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.
Controls
The type of controls provided in the washing machine.
— Rotary knobs. Operation through one or more rotary knobs only, without buttons or other additional elements. This option is found exclusively in semi-automatic (activator) washing machines with minimal functionality. In the simplest of these models, there is only one knob (it sets the duration of the wash) in more advanced ones — two or three (wash timer, spin timer, programme selection). At the same time, the timer knob simultaneously works as a switch, turning on the unit when turning.
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Rotary knob + buttons. Type of control used in most automatic washing machines. The main rotary knob in such models is responsible for selecting the programme. It can be supplemented by auxiliary knobs for setting individual parameters: for example, water temperature and spin speed. And other parameters and additional functions are controlled by buttons. Such controls are quite functional and inexpensive, which led to their popularity.
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Rotary knob + touch controls. Controls, providing a combination of a rotary knob with touch controls. The first is responsible for choosing the main programme; the second is for additional functions and parameters. Such control is somewhat more expensive than the "rotary knob + buttons" combination (see above), but this moment is not fundamental. At the same time, the touch panel gives the device a sty
...lish and technological appearance, and on the practical side, it is more convenient for some users since it does not require effort to press. In addition, it is much easier to clean the touch controls from dirt than the buttons.
— Touch controls. Control, carried out only through the touch panel, is much more expensive than the “rotary knob + touch controls” combination and therefore is used mainly in advanced level machines. Units with such controls do not have unnecessary protruding parts on the front panel, which provides not only a neat and pleasant appearance but also ease of cleaning from dirt. And in some models, the touch panel can be placed on the lid of the drum, which allows you to increase its diameter and capacity without increasing the height of the machine itself. At the same time, in some cases (for example, when choosing a programme), the touch controls are less visual and intuitive than the rotary knob, so this option is used relatively rarely.
— Buttons. Button-only controls are fully functional but generally less user-friendly and visual than a combination of buttons with a rotary knob. Therefore, this option is not popular in modern washing machines.Display
The type of display provided in the design of the washing machine.
The display located on the control panel provides additional convenience: it can show various information about the operation of the machine. In this case, the specific functionality of the display depends on its type. So, in the vast majority of cases, the simplest
LED displays are used. They can only display numbers and some special characters, but even this is usually sufficient. In some models,
TFT displays can be installed — similar to those used in smartphones. Such a display can display not only text information but also various graphics, and sometimes it is even made touch-sensitive. However, it makes sense to use such displays only in high-end washing machines with an abundance of functions.
