Washing machines are indispensable devices for a modern person. They are produced in the widest range of models and modifications. What brand of washing machine to choose in order to get a reliable and functional device at your disposal?
We can answer this question:
Let's start with the first point.
Criteria for choosing a washing machine
There are 3 main criteria that can be guided by when choosing household appliances:
- a set of technical characteristics;
- availability of useful options;
- aesthetics, appearance, comfort of use.
They all apply to washing machines as well. Let's consider them in more detail.
Technical characteristics when choosing a washing machine
The most important technical characteristics when choosing a washing machine are:
- energy consumption class;
- washing efficiency;
- the number of revolutions during spinning, as well as the index of its efficiency;
- maximum weight of laundry for 1 load;
- noise level.
As for the first point - here we mean mainly the power consumption (which is calculated in kW / h). Modern electrical appliances are classified into 8 main categories (from A to G, sometimes ultra-efficient devices of type A or A are distinguished), depending on this parameter. It is best if the washing machine has an energy efficiency of class A or higher. It is very good if it belongs to category A. It is acceptable if the corresponding device index is B.
Washing efficiency is also measured on a scale from A to G. This parameter is complex, it involves taking into account various indicators during testing of washing machines according to the European standard EN 95/12. The efficiency of classes A and B is considered high, C, D, E - medium.
The number of spinning revolutions on modern washing machines is about 700-1200 per minute. Devices of "elite" categories can operate at even higher rates. The higher the corresponding figure, the, on the one hand, the quality of the wash should be, on the other hand, the more dry the laundry will be after spinning. The considered characteristic is adjacent to the spin efficiency index. It is also measured on a scale from A to G.
It should be noted that not in all cases it is recommended to wash clothes at the maximum spin rates - in particular, about 1200 rpm, even if the machine can "issue" them... For example, for synthetics and cotton fabrics, the optimal spin is about 500-600 rpm. It is not recommended to spin delicate materials at more than 400 rpm.
An important characteristic is the maximum weight of the laundry supported by the machine for 1 wash. The larger it is, the more economical the use of the device will be. For modern machines, the optimal indicator for the weight of linen, taken as 1 load, is 4-5 kg. It is usually more convenient to take out laundry from such units. At the same time, it is difficult to place any objects on the lid of the case of "vertical" machines - for example, packs of washing powder, other detergents, toothbrushes, towels. On the "frontal" - easily.
Regarding the type of device control: mechanical components are generally more resistant than their electronic and sensory counterparts to potential power surges and high humidity in the air surrounding the machine. However, in the event of an accidental failure in the device itself, the corresponding elements can "wedge", and in order to repair them, it is often necessary to disassemble the device. Whereas touch and electronic controls usually "reset" in such cases.
Choosing a washing machine: an overview of models
Actually, which brand of washing machine is better to choose based on the key characteristics we have discussed above?
We investigate some successful models of devices that are now being sold on the Russian market. Let's try to solve this problem based on the conditional classification of devices into such categories as:
- economy class washing machines;
- top-loading devices;
- "energy efficient" machines;
- embedded models;
- Elite class devices.
Economy washing machines
Among the brands that are traditionally regarded as manufacturers of washing machines in this category is Indesit. If we talk about inexpensive devices produced by this Italian brand, then we can pay attention to the device WIUN 81. Its main advantages:
- washing efficiency and energy consumption - A;
- compactness;
- ease of use.
Another well-known brand that produces economy-class washing machines is Zanussi. Among the most notable models of devices produced by him - ZWSO 6100 V. Its main advantages:
- efficiency;
- high quality denim washing (there is a separate program adapted to them);
- Low noise level.
Very inexpensive and functional washing machines are produced by the Belarusian brand "Atlant". Among the devices produced by him, which experts recommend paying attention to, is a machine with an index 35M 101. Its main advantages are:
- compactness;
- high speed spinning - 1000 rpm;
- energy consumption and washing efficiency - A.
Devices with vertical loading
Among the models of the corresponding category that are worth attention - Zanussi ZWY 180. The main advantage of this washing machine - low price. The device complies with class A in terms of washing efficiency and energy consumption. The device is very "lifting": the model holds 5 kg of laundry for 1 load. It can be noted that the Whirlpool AWE 2221 washing machine is similar in basic characteristics to the model under consideration.
“Energy efficient” washing machines
The EWS 1277 FDW from Electrolux belongs to an “out of competition” (very rare) energy efficiency class, namely A. This model is also characterized by a minimum noise level of 50 dB. The car is quite expensive. Note, however, that another device - the AWW 61000 from Whirlpool - belongs to a similar energy efficiency class, but at the same time it can be attributed to budget washing machines.
Built-in models
Among the experts' most recommended built-in models is the WIS 24140 from Bosch. Among its most obvious advantages are high "carrying capacity" (7 kg), efficient spinning (1200 rpm), low noise level (53 dB). Feature-comparable but cheaper model is the AWM 108 from Hotpoint-Ariston.
Devices of the elite category
Moving on to devices of the "premium" class. Miele is one of the most recognizable global brands of washing machines in this category. But even with all the elitism of this brand, in the line of devices manufactured by Miele, you can find those that the average Russian homeowner can afford.
Among them is the WDA 100 W CLASSIC washing machine. The brand-manufacturer guarantees reliable operation of the device for about 30 years. The indicator of the "carrying capacity" of the unit is at the "elite" level, 7 kg. The spin works at 1400 rpm.
In the same price range as the marked Miele machine is the WAS 24443 from Bosch. The functions of both devices are generally comparable. The machine from Bosch is 1 kg more spacious, but it is inferior in spin speed, its indicator is 1200 rpm.
Both marked devices, however, are inferior in terms of "carrying capacity" to the L 87695 WD model from AEG. This washing machine can hold 9 kg of laundry per load. The spin rate in it is one of the highest - 1600 rpm. The considered elite washing machine from AEG is one of the few that corresponds to three most important indicators at once - energy consumption, washing quality, and spin efficiency, class A.
Which brand of washing machine is better to buy? Does the actual brand of the device matter?
Much depends, first of all, on the budget that the buyer of the device has.
In terms of priority, the basic criteria that determine the capabilities of washing machines and discussed above can be placed in the following places in the "rating":
- washing efficiency class;
- spin speed;
- spin efficiency class;
- allowable weight of laundry in 1 wash;
- noise level;
- energy consumption;
- Availability of useful functions.
Thus, if a device suitable for cost has decent performance at least according to the first three criteria, it can already be bought, and it will in principle be in no way inferior to competitors in terms of the main result of work - the quality of the washed linen.
“Carrying capacity” is a significant factor, but nevertheless it should be classified as secondary, since, probably, for most users of washing machines, quality is more important than volumes. The same is with the noise level - the main thing is that the clothes are clean, and "high decibels" can always be tolerated. Energy consumption for the Russian Federation, a country with fairly cheap electricity (in some European countries, electricity tariffs are 3-4 times higher) is not the most relevant parameter.
As for the other functions of washing machines, you can't keep up with every innovation. The device's support for 3D-Aquaspar or Fuzzi Logic is excellent, but the practical effectiveness of their use does not always correlate with the difference in price between the corresponding machine and the simpler device.
Does the manufacturer's brand matter? Probably yes. The washing machine market is one of those retail segments in which the relevant criterion is, in principle, important. Brands such as AEG, Miele and Bosch are seen as technology leaders capable of delivering the highest quality devices.
At the same time, the German company Miele is usually singled out as a supplier of invariably "elite" brands of washing machines. The main feature of this brand is that all its production facilities are located in Europe. The largest number of Miele factories - 8 - are located in Germany, one in Austria, and another factory in the Czech Republic. This gives reason to say that the brand's products pass the most stringent control on the factory lines that meets European standards.
There are traditionally "budgetary" firms - such as Indesit, Belarusian "Atlant". But the relative cheapness of the goods produced by these corporations is due not so much to the economy, as some citizens believe (mostly based on personal views), on materials and technologies, as to the competent localization of production in relation to consumers. For example, Indesit manufactures washing machines for the Russian market in Lipetsk. In Belarus, the production of devices under the Atlant brand is also estimated by experts as quite cost-effective.
It is worth noting, however, that “class differences” (in the context of comparing the level of technology) between brands can be observed in the “washing” industry more pronounced than, for example, in the market for mobile gadgets, TVs, and laptops.
Many experts recommend selecting devices based on their potential maintainability in non-warranty cases. Among the brands that produce devices that are repaired without any problems and high costs are Zanussi, Electrolux.
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