. You shouldn’t choose a technique that takes hours to understand.
The issue of electrical energy consumption
According to this parameter, there are several classes of washing machines. They start with A++ and end with the English letter G. A++ is the class with maximum efficiency. Such devices will save a lot of money in the future. But washing mashines with class A+ have become widespread.
Information about spin and wash quality
The number of spin revolutions is set depending on what fabric currently requires processing. There are also classes here, starting with A and ending with G. The principle is the same as in the previous case - A is the optimal option. The following letters indicate deterioration in performance.
Finally, the quality of washing is also indicated by letters. The efficiency of washing clothes depends on this. And how carefully the equipment will treat the products placed inside. Class A is the most effective. But the selection of a washing machine according to its parameters should not be based only on this class; there are other factors.
Additional recommendations
South Korean products are considered the best when it comes to simple operation. But Italian analogues are the most complex, as practice and numerous reviews show.
Horizontal loading is convenient because it allows you to observe through the glass how the process is progressing. You just need to remember that such options take up more space. And calculate everything in advance. Particularly convenient will be the ability to be built into various sets of furniture for rooms with different purposes.
Buyers should carefully study price tags. They are important, but should not be at the forefront. After all, manufacturers, under the pretext of reducing prices, can sell even defective models. Or options with factory defects, which during further operation only cause additional problems.
It is necessary to take into account in advance the free space that is used to install equipment. Then there should be no problems with determining the appropriate dimensions.
Conclusion
For modern users, one of the most important parameters is dimensions and the possibility of embedding. After all, there is always not enough space, and at the same time you want to get access to modern technologies. Manufacturers are trying to create equipment that satisfies the needs for each of the important factors. It is difficult to find the optimal combination of price and quality. But it’s better to spend a little time from the very beginning so that you can save money later. After all, high-quality equipment will serve for many years, maintaining its original characteristics.
