Top narrow front-loading washing machines

Choosing a product is a pressing issue for most consumers. Many people don't understand what to consider when choosing a slimline washing machine. Some look at the model's general technical specifications, others rely on the salesperson's advice, and others are simply swayed by advertising. Our experts rightly believe that only a comprehensive analysis of a range of slimline washing machine models can help them make an objectively correct choice. To make life easier for consumers, they have compiled the results of this analysis into their rating.

The resulting rating consists of two parts. The first part presents the best narrow front-loading washing machines for 2015. The second part presents the rankings of narrow front-loading washing machines for 2016. Let's present these rankings in this publication, and also discuss the criteria the experts used to compile them.

The best cars of 2015

Our experts compiled the first rating in 2015. More than 80 models of narrow and super-narrow washing machines, from which the 5 best models were selected. User ratings were taken into account, but were not decisive. So, here are the top 5 best front-loading automatic washing machines.

1. The LG F-80B9LD. This model was the best in its class in 2015. Its design is unremarkable—it's just a washing machine, so to speak—but from a technical standpoint, it's a superb, reliable machine. If you were choosing from among the best slim washing machines, you'd probably choose this one. Specifications: dimensions: WxDxH – 60x40x85 cm, drum capacity – 5 kg, speed – 1000 rpm, 10 most suitable washing programs, price – $300. In short: this washing machine takes excellent care of laundry, is very reliable, and is exceptionally easy to repair.
   
2. Candy GC41062D. This washing machine has been ranked among the top 10 best washing machines in the European consumer ratings for two years in a row. This rating is now one of the most authoritative. The washing machine's specifications speak for themselves: the body measures 60 x 40 x 85 cm in width, has a capacity of 6 kg, and boasts a drum rotation speed of 1000 rpm. It's stable and washes excellently. It is relatively difficult to repair, and its service life is relatively short, which is why it only gets 2nd place. Price: $243.
   
3. The Hotpoint-Ariston VMSF6013B is a clear winner, quickly climbing into user rankings and remaining there. While this washing machine is the undisputed leader in many user rankings, it only made it to third place in ours. Priced at just $230, the Hotpoint-Ariston VMSF6013B features a sturdy 60x40x85 cm body, a 6 kg drum, a 1000 rpm spin speed, and a range of special programs. Cons: noisy, difficult to repair, expensive spare parts.
   
   

Commercials claim that Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines are among the quietest. It's easy to believe it while you're listening to the machine wash, but when the spin cycle starts, it's like an airplane taking off.

4. Zanussi ZWSG7121V. A very economical and fairly quiet narrow washing machine, not much inferior in quality and reliability to the above models. Its features are noteworthy: dimensions 60 x 38 x 85 cm, a 6 kg load capacity, intelligent controls, a 1200 rpm spin cycle, and 14 wash programs. The average price for a model is $385. Repairability is a bit of a mixed bag, so if it breaks, you'll have to spend a pretty penny to fix it, although, of course, it depends on what's broken.
   
5. In 2015, this model only achieved fifth place in the ranking, and even that was a stretch, as it received very high user ratings. Objective technical analysis and testing showed adequate repairability but low reliability. Ten similar Bosch washing machine models were tested, and the results were quite dismal. In general, Russian-assembled Bosch cars are something special; in some cases, it’s better not to buy them at all.
   
   

Top 2016

Now let's take a look at the top 5 excellent front-loading washing machines with a depth of no more than 40 cm. It's worth noting that there was quite a competition here. First, our experts identified the top 20 best washing machines, then selected the top 10 most worthy, and then, after a tedious process, they decided on the top five. Here's the result.

Surprisingly, the LG washing machine, namely the LG F-1096SD3, once again snatched first place after a fight. The only downside to this brand is its rather small drum capacity—a mere 4 kg—but that's about it. The exceptional reliability and repairability of this model make it one of the 10 best Korean washing machines of the outgoing year. Dimensions of 60x36x85 cm, a 1000 rpm spin, high-quality bearings in the tub and drum, partial leak protection, 13 excellent washing programs, and exceptionally high consumer ratings make this machine the unrivaled leader in this segment.

Second place went to the brainchild of German manufacturer Siemens, the WS 10 G160OE. This machine has a medium load capacity and average performance overall, but it's very reliable, which is appealing to consumers. Furthermore, the price of this model is quite reasonable, which is also a plus. Dimensions are 60 x 40 x 85 cm, the spin speed is 1000 rpm, it features intelligent controls, and is fully leak-proof. Price: $380.

Our experts placed the Zanussi ZWSG 7121 VS washing machine in third place. This brand boasts numerous advantages, earning it a spot in the top 10 of Yandex Market's user ratings. This machine can wash 6 kg of laundry in a single wash and spin at 1200 rpm. It boasts an A++ energy rating and uses 48 liters of water per cycle, making it super economical. There are 14 useful programs, including the wrinkle prevention program, which is very popular among users. Low repairability, price - $384, case 60x38x85 cm.

Our experts placed the Candy GV4 127DC in fourth place, boasting an unusually spacious washing machine for its narrow size. With dimensions of 60 x 40 x 85 cm (W x D x H), the model has a drum that holds 7 kg of laundry, which is surprising. The washing machine is quite stable, even at a 1200 rpm spin speed, is moderately noisy, and reasonably economical. It has 16 wash programs and a basic display. Repairs are generally difficult, but repairability is considered quite high. Price: $330.

This machine has all the washing programs you need, which makes it a very attractive model.

Rounding out the top five best narrow washing machines of 2016 is a new product released this year under the Candy brand – the Candy GVS4 127DWC32. This super-efficient new model caused a sensation among users upon its release, and it impressed our experts as well, which is why they included it in the ranking. Although the repairability of the new product is questionable, it is too stuffed with various electronics. What's in it?

• Drum for 7 kg of dry laundry.
• Intelligent electronic control.
• Wi-Fi, which allows you to control the washing machine using your smartphone and download software updates via the Internet.
• Stable body with dimensions 60x40x85 cm.
• Spin at 1200 rpm.
• Partial protection against leaks, children and foaming.
• There is a drum imbalance control.

Moreover, the washing machine is very efficient, consuming a whopping 0.13 kWh/kg, which equates to an A+++ energy rating. It also uses a maximum of 52 liters of water per wash, which is quite impressive for a seven-kilogram drum. Overall, it's a worthy new product at a reasonable price – just $340.

How the ratings were compiled

Finally, let's say a few words about how our ranking was compiled. Above, we described the 10 best washing machines with a depth of 40 cm or less. However, to compile this list, our experts pored over a mountain of information, drawing on their own experience and that of fellow washers.

Almost any rating published online (top 20, top 10, top 5 washing machines) is simply a reworking of user ratings compiled by sales websites. In our case, it's a much more objective rating based on a comprehensive analysis of the washing machine's characteristics, repairability, technical reliability, design, and functionality. The user factor is also taken into account, but only among other factors.

Based on the experts' assessments, this rating is quite objective, although it doesn't claim to be 100% accurate. There is, of course, some margin of error.

In conclusion, which narrow washing machine models offer superior quality and reliability compared to all other models? The top 10 list compiled by our experts will answer this question more or less objectively. This rating, despite its shortcomings, could well serve as a guide to help you buy the best quality and most reliable home assistant. Good luck!

   

Readers' comments