How to choose a washing machine brand?
To choose a washing machine brand that will completely satisfy you, you need to approach this issue very seriously. "Which is the highest quality machine?" or "which are the best machines?" these phrases sound absurd, as such machines don't exist. To make the right choice, you need to consider a whole range of factors and nuances, which we'll discuss in this article. We'll also provide you with information about popular manufacturers and brands of automatic washing machines.
What factors should you consider when choosing an automatic washing machine?
First, let's discuss what you should pay attention to when choosing an automatic washing machine. This question is quite difficult to answer right away, as everyone values their own set of advantages in a washing machine. For some, the design and size of the appliance are paramount, for others, a variety of washing programs are important, and for others, safety is paramount.
In our opinion, this one-sided approach will prevent you from making the right choice. We suggest approaching your washing machine selection professionally and considering the many factors and nuances. Here are some of them:
- price;
- brand;
- dimensions and possibility of installation;
- washing programs;
- design;
- maximum load;
- economy;
- noise level;
- availability of drying function;
- presence of direct drive;
- presence of protection against leaks.
The price of a washing machine. This isn't even about the amount of money you can spend on a washing machine. You need to decide on the price range and categories of the washing machine models you are considering, and what you are paying for within a specific model (for features, for the brand, for an exclusive design, etc.).
Brand. Many buyers pay close attention to the manufacturer's reputation and brand exposure, and choose a particular car model based on this. Experts believe this approach is completely unjustified. A car should be evaluated objectively, based on its actual properties, without relying on the authority of a well-known brand. However, few people heed this opinion.
Number and composition of washing programs. Housewives have been using automatic washing machines for quite some time and have become accustomed to specific washing programs. So, if their household helper breaks down and they need to choose a new one, they'll pay attention to the availability of their usual washing programs. Very popular programs are: “gentle wash”, “quick wash”, “cotton”, “bulky items”, “synthetics” and others.
Dimensions and built-in fit. Many people deliberately choose a built-in washing machine model of a specific size so it fits in a pre-designed space. In this case, features such as the number of programs, drum size, and so on become secondary to the fact that it fits!
Design. The appearance of a washing machine is becoming increasingly important. People are willing to pay a premium for a stylish design, and this is changing the market structure. People are trying to match their washing machine to the color of their furniture, walls, flooring, and other items.
Please note! Some brands of washing machines are available in standard and exclusive designs. Exclusive designs can be up to 50% more expensive than standard models.
Maximum load. Practical housewives can't ignore this factor. Some automatic washing machines have drums that don't even hold a set of bed linen, requiring each item to be washed separately. But there are models that can hold up to 12 kg of laundry. Your task is to choose either the maximum load or a happy medium.
Energy efficiency. Some automatic washing machines offer modest savings on utility bills. These include machines with energy efficiency ratings of A or higher and low water retention. Finding a model with these characteristics isn't difficult; the key is to pay attention to these factors and choose wisely.
Noise level. Many people focus on the noise their washing machine makes when spinning at high speeds. Buyers reject models that are too loud. To determine the noise level of a washing machine, consult its data sheet, which lists the noise level in dB. You can also draw conclusions by reading customer reviews and choose the appropriate model.
Drying function. Housewives who value their time prefer to buy washing machines with a drying function. These automatic machines are significantly more expensive than standard ones, but they automate the drying process, eliminating the problem of clotheslines in the apartment. Choosing the right model with a drying function can be difficult, so we suggest you read more about it in the article aboutchoosing a washer and dryer.
Direct drive. It's generally accepted that automatic washing machines with direct drive are much more reliable than those with belt drive. Direct drive provides additional operational benefits to the washing machine. In particular, direct drive extends the life of the motor and saves energy. These claims are well-founded, which is why some manufacturers produce entire series of washing machines with direct drive technology.
Leak protection. It would also be a good idea for your new washing machine to be leak-proof. This means that the hoses and housing are designed to shut off the water in the event of an accident, preventing flooding of your apartment and your neighbors. This "leak protection" feature is very effective and has already saved many people a lot of money and frustration.
Interesting! Some also pay attention to the washing machine's loading type (top or bottom), although this aspect has become less and less of a consideration for consumers in recent years.
Brief overview of popular companies
Now let's talk about the companies that produce washing machines, their distinctive features and characteristics. Which company stands out? There are quite a few, so we'll focus only on the main ones.
- Miele. Expensive but very reliable washing machines from Germany. This company doesn't produce low-priced appliances, but their automatic machines can easily last 20-30 years.
- LG. This company produces washing machines in all price ranges, from low to high. It was the first company to produce direct-drive machines and continues to implement the most advanced technologies in its products.
- Samsung is a Korean company that produces a wide range of household appliances and electronics. Their washing machines are characterized by their low price, long service life, and intuitive controls.
- Bosch. Another German manufacturer, which, unlike the previous one, operates in a variety of price segments. It's worth noting that even the cheapest Bosch automatic washing machine models prove to be very reliable and high-quality.
- Siemens is also a German company that assembles washing machines worldwide. The quality of their products often depends on the country where they were assembled (even despite quality control). European-assembled washing machines are often much better than their Asian counterparts, although this has improved recently. This company produces only high-tech products; in particular, they were among the first to implement detergent dosing technology in their machines.
- Indesit is an Italian company that manufactures and supplies washing machines to most countries worldwide. Their machines offer a wide variety of washing programs and vary in size. This company produces some of the best built-in and slimline washing machines, answering the question of which machine to choose.
- Zanussi. Another Italian brand renowned for its affordable prices and high-quality products. The design of their washing machines is a bit simple. But they are very easy to use and reliable, and will last for years.
- Electrolux. This Swedish company boasts a wide range of products. Their washing machine models can be found in all three price categories, and their feature diversity is impressive, not to mention their high quality.
- Gorenje is a Slovenian company that produces rather expensive washing machines. However, the technical solutions they employ in their production are quite impressive. They are the only company that mass-produces washing machines that operate not from a central water supply, but from a separate water tank.
Please note! Each of the above companies produces fairly high-quality equipment, so you should pay special attention not to the manufacturer, but to the specific model of automatic washing machine they produce.
Review of washing machine models in three price categories
To determine which washing machine models are the best, experts decided to compare numerous models using the criteria outlined in the first subtitle of our article. As a result, we identified several interesting automatic washing machine models, whose characteristics we'll discuss below.
Bosch WLG20265OE. This washing machine model truly offers an almost ideal price-quality ratio. With an average price of $400 (best price), which places it in the low-price category, this machine offers a very impressive list of features. Add to this impeccable German quality, and you have the best technology in its class.
This model is economical, boasting an energy efficiency rating of A and water consumption of just 40 liters per wash. It features imbalance monitoring and leak protection systems. The machine has nine basic washing programs (nothing extra), but it's worth noting that you can program a custom mode. This is very convenient for some.
This machine also features features like adding laundry during the wash cycle, delayed start, quick wash, and adjustable spin speed. The drum is quite roomy, with a capacity of up to 5 kg. It's quiet. It's hard to find a cheaper washing machine brand that offers such a wide range of features.
Samsung WW90H7410EW/LP. This mid-priced washing machine from a reputable manufacturer features, firstly, an innovative, wide, spacious drum for easy removal of laundry. Secondly, it features bubble wash technology, which nearly doubles the effectiveness of detergents, removing even the most stubborn stains. Thirdly, it features an intelligent system that identifies almost any problem and provides troubleshooting recommendations. This machine also features:
- the ability to operate at 1400 rpm;
- almost silent engine;
- great design and beautiful lighting;
- Large drum, laundry load capacity up to 9 kg.
Please note! All Samsung appliances boast stunning design (it's hard to find a better one) and high-quality software – and their washing machines are no exception.
LG F14B3PDS7. This model of washing machine from a well-known Korean manufacturer can be called an example of serial application of high technologies. This isn't a cheap model (it's in the high price range), but its capabilities are simply astounding. Let's start with the main thing: this model features a technology that can be briefly described as "steam washing." The machine's drum contains a container that heats water to a steam state, which then sprays the dirty items with this steam, improving the washing results.
The machine also boasts a very spacious drum (load capacity up to 8 kg), a quiet motor, and extremely low energy consumption. Add to this its high reliability, innovative bubble drum, and 14 washing programs that begin with automatic laundry weighing, and you have another masterpiece from LG, embodied in a washing machine.
About the advantages of expensive washing machine models
The advantages of expensive washing machines are endlessly discussed. Manufacturers test the most advanced technologies on these machines, making life significantly easier for those who use them. When you buy an expensive washing machine, you're undoubtedly taking a risk. After all, it's not a given that such equipment, even with all the innovations, is worth the money. However, statistics from leading retail chains selling household appliances suggest otherwise.
What developments and technologies are we talking about? Let's give some specific examples.
- Steam washing technology. We've already briefly discussed it above, so we won't repeat it.
- Intelligent drying/drying with ironing effect. According to manufacturers, this function can practically replace ironing. In fact, this isn't entirely true, but it's a very interesting feature nonetheless. It's available in more expensive machines with a built-in dryer.
- Washing with a lot of air. As you know, The more oxygen in the water, the better it will wash away dirt. Accordingly, if you force oxygen into the machine drum, the laundry will be washed much better.
- Wash quality control. Interestingly, the latest washing machines already feature a stain detection system. The system automatically detects whether an item has been washed properly and adjusts the wash cycle accordingly.
- Connectivity with external devices. Connect your washing machine to your smartphone, and it will notify you when a wash cycle is complete or if any problems arise. This is very convenient when you need to leave your washing machine unattended.
Please note! If you don't have the budget to buy expensive washing machine models just to get the latest technology, don't worry. Wait a couple of years until these technologies start to be widely adopted in mid- and low-priced washing machines.
In conclusion, choosing a washing machine brand is quite difficult. It's impossible to even answer the question of which brand is best, as each brand has its own set of advantages. However, if you objectively evaluate specific washing machine models, you can draw some fairly clear conclusions. Happy choosing!
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Thank you for enlightening my mind) It's difficult to optimize your choice without the help of a specialist, thank you!
Indesit is the best choice for our budget. And it works great for the price. But articles like this are always interesting to read!
Indesit is good, I don't argue, although in recent years I've been using Hotpoint, it also washes very well and doesn't leave any powder.
We had absolutely no luck with the Hotpoint... I'll never buy one again! The computer died almost immediately! The heating element burned out, we replaced it! The bearing fell apart, we replaced it! It started rusting near the detergent drawer! The bearing fell apart again... and on top of all that, the smell of rotting water coming from the sink when I drain the machine! And all this in 6 years of use!
Maybe your Hotpoint is defective? It happens, just bad luck 🙁 Because, frankly, I don't recall any negative comments about this company from anyone I know.
I've had a Hotpoint washing machine for six years now. I've never had any problems with it. It's never even needed repairs. We bought it online.
Oh my god, washing machines have such crazy designs! My Whirlpool has a classy, elegant look. I prefer those.
After reading the article, you might conclude that all these companies use only cutting-edge technology and their washing machines are incredibly reliable. You can buy any machine and you won't go wrong. What nonsense is this? Apparently, either the author doesn't live in Russia, or these reliable machines aren't available here! Repair shops are overflowing with these machines. They break down within the first week of use, and so on, while a reputable specialist tells us that all of them are absolutely reliable.
I was also considering a washing machine from this brand, but the consultant convinced me to get an Indesit. I had my doubts, of course, but after using it, they all disappeared.
I have an Ardo 600 washing machine. It's been washing flawlessly since 1999!!!
I have a Mila—it's 12 years old. Knock on wood—I couldn't be happier. I called a repairman today; the leak was my fault. I need to check the pockets—the needle punctured something there. I talked to the repairman about washing machines—he recommends Mila, Bosch, and Ardo. I should get either a Mila or an expensive Bosch dryer—the drum spins in different directions. It's very important that the laundry doesn't twist. Cheap Bosch ones spin in one direction. They won't tell you this at the store.
My second LG died, the last one lasted 7 years, I don't want another one from this brand. I don't know which one to get.
I have a Zanussi. It worked for 16 years, but now it's stalled and starts gurgling. It fills with water and then goes silent. Five repairmen looked at it. They took my money, but they can't fix it. I want a Bosch.