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.
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.
Direct injection system
Auxiliary system designed to ensure uniform and intensive contact of the detergent with the washed laundry.
In machines without direct injection, contact occurs only at the bottom of the drum. It is believed that this does not always provide sufficient uniformity. To eliminate this drawback, a
direct injection system was created: a special pump delivers a detergent solution through a nozzle at the top of the drum. It increases the washing efficiency and also contributes to savings — with the same result, less powder is used.
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.
Jet rinse
The presence of a jet rinse function in the machine. Such rinsing, by the name, is carried out by strong jets of water sprayed from special nozzles. It ensures higher efficiency than the traditional method and reduces water consumption and washing time.
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.
