How to choose a good front-loading washing machine

When we go to a home appliance store to buy a new washing machine, we are a bit taken aback by the assortment we see. Dozens of models, dozens of operating modes, hundreds of characteristics, incomprehensible designations and classes - there is a reason to get confused. Most of the models are compact washing machines front loading, as they are the most sought after.

Let's see why front-loading machines are better than their vertical counterparts and talk about how to choose the right washing machine.

Advantages of frontal machines over vertical ones

The main advantage of frontal machines is that there are a lot of them – we can always choose the most acceptable model, both in terms of price and characteristics. As for vertical machines, there are few of them, since they are not in great demand. Also, the fact that it is much easier to repair front-end machines is considered as an advantage.

What else? Let's remember how the top of frontal washing machines is usually used - as a shelf for storing drawers with linen, washing powders and other items.In the case of a vertical machine, this is not possible - its upper part is used as a lid, which in free time should be slightly ajar to ventilate the tank.

But vertical washing machines Great for small spaces! you say. Yes, this is true, but the height of individual frontal machines is lower than the height of the upright models, so they can be placed under a shelf or even under a sink. And finally, the most important advantage of frontal washing machines is the possibility of embedding them in furniture.Vertical washing machines cannot boast of this, since they are all produced in a freestanding format.

Having understood the advantages of front-loading washing machines, we can begin to consider dimensions, classes, sets of programs and functions. All this will help us learn how to choose the right washing machine and not make a mistake in your choice.

Dimensions and capacity of the washing machine

Frontal washing machines have approximately the same dimensions. The width of the cases is almost always 60 cm, the width varies from 85 to 90 cm. less common are lower washing machines with a height of 65-70 cm - they are used for installation under the sink, but there are extremely few such models.

Looking at the mass models, we can see that most of all they differ in depth. Models with an extremely shallow depth (from 33 cm) are considered the most compact. They take up minimal space and are well suited for installation in small spaces. The average depth of more spacious models is 45-55 cm.Large models have a depth of up to 65 cm - up to 12 kg of dry laundry can easily fit into such machines, but much more space is needed to install them.

When choosing a front-loading washing machine in terms of dimensions, you only need to look at the depth and height, since the width is fixed in most cases. If there is no space in the house, check out the narrow models (33-40 cm deep) - they will be the most suitable option. But remember that the capacity of such models is only 3-3.5 kg.

As for standard washing machines with a depth of 45 to 55 cm, their capacity varies from 4 to 8 kg. Larger models with a depth of up to 65 cm have a capacity of up to 12 kg and more.

Let's talk about capacity separately. If the machine holds a maximum of 3.5 kg of laundry, then this is a model for one or two, maximum three people. Does your family consist of 4 people? Then you need to view the washing machine for 5-5.5 kg.By the way, in such machines it is convenient to wash large things. If your family consists of 5-6 people, take a look at the machines with a 6-7 kg drum. Does your family consist of a large number of people? In order for washing to be less frequent and not lead to a large consumption of water and electricity, purchase a machine for 10-12 kg of laundry.

These are all recommended settings, of course. For example, if a single person or a family of two chooses a washing machine with a drum for 3 kg of laundry, then it is unlikely that the choice can be called optimal - you cannot wash winter jackets or pillows in such an apparatus. Therefore, as a minimum acceptable option, it is best to consider models for 5 kg.Narrow washing machines, whose depth is from 33 cm, are best left to those who have nowhere to put a full-size device.

Spin, wash and energy saving class

The higher the energy saving class, the less electricity will be consumed in one wash. Machines with energy efficiency class A++ and A+++ consume from 0.07 kW of electricity per cycle. But do not admire this, since such statements refer to the most economical wash cycles with a minimum of laundry.

If we load a full drum, set the pre-rinse and spin at 1400 rpm, set the washing temperature to +90 degrees and activate the additional rinse in warm water, then we will not feel any economy. The same applies to machines with energy classes A and A + - they consume from 0.18 kW for one of the most economical and short wash cycles.

As for the class of washing, the quality of washing is implied here. The vast majority of machines belong to the washing class A. That is, washing clothes in average washing machines is just great. By the way, the quality directly depends on the powder used, so you can’t really count on the class.It is not recommended to take a machine with a washing class below A - remember this.
It is best to pay attention to the spin class. It is calculated like this:

• Class C - from 600 to 800 rpm;
• Class B - from 800 to 1200 rpm;
• Class A - over 1400 rpm.

What programs should be in the typewriter

Standard programs, such as washing synthetics, cotton, intensive washing and washing mixed fabrics, are available in almost any washing machine. We should pay attention to the presence of such an important program as a delicate wash. If you have clothes made of wool or delicate fabrics, then the program will definitely come in handy. The essence of its work lies in the extremely low speed of rotation of the drum, and in some cases there is even a simple rolling of the drum from side to side.

You also need to pay attention to the presence of options such as adjusting the spin speed (as far as possible, with a minimum step) and washing temperature adjustment. It is desirable that the temperature was adjusted on each program - this provides flexibility in choosing the washing parameters for a particular type of laundry.

From a set of additional features, it would be nice to have an extra rinse or Super rinse in hot water. Does the selected model have any additional useful service functions? That's great, but don't forget to evaluate their value for yourself - in many cases, we simply overpay for additional features, but almost never use them.

Washing machine with or without dryer

On the one hand, you can do without drying in 99% of cases - laundry after automatic washing machines is almost dry, with a small amount of moisture. But if we get at our disposal a machine with a dryer, then we can get perfectly dry laundry, which can immediately be put in a closet.

The disadvantage of having a dryer in the washing machine is the gigantic power consumption. – the drying function is characterized by the highest voracity. Solving the issue of the need for drying is easy:

• If you really do not have space to install an inexpensive room dryer and you are willing to spend a lot of electricity, you can safely buy a dryer machine;
• Is it possible to install a simple room dryer or hang clothes on the balcony? Then it is better to forget about the machine with drying - it will be unnecessary spending.

There is a place for drying, but no free time? For busy people, a frontal washer-dryer will be a real discovery. We also recommend that you read reviews of owners of washing machines with dryers and on them already decide how much this is a necessary option.

Which manufacturer do you prefer

Compact front-loading washing machines solve a lot of problems and take up minimal space in the kitchen or bathroom. As for the choice of manufacturer, here the problem is solved by choosing products from the most famous brands from Italy, Germany and South Korea. For example, if you need a really reliable car, choose Bosch or Electrolux. The best options for price, quality and functionality are LG and Hotpoint-Ariston. Simplicity and reliability are hallmarks of the Zanussi brand.

As for front-facing washing machines from little-known brands, then you need to analyze the reviews. It would also be nice to make sure that there are service centers of the selected brand in your city.