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.
Drying capacity
The maximum amount of laundry that can be loaded into the washer to dry.
For more information about this mode, see "Dryer". Here it is worth mentioning that the weight of dry laundry is indicated in the specifications, and the maximum load for this mode is usually 1.5 – 2 times lower than for washing — this is due to the peculiarities of the process. In other words, you should be prepared for the fact that after washing with a full or almost full capacity, you will have to dry the laundry in two stages. However, the need to completely dry so many things at a time arises relatively infrequently — in most cases, part of the laundry can be dried traditionally.
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.
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.
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.
Spin class
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.
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.
