Zanussi washing machines
Zanussi has been known for generations in Europe and America as a manufacturer of affordable, high-quality appliances, including automatic washing machines. The company has long sold its products in over 100 countries worldwide, and the brand is recognized everywhere. But what exactly is a modern Zanussi washing machine? What models are produced under this brand? How competitive are they, and what do consumers think of them? Let's find out.
Where did these machines come from: the company's origins
The history of the world's largest multinational company begins with a small wood-burning stove production operation started by Antonio Zanussi in northeastern Italy back in 1916. The company grew successfully, increasing its capital, expanding its product range, hiring more workers, and in 1935, opening a new production facility in the suburb of Pardenone. In 1954, while continuing to produce stoves using various fuels, the company began producing refrigerators.
Please note: In the 1930s, Zanussi produced not only wood-burning stoves, but also gas and electric stoves.
In the same year, 1954, the company, under the leadership of the founder’s son, Lino Zanussi, began producing washing machines. To this day, this production facility is considered one of the largest in Europe. Since 1959, the company has been producing front-loading washing machines with four wash programs. The 1960s and 1970s were the company's heyday. A huge number of new production facilities were established, and the refrigerator-freezer was launched and became very popular with consumers.
The Italian economic crisis of the 1980s severely damaged the company, but it remained afloat thanks to its acquisition by Electrolux, a major home appliance manufacturer, in 1984. The merger of the two companies' capitals largely saved the situation, allowing both Electrolux and Zanussi to not only survive the economic downturn but also expand production, preventing competitors from gaining market leadership in this segment.
Already part of the Electrolux concern, in 1984, the Zanussi company began mass-producing automatic washing machines in which the amount of energy and water consumed can be regulated when loading a certain amount of laundry. Zanussi entered the Russian market in 1994. and to this day continues to increase production of its products in our country.
Machine models: characteristics, pros and cons
Let's take a quick look at the washing machines offered by Zanussi. We'll start with the very affordable Zanussi ZWSO6100V front-loading automatic machine. Just think about it, the average price of such a car is $195. In Europe, you can't even go to a good restaurant for that kind of money. But it's also true that this car model is manufactured in Ukraine, a country outside the Schengen area.
The Zanussi ZWSO6100V features a high-quality metal drum with a maximum load of 4 kg and a spin speed of up to 1000 rpm. The high spin speed ensures that laundry comes out slightly damp, which we consider a plus. The model is quite noisy, although not critically loud, at 77 dB, which isn't a negative. The machine is quite efficient, both in terms of energy consumption (A+) and water consumption (46 liters). Experts also awarded this model the highest rating for washing performance (A).
This model has an impressive package of washing programs, which is worthy of mid-range models, but not budget ones., which makes it very attractive. Furthermore, the Zanussi ZWSO6100V boasts a good set of additional features, such as:
- half loading the drum;
- the possibility of differentiated selection of washing temperature;
- wrinkle-free linen;
- delayed start of the washing program;
- wash in accelerated mode;
Please note! This model also features Fusion Logic and water cooling before draining. Some companies only include these features in more expensive washing machines.
The washing machine's safety is also quite high. It has protection against overfilling the drum, excess foam, drum imbalance, and heating element overheating. Dimensions: 85 x 59 x 38 cm.
The next model is a mid-range Zanussi ZWY61005RA washing machine. It's a top-loading machine made in Poland. Its specifications are slightly superior to the model described above. The maximum load capacity is 6 kg. The drum rotates at 1000 rpm, and the spin speed can be adjusted. The washing machine is quiet, with 72 dB at maximum speed—well within acceptable limits. It's also energy-efficient (A) and water-efficient (48 liters).
This model has a digital display, although it is rather primitive and has only 8 washing programs, which is not enough for a mid-range washing machine. The additional functions are also a bit weak, there are:
- control of excessive foam formation;
- child control panel lock;
- leakage protection.
Overall, it has everything you need, but at this price, I'd expect more. The average price of a machine is $370. Dimensions: 89x40x60.
ZAnussi FCS825C is an example of a compact washing machine front loading. Naturally, compactness comes at the cost of more modest technical characteristics.
- The drum only has a 3 kg load capacity.
- Spin speed 800 rpm.
- Useful volume 27 liters.
Furthermore, this washing machine model can hardly be called energy-efficient, as despite its modest capacity, it uses almost 40 liters of water per wash cycle at 1600 watts. The spin cycle is frankly poor. Residual moisture levels start at 72%, which would be normal for a machine manufactured in 1989, but certainly not for a machine from the second decade of the 21st century. The washing programs are also limited, only 8, but they are the most useful. Additional features are better, including:
- half loading the drum;
- wrinkle-free linen;
- delayed start of the washing program;
- wash with spin off;
The design of the machine is more than primitive; the safety elements include protection against excessive heating of the heating element and overflow. Dimensions 67x50x55 cm. Average price: 340 USD. Country of origin: Poland.
How consumers respond to these machines
A company and its brand's long-standing positive reputation is certainly a good thing, but consumer opinions on its products are fickle. One day, these washing machines are loved, the next, sales are down, and the reputation is tarnished. What about the Zanussi brand? How do Russian consumers respond to washing machines produced under this brand?
Please note! User opinions are largely subjective and do not always reflect the actual situation, but they cannot be ignored.
Vyacheslav, 29 years old, Moscow
I bought a small Zanussi FCS825C washing machine, tempted by the fact that it fits well in the sink. I've been using it for 1 year and 2 months now, the machine is fine, it washes and doesn't break down. It looks ugly, but mine is closed anyway, so I don't care. Another downside is that it can't fit all my bed linens at once; I have to wash them in two batches. Otherwise, it's a decent machine; it doesn't shake during the spin cycle or freeze up like my previous Korean model, and it's inexpensive. I give it a 5.
Maria, 43 years old, Kaliningrad
I like machines that load laundry top-to-bottom, so I bought a Zanussi ZWY61005RA and have been using it for 4 years now with varying success. Once we sent it in for repair because the machine stopped turning on altogether, and the second time we called a technician to our home to replace the heating element. It seems to be European-made (I specifically chose it to be made in Poland, not Ukraine or Russia), but it still broke down twice in the first six months of use. But after we replaced the heating element, it stopped breaking and has been working flawlessly for three and a half years. It washes clothes well and spins flawlessly, too. It's quiet and the drum load is just right. If it weren't for these issues, the machine would be an A+, but now it's a B-.
Evgeny 23 years old, Verkhnyaya Pyshma
My friend and I bought a ZANUSSI FCS825C machine for our student laundry. It's small and neat, hooks up easily, and washes very cleanly. The laundry is quite damp afterward, so we have to use a second spin cycle, but otherwise, it's fine. Rating: 4.
Elena, 38 years old, Ivanovo
I used to have a front-loading automatic washing machine, but now I'm looking for a European-made, top-loading one. I've settled on the Zanussi ZWY61005RA. I've been using it for eight months now, and I really like it. It doesn't make noise, doesn't freeze, doesn't jump, washes and spins well. Before this one, I used three different machines from different manufacturers, and this one is the best. I recommend it to everyone.
In conclusion, a Zanussi washing machine remains the benchmark for quality. Regardless of whether the machine loads top or bottom, or its dimensions or drum capacity, you can count on European quality and the necessary range of useful features.
Interesting:
22 reader comments
Add a comment
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher
Hello. I bought my Zanussi washing machine in 2004. It's been excellent. It worked for 12 years, and only broke down in 2016 when a bearing seized. I replaced it, and the machine is as good as new. Many thanks to the manufacturer!
The car is excellent, we probably bought the most basic model, and in 8 years there hasn't been a single breakdown.
My Zanyuska is 15 years old, and it stopped working. It's a great car. I recommend it to everyone.
The awful car broke down after a year and a half. The repairs cost 4,000. We're shocked.
Excellent machine, it has been in service for 16 years and doesn’t think of breaking down)))
Our machine has been working for 15 years and only now has it started malfunctioning, stopping mid-run. From online reviews, I've concluded that people who bought the machine more than eight years ago are very satisfied, while those who bought it more recently are very negative. Apparently, the quality of materials and workmanship has deteriorated.
It has been working since 1997. There are some minor faults, but it works perfectly.
I just clean the dust every year and lubricate the rubber with silicone grease.
After four years of operation, a bearing failed. To replace it, I had to disassemble the entire machine and saw through the plastic drum, which in Ukraine is made non-disassemblable for cost reasons. I don't recommend it.
The Zanussi FJ 903CV lasted 21 years, after which the shaft was restored, the bearings were replaced, and the machine continues to operate. Six years ago, the control unit malfunctioned once. We're satisfied with the machine, and the repair technician noted its high build quality.
Mine's been working for 22 years!! My friend insisted on a new one, otherwise I wouldn't have thrown it out.
I have a Zanussi washing machine; I bought it in 2002. And it still works. Thanks to the manufacturers!
I have a Zanussi FL 1002 washing machine. It's been around for 18 years now. Never had a single breakdown or problem!
I bought it in 2008. I have two children. I washed my clothes nonstop, and it only broke in 2018. Water stopped collecting where the detergent dispenser goes. I'll be calling a repairman on Monday, but otherwise, everything's fine.
I've had my washing machine since 2001... and I've never had any problems. The drum is jammed now, but I'm hoping it can be fixed. All the new ones are unreliable.
My assistant, my beloved washing machine, is 21 years old. And just now, the washing mode control broke.
I really don't want to part with her.
My Zanussi has been working for 19 years, since 2000. Not a single problem, not a single breakdown. I love my machine. Kudos to the manufacturers!
I bought my washing machine in 2003. It had one problem, and a mechanic fixed it for 500 rubles. It's a wonderful machine. But it's so old, God forbid it breaks; I can't buy another one like it.
The car is the worst you can imagine. It broke down after three years.
We've been using a Zanussi FA1023 washing machine since 2000. Never a single problem. The only thing that started to rust was the housing. There's no play in the bearings. It's completely unaffected by power surges or power outages, and there are no leaks. They don't make them like that anymore.
Zanussi FE 925, made in Italy, in use since 2003, no problems, Omsk.
I purchased the FE1014N model in 2002 (European assembly). It hasn't had a single problem in 20 years. This year, it started making noise during the spin cycle. I plan to replace the drum support bearing next summer, and it will continue working. Excellent machine!
It worked for over 10 years without a single breakdown. It's a shame you can't buy one like this anymore. The bearings started making noise, and the tank can't be disassembled.