Comparison Siemens WS 12T440 white vs Siemens WS 12K261 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.

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.

Washing machine with an inverter electric motor.

Such motors are also called brushless because they do not have commutator brushes. Thanks to this feature, the noise level, heating and wear are significantly reduced, which has a positive impact on efficiency, reliability and durability. In addition, the accuracy of rotation speed control is increased. The reverse side of the coin is the rather high price of such machines.

When selecting a washing machine based on the number of programs, it's important to keep in mind that having 12 to 16 modes is typically sufficient. More programs, such as 25 or more, may simply offer variations of the same standard programs with different settings for duration, temperature, spin speed, etc. This may not necessarily provide a wider variety of programs. Additionally, machines with the same number of modes may have different specific sets of programs. While more modes increase the possibilities for selecting an optimal mode, it also significantly increases the cost.

Power surge protection automatically turns off the washing machine in case of power surges. It protects the device's electronic circuits from hazardous loads and prolongs their service life. In this case, the programme running at the time of shutdown is remembered. And when the power is restored washing cycle continues from the point at which it stopped.

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.

General dimensions of the washing machine in height, width and depth.

The size of the unit determines not only the size of the space required for installation but also the ability to bring it into a particular room. At the same time, even a relatively small protruding part (like a door latch) can create problems with passing through a doorway. Therefore, in our catalogue, we try, if possible, to indicate exactly the maximum size of the machine — taking into account all the protruding parts. On the other hand, not all manufacturers provide such data. So if there is any doubt, it is worth evaluating the product by size with a certain margin. And specific information on how the dimensions were measured can usually be found in the manufacturer's documentation.

Finally, let's touch on the specifics of individual dimensions. So, in the case of front loaded machines, note that additional space in front inevitably will be required to open the door. Machines whose depth does not exceed 40 cm are considered narrow. They can be a lifesaver in cramped conditions, especially if the design provides top loading. And a height of 120 cm or more is an almost unmistakable sign of a machine with 2 drums which are located one above the other. It does not only increase capacity but also allows you to simultaneously wash two sets of things in different modes. The reverse side of these advantages is traditional...— high cost.