Comparison Miele WDB 020 white vs Miele WMH 120 WPS white

The maximum amount of dry laundry at which the washing machine provides normal washing quality and does not experience overload. For two people, a machine with a capacity of up to 5 kg is enough, for more — accordingly, more. The optimal value for families are models for 6 and 7 kg. For large families, washing machines for 8 kg, 9 kg and even 10+ kg will be appropriate. For small apartments, it is worth noting narrow washing machines that have a depth of up to 40 cm, but at the same time capacity like in full-size machines.

Note that for different work programmes the allowable capacity can also be different. For example, for a quick wash, this number is most often noticeably less than the maximum stated in the specifications. These details should be specified in the instructions for the unit.

Maximum drum rotation speed in spin mode. The higher it is, the more intense the spin. However, note that not all types of fabric normally tolerate high speeds — a speed of 1000 rpm or more should be used only for especially durable fabrics, and delicate ones need to be wrung out at low speeds, so the best choice is a machine that allows you to choose the spin speed.

The maximum spin speed ( 1200 rpm, 1400 rpm), in particular, determines its efficiency (see Spin class), but this parameter is not decisive — the duration of the spin cycle and the diameter of the drum also play an important role. Therefore, for machines with the same spin speed, their efficiency class may differ.

The volume of water used by the washing machine during a standard wash cycle. It is measured while washing the maximum amount of cotton underwear for this model with a normal programme and a temperature of 60 degrees.

When evaluating efficiency, one should consider not only the actual water consumption but also the maximum load. So, for example, a model with a load of 7 kg and a consumption of 49 litres per kilogram of laundry will be more economical than a model of 5 kg with a consumption of 40 litres: the first consumes 49/7 = 7 litres per 1 kg of laundry, the second 40/5 = 8 litres per kilogram. This moment is important, first of all, if a large amount of washing is expected.

Many modern automatic washing machines are equipped with intelligent systems that can adjust the water consumption to the actual load and avoid overspending.

Automatic detergent dosing system. Models with this function have the detergent poured into a special container, from where it is taken away with each wash. At the same time, the volume of the container is enough for several cycles, and the machine automatically selects the specific amount of detergent each time, depending on the amount and type of laundry, the selected programme and other operating parameters. It provides savings without sacrificing efficiency. On the other hand, in most cases, automatic dosing is only available when working with liquid detergents, while the powder has to be added manually. There are exceptions, but such models are expensive.

The quality of the machine spin mode. The spin class depends on the residual moisture content of the laundry after the end of the washing programme and is indicated by the Latin letter from A to G, where A is the best efficiency, B and C are good, D, E are medium, F, G are very weak. The quality of the spin is closely related to the maximum number of revolves of the drum in this mode. Naturally, machines with better spin quality are more expensive, other things being equal.

The type of controls provided in the washing machine.

— Rotary knobs. Operation through one or more rotary knobs only, without buttons or other additional elements. This option is found exclusively in semi-automatic (activator) washing machines with minimal functionality. In the simplest of these models, there is only one knob (it sets the duration of the wash) in more advanced ones — two or three (wash timer, spin timer, programme selection). At the same time, the timer knob simultaneously works as a switch, turning on the unit when turning.

— Rotary knob + buttons. Type of control used in most automatic washing machines. The main rotary knob in such models is responsible for selecting the programme. It can be supplemented by auxiliary knobs for setting individual parameters: for example, water temperature and spin speed. And other parameters and additional functions are controlled by buttons. Such controls are quite functional and inexpensive, which led to their popularity.

— Rotary knob + touch controls. Controls, providing a combination of a rotary knob with touch controls. The first is responsible for choosing the main programme; the second is for additional functions and parameters. Such control is somewhat more expensive than the "rotary knob + buttons" combination (see above), but this moment is not fundamental. At the same time, the touch panel gives the device a sty...lish and technological appearance, and on the practical side, it is more convenient for some users since it does not require effort to press. In addition, it is much easier to clean the touch controls from dirt than the buttons.

— Touch controls. Control, carried out only through the touch panel, is much more expensive than the “rotary knob + touch controls” combination and therefore is used mainly in advanced level machines. Units with such controls do not have unnecessary protruding parts on the front panel, which provides not only a neat and pleasant appearance but also ease of cleaning from dirt. And in some models, the touch panel can be placed on the lid of the drum, which allows you to increase its diameter and capacity without increasing the height of the machine itself. At the same time, in some cases (for example, when choosing a programme), the touch controls are less visual and intuitive than the rotary knob, so this option is used relatively rarely.

— Buttons. Button-only controls are fully functional but generally less user-friendly and visual than a combination of buttons with a rotary knob. Therefore, this option is not popular in modern washing machines.

The maximum noise level produced by the machine during operation. Most often indicated for spinning — this is the noisiest mode of operation; for units without spinning (such as semiautomatic devices), this paragraph indicates the overall volume or the volume in the noisiest mode.

The quieter the machine works, the more comfortable it is for others. This moment is especially critical if there are small children in the house. However, the decibel used to measure loudness is a non-linear unit, and the actual noise level is best estimated from comparative tables in special sources.