How to choose a washing machine and get it right

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Advice from specialists in the repair and sale of household appliances on how to choose the right and reliable model.

What to look for first

Machine type and size

The starting point is where the washing machine will be installed. It is it that determines the type and dimensions of the model that suits you.

Washing machines are of two types:

1. Front-loading (manhole cover on the front).
2. Top loading (top cover).

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Front-end machines, unlike vertical ones, vary quite a lot in size:

1. Standard: height 85–90 cm, depth 45–60 cm, width 60 cm.
2. Narrow: depth less than 45 cm.
3. Compact: all parameters are smaller than standard.

Standard models are good for relatively spacious rooms because they take up the most space. Compact and narrow, suitable for installation in small spaces, under a worktop or sink. However, they have a weakness: they can break faster.

Sergey Lutkov, repairman of washing machines and dishwashers of the Stirrem-Service company

All elements inside narrow machines are packed tightly enough. According to Stirrem-Service, this accelerates their wear, and the service life decreases.

Top-loading models usually do not vary much in size and in some cases may be the only option.

Mikhail Prosvirnin, Head of Home and Self Care Department, M. Video

Vertical loading is convenient if in the room where the equipment is planned to be installed there is little space for opening the side hatch or if the lid will get in the way when open.

What to buy

• Narrow top-loading washing machine Indesit MTW A51051, 26 990 rubles →
• Large front-loading washing machine from Samsung, 29 989 rubles →
• A narrow front-loading washing machine with a "caring" drum from Bosch, 34,990 rubles →

Loading volume

The second important parameter influencing the choice of the machine is the amount of load you need. It is directly related to the number of people who will use the device.

There are approximate calculations, according to which:

1. For 1-2 people, a 4 kg load car is enough.
2. For 3-5 people - 6 kg.
3. For more than 5 people - 8-9 kg.

If you have small children or plan to have them, choose the models with the maximum load. You have to wash a lot.

Don't think that maximum download size is always the best solution.

Firstly, the more spacious the car, the larger it is, which means it takes up more space. Secondly, if you wash two items at a time in a model designed for 8 kg of laundry, the water consumption will be quite impressive. So choose the volume based on your actual needs.

What to buy

• Small washing machine with a load of 3 kg from Electrolux, 43 990 rubles →
• Average washing machine with a load of 6.5 kg from LG, 23 990 rubles →
• Narrow washing machine with a load of 8, 5 kg from LG, 39 990 rubles →

Functionality

Modern models are equipped with basic modes (washing at different temperatures, rinsing, spinning). You just have to decide which of the additional functions you need, and which will only be a waste of money.

Leakage protection. This is insurance in case something gets damaged in the liner or in the washing machine itself.

Special modes. They will help you save money on dry cleaning. These include programs for washing children's and sportswear, shoes, pillows. There are also modes for removing stains or for a quick wash.

Gentle wash mode. It is characterized by the use of a larger volume of water, a low washing temperature and reduced spinning speed. The mode is suitable for delicate fabrics and is useful for owners of wardrobe that requires special care.

Quiet wash. Models with this function are equipped with an inverter motor or direct drive, so they are much less noisy than usual.

Such washing machines can be safely used at night, when reduced electricity rates are in effect, and during the day they will be less distracting.

Mikhail Prosvirnin, Head of Home and Self Care Department, M. Video

Steam wash. Suitable for any material, including silk, fluff, wool. It helps to get rid of stubborn odors.

Drying. Saves time and space, since the laundry does not need to be hung after washing, but it has a very noticeable effect on the cost of the machine.

What to buy

• Washing machine with leakage protection Candy CBWM 814DW, 29,990 rubles →
• Washing machine with "steam wash" function from Hotpoint-Ariston, 20 790 rubles →
• Washing machine and dryer from Weissgauff, 36 990 rubles →
• Silent washing machine with inverter motor from LG, 49,990 rubles →

What else to pay attention to

Control type

Machine control can be:

1. Mechanical, when all washing parameters are set manually using buttons and rotary switches. This control is found in older or inexpensive models with a basic set of functions.
2. Electronic, when the user selects a mode, and the machine automatically adjusts the washing parameters. It is common among mid-range and high-end models.

Electronic control. fora.kz

Electronic cars are more convenient to use, but they break more often than their simpler counterparts.

Mechanically controlled machines have a very simple mechanism for moving parts, so they last 50-60% longer than electronics. In addition, there are trite fewer parts there, so the likelihood of breakdowns is less.

Sergey Lutkov, repairman of washing machines and dishwashers of the Stirrem-Service company

What to buy

• Washing machine with mechanical control from Beko, 13 990 rubles →
• Washing machine with touch control from Electrolux, 79,990 rubles →

Washing, spinning, energy consumption classes

With the help of classes, you can determine how well the machine washes, squeezes and how much energy it consumes. They are designated by Latin letters from A (highest class) to G (lowest).

It would seem that this is very useful information, but in fact it turns out to be the most meaningless: the characteristics of most of the machines are identical.

The spin quality and the level of energy consumption are now similar for most models. If we are talking about the assortment of large brands, the lion's share of goods corresponds to class A, A +.

Mikhail Prosvirnin, Head of Home and Self Care Department, M. Video

Of course, in the selection process, you should make sure that in all respects the technique belongs to a high class. But you don't have to make a decision based solely on this point.

Which washing machines are noisier and more mobile

The noise of the car primarily depends on the material of the tank. It is available in either plastic or stainless steel. The latter option is more durable and reliable, but also noisier. Also, the volume of the car may depend on the motor.

Choose models with a “Silent wash” function or try to reduce the noise level with the direct drive and speed control system.

Some machines may jump or move during operation. This is directly related to their size: the more modest they are, the more unstable the car.

What to do? Be sure to place the machine on a hard floor and level it using the adjustable feet.

How to protect against breakdowns

All household appliances break down sooner or later, and washing machines are no exception. The most common problems that owners face are:

1. The heating element fails.
2. The control module burns out.
3. The drive belt breaks or falls off.
4. The engine breaks down.
5. The drum bearings are worn out.
6. A hole is formed in the tank.
7. Shock absorbers wear out.
8. The plastic handle of the hatch breaks.
9. The pump fails.

Despite the fact that most of the breakdowns are associated with an illiterate installation and operation, you can protect yourself even at the purchase stage.

For example, if you choose a car, the control module of which is filled with wax and completely sealed: in this case, moisture will definitely not get inside, which means that the likelihood of breakdown will decrease. Or pay attention to the models with stainless steel tanks: plastic tanks are more prone to damage.

Another point is related to the wrong choice and operation. For example, when a person buys a car for 5 kg, but with each wash loads 6 kg of laundry. In such cases, the likelihood of breakage increases.

Another mistake is to set maximum speed during spinning.

We do not recommend using this function, because it puts a heavy load on almost all the parts of the washing machine and, accordingly, their potential is depleted much faster. If it is very important for a person to get dry clothes after washing, it is better to purchase a washing machine with a dryer.

Sergey Lutkov, repairman of washing machines and dishwashers of the Stirrem-Service company

How to protect yourself when buying

Be sure to inspect the washing machine. Make sure there are no dents or scratches on the case; these may indicate problems during transportation. Check the contents, test how the door opens and the detergent drawer slides out.

It is better to entrust the connection of the machine to the specialists of the service center.

In case of any problems with the installation, the wizard will write out an act on the basis of which the store will replace the product. If you find flaws during self-connection, you will have to prove to the seller that they are not the result of your wrong actions.