Capacity
The maximum capacity is the maximum amount of laundry in kilograms that can be loaded into the machine for a wash cycle.
Water consumption per cycle
This indicator is important primarily for those who have personal water metres installed at home. The
less water consumed per cycle, the less you will have to pay for water consumption.
Inverter motor
Inverter motors have a brushless design, which provides several benefits such as increased durability, lower noise levels, and higher energy efficiency due to less heat generation. However, the main drawback of these motors is their relatively high price compared to conventional motors.
Programmes
The total number of work programs provided for in the design of the machine. Also in this paragraph, a list of programs can be indicated.
When selecting a washing machine based on the number of programs, it's important to consider that 12 — 16 modes are generally sufficient. A higher number of modes may only indicate variations of standard programs with minor differences, rather than a greater variety of programs. This expanded functionality can increase the cost of the machine. Additionally, it's important to note that models with the same number of modes may have different specific sets of programs.
It is worth noting that the “cotton”, “synthetics”, “wool”, “rinse”, “drain” and “spin” programs are mandatory for almost any washing machine. Therefore, only specific modes are indicated here:
own programme,
quick wash,
delicate wash,
hygiene (baby clothes),
sportswear,
dark clothes,
jeans,
outerwear,
downy clothes and
self-cleaning, etc. Here is a description of these and some other popular modes:
— Own programme. This function gives users the ability to manually adjust all the settings of a wash cycle, such as temperat
...ure, duration, spin speed, and additional features. This feature allows for greater flexibility and the ability to choose the optimal settings for specific cases when the preset programs are not sufficient. In basic models, a custom program can be created by modifying one of the standard modes, which can be easily selected later on the control panel. Advanced models can store multiple unique custom programs in memory for even greater convenience.
— Quick wash. The quick wash program is ideal for lightly soiled items that don't require intensive treatment, such as everyday clothing worn on a hot day. This program saves time, water, and electricity compared to longer wash cycles. It's particularly useful when time is limited. Some machines offer multiple quick wash modes with varying durations, such as 15 or 30 minutes, which allow users to choose the best option based on their priorities of speed, economy, and cleanliness.
— Delicate wash. The delicate wash mode is designed for sensitive fabrics such as silk, lace, and some types of nylon and polyester. Typically, this mode uses more water and limits the load to 2 kg to minimize friction between items and allow for effective rinsing. The spin speed is usually low or even skipped altogether to prevent damage to delicate fabrics. Some models may offer additional options for delicate washing, but it's essential to use this program when washing particularly delicate items.
— Hygiene (baby clothes). The intensive wash mode is designed to thoroughly clean and sanitize items, removing dirt and harmful bacteria. It's commonly referred to the "baby clothes" program, as it's essential for keeping small children's clothes clean and hygienic. This mode operates at a higher temperature than usual, ensuring effective removal of contaminants and bacteria. Additionally, it features careful rinsing to remove all traces of detergent from even the most hard-to-reach areas. Some models may offer additional features for this program, which should be specified separately.
— Sportswear. A special programme for processing sportswear, which is designed for washing clothes between workouts. This type of clothing is usually soaked with sweat but has few other contaminants, and it needs to be washed frequently. Therefore, this programme is designed to minimize washing time by using low temperature, low spin speeds, and a small load. However, the details of this programme may vary and should be checked separately.
— Dark clothes. The programme for washing dark clothes is designed with a focus on preventing detergent residue and preserving the original color of the clothes. Due to the high visibility of even the slightest detergent residue on dark fabrics, this mode includes thorough rinsing to ensure that no residue is left behind. Additionally, the mode typically incorporates gentle processing to prevent wrinkles and color fading.
— Self-cleaning. This is a programme specifically designed for cleaning the interior of the washing machine from various accumulated contaminants. It involves running a cycle with hot water to thoroughly wash the drum and destroy bacteria. Some models may not have a dedicated cleaning mode, and a high-temperature wash cycle with an empty drum can be used instead to achieve similar results.
— Jeans (jeans and shirts). A special mode is available in washing machines for denim and thin shirts. Denim is vulnerable to intensive washing, so this mode provides gentle washing with lower temperature and reduced drum rotation speed. Similarly, this mode is suitable for thin shirts, and in some models, it is specifically named "shirts/jeans".
— Down jackets (down clothes). The programme for washing down items typically includes longer pauses during the drum rotation. This is because down material tends to absorb water and is difficult to release it, so the pauses allow the water to drain out more effectively.
— Outerwear. This programme is designed specifically for washing demi-season and winter jackets, and it prioritizes the protection of the outerwear's filling. The mode includes the use of a low temperature, slow rotation of the drum, and gentle spinning. Moreover, it helps to maintain the waterproof properties of the fabric.Energy class
Specs of energy efficiency. A, B, C - very economical to economical; D - intermediate value; E, F, G - from high to very high power consumption.
Energy class (new)
This parameter indicates the energy efficiency of the washing machine and is denoted by Latin letters from A to G, where A represents the most energy-efficient model. To accommodate even more energy-efficient models, higher ratings such as A+, A++, and A+++ were introduced. However, in 2021, manufacturers reverted to the original scale of G to A to avoid having to add more pluses to the rating. Modern models will have the new labeling system while older models will retain their original ratings.
Noise class
Allows people to decode the values of the noise level in decibels. It is marked in Latin letters, like other classes, where A is the quietest class of washing machines.
Noise level (spin)
The noise level of the washing machine during operation is an important factor to consider, especially in situations where excessive noise can be disruptive or undesirable. The
lower the noise level is preferred, as it provide a more comfortable user experience. This is particularly relevant for small apartments or households with young children, or if washing is planned during nighttime hours.
The noise level of a washing machine may vary depending on the mode of operation, with some models being louder when spinning at maximum speed. Additionally, the noise level may be influenced by the installation conditions and the proximity of other objects or furniture. Even a quiet machine may produce additional noise due to vibrations if it is installed unevenly or in contact with other objects.
Country of origin
This parameter indicates the country where the washing machine model was manufactured, as stated by the manufacturer. Although most production facilities are located in China, there are still European factories producing household appliances, so certain models may be manufactured there. Generally, the country of manufacture, whether it's China or Europe, shouldn't significantly impact the quality of the product. However, there is a stereotype that European assembly is more reliable. It's also important to note that a washing machine model may have a country of manufacture listed, such as Poland, but it may still be labeled under the same product code as the Chinese-made version in stores.
