Choosing a Washing Machine

How to choose a washing machine? You want to buy a washing machine, an indispensable instrument of daily life, but you do not know what to choose among the many existing models on the market? Before making your choice, it is important to know the criteria to consider when purchasing your washing machine: washing programs, spin, energy  consumption.

Models of washing machine

There are two types of washing machines: conventional washing machines (front load/window or top load) and the combined washer (washer and dryer).

The top-loading washing machine: It is deeper and narrower than its competitors (40cm wide on average), which makes it very suitable for small spaces. The top loading is easier but its capacity is reduced (5 kg). This model is particularly suitable for a young couple or a small family.

The front-loading washing machine: This model is ideal for big families with an average depth of 50 cm, a width of 60 cm and a capacity of 10 kg. Very practical, it fits easily under a worktop or turns itself into worktop. Another space-saving trick is to position the dryer on the cover of the washing machine door.

The combined washer dryer machine: This washing machine can be in front as top loading, and allows a considerable saving of space. You should know that its drying capacity is less than its washing. For example, if you wash 5 kg of laundry, you can dry only the half. The number of options available make it more expensive than the simple model.

Wash programs

All washing machines operate in the same way, namely: a pre-wash cycle and then hot washing (between 30 and 90°C), followed by a cold cycle and a spin cycle. Wash programs differ depending on the model. Most washing machines have automatic programming and more which you can adapt the level of temperature, the spin speed to the quality and quantity of laundry you are washing.

* Fast program: short wash cycle

* Intensive program: longer wash cycle for heavily soiled laundry

* Half load program: shortest wash cycle, suitable for load

* Program handwashing: the normal cycle for delicates and wool

The system of delayed start is a very useful feature in terms of energy consumption and money. Indeed, thanks to this function, so you can make your machine run during off-peak hours, for example the evening or the night .

Dewatering of the washing machine

Dewatering of the washing machine is calculated rpm. Standard machines have a spin: 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 rpm. Less sophisticated have spin at 400 rpm while the most efficient reach 1800. The more spin speed, the more dry for your laundry. It is highly recommended to buy a washing machine with a rpm above 1000. Below this figure, its effectiveness will be very poor. Recent releases on the market offer a dual spin system: fast for cotton and slow for  wool and delicates, or the possibility to select your spin speed.

Energy class of washing machine

The devices are classified according to their energy consumption (electricity and water), on an alphabetical scale from A to G (european label). A washing machine Class A is more more ecological and economic than washing machine category B and so on. Class G models are very consumable of power. The lines A, B, C are quite expensive but your initial investment is quickly recouped through energy savings. The vast majority of washing machines have a criterion A for washing, C for spinning and A for energy consumption.