Which washing machine is better: Ariston or Indesit?

The Indesit brand's line of washing machines is widely available on the domestic market at affordable prices. Along with this well-known, affordable brand, domestic consumers are offered, thanks to extensive advertising, more expensive but similar units under the Hotpoint Ariston brand. Consequently, the question naturally arises about their similarities and differences. Ariston vs. Indesit washing machine: it's time to delve into the intricacies and find out which is better.

Detailed differences between Ariston and Indesit

Before answering the questions posed in the introduction in detail, the experts suggest taking the time to see everything from the inside, i.e., disassembling equipment from both brands. This way, even the average person will be able to provide a precise answer, revealing the absence of obvious differences in the disassembled mechanisms.

Despite the difference in the external design of the units, their internal contents are almost identical.

It's worth noting that, with rare exceptions, the parts of these machines are interchangeable. Users of Ariston and Indesit appliances (we're talking about washing machines) will have no problem replacing faulty parts. If there is a clear visual difference between some components (doors), parts from one brand can be used to repair faults in another (glass, cuff). Next, we will take a closer look at the main characteristics of Aristons and identify their unique features.

1. Tank. There are no visual differences from the similar tank found on Indesit models. Components such as the bearing and seal are considered identical. Machines sold on the domestic market are equipped with 202/203 bearings, while machines assembled in Italian factories are equipped with 204/205 bearings. Experts claim that 202/203 bearings are considered the most vulnerable components in these brands.
2. Control panel (front). In the debate over which is better, this design element wins out over the Ariston, despite its significantly higher cost.
3. The hatch door. Differences are found in the plastic used for the housing. The Ariston one is of higher quality. The glass, with the exception of some models, is identical.
4. Control module. No differences were found. Arcadia boards are used in modern automatic washing machines of both brands.
5. Drain pump. The mechanisms of the above models feature pumps with universal characteristics (Askol). Mounting method: self-tapping screws.
6. Valves. These consumables are identical to those for Indesit.
7. Engine. Parameters are comparable.
   

   It is important to remember that different types of motors are used in different Indesit and Hotpoint Ariston machines.

8. Door locking device. The designers of many modern washing machines sometimes install impulse-type locks on the door, which can open the machine immediately after the end of the set program. The positive side of this design solution is the ability to quickly unblock a jammed hatch; the negative side is the reduced level of safety.
9. Pulley. This wheel-shaped element is used in both brands of equipment and is completely identical.
10. Water level switch. With the exception of some models, the pressure switch is identical in both brands. Alternatively, an electric sensor can be installed.

Leaving aside minor differences and parameters of components such as the hatch door, front panel, and control unit firmware, it's safe to say that the Hotpoint Ariston and Indesit are identical twins. Considering that these models are assembled in domestic factories, it's not difficult to choose between the quality of a more expensive model and its cheaper counterpart.

Typical shortcomings of Ariston and Indesit washing machines

We offer a brief overview of typical problems common to domestically assembled units. The information we provide is based on the experience of technicians at our and other service centers.

Like any household appliance, Hotpoint, Ariston, and Indesit washing machines are prone to breakdowns. The most common cause of failure is bearing failure. This type of component is considered one of the weak points of these brands. With average use (2-3 times a week), bearings wear out in approximately two years in 25% of cases.

After analyzing all the possible causes of this issue, experts concluded that the problem stems from the long spin cycle. Installing precisely sized and high-quality components could have partially solved the problem. For comparison, consider a Samsung washing machine, rated for 5.5 kg of dry laundry. It also uses 203 and 204 bearings. Despite this, these consumables are replaced every 5-10 years. Experts attribute this to the shorter intermediate spin cycle and lower RPM of the Samsung.

Self-draining in Ariston and Indesit toilets is another key issue. This issue requires a special approach and, often, a different approach to connecting the machines to the sewer system. Only this special approach and proper connection can guarantee the units' uninterrupted operation. You can avoid "whims" from branded household appliances by raising the drain hose upwards by approximately 80 centimeters.

A distinctive feature is the self-diagnostic system, which checks the valve's operation before starting the process. This test takes about 10 seconds, but this is enough to dispense a certain amount of water and then activate the pump (2-3 seconds).

This activation is necessary to allow the pump to discharge a small amount of water and control the presence of gravity flow. However, with high water pressure, the short time allotted for diagnostics and the start of the wash cycle prevents the excess liquid from draining (15-20 seconds), which causes the machine to malfunction. A simple action—raising the drain hose to a predetermined height—can eliminate gravity flow.

Having addressed the drainage issues, another drawback needs to be addressed: intolerance to hard water. Indesit and Ariston appliances aren't the only ones that react negatively to increased water hardness in the washing environment. However, these brands are the most sensitive and finicky. Users of the above-mentioned brands of household appliances are advised to not put off using water softeners. Choosing a good one isn't difficult, and the market offers a wide selection.

   

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