How and which washing machine is better to choose? Overview of all parameters and functionality


The size of kitchens and bathrooms in many homes often leaves one wanting more. Therefore, you should buy large-sized equipment after choosing a place for it in advance. Knowing the sizes of washing machines will help in this difficult task. Only by carefully studying the standard and non-standard dimensions of the equipment can you be sure that the chosen option will fit perfectly into the prepared niche or opening.

The dimensions of automatic washing machines largely depend on the type of load and the volume of the drum. When these indicators change, the depth of the device usually changes. The width and standard height of the washing machine most often remain unchanged. However, some manufacturers produce models that differ radically in their dimensions, which we will consider a little later.

Load Type

According to the method of loading laundry, all washing machines are divided into 2 types:

  1. Front loading. In these models, a transparent loading hatch is located on the front panel.
  2. Top loading. In such washing machines, the laundry is loaded from above, through the drum hatch.

Front-loading models, in turn, can be:

  1. Narrow.
  2. Standard.
  3. Full size.

Let's take a closer look at the dimensions of each type of washing machine.

Additional functions

For the convenience of users, additional options may be provided in the washing machine.

Models with drying

Drying of washed clothes is carried out using a fan that directs air flows from a heated heating element.

The drying intensity is selected depending on the type of laundry.

Smartphone control

For your information! The washing machine may have a built-in operating system that can be controlled using a mobile device.

To do this, you need to download a special mobile application to your smartphone. This will allow you to transmit commands at a distance without getting up from your chair or even without being at home.

In this case, you don’t have to waste time studying the instructions - tips in the application will allow you to accurately select the optimal mode.

Steam function

Steam treatment is necessary for effective disinfection of things .
Steam refreshes laundry, removes unpleasant odors and pathogens. This option is indispensable for allergy sufferers, as well as families with small children.

The steam smooths out wrinkles, so you don’t have to iron things at all, or at least do it without significant effort.

And if you adjust the steam temperature, you can treat even delicate fabrics.

Spot removal function

Some models have an option that allows you to easily remove stubborn dirt.

Attention! With the help of accelerated rotation of the drum, stains disappear from both thick and delicate fabrics.

To enhance the effect, you can use special stain removers.

Soaking program

This mode is used for heavily soiled laundry before the main wash . Things are soaked in a drum that remains motionless in water whose temperature does not exceed 30 0C.

Using the pre-soak option
extends the washing process by 15 to 30 minutes.

Biophase or enzyme phase

Enzymes are the active components of washing powder; under the influence of warm water they penetrate into the fibers of the fabric and dissolve organic particles of contaminants.

The optimal temperature for this is 40 0C.

In the bio-phase mode, the water is heated or cooled to this temperature for 10-15 minutes so that stains of natural origin have time to dissolve. This option can be added to any wash program.

Possibility of reloading laundry

For your information! With this option, you can add laundry to the drum directly during the washing process, including during rinsing and spinning.

In this case, you do not have to stop the cycle and drain the water. At first, manufacturers equipped only vertical models with this function, but now it is found even in front-loading machines.

With water tank

A washing machine equipped with a water tank can function even without running water.
Such a device is indispensable in the country, as well as in houses that are located outside the city and are not connected to the central water supply system.

Devices with tanks are designed to fill and drain water manually.

Bubble system

Under the drum of machines that support the air-bubble washing option, there is a bubble generator.

The water and powder that get there turn into fluffy foam . It is believed that it is when the bubbles come into contact with the fabric that stains are best washed away.

The foam rinses perfectly even in cold water and is suitable for delicate fabrics. In addition, the consumption of household chemicals is reduced and the service life of equipment is increased.

Quick wash

Many automatic machines have a quick wash mode.

It allows you to refresh items intended for everyday wear, while saving time and resources . Quick wash occurs at low temperature.

In such conditions, you can process things that are not heavily soiled. Clothes will get rid of unpleasant odor and become fresher.

The maximum effect can be achieved if the drum is fully loaded.

Because powder granules do not dissolve well in cold water and a small amount of laundry may not be rinsed.

This is a fairly intensive program and is not intended for thin, delicate fabrics that require special care.

The quick wash mode is not intended for cleaning towels and bed linen.

Remember! You should not wash worn-out wardrobe items in this way. Otherwise, they can quickly become unusable.

Delayed start

Only missing from the most budget or older models. Thanks to this function, you can schedule washing for the night or while you are away.

Depending on the model, the delay period ranges from 3 hours to a day.

Dimensions of top-loading washing machines

The sizes of such units do not differ in variety. All top loading washing machines have standard sizes:

  1. Depth 60 cm.
  2. Width 40 cm.
  3. Height 85 cm.

There may be slight measurement error due to protruding parts. For example, the Indesit ITW D 51052 W washing machine is 90 cm high due to the raised control panel.


Indesit ITW D 51052 W 1

Depth of narrow washing machines

Models up to 40 cm wide are considered narrow. As a rule, the maximum possible load for them is 3.5–4 kg. Sometimes manufacturers use a trick - they stretch the diameter of the drum, leaving its depth unchanged, in order to increase the volume of laundry to 4.5–5 kg.

An example of a narrow model with a small load is the Candy CS34 1051D1/2. Its depth is only 34 cm, while the tank can fit up to 5 kg of dry laundry.


Candy CS34 1051D1/2 1

Such models have a number of significant disadvantages:

  1. A narrow drum prevents full circulation of the washing solution, so the quality of washing with a full load may be lower.
  2. Low stability and strong vibration during spinning.
  3. High noise level.
  4. Severe wear of parts and shorter service life due to strong vibration.

The undeniable advantage of these models over standard ones is their shallow depth, which allows you to significantly save space in the bathroom.

Leading manufacturers

We present brands of the most trusted and good manufacturers.

LG

  • LG F-1096ND3
  • LG Steam F2M5HS4W
  • LG F-12B8WDS7
  • LG FH-0G6SD0

Bosch

  • Bosch WLL 24266
  • Bosch WLG 20060
  • Bosch WLG 20261 OE
  • Bosch WLL 2426 S

Samsung

  • Samsung WF8590NLW9
  • Samsung WF8590NLW8
  • Samsung WW65K42E08W
  • Samsung WF60F1R2E2WD

Indesit

  • Indesit IWUB 4085
  • Indesit IWSB 5085
  • Indesit IWSC 6105
  • Indesit IWUB 4105

Candy

  • Candy CS4 1051D1/2
  • Candy GVS34 126TC2/2
  • Candy Aqua 114D2
  • Candy CS34 1052D1/2

Depth of standard washing machines

The depth of a standard washing machine is 40–45 cm. The load depends on the size of the drum and can be 4-7 kg. Such a machine will include not only personal, but also large-sized items, such as winter clothes or a couple of sets of bed linen. These models are the most popular among buyers. They don't take up much space and allow you to wash a large amount of clothes at one time.

There are quite a lot of standard options sold, for example, Bosch WLN 24242. This free-standing model has a depth of only 45 cm. But it is designed for 7 kg of dry laundry. This means that large items such as a double blanket or a winter jacket can fit in it.


Bosch WLN 24242 1

Specifications

It is impossible to choose an automatic washing machine and not pay attention to its technical characteristics. Perhaps you shouldn’t go into details, but know the parameters that affect the quality of washing and the efficiency of the unit.

Main technical characteristics of automatic washing machines

Energy class and power consumption

The energy consumption class is also called energy efficiency. It is designated by letters of the Latin alphabet - from A (first class) to G (lowest class). Shows how efficiently energy is consumed during the washing process. Due to rising electricity prices, this parameter has become relevant - the higher the energy efficiency, the lower the electricity consumption, all other things being equal. To choose an automatic washing machine with minimal consumption, take class A with pluses (A+, A++, A+++). The more advantages, the more economical it is. But here you need to look in combination with the price - sometimes it increases greatly with the increase in the number of “pluses”.

How the energy consumption class is set - based on energy consumption for washing one kilogram of laundry

Just don't confuse energy efficiency with power consumption. The power consumed by a washing machine greatly depends on the power of the heating element. And here you need to make sure that the power consumption is not too low. Otherwise, in winter the water may not have time to heat up to the required temperatures. So it’s better to take medium or high power, but paired with good energy efficiency. Then the water will be heated to the required temperature, and, due to good management and energy-saving technologies, electricity consumption will not be excessive.

Spin efficiency class and drum rotation speed

The efficiency class for spinning clothes with a washing machine is indicated according to the same scheme - using Latin letters from A to G. They reflect the amount of moisture that remains in the washed laundry:

  • class A - 45%;
  • class B - 54%;
  • class C - 63%;
  • class D - 72;.

In percentage terms the difference is significant, but in practice the difference between class A and C is not very large. Yes, it takes a little longer to dry, but not so much that you can shell out a hefty amount for a higher grade. After all, the amount of remaining water directly depends on the speed of the drum during spinning, and the more revolutions it must gain, the more powerful the motor and more reliable bearings are required. And this is reflected in the price.

Spin class is not such an important characteristic that you need to pay a lot of money for it.

In general, today the optimal choice is the BC spin class with a drum rotation speed of 1000-1200 rpm. There are models that even reach 2000 rpm (Gorenje WA 65205), but why overpay? At high speeds (meaning 1000-1200 rpm), mainly cotton fabrics (but not knitwear) and synthetics are wrung out. For all others, lower speeds are recommended. Do you have a lot of cotton fabric (not knitwear) and pure synthetics? Most likely no. So why such capacity that will not be used?

So, it is better to choose an automatic washing machine with spin class B or C and a maximum speed of 1000-1200.

Washing class

With this parameter everything is more or less clear. The better the machine washes, the higher its class. It is also designated by Latin letters from A to G. But it’s difficult to find the difference between classes ABC, even upon close examination. But the difference in price is very noticeable.

Washing efficiency is determined in relation to the standard (value 1)

In general, no one has come up with anything fundamentally new in the field of washing modes and, from operating experience, we can say that the quality of washing depends on the correctly selected program and the detergents used. The washing class does not really affect this indicator.

Noise level

The technical characteristics of washing machines indicate two noise levels: during washing and during spinning. Happy is the one who has a dedicated technical room in which all noisy household appliances can be installed. They can ignore this indicator. For those who install a washing machine in an apartment or house, and even try to run it at night, during the discounted tariff, the noise level is a very important point.

For night work, it is advisable to find a machine with low noise levels

The automatic washing machine will not interfere even at night if the noise level during spinning does not exceed 70 dB, but it is better if this figure is lower. There are several models that can be considered the best according to this criterion:

  • LG F1296SD3. Load 4 kg, noise level during washing 47 dB, during spinning 67 dB.
  • LG F1020ND1. Load 6 kg, noise during washing 54 dB, during spinning 64 dB.
  • AEG L6FBG48S. Load 8 kg, noise level during washing 50 dB, during spinning 70 dB.
  • AEG L 87695 WD. With drying. Loading 9 kg, noise 49/61 dB.
  • Gorenje W 6843. At 6 kg, noise 55/70 dB.
  • Bosch WIS 24140. 7 kg, noise 56/70 dB.

To reduce the level of vibration and noise, it is worth putting vibration-damping pads under the legs. They will allow you to reduce the noise a little more - due to the fact that the part that is transmitted through vibrations is cut off.

Water consumption

For a washing machine to be truly economical, it also needs to consume as little water as possible. This is another resource whose prices are constantly rising. With this indicator, not everything is so simple. Sometimes the technical specifications indicate the water consumption per wash - they just cost liters. But this is incorrect - the load on machines varies, so it is more reasonable to calculate the water consumption per kilogram of dry laundry. Some manufacturers or some online/shops indicate this characteristic as such.

It is necessary to take into account water consumption with an eye to the maximum load

If not, you can divide the indicated total flow rate by the maximum tank load. This way the comparison more accurately reflects the real state of affairs.

Depth of full-size models

Their depth starts from 45 cm and reaches 60. Such units are not in great demand due to limited space in apartments. However, they have a number of undeniable advantages:

  1. Large load up to 10 kg, depending on the design features of certain manufacturers' products.
  2. Spin stability.
  3. Things of any size can be rinsed and washed well, thanks to the free circulation of water and washing solution through the thickness of the fabric.

Full-size options are quite common; an example is the Asko W6444 ALE model with a depth of 59 cm.


Asko W6444 ALE 1

Washing machine width

The standard width of a washing machine is 60 cm, regardless of its depth. It is the same for both narrow and full-size models. The only exceptions are semi-automatic, compact and vertical machines.

There can be many examples of equipment of this width, both among budget manufacturers and among premium companies, for example, Bosch WLK 20266


Bosch WLK 20266 1

Hotpoint Ariston VMUF 501 B economy class

The most popular models remain economy class, which provide access to high-quality washing without serious financial costs. Models of this class are often advertised and have many positive reviews. The depth of this sample is also reduced and is 35 cm, which is suitable for compact city apartments.

  • The unit volume of laundry that the washing machine can handle is 5 kg.
  • Drying is not provided; spinning takes place at speeds of up to 1000 rpm per minute.
  • The device is equipped with protection systems.
  • The digital control is programmed for 16 different operating modes.
  • Estimated service life is 10 years.

The average cost is 17,000 rubles.

Washing machine height

The height of a standard washing machine is 85 cm. Some buyers wonder why exactly these numbers are taken when developing equipment. Why, for example, not 80 or 90 cm?

The thing is that 85 cm is the standard height of the countertop set, calculated for ergonomic reasons for a person 170 cm tall. It is with this arrangement of hands and body that the load during cooking will be the least.

Accordingly, a washing machine with a height of 85 cm will stand flush with the countertop and will not protrude beyond it, creating additional discomfort.

Of course, if the washing machine is installed in the bathroom, you don’t need to attach such importance to the height. However, having opted for the top-loading option, you need to make sure that the lid can be safely opened and it will not touch any pipes or shelves.

An example of a washing machine of this height is the Hotpoint-Ariston ARSL 103.


Hotpoint-Ariston ARSL 103 1

Convenient and useful add-ons


Window for adding laundry during the washing process
Many washing machines have functions that improve the quality of washing, making it more comfortable and safe.
The AddWash laundry reloading function
is one of the best and most popular additions, very conveniently implemented in Samsung brand washing machines: a small hatch in the door through which you can add a forgotten dress or pillowcase at any time, even if the machine has filled with water for washing.
There are two types of leakage protection:

  • partial:
    under the washing machine tank there is a tray in which the electronic float is located. If more than 200 ml of water flows out of the tank, the float sends a signal to block the water supply and to the drain pump - water is drained from the tank and is no longer collected;
  • full:
    in addition to the float tray, the washing machine has a double-circuit inlet hose filled with a special product that swells if water gets on it.

Another option: use a double-layer hose with solenoid valves that automatically shut off the water if the hose or washing machine tank is damaged. Different manufacturers call this system differently: AquaStop

(Bosch, Siemens),
Waterproof
(Miele),
Aqua Alarm
(AEG).
Automatic dosing of detergents
- this function is implemented in premium segment washing machines.
The machine itself determines the weight of the laundry and the type of fabric. For example, when selecting the Cotton program, the machine itself determines the type of cotton fabric (jeans, calico, etc.), the degree of contamination and, based on all parameters, takes liquid detergent and rinse conditioner from the built-in reservoir. Water purity control sensor
, AquaSensor (BOSCH, SIEMENS), Sensor System (ARISTON) automatically calculates the amount of water for rinsing.
An automatic program
that detects the weight and soiling of the laundry independently selects the washing mode.

Dimensions of built-in washing machines

With the growing prosperity of the population, there is a trend towards the acquisition of built-in equipment. Washing machines and other household appliances are installed inside kitchen cabinets and covered with decorative panels, becoming one with the furniture.

The dimensions of built-in washing machines are slightly different from the dimensions of solo models. Narrow units for built-in installations are not produced. The standard depth of the headset is 60 cm, so there is no point in installing a machine at 35 cm. Its stability will be worse, the load will be less, and there will still be another 20–30 cm of unrealized free space behind the rear panel.

It is also quite problematic to install a full-size model with a depth of 60 cm into the set, since hoses must be placed behind the rear panel, and the facade will be attached to the front panel. Typically, a built-in washing machine is 50–55 cm deep.

An example is MAUNFELD MBWM.1485W, which has dimensions of 60x55x82


MAUNFELD MBWM.1485W 1

Some free-standing models can also be built into the headset. Just unscrew the top cover. The machine will become lower by a couple of centimeters - this is enough for it to fit under the countertop. Of course, you can’t hang the facade on it; the hatch and control panel will remain visible.

Please note that not all solo machines can be installed this way. For example, in the Hotpoint-Ariston AQ105D 49D B model, the hatch is flush with the side walls and even if you remove the cover from above, it will protrude. The overall height of the unit will not decrease.

Small washing machines

Small-sized models are a separate category and stand out from the general range with their size. A striking example is Candy Aqua 2D1040-07. Its dimensions are 51x46x70 cm. It is significantly lower and narrower than the standard options. The disadvantages of the small size model are the following:

  1. The small size of the drum does not allow washing large items. The load of such a washing machine will not exceed 4.5 kg.
  2. High price.
  3. A small range of models limits the choice of buyers.
  4. The dimensions of the drum do not allow you to wash and rinse things as efficiently as in standard models with similar characteristics.
  5. The inability to install a massive counterweight leads to a decrease in stability.


Candy Aqua 2D1040-07 1

Small-sized units are also called “under-the-sink” machines. They look like small bedside tables and were purchased for Khrushchev and Brezhnev apartments with shared bathrooms.

On the site you can also find out about the most popular models of drying cabinets for the home.

Semi-automatic washing machines

For some, it will be a real revelation that such cars are still in demand. However, this is true. They are purchased for dachas, private homes, and places where there is no centralized water supply. The dimensions of such units do not fit into any standard dimensions.

They can be quite spacious, like the RENOVA WS-50PT model with a 5 kg load. There may also be small sizes, for example, WILLMARK WM-20A, which includes only 2 kg of linen with dimensions of 32x32x45 cm.

You can read about the water consumption and amps of a washing machine here.

Quiet and spacious premium washing machine LG FN 6G1BCH2N

The name speaks for itself. This is a serious technique for respectable families with serious demands on the quality and volume of washing. The depth is quite impressive - 64 cm.

  • Additional loading is not provided, frontal option.
  • You can wash 12 kg of laundry at a time.
  • Intelligent touch control that allows you to customize 12 programs.
  • Spin reaches 1600 rpm.
  • The machine is equipped with all types of security systems.
  • It is economical and quiet in operation.

The class of this analogue is significantly higher, which is reflected in the cost. On average, goods in stores cost 105,000 rubles.

Rating
( 1 rating, average 5 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]