How to choose a washing machine: criteria, models, reviews

The times when housewives washed and rinsed clothes by hand are far gone. Nowadays, almost every home has an irreplaceable assistant - a washing machine. And if you decide to replace an outdated unit with a new one or buy the first automatic machine in your life, you will be faced with a truly difficult choice, because the variety of models of washing devices in household appliances stores is amazing. It will be difficult for any, even the most advanced, user to determine which device is best suited for him.

In this article we will try to understand what modern devices are and help you find the answer to the question: “How to choose the right washing machine?”

Among the huge variety of models, choosing a washing machine that suits all your parameters is not easy.

Pros and cons of washing machines

Any household appliance has both positive and negative characteristics. Automatic washing machines are no exception. You need to have such equipment at home in any case, but it is important to make the right choice. A good automatic washing machine should combine great functionality, ease of maintenance and ease of use.

The main advantages of automatic washing machines:

• A large assortment of household appliances with different configurations, load volumes, operating modes and pricing policies.
• Compact sizes. Models with vertical and horizontal loading have quite modest dimensions, although the latter are larger. There are narrow washing machines designed for installation in very limited spaces. Small sizes do not affect the quality of washing in any way; their price is higher than usual.
• High build quality ensuring long service life. In order for the washing machine to last longer, it is important not to reload it and regularly inspect it.
• Child lock function. Most modern models are equipped with this feature, which locks all buttons and prevents children from making changes to the operation of the device, turning it off or opening it.
• Front washing machines can be built into furniture and used as an additional surface.
• Noise protection. Most models not even from the expensive segment are equipped with noise protection. It is quite comfortable to be around her while working. It makes more noise during the spin cycle.

Disadvantages of using washing machines:

• High cost of household appliances. The price of even the most budget models is at least 10 - 15 thousand rubles, for many this amount is quite significant.
• Vertical models of washing machines cannot be built into kitchen units and other furniture structures.
• Often the problem becomes a small hole for loading laundry.

Drum - stainless steel or plastic

The drum of an automatic washing machine can be made of stainless steel or composites - special durable plastics. Once upon a time there were drums made of enameled steel, but they turned out to be so unreliable that even sellers abandoned them. Despite the low price of such units. So today you have to choose an automatic washing machine with a plastic or stainless steel tank.

What to look for when choosing a tank

We are more familiar with stainless steel. Everyone knows that it lasts a long time. And so it is. But it's expensive. If you want to save money, you can consider a washing machine with a plastic tank. If the car is not overloaded, they are no worse. Their working life is 25 years. No washing machine will work that long. So if you need to fit into a small budget, look at models with a plastic tank. What you need to pay attention to is that the surface of the tank is smooth. All. No more subtleties.

What is worth paying attention to is the shape of the grips-partitions inside the tank. The asymmetrical shape improves the quality of washing, as do the convex perforations in the body of the tank.

How to choose the right washing machine?

The question of buying an automatic washing machine for the home is open to many people. The question is really serious, because you will need to use this technique constantly. It is important that it satisfies all needs and has an acceptable cost.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing an automatic washing machine?

• Load type . According to this parameter, all washing machines are divided into vertical and frontal models. It is very easy to distinguish them - the front door is located in the front, and the vertical door is at the top. The functionality of all types is the same. As for ease of use, models with front loading have more positive features - it is more comfortable to load/take out laundry into it, and you can add it during washing.
• Capacity (permissible loading limits). All devices are conventionally divided by size, which affects capacity. Load weight is calculated based on the weight of dry laundry. All washing machines are divided into 4 larger groups: from 2.5 to 4 kg; from 4 to 5 kg; from 5 to 7 kg; more than 7 kg.
• Type of engine . Washing machines can be equipped with commutator, asynchronous and inverter motors. Each has its own individual characteristics: the commutator motor is equipped with a belt drive, its characteristic features are ease of repair and is budget-friendly, short service life; asynchronous is equipped with a belt drive, features are ease of maintenance, the engine is inexpensive, low power, which does not have a good effect on the quality of washing; the inverter has a direct drive, features - low noise level, high power, such motors are expensive.
• Drum and tank . During operation of the washing machine, the drum rotates along with the laundry, and the tank for collecting water remains stationary. The service life of the washing machine depends on the material of manufacture. Tanks are mainly made of plastic, metal and stainless steel. It is better to give preference to models whose parts are made of stainless steel.
• Spin speed and number of revolutions . It is important that the machine control system allows you to regulate the number of revolutions, because each fabric needs the appropriate impact. The most suitable option is 800-1000 rpm.
• Noise level . The optimal parameters during operation of the equipment during washing are 50 dB, and during spinning – 70 dB. For comparison, human conversation on average reaches 40 dB, and street noise reaches 80 dB.
• Energy class . The efficiency of using a household appliance depends on this parameter. This value is designated by letters from A++ to G.
• Control type . Control in washing machines can be mechanical, electronic or remote. Mechanical control is carried out using rotary knobs and pressing buttons. These models are the easiest to use and cost-effective. The electronic type of control involves pressing a specific button, which activates a specific operating mode. Models with remote control allow you to turn on the washing machine through a special application. The cost of such washing machines in comparison with the previous two types is much higher.

These are the main criteria that experts recommend paying attention to when choosing an automatic washing machine for your home. To make your search easier, consider a list of the best washing machines in 2022.

Price categories

Based on cost, washing machines are divided into several categories:

1. Budget - from 3 to 21 thousand rubles. Such devices are not made from the highest quality material, which negatively affects their service life. The models have a minimum of functions, but manufacturers do not forget about ease of use and attractive design. The average operating period is 4-5 years.
2. Medium – from 21 to 49 thousand rubles. Such equipment can work for 7-9 years. The devices delight their owners with a significant selection of washing and spin programs, as well as additional options.
3. Elite – from 49 to 245 thousand rubles. Premium units last 10-15 years or more. They are reliable and take maximum care of your laundry.

TOP 15: Rating of the best washing machines of 2022

The best vertical washing machines

TOP of the best front-facing washing machines

The best budget washing machines under 15,000 rubles

Do I need a clothes drying mode?

Drying clothes involves blowing hot air over clothes after the main wash cycle has completed.

As a rule, for this purpose an additional heating element is installed in washing machines.

Is this mode really necessary? Its main advantage is faster drying of clothes. Also, after machine drying, ironing clothes is easier.

But there are also quite a lot of disadvantages:

1. Clothes may appear wrinkled after drying. This problem is especially common in older washing machines, where this mode was not yet fully developed.
2. Suitable for heat-resistant materials only. But this is not synthetics, and cotton is not recommended for such treatment in all cases.
3. Washer-dryers take up more space.
4. Washing machines with drying mode are slightly more expensive.

There are no additional advantages to having this mode. But in expensive washing machines it is installed by default.

The best vertical washing machines

Vertical models are, by and large, not much different from frontal ones. Perhaps the only significant difference is that in the case of the former, additional free space is not required to open the door unhindered - this can be especially relevant in cramped conditions. In addition, among washing machines of this type it is easy to find many decent options at an affordable price. Below we will tell you about the top five.

Zanussi ZWY 61025

Good vertical washing machine.

Vertical washing machine Zanussi ZWY 61025

Zanussi has a very good device in its arsenal - ZWY 61025 (35,000 rubles) - it opens our rating of the best washing machines of 2022. This freestanding one is quite compact, its width is 40 centimeters and its depth is 60 centimeters. Moreover, it can hold up to six kilograms of laundry. The control type in this case is electronic. For user convenience, an informative display is provided. It will be quite easy to choose the optimal washing mode thanks to the presence of eight programs.

Among them, it is worth noting in particular the washing of delicate fabrics, economic mode, wrinkle prevention and pre-wash. The stated spin speed is 1000 rpm, which is considered a very effective indicator. In addition, it can be adjusted, which is important, for example, for processing delicate fabrics.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Maximum load of laundry: 6 kg
• Maximum delay start time: 20 hours
• Water consumption per wash: 43 l
• Washing noise level: 57 dB
• Spin noise level: 74 dB
• Energy consumption: 0.14 kWh/kg

Special programs

• cancel spin
• wrinkle prevention
• washing delicate fabrics
• washing mixed fabrics
• wool washing
• stain removal
• economical program
• prewash
• quick wash
• additional rinse

Video review

Advantages:

• Large capacity – up to 6 kilograms of laundry.
• Convenient and intuitive electronic control, there is a display.
• Eight washing programs for a variety of purposes.
• Adjustable spin speed.
• There is a customizable start delay timer (up to 20 hours).

Flaws:

• High price.
• Loud noise during spin cycle.
• High water consumption per wash cycle.

Device classes

Probably, many of you have heard the phrases “energy efficiency class” or “spin class” of a washing machine at least once in your life. Or maybe you saw strange Latin letters on the front panel of the device? What these symbols are and how to choose a washing machine based on them, we will tell further.

Each electronic unit has washing, spinning and energy consumption indicators corresponding to special classes. They are designated by Latin letters, where A is the indicator of the greatest efficiency, and F and G indicate low quality for some parameter. Such symbols are assigned to equipment only after passing serious tests in test laboratories.

Thus, the unit’s belonging to washing class A indicates that the loaded laundry will be washed in the highest quality possible way. The vast majority of washing machines presented in stores belong to this class. But it should be noted that it will not be easy for a simple user to distinguish by cleanliness clothes washed in a class A machine from clothes that have gone through a washing cycle in a class C machine.

The spin class shows what the residual moisture content of the items will be after washing. Machines marked A leave no more than 40-45% moisture in clothes, C - about 60%, and G - more than 90%.

The issue of careful energy consumption is relevant for most washing machine users

The higher the energy efficiency class, the less energy the device consumes. The most economical, of course, are class A machines. They consume no more than 1 kW/hour, washing at a temperature of +60 ℃. Now on the shelves you can find devices of classes A+, A++ and even A+++. Such units consume even less energy.

The best front washing machines

Most buyers prefer front-facing washing machines - they are considered more familiar and of very high quality. In addition, frontal models have a wider range of sizes and can vary not only in height, but also in depth and even width. The following rating includes the five most worthy and reliable washing machines of this type.

LG F-2M5WS4W

Very high quality front washing machine.

Front washing machine LG F-2M5WS4W

The popular brand LG cannot be left out of the ranking of the best washing machines - it has an excellent model F-2M5WS4W (RUB 27,000). According to the manufacturer, its key advantage is its direct drive system, which ensures high reliability. The machine can hold up to six and a half kilograms of dry laundry, which is quite a high figure. It is important to note that the drum is made of stainless steel, a material that is highly durable. The spin speed is easily adjustable from 400 to 1200 rpm depending on the type of fabric or volume of laundry.

In addition, the LG F-2M5WS4W boasts an extremely convenient laundry reloading function.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Maximum load of laundry: 6.5 kg
• Unique technologies: TrueSteam, Smart Diagnosis
• Maximum delay start time: 19 hours
• Water consumption per wash: 49 l
• Number of washing programs: 14
• Washing noise level: 55 dB
• Spin noise level: 74 dB

Special programs

• wrinkle prevention
• washing delicate fabrics
• washing children's clothes
• washing down clothes
• washing mixed fabrics
• washing sportswear
• washing black clothes
• stain removal
• economical program
• quick wash
• night mode

Video review

Advantages:

• Large capacity – 6.5 kilograms of laundry.
• Fourteen washing programs - from delicate fabrics to night mode.
• It is possible to reload laundry during operation.
• Adjustable spin speed (400-1200 rpm).
• Reliable child protection system.

Flaws:

• Long operating time.
• Water accumulation in the door rim.
• High noise level, strong vibrations.

Additional modes

Now manufacturers mainly compete with each other by adding new unique washing modes.

You can often find the following:

• ECO;
• wash in cold water;
• night;
• silk;
• for children's things;
• bio-care;
• removing stubborn stains;
• boiling;
• drying;
• additional rinse.

ECO

The key difference is the minimal power consumption.

Therefore, the washing cycle starts at a temperature of only 30 degrees and takes up to 40 - 60 minutes. Speed ​​- minimum or medium (for spinning - too).

If you believe the statements of the manufacturers themselves, then this mode allows you to save about 30 - 40% of consumed electricity.

Wash in cold water

It is used for delicate fabrics that cannot be washed in water above 40 degrees, and there are no stains that are resistant to removal.

Night

Extended cycle, but always at low speed.

The main difference is the minimum noise emitted during operation.

Silk

Option for combined fabrics, which contain both natural and synthetic materials.

The temperature is average (up to 60 degrees), the speed is the same.

For children's things

Minimum detergent consumption, high temperature, several additional rinse cycles. Spin - at medium speed.

The result is a relatively gentle treatment of fabrics, but with the removal of stubborn stains, which are a common occurrence on children's clothing.

Biocare

Runs 2 independent wash cycles. The first one is at low temperature, the second one is at high temperature.

Suitable for heavily soiled clothing, while at the same time providing gentle care.

Removing stubborn stains

This mode involves pre-soaking in water at high temperature and using a small amount of detergent.

Allows you to get rid of those spots in which other modes were “powerless”.

Boiling

Maintain maximum temperature in water.

Best suited for washing bed linen and removing yellow stains.

Drying

After the washing is completed, the items are heated using a heating element.

Allows for faster drying, but uses more electricity (approximately 25%).

Extra rinse

At the end of the wash cycle, another rinse cycle starts, allowing you to wash out all traces of detergent from your clothes.

Recommended for use when washing woolen, thick, and children's clothes.

The best budget washing machines (up to 15 thousand rubles)

The enormous popularity of the washing machine in everyday life creates a wide range of models and variability on the market. Now you can easily find a decent, high-quality option even in the budget segment. We’ll talk about it in the next TOP 5 best inexpensive cars.

Slavda WS-35E

A good budget washing machine with a vertical loading type of laundry.

Budget washing machine Slavda WS-35E

An incredibly budget option for a washing machine with vertical loading of laundry is Slavda WS-35E (RUB 3,900). This device is especially convenient because it does not require connection to a water supply. For this reason, you can easily take it with you to the dacha. In total, it can accommodate three and a half kilograms of dry laundry. At the same time, you can add forgotten items at any time during the wash cycle. In addition, the device is equipped with a removable filter to catch lint and fluff, which is easily washed under running water. The lid of the device transforms into a nine-liter basin - it will be convenient to pre-soak laundry there for better results.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Maximum load of laundry: 3.5 kg
• Laundry reloading function: through the main hatch
• Depth: 48 cm
• Width: 48 cm

Video review

Advantages:

• Three basic washing programs – normal, gentle and intensive.
• It is possible to reload laundry at any time during washing.
• Convenient and understandable mechanical controls.
• There is a removable filter to collect fluff and lint.
• Compact and small-sized, easy to transport.

Flaws:

• Loud noise during operation.
• Unreliable drain hose.
• Flimsy materials (plastic).

ATLANT 40M102

Freestanding washing machine from the budget segment.

Budget washing machine ATLANT 40M102

Of the budget front-facing machines, the ATLANT 40M102 (RUB 13,900) should be noted. This narrow model is ideal for a small apartment; its depth is only 33 centimeters. Maximum comfort in working with the device helps to achieve the usual electronic control, which is carried out through buttons and a rotary switch with visual marks. The drum can hold up to four kilograms of laundry. At the same time, during the entire washing cycle, the machine consumes just over forty liters of water, which is a fairly economical indicator. The user is offered a choice of fifteen different washing programs - from delicate fabrics to a combined mode.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Maximum load of laundry: 4 kg
• Maximum delay start time: 24 hours
• Water consumption per wash: 45 l
• Number of washing programs: 15
• Washing noise level: 59 dB
• Spin noise level: 74 dB

Special programs

• cancel spin
• wrinkle prevention
• soak
• washing sports shoes
• washing sportswear
• wool washing
• stain removal
• prewash
• quick wash
• additional rinse

Video review

Advantages:

• Fifteen washing programs for a variety of purposes.
• Intuitive electronic (intelligent) control.
• Effective water saving - total consumption per cycle is 42 liters.
• Delay start timer up to 24 hours.
• Narrow – ideal for a small bathroom or kitchen.

Flaws:

• Poor door design, difficult to close.
• Inconvenient washing programs with a small allowable volume of laundry.
• Strong vibration during operation.

Additional useful features

The following functions in a washing machine may be really useful for many:

1. Drum cleaning function.
2. Control lock.
3. Delay start (timer).

Cleaning the drum

Manufacturers from LG were among the first to add this function to their washing machines.

When you start this program, several cycles of quickly filling and draining water are performed alternately, along with rapid rotation of the drum. Allows you to wash all insoluble fractions: rust, sand, hair.

Before starting this program, it is recommended to first clean the filter (to prevent blockages).

As a rule, it is launched using a combination of the “Intensive” and “Extra Rinse” buttons (hold for 3 seconds or more).

Control lock

A useful function for cases where there are small children living in the house, who can accidentally stop the wash or start a forced drain or spin cycle.

Using key combinations, you can temporarily disable control of the buttons (until you press them again). As a rule, those keys are selected that cannot be pressed randomly.

Delay start (timer)

Many of the washing programs take 2 – 3 hours. And at the end of it, things must be hung manually.

What will happen if the clothes are in the drum for 5 - 6 hours? Due to excessive moisture inside the machine body, wear of the same belt or control unit may accelerate (oxide will begin to appear).

And for such cases, the delay start function is used. That is, a timer is set, after which the machine will automatically start washing in the user-specified mode.

You can turn on the washing machine, for example, before leaving for work. The wash will start at approximately 2 - 3 o'clock in the afternoon and upon returning home the cycle will be completed. All that remains is to hang things out.

Advanced washing technology

In addition to many functions in new washing machines, leading washing machine companies are introducing modern washing technologies that improve the process itself and make the machines more reliable and durable. Since the question of which company to buy a car is always on the agenda, let’s get to know some of them.

Samsung

Samsung actively uses Volt Control technology. This is a protection system against large power surges that damage electronics. Where there are constant power surges, say in the private sector, the presence of such an innovation is simply necessary. One of the most innovative systems is Eco Bubble. This development makes it possible to generate air bubbles during the washing mode. With a high degree of intensity, water and detergent are mixed with air and enter the drum. This change in the process favors better penetration of chemical reagents into the tissue structure.

Volt Control System

LG

The new logic program 6 Motion, developed by LG, is very interesting. Having collected all the innovations in the field of electronics and using a direct drive inverter motor, the company has achieved the highest results in terms of washing quality and economy of the components of this process. The drum of the machine moves in a completely different way, perfectly washing all things, not forgetting about delicate care.

6 Motion System

Bosch

Bosh machines work with the patented Eco Silence Drive system. Its essence is the use of the latest inverter motors, in which there is a place for permanent magnets in combination with progressive electronic control. Washing is carried out so quietly that even standing next to the machine, you can’t hear anything. In addition, the equipment saves up to 30% of electricity consumption. The new dirt and stain removal system ensures the complete and gentle elimination of all contaminants. You just need to select the type of spot on a modern display, and the machine itself will do the rest.

Often, after reading all the characteristics, potential buyers ask the question: how much does the cheapest washing machine cost? The answer is simple: cars are divided not into cheap and expensive, but into high-quality and reliable. You need to pay attention not so much to the price, but to the necessary parameters. Try to choose a well-known brand, because even in its budget version there are many worthy samples that will serve reliably for many years.

Download options

The loading method has absolutely no effect on the reliability of the washing machine, so you need to choose the model that best suits ergonomics. We analyze this point more carefully; it is often the main one when purchasing. Advantages of front loading:

• much larger selection of models;
• cheaper than top loading;
• excellent (up to 10 kg) capacity due to its design features;
• an advantageous option for embedding into kitchen furniture;
• small height of most models;
• additional surface - if the unit is installed separately, then the surface must be used, which is quite important in the compressed conditions of the bathroom.

At the same time, this type of device has certain disadvantages:

• quite large sizes;
• the need for additional space to open the hatch;
• Blocking the drum hatch during the washing process makes it impossible to add laundry.

However, these small shortcomings are not a reason to refuse to purchase this type of machine.

The range of top-loading devices is smaller, but their share in sales is gradually increasing. This is logical, because they have a number of advantages:

• minimal dimensions - this type is much more compact than its frontal counterparts;
• no additional space is needed to open the hatch;
• Convenient option to add laundry during washing.

But there are also disadvantages in this division of washing devices:

• they cost more than their front-facing counterparts;
• cannot be built in, since the loading door hinges upward.

By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of both types, it is much easier to make the right choice for yourself.

Drive type

A drive is used to spin the drum when washing in a machine . It comes in only two types:

• Belt drive. It was also produced in Soviet-era cars. Today, as a rule, it is used in devices at the lower price level. The rotational energy is transmitted using a belt. Unreliable, may cause difficulties with repair in case of wear or malfunction.
• Direct drive. Relatively new development. LG was one of the first to produce such machines. The technology consists of combining the drum and the motor into an integral system, due to which there are no unnecessary moving elements, which means there is nothing to break. In addition, this system allows the machine to operate more quietly.

What to choose?

When choosing a washing machine, everyone is guided by their own needs and preferences. Some people prefer “status” equipment – ​​the latest models of the most famous brands, others care about economical consumption of water and electricity, and others want the machine to be able to do everything – to perform more functions.

If we talk about matching price and quality, then in the middle price segment you can choose the ideal option for any needs. Expensive models are, as a rule, an additional payment for elitism, design and technological innovations. With today's technology development, if new products are successful, they are quickly adopted by competitors. If you carefully understand the characteristics of different models, you can choose the best option without overpaying. We hope this information will become a reliable assistant for you!