Top-loading washing machines are not as popular as their front-loading counterparts. And this is not due to the fact that they are somehow worse - they are focused on a completely different audience of users. In this review, we will not only talk about how to choose a top-loading washing machine, but also about the characteristics of the most popular models.
Choosing a top-loading washing machine is much easier than choosing a front-loading washing machine. This is due to the fact that there are quite a few vertical models on the market - they are not so in demand to fill all the store windows with them. Their consumers are most often owners of small-sized housing, which is characterized by the presence of small-sized kitchens and bathrooms. It is for them that a small fleet of top-loading washing machines is produced.
The most popular brands of top-loading machines
Considering the rating of the most popular and sought-after top-loading washing machines, we can find that the list of manufacturers contains not only famous brands, but also little-known brands. Nonetheless, The list is topped by the following brands:
- Bosch;
- Electrolux;
- Whirlpool;
- Zanussi;
- Indesit.
In total, we have the five most popular brands that produce top-loading washing machines. The brands are quite famous, so there is no doubt about the quality of their products. Chinese and American brands are much less common - although their products are reliable, they are quite rare on sale.
There is no particular point in considering little-known brands - they are far from being chosen by the mass consumer.We will consider several models from the leaders from the list above. But before that, let's talk about the important features of vertical machines.
Top-loading washing machines have several important features:
- Small Width - 40cm width is standard as it is ideal for installation in narrow kitchens and bathrooms;
- The top location of the control panel - it is always located on the top panel, in its rear part. All elements are concentrated as compactly as possible;
- Lack of built-in models - yes, fans of embedded technology remain on the sidelines, only front-loading models are produced for them.
These are very important features that separate top-loading machines from front-loading models.
Otherwise, there is everything that is in the front models - a lot of programs, washing with steam, direct drive, honeycomb drums, eco-wash programs and much more. That is, no one has deprived vertical washing machines of functionality. Depending on a particular model, they have exactly the same functions as in frontal machines. Thanks to this, buyers of washing machines can safely choose the most worthy and functional model.
Bosch WOT 24455
One of the most popular vertical washing machines is Bosch WOT 24455. The capacity of this model is 6.5 kg, the spin speed is up to 1200 rpm, there is intelligent electronic control, selection of spin speed and temperature, partial leakage protection, direct injection and a large number of programs. This is an excellent and functional model, equipped with everything you need for everyday washing of clothes.
By the way, the dimensions of the Bosch WOT 24455 are 40x65x90 cm. Thanks to this, it takes up a minimum of space and fits well into small bathrooms and kitchens. As for the capacity of the tank, this is the best option for a family of 5-6 people.
Indesit TMI A 51051 N
Another leader is the Indesit TMI A 51051 N vertical washing machine.This model is somewhat inferior to the previous model we reviewed, since it can hold a maximum of 5 kg of laundry. The spin speed is only 1000 rpm, but in most cases this speed is enough. The control here is electronic, there is a set of all the necessary programs, it is possible to adjust the washing temperature and spin speed.
Whirlpool AWE 2215
The Whirlpool AWE 2215 top-loading washing machine can hold up to 5.5 kg of laundry. The model is equipped with electronic control, 13 programs, spin speed and washing temperature adjustment. The maximum spin speed is only 800 rpm, so the spun clothes may be slightly damp. By the way, this is one of the most affordable models on the Russian market.
Hotpoint-Ariston WMTF 601L
The Hotpoint-Ariston WMTF 601 L vertical washing machine is aimed at families of 4-5 people.It was equipped with a large tank that can hold up to 6 kg of laundry, electronic control, partial leakage protection, a digital display, many programs, as well as functions for adjusting the spin speed and temperature. The spin speed in the presented model reaches 1000 rpm.
All the models described above have almost identical dimensions - width 40 cm, depth 60 cm, height - from 85 to 90 cm. As for functionality, we can clearly see that all the required functions are here.
In addition, they have their own advantages - more convenient loading, greater safety (you can easily get into the tank without draining the water), small dimensions and lower noise level. Some models are endowed with steam washing, direct drive motors, programs with BIO-phase and many other features and capabilities.
As for the loading of linen, it is carried out through the top hinged cover - a special loading hatch built into the drum stops under it. To load laundry, you need to open this hatch using a button or a latch.
What capacity to choose
Top-loading washing machines have a capacity of 4 to 7 kg. But buying a machine with a small tank makes little sense, as large items such as pillows or jackets cannot be washed there. This applies even to small families of two. The minimum capacity of the tank should be 5 kg - this is the minimum required.
For families of 2-3 people, a vertical machine with a tank capacity of 5-5.5 kg is enough.But families of 4-5 people are recommended to purchase a model with a tank capacity of 6-6.5 kg. As practice shows, a small tank, with so many people in the family, leads to excessively frequent washing - this is a lot of wear, frequent breakdowns and a quick failure of the device.
The larger the drum, the less frequent washes - and a small frequency of washing reduces the wear and tear of household appliances. Models with tanks for 7 kg of laundry can boast of good performance. By buying such a machine, we somewhat reduce the frequency of washing. In addition, it is convenient to wash bulky items in a large tank.
Spin class and energy saving
Vertical washing machines have different spin and energy saving classes. Almost all popular models have energy saving class from A to A++. This means that they consume between 0.16 and 0.18 kW of electricity. This is quite a decent indicator for all modern vertical washing machines, while older models were characterized by higher voracity.
Want to experience energy savings? Then take a class A ++ washing machine. But remember that the difference in price for an extra plus sign can only be justified after 2-3 years of frequent washing. It is best to pay attention to the spin class - it has real benefits when compared with the benefits of the energy saving class.
The spin class directly depends on the spin speed. The dependency is something like this:
- Class C - 600-800 rpm;
- Class B - 800-1200 rpm;
- Class A - over 1400 rpm.
It is easy to guess that the spin efficiency directly depends on the speed.But do not immediately rush to models with spin speeds up to 1400 rpm. The thing is that at such a speed the linen turns out to be wrinkled and crumpled, it is poorly smoothed out. The optimal spin speed is 1000-1200 rpm – at this speed, the laundry will be almost dry and not so crumpled. If speak about washing machine washing class, then choose a class not lower than A.
Which washing programs and functions should be
What functionality should a modern washing machine have? Good machines are endowed with programs for every occasion. For example, there are programs for washing baby clothes, pillows, shoes and many other things. But the introduction of such specialized programs is nothing more than a marketing ploy. The most important thing is to make sure that the machine can wash all the most common types of fabrics:
- Cotton;
- Synthetics;
- Delicate fabrics;
- Wool.
All other programs are derived from these main programs. By the way, some washing machines may not have a program for washing delicate fabrics. But everyone else must be - even in simple models.
- It is highly desirable to have programs for express washing and economical washing. The express wash program will allow us to reduce the washing time for lightly soiled laundry, and the economy program is useful for washing a small number of things (when you need to wash some thing, but there is no dirty laundry yet).
- The intensive wash program also belongs to the category of desirable ones - some dirt is removed very reluctantly, and this program rotates the laundry in the drum more intensively than in conventional programs. Therefore, we can count on the rapid removal of all stains.
What other programs and features should I look for when choosing a top-loading washing machine?
- It is very important to be able to adjust the spin speed, which is useful when washing some delicate fabrics - the lower the number of spins, the more whole and smooth the laundry will be.As we have already said, a high spin speed leads to the fact that the laundry becomes crumpled.
- Another important function is the regulation of the washing temperature in each program. Thanks to this, we can wash any type of fabric without fear of damage. Most modern fabrics are washed at low temperatures, so the ability to adjust the temperature in any programs is welcome.
- The last necessary minimum is the presence of a pre-soak function. It is needed to get rid of old and stubborn stains. However, this function is available in almost all washing machines.
Reviews of top-loading washing machines
The vertical washing machine was a revelation for our apartment. We installed it in the kitchen, flush with the kitchen unit. It would look like a whole, if the body and furniture did not differ in color. It is very convenient to load laundry - no need to bend and squat, they consider this an important advantage of vertical washing machines. The vibration level is low, the only thing that makes a little noise, but all cars make noise like that.
My wife and I bought a Whirlpool AWE 2215 top-loading washing machine and did not regret it. Firstly, this is a device from a leading brand. And secondly, the machine has a minimum size. I was a little confused by the height of 90 cm, as it rises above the sink, but there is nothing to worry about. Due to the spin at 800 rpm, the laundry is somewhat damp, so it takes a little longer to dry.But we fit the machine exactly into the patch of free space that was available in our bathroom. Pleased with the cost of this model - only 18 thousand!
Choosing a vertical washing machine, I sought to save space in my already narrow bathroom - I did not take this moment into account when buying an apartment. Therefore, the choice was made in the direction of the vertical.It is only 40 cm wide and only 60 cm deep - a conventional typewriter would take up much more space! By the way, here the high-speed spin is 1300 rpm, but there are almost no vibrations. It is also very convenient to load laundry, it can fit up to 6 kg here. My review is this - vertical washing machines are the best invention of mankind.
