Comparison of technical characteristics of washing machines

Researching the technical specifications of a washing machine is one of the most important, yet one of the most difficult, steps before purchasing the "perfect home assistant." Neglecting to compare the technical specifications of different washing machines means ending up with a technically inferior model or, conversely, one crammed with unnecessary, over-hyped features and costing an exorbitant amount. In this article, we'll compare and review various washing machine models and their technical specifications to guide you and help you make the right choice.

Basic characteristics – distinctive features

What are the basic characteristics of modern automatic washing machines?

1. Loading type.
2. Washing and spinning classes.
3. Maximum load and drum rotation speed.
4. Drum volume, diameter and opening angle of the hatch.
5. Washing programs.
6. Energy consumption.
7. Displaying information to the user.
8. Dimensions and weight.
9. Protection and security.

When reviewing the basic characteristics of automatic washing machines, it's best to start with the loading type. Just five to seven years ago, people unthinkingly bought only front-loading machines, believing that top-loading was reserved for older, semi-automatic Soviet machines. While front-loading machines are still the dominant choice today, automatic top-loading machines are gradually gaining market share.

Please note: 90% of all automatic washing machines purchased worldwide are front-loading.

So, front-loading machines have a hatch on the front wall into which the laundry is loaded, and the drum of such machines is also located horizontally. In top-loading machines, the laundry loading hatch is located at the top, as is the control panel. Some top-loading machines do not have a drum at all; these machines are called activator machines.

Basic washing machine characteristics include wash and spin classes. There are seven wash and spin classes. Each class has a specific characteristic, coded with a letter of the Latin alphabet, as explained in the table below.

Most of the best modern washing machines have a washing class of at least B, and a spin class of at least C.

Some of the most important basic characteristics are the maximum load capacity and drum speed of a washing machine. Currently, automatic household machines have a wide range of load capacities, from 2.5 to 18 kg. However, there's a catch: the larger the load, the larger the drum, and therefore the larger the washing machine. Therefore, we can distinguish:

• Machines with a small load from 2.5 to 5 kg inclusive.
• Machines with an average load from 5.5 to 7 kg inclusive.
• Machines with a large load capacity from 7.5 to 18 kg.

It's not for nothing that they say you need to find the "golden mean" in everything; automatic machines with an average load are considered the most stable, the most reliable, and also the most optimal in terms of price. They are also the most popular, since for the average modern family of 3-4 people, a machine with a load capacity of 6 kg is considered optimal.

So it turns out that machines with a small load are smaller in size, but less stable and you can’t wash large items in them, while a machine with a large load is too expensive and is designed for a large family, of which there are not many.

Important basic characteristics include the drum volume, opening angle, and door diameter. At first glance, it might seem like there's no need to worry about the drum volume when we've already calculated the maximum load.

• The maximum load may be overstated by the manufacturer, but measuring the drum volume gives a more or less complete picture of the actual amount of laundry that can be washed at one time.
• It is the drum volume, not the maximum load, that can be used to judge how large an item can be washed in a washing machine.
• The drum volume is the key to judging the efficiency of a washing machine.

In addition to the drum capacity, it's important to consider the door diameter. The wider it is, the more convenient the washing machine will be to use, although this is, of course, a matter of taste. The door opening angle is especially important if the machine needs to be built into furniture or installed in a tight space. You can calculate in advance how easily the door will open depending on the location of the washing machine.

The basis of the basic technical characteristics is rightfully formed by the list of washing programs, which is included in a specific washing machine model. Modern automatic machines must have the following basic programs in their arsenal:

1. Quick wash – this program may have a different name, but the essence is the same – to wash your laundry thoroughly in the shortest possible time (from 20 minutes).
2. Cotton - there may be variations such as 'quick cotton', mixed linen, etc.
3. Synthetics – designed for washing synthetic fabrics, the name may contain variations.
4. Hand washing is a mechanical imitation of hand washing.
5. Delicate wash – designed for washing delicate fabrics; the name may vary.
6. Bulky items – designed for washing outerwear, blankets, pillows, etc., may have a different name.
7. Intensive wash – designed for intensive action on laundry in order to remove heavy stains.
8. Boiling - the purpose is the same, but washing occurs at a temperature of 90-95 ⁰WITH.

Essentially, these are all the programs that the vast majority of people use regularly; the rest remain unused, even though manufacturers are scrambling to develop new programs just to offer more and outshine the competition in this area. Regarding energy consumption, it's clear that a modern machine without a drying function shouldn't have one. energy efficiency class below "B", and with drying not below "D".

Visualisation of the washing program execution is also of great importance to the user, although from a practical point of view it is completely unimportant. A machine that has no display at all can wash just as well as a machine with a touch panel and a large display. But you will have to pay about ¼ more for this “miracle of technology”.

Please note! A washing machine loaded with electronics is not only expensive, but also less durable due to its complexity. Whether you buy such a machine is up to you.

The size and weight of a washing machine must be considered if the appliance needs to fit into a tight space or be built into furniture. In this case, every centimeter counts, so these basic technical parameters come first. The average washing machine size is 80x60x40 cm, but there are models with dimensions of 90x65x55 cm, 95x75x60 cm, or 70x50x35 cm. When choosing dimensions, remember one thing: a compact machine doesn't necessarily mean a good machine!

The final important basic characteristic is washing machine safety. Modern models offer the following protection:

• from children's interference;
• leak protection;
• protection against excessive foaming;
• from overloads of the electrical network, etc.

In our opinion, the more of this set in the car model you choose, the better; you shouldn’t skimp on safety.

Additional characteristics – distinctive features

Modern automatic washing machines boast a huge number of additional features. There's no point in listing them all, so let's focus on the truly valuable features, which are expressed in specific additional functions.

1. Automatic pre-weighing of laundry. This feature allows you to determine the exact weight of your laundry before starting the wash cycle. What does this mean? It allows the washing machine's onboard computer to calculate the precise amount of water and detergent for a specific load, saving water, energy, and detergent.
2. Delayed start of the washing program. This function allows you to start washing at a specific time, exactly when you want.
3. Adding laundry during the wash cycle. This feature allows you to stop the wash cycle mid-way and add items you've forgotten. It's much better than restarting the wash cycle and saves water, detergent, and energy.
4. Easy Iron. This feature treats laundry after washing so it becomes soft and has minimal creases and wrinkles. Ironing this type of laundry is truly easy, requiring little effort.
5. Drying. Some modern automatic machines are equipped with additional heating elements, which allows you not only to wash, rinse and spin your laundry, but also to dry it directly in the drum.

Some readers may ask why we don't cover additional features of washing machines such as fuzzy logic or eco bubble, because they're well-known and offer so many advantages when washing clothes. Indeed, commercials scream about the magical properties of cutting-edge washing machines with fuzzy logic, eco bubble, and similar features. They claim they wash clothes much better thanks to various technical gadgets.

In fact, experts are quite skeptical of such technological innovations. Real-world tests, conducted in the field rather than as part of promotional campaigns, have shown that they wash clothes well, but no better than a regular, high-quality automatic washing machine. This raises the question of whether it's worth paying extra for a trendy bubble wash system if it offers no real advantages—only consumers can answer that question.

Review of popular washing machine models

A description and detailed analysis of the technical specifications of automatic washing machines allows us to rank the best washing machines and provide a brief comparison. We won't limit ourselves to brands, models, or any other brand names, so as to avoid the impression that we're promoting specific washing machines in this review. We don't pursue such goals; on the contrary, we strive to be as objective as possible.

Having weighed all the main technical indicators, independent experts awarded first place in our rating to an automatic washing machine with front loading Siemens WD15H541OE. For clarity, we will present its characteristics in the form of a table.

As you can see, this machine has everything you need and nothing you don't. Combine this with impeccable German quality, and you'll get a high-quality washing machine that will wash your clothes perfectly for years, maybe even decades. However, this type of machine does have one major drawback: the price. Impeccable technical specifications come at a price, but what can you do? You have to pay for everything.

The LG F12U2HDM1N front-loading automatic washing machine ranks second in our ranking. We present its technical specifications.

A very decent model of washing machine from a well-known manufacturer, it also has everything you need, but our experts lowered its rating and put it only in second place because.

• If there is a drying function, there is only an intensive drying program, which is essentially only suitable for coarse fabrics; drying cannot be used for more delicate fabrics.
• This brand is considered an expensive car model, but it has surprisingly few safety features, not even leak protection, which is a clear drawback.
• The quality of the materials used to make the case leaves much to be desired, while the internal components are of very high quality.

The Electrolux EWW1686HDW front-loading washing machine from Italy placed third in our ranking. Here are its technical specifications.

The washing machine is generally very good, but experts placed it in third place in the rating for the following reasons.

1. The automatic washing machine's build quality is quite poor. This applies to both the external and internal components.
2. The manufacturer misrepresented the maximum load capacity with the drying mode enabled. The stated load capacity is 7 kg, but the actual capacity is no more than 4 kg.
3. Furthermore, the machine has a very limited number of drying programs. Essentially, there's only one program—intensive drying—which isn't very good.

Buyer's Tips

In conclusion, I'd like to offer some advice to buyers looking to choose a technically superior washing machine—one that will serve the entire family faithfully for many years. Here are those tips.

Please note! A good expert review can help you determine which washing machine model from a particular manufacturer is quieter. Research the information on this topic.

• When choosing a washing machine, don't rush to buy the most expensive model. Price isn't always an indicator of good quality.
• When choosing built-in appliances, pay special attention to their dimensions.
• The automatic washing machine you choose should be more or less economical, so pay attention to the energy efficiency class, water consumption, and the ability to save powder.
• If you've decided to choose a specific automatic washing machine model, check out reviews from reputable authors, which provide a full description, including comparative characteristics and features.
• Pay attention to the noise level of a specific washing machine model, although this characteristic is rarely stated truthfully by the manufacturer.

Buy a safe washing machine. It should have at least a child safety lock, a door lock, and leak protection.

 

   

2 reader comments

1. May 22, 2018 at 9:27 PM

   Daniel:

   I value low water consumption in technical specifications. My Indesit handles this. I was specifically looking for an energy-efficient washing machine.

   Answer
2. November 30, 2022 at 10:39 AM

   Irina:

   You can't find models like this anymore. I recently bought a Midea MF100W60/W. I really liked the look of it, it's stylish. But I bought it because of its large load capacity—up to 6 kg—and its wide range of programs, including quick wash and delayed start. It also suited my budget. I think it's a great option.

   Answer