How to pick and choose the best washing machine? You should first decide whether you need a top loading machine or a front loading machine. Front-loading needs some place for opening the hatch preferably up to 180 degrees. A top-loading machine can be placed anywhere in a corner as it requires less space. The control panel is on the top preventing the access to small children. In addition, you can add or remove items during washing.
Make up your mind as to the load of your machine. For a family of three people a narrow machine for 3-4 kg with a depth of 33-40 cm would suffice while for four people a full-size washing machine designed for 5-6 kg should be more suitable. The wash performance class A and B indicates that the machine washes clothes with due care.
Programmes and extras
Software is another important point when you select the best washing machine for you. There should be provided programmes for different fabrics, for varying degrees of contamination, economical mode, fast wash etc. The so-called Fuzzy Logic is being introduced to better control the programmes, automatically select the washing type and monitor the entire process.
Normally we use only three or four types of programmes, washing cotton, synthetics, wool or silk. It is possible to choose a full cycle (the wash, rinse and spin cycles) or individual elements (the rinse and spin cycles). In addition, there are a number of additional functions.
A washer with a dryer can a good solution for a small family, but your laundry will rumple; if the machine load is 5 kg, then drying can be 2.5 kg, moreover the power consumption will be too high, more than 3 kW/h.
Many machines have the laundry load control function or so-called ‘weighting’ which allows you to wash minimal quantities. This feature adds savings to your laundry as it saves not only water but also the consumption of detergent and electricity.
Today manufacturers are offering many new features which make your equipment more secure. Volt control and AquaStop play a key role in washing machines. Bosch introduces a technology to protect against leaks. AquaStop is an electronic valve placed on the hose filling water. The valve is controlled electronically and automatically blocked in the event of power failure. In the case of a leak the special sensor starts to react, the valve is blocked and the machine begins to pump out the water. Thus the leakage of water is practically reduced to a minimum.
Excessive foaming during the wash and spin affects the final quality of the process. The foaming control sensor captures the moment of excessive foam and a special pump will remove it.
Taking measurements
Finding a place for your washer it is recommended to take measurements. It should be remembered that the place of installation will require the hoses for water feed and discharge as well as an outlet.
It is also suggested that you measure your doorways and other narrow passages on the way to the installation place because the washing machine may just fail to pass through.
Compact and narrow washing machines are of great value for those who live in small apartments. They occupy much less space than many others but not worse in terms of the quality washing of even the most delicate fabrics. Narrow and compact washers have smaller width or depth or their size is just less than the standard. For example, if a standard machine has the dimensions of 85x60x58 cm, then the narrow one with the same height (85 cm) will have a depth of 45 cm or width of 40 cm. Usually the front-load washing machines have a lower depth and narrower top-load washing machines have a smaller width.
Noise
Noise is one of the factors causing inconvenience when operating a washing machine. As a rule, more expensive washing machines have a lower noise level. But it does not always make sense to overpay. If you install a washing machine in the bathroom, then virtually every model will not annoy you when the door is closed. Another thing is when your washer is placed in the corridor or kitchen. Many today’s arches have no doors. In this case, the noise level greater than 70 dB will be heard even in a remote room.
Brands
When choosing the best washing machine for you it’s worth considering the build quality which also determines its lifetime. It is believed that the machines assembled in Austria and Sweden will run for 20 years, in Germany 15 years, the Italian and Korean unit will operate for eight years.
Colour
The colour of washing machines is one more factor determining the price. The most common white colour will mean a lower price than the ‘stainless steel’ colour which came into vogue in Europe some time ago. It is clear that it will have no effect on the installation. However it plays an important role in the design of the room in which a washing machine is going to be installed. The spacious apartments of the 21st century make it possible to mount household appliances anywhere as you wish.
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