Choosing a washing machine is not an easy task. Home appliance stores offer a huge selection of washing machines for every taste and color. But how to make the right choice? How to determine for yourself the optimal washing class for washing machines and not overpay its real cost?
The most important indicator
There are 4 main criteria when choosing the optimal washing machine:
- type of laundry load;
- dimensions of the washing machine;
- control;
- wash class and spin speed.
If the first three parameters are not so difficult to figure out, then the last one will have to suffer a little. Before you go to the store to make a purchase, you should study a sufficient amount of information about the washing classes of washing machines. In this way, you will protect yourself from a thoughtless purchase of a completely unnecessary car and unnecessary waste of money.
There are several washing classes:
- A and B;
- C, D, E;
- F, G.
Washing classes A and B are the most effective washing. Accordingly, C, D, E are a less effective wash, and F and G are a low level.
There is an opinion in society that every person with good eyesight can easily determine the quality of washing of different washing machines “by eye”. This is absolutely not true. Of course, you will notice the difference between class "A" and "F". But, it is almost impossible to determine the differences between class “A” and “B” washing.
How are they graded?
In order to make a choice, you need to understand how manufacturers rate washing machines. It is clear that special research is being conducted for this.The washing class shows how well the machine copes with the most difficult dirt.
Dirt can be of various origins. And not all of them are very easy to remove from clothes. Stains of grass, strawberries or red wine are a real horror for every housewife. It is a mistake to think that only a good powder and stain remover can cope with them. A lot depends on the washing machine.
In order to determine the quality of washing, all washing machines undergo independent testing together with a reference machine. They are loaded with the same pieces of fabric with the same dirt. Certified powder for research is used for washing. The sample is washed for exactly one hour at the most optimal temperature - 60 degrees Celsius. The ratings are based on the results of each machine.
An interesting fact is that the rating is not given by an expert or even a group of specialists. In order to avoid subjective human opinion, a special device is used in this case. It identifies the cleanest pieces of fabric and creates a table that shows which washing machine did the best job.
The reference washing machine first appeared in 1995 and today it is produced exclusively by authorized manufacturers. It is thanks to it that all tests for washing class are carried out. A very important fact is that it does not wash qualitatively, but stably. That is, it does not show the best result. It is the spread of indicators compared to its results that makes it "the most important washing machine".
The ratings are as follows:
- "A" is assigned "excellent" - 1.3 points;
- “B” rating “very good” - 1 – 1.3 points;
- “C” corresponds to “good” - 0.97 - 1 point;
- “D” is assigned “normal” - from 0.94 to 0.97 points;
- “E” is rated “satisfactory” - 0.91 - 0.94 points;
- “F” corresponds to a “poor” rating from 0.88 to 0.91 points;
- “G” rating “very bad” - from 0.88 to 0 points.
It must be said that washing machines with low ratings are practically no longer on sale. But even if you find them, experts do not advise saving money and purchasing them. As they say, the miser pays twice. A washing machine is needed to make life easier, not to create new problems.
Another important factor is spin
In addition to the washing class, a very important factor is the spin quality. Agree, no one wants to take wet clothes out of the washing machine and wring them out themselves. This will cause additional trouble and not a very good mood.
The spin class is determined very easily. For the test, take the same dry and wet underwear. Both samples are weighed. The smaller the difference between the two numbers, the better the spin. As they say, everything ingenious is simple.
There are several factors that affect the quality of the spin cycle:
- number of revolutions of the washing machine drum;
- drum diameter;
- spin cycle time;
- the type of fabric that is wrung out.
The spin class varies, as does the washing class:
- “A” corresponds to less than 45%;
- “B” in the range from 45% to 54%;
- “C” ranging from 54% to 63%;
- "D" between 63% and 72%;
- "E" ranging from 72% to 81%;
- "F" in the range from 81; up to 90%;
- "G" - more than 90%.
Remember that high class is not always good.As practice shows, the more revolutions the washing machine makes, the more likely it is that it can injure the item, even with delicate washing. Therefore, you should not chase the highest rates.
Electricity is worth its weight in gold
It is very important that the washing machine not only helps you with household chores, but also saves energy. Nobody wants to pay a lot of money just to keep their washing machine running all the time. That is why the energy consumption class was developed.
Energy consumption standards were established back in 1992 and are still in use today. This parameter is measured in kilowatts per hour (kWh/kg) per kilogram of washed laundry:
- “A+” - consumes less than 0.17 kWh/kg;
- “A” consumes from 0.17 to 0.19 kWh/kg;
- “B” consumes in the range of 0.19 – 0.23 kWh/kg;
- “C” consumes in the range of 0.23 – 0.27 kWh/kg;
- “D” consumes electricity from 0.27 – 0.31 kWh/kg;
- “E” consumes from 0.31 – 0.35 kWh/kg;
- “F” consumes in the range of 0.35 – 0.39 kWh/kg;
- “G” we consume more than 0.39 kWh/kg.
You should not skimp on this parameter. Today, electricity tariffs are not low, so it is better to overpay for the cost of a washing machine once, rather than constantly receive “shocking” apartment bills.
Purchasing: what should you pay attention to?
As you might have guessed, when purchasing, the first thing you should pay attention to is the washing class. The price between class “A” and “B” is decent, but you will hardly notice the difference in the result. Therefore, if you want to save your family budget, then cast your vote in favor of the second option. But you shouldn’t pay attention to “C” class washing machines.The difference in price is minimal, and the quality of washing is significantly worse.
As for the quality of the spin cycle, there is no need to strive for perfection. For an ideal wash, an ordinary person will only need class “C”. These are machines with a speed of less than 1200. The laundry will dry much faster after washing. And such a machine will not create unnecessary noise, vibration, and will not “jump” throughout the bathroom.
All necessary parameters are indicated on the washing machine body itself. As a rule, these are bright stickers on which all the information the buyer needs is indicated in large print. Therefore, having previously studied the material, you will not need to contact a sales consultant, because you will be able to make the right choice for yourself.
