Capacity
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.
Max. spin speed
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.
Water consumption per cycle
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.
Inverter motor
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.
Number of programmes
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.
End of cycle timer
A function that allows you to delay washing for a certain time — for example, load the machine before leaving for work and hang up freshly washed laundry when you return. In this case, the
timer is set not at the beginning of washing but at the time when it should end, and the machine automatically selects the start time of the programme, taking into account its duration. For example, if you set the timer for two hours, and the selected programme takes half an hour, then the wash will turn on in an hour and a half and end clearly at the specified time. Thanks to this, you can plan time with maximum convenience.
Steam wash
A special washing mode. Instead of water, hot steam is supplied to the drum of the machine. Steam penetrates better between the fibres of the fabric, which makes washing more effective than washing with hot water. At the same time, due to the high temperature of the steam — above 100 degrees — the best antibacterial effect is achieved since water in the liquid state rarely heats up above 95 degrees in washing machines. In addition,
steam wash saves water and electricity, but such machines themselves are quite expensive.
Energy class
This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption by the washing machine. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. At the same time, in class
A there are subclasses "A+", "
A++ " and "A+++"; more pluses means less energy consumption, and the most economical option to date —
A +++ — outperforms class A by almost a third.
Machines of classes
A + and above are today considered economical, class A — medium, lower classes — high consumption. However, indicators below A are typical for semiautomatic low-cost models. As well as for units with dryers (see above) in which high energy consumption is simply inevitable.
Smartphone control
The ability to control the washing machine from a smartphone, tablet or other similar gadget. To do this, you need to install a special application on your gadget. In this case, the connection can be made via
Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are obvious - the operating distance. So Wi-Fi allows you to control the device from anywhere in the world, while Bluetooth allows you to control it in close proximity. Control from a smartphone often turns out to be more convenient, understandable and intuitive to use than the unit’s own control panel. Another advantage is that the control gadget can receive various messages from the machine: about the start, end and overall progress of washing, about failures and malfunctions, etc.
