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.
Intelligent wash
Intelligent (adaptive) wash allows you to turn on the device without setting specific parameters. The washing machine will do everything for you. So in some models, the type of fabric is automatically determined and, based on the programmed programmes, the corresponding operating mode is activated. In other models, the frequency of use of a particular mode by the user is analyzed, and the washing machine adjusts to your preferences. Anyway, this solution allows you to turn on the wash without hesitation — the machine will set the mode on its own.
Surge protection
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.
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.
Voice assistant
Compatibility of the machine with one or another
voice assistant. It can be either a universal service like Google Assistant, or a specialized solution like Hoover Talks. it is not uncommon to support several options at once.
This compatibility allows you to control the washing machine using voice commands. Often this is more convenient than using a traditional control panel — especially since modern voice assistants are becoming more and more “smart”, able to recognize complex requests and even predict the user’s intentions (based on his past actions). However, you need to keep in mind that to use this function, you need a smartphone, tablet or another gadget with a voice assistant installed on it. It is this gadget that is the “brain” of voice control, and the machine only receives and processes commands from it. On the other hand, this format of work also has its advantages: the unit can be controlled from a distance, and the device with a voice assistant plays the role of remote control.
The specific capabilities of voice assistants (including supported languages) should be specified separately.
Noise level (spin)
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.
Dimensions (HxWxD)
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.Country of origin
The country in which the washing machine was manufactured (according to the manufacturer's statement). Despite the fact that production facilities in
China are often used to assemble household appliances, specifically among washing machines there are many products assembled in Europe (
Germany,
Italy,
Poland,
Romania,
Slovakia,
Slovenia, Turkey) or in the post-Soviet space (
Belarus,
Russia,
Ukraine).
There are many stereotypes about how the build quality depends on the specific "homeland" of the device. However, most of them are not justified: the thoroughness of quality control does not depend directly on the location of production. And within individual brands, the situations in this regard can be completely opposite: relatively speaking, for one company, Polish-assembled machines can be considered more reliable than Romanian ones, and for another, vice versa. In addition, such information (about which plant a given brand has is better) often turns out to be unconfirmed rumours. In light of all this, it makes sense to pay attention to the country of production. Especially if you fundamentally want (or do
...not want) to support a certain state by purchasing products manufactured in it.