Dimensions, width, height, depth, recessed under a worktop, top removable, here are some of the elements to be taken into account before the purchase of a washing machine.
A long time specific to the French market, the "top " seduces even a third of the French for their low width : from 40 to 46 cm. Their capacity ranges from 5 to 8 kg of laundry maximum. But these loading washing machines by top disappear for the benefit of another category of washing machine, the front-end.
Loading from the front, the washing machine door, also called front-end, are now the most sold on the French market. Their advantages ? Able to install under the work plan of a kitchen or a bathroom, or even bear a clothes dryer front-end " column ", except for the installation of a kit of overlap between the two devices. In the latter case, opt for two units of the same brand, or, failing that, from the same manufacturer.
Mostly " free installation ", the "front" are also available in a version which can be integrated, allowing the mounting of a door decorative on the front. Goal : to be able to conceal the washing machine among the furniture of a kitchen. Very popular in the Uk, this trend is not very widespread in France.
The front usually measure 60 cm wide and 85 cm high approximately for a maximum capacity ranging between 5 and 12 kg. However, new categories of headlamps arrive in France :
- The " slim " (" slim " in English) are machines with frontal hublot limited depth : between 33 and 45 cm. They measure 60 cm wide and the capacity varies between 4 and 6 kg.
- Compact : it is less wide than the " slim ", these headlamps are also shallow. Their capacity is less than 5 kg.
- The " big size " for u.s. sizes are output in the early 2000s. Wider and higher than the machines front classic, these washing machine non-standard – 12 to 15 kg of laundry – tend to disappear. Bosch, Whirlpool or Hotpoint have stopped their marketing.
Good to know To install the washing machine under a work plan In France, the work plan of a kitchen or a bathroom is historically at a height of 85 cm from the ground, the height of a washing machine front-end. To drag a device under this work plan, 3 cm thick, the height of your washing machine must not exceed 82 cm. The top, upper portion of the washing machine, is traditionally removed to remain below the height limit. However, this operation is made more delicate on the washing machine current. The race to the large capacities that the manufacturers operate now 3 cm previously reserved for the top, with the consequence of making it non-removable. Other manufacturers choose, for aesthetic reasons, to increase the height of the banner up to 85 cm. The top can remain removable " on paper ", but the height of the washing machine at the level of the strip will remain 85 cm. Impossible to push the washing machine to the bottom of his location. The headband may then exceed the before... Finally, if you remove the top of your washing machine, it is recommended to replace it with a " lid " of a few millimeters thick, which will isolate the interior of the washing machine.
Washing machine classic or dry ?
This is a question that arises when you have limited space. Both washing machine and dryer, these 2-in-1 does not have only advantages. Our buying guide washing machine drying will reveal to you the advantages and disadvantages of this solution approved by 5 to 10 % of the French only.
Washing machine / dryer, Siemens and Hotpoint-Ariston
What capacity and for what use ?
The assumption that "the greater the capacity of the drum is, the less it is necessary to make suds, so it is more economic" is not always verified. Our tests show that all washing machines do not adjust their consumption in proportion to the quantity of clothes introduced. On the other hand, filling it systematically with a washing machine and large capacity to its maximum capacity ? The maximum capacity of dry linen is valid for the cotton program and sometimes some complementary programs, such as " White ". But for the specific programmes or fragile, the maximum capacity is lower. Thus, the max capacity of synthetic textiles generally do not exceed 50 % of the capacity of the cotton program. Illustration with the following :
Evaluate the loading capacity depending on the type of machine
Wash programLoad capacity of a washing machine 8 kgLoad capacity of a washing machine 7 kgLoad capacity of a washing machine 6 kgCotton8 kg7 kg6 kgSynthetic3.5 kg3.5 kg3 kgJean3 kg3 kg3 kgWaterproof2 kg2 kg2 kgWool2 kg2 kg1.5 kg
Spin speed, what's the point ?
The spin speed of the washing machine has grown over the past 15 years to reach now 1 000 to 1 600 revolutions per minute. The main advantage of a spin intensive is to extract more water fibers of the textile. Your clothes come out less wet in the drum and will only be the fastest to dry. If you have a dryer, its duration of operation and thus its power consumption will be reduced. Given the difference in fuel consumption between a motor of the washing machine and the resistance of a dryer, it is better to opt for a better spin.
A downside, however, since the spin maximum is not compatible with all types of textiles. As well as the programs delicate, wool, silk, or "hand-wash" limit the spin speed to a few hundred revolutions, far from the maximum spin speed.
Energy labelling : what is the energy class to choose ?
: A+, A++ and A+++ are the 3 classes of energy still marketed at present and are a symbol of the level of theoretical consumption of the washing machine. Classes A and lower are now prohibited from marketing. We are far short of the energy classes F and G of the first labels appeared over a score of years.
The annual electricity consumption is given in kWh per year. Very theoretical, this value is based on 220 washing cycles per year, or a little more than 4 washes per week.
The annual water consumption is given in liters per year and is based on the same method of computation as the annual electricity consumption. Attention, it is not taken into account in the energy class. Do not rely on the letter (A+, A++ and A+++) to find out if your machine is water efficient !
The maximum capacity is also displayed on the energy label. This capacity is only valid for the cotton program (or almost).
The effectiveness of spin is awarded in the form of a letter, from A (very good drainage) to G (very bad). The score is assigned based on the percentage of water remaining in clothes after spin cycle (see table below) according to a method similar to that described in our test protocol.
Efficiency class spin Residual moisture content A (= most efficient)Less than 45 %B45% or more, but less than 54 %C54 % or more, but less than 63 %D63 % or more but less than 72 %E72 % or more but less than 81 %
The noise level at wash and spin was optional in the previous version of the energy label ; it is now mandatory. Acoustic emissions – in decibels – measured on the cotton program and to the maximum spin speed.
The effectiveness of washing is no longer indicated on the new energy label. But a level of efficiency in a minimum, corresponding to the preceding " class A ", is now mandatory.
The power consumption in standby is partly taken into account by the energy labeling, without being shown specifically. A washing machine consumes the same after having completed its washing cycle : the led or the display illuminated at the end of the cycle does not work without power... it is Better to turn off and, if possible, disconnect its equipment immediately after use. Similarly, to program a delay start has to lead to an additional consumption but often it is for a good cause : to operate the washing machine on the off-peak prices, for example.
Good to know : washing machines séchants are the subject of a label specific energy.
The limits of the energy labelling
Although revised in 2011, this labelling has limits, since only the cotton programme is taken into account. Exit the program synthetic yet still very popular according to the results of our survey of nearly 3,000 consumers. The tests conducted by What to Choose are performed jointly on the programmes for cotton and synthetic. The efficiencies of the wash, spin and energy consumption (electricity and water) are taken into account. Also absent from the energy label, the duration of the programmes, the effectiveness of rinsing and ease of use are part of the criteria of our test.
Washing machine economical : saving water, saving electricity
The manufacturers have also made efforts on the side of the consumer. By limiting the amount of water used during the washing phase, some devices also show less energy-intensive. However, a low water consumption during flushing often has a negative impact on the quality of the rinsing, weak point, recurrent washing machines tested.
The washing programs
Next to the cotton program, we found the traditional program synthetic. The wool is also a classic. The manufacturers play, among other things, on the rate of washing, the amount of water or the maximum capacity of the program, limiting the felting and helps preserve your clothes. Other programs dedicated to textiles fragile can co-exist following models : delicate, silk, hand wash. The statement of the characteristics of the devices tested indicates the presence of these different programs.
All consumers do not sort their laundry according to the nature of the textiles. The mixed program is specially developed for washing of clothes of textile different. However, all the mixed programs are not created equal. On some models, the joint simply refers to the program synthetic. We do not take into account these devices in the list of characteristics of the tested devices.
Finally, don't forget that each of these programs does not accept the same amount of laundry.
The control panel
Two types of banner orders coexist. The band commands "mono bouton" encompasses the washing programmers and temperatures around a single selector. The number of programs is so limited, as the range of temperatures.
Other headbands allow you to choose a program (rotary selector) and a temperature (keys and leds for example). The choice of programmed/temperatures is more extensive.
Keep in mind that the banner must be clear and explicit. The screen printing (name of programs, significance of keys...) must be as readable as possible, preferably black on a white background. Prefer the headbands anglicized that allow for a grip faster. The name of the programs should be listed around the program selector, some models will only include numbers for which the translation is offset on the façade of the tray products, for example. Avoid headbands orders over pictograms "marketing" that you will be useless in everyday life.
The temperatures of washing
40 °C and 30 °C are the temperatures of the most frequently used according to our latest survey. But you do not hesitate to adapt the temperature depending on the nature of the machine or its degree of soiling.
Since January 2013, and on incentives from the european authorities, the "20 °C" made its appearance, sometimes to the detriment of the "30 °C" disappears. If you prefer to wash at 30 °C, be sure to verify that this temperature is available on the device that you are about to buy.
Washing powders and trays products
The conventional detergent dispenser with 4 compartments leaves its place to the compartments wider but less numerous. The tray for the bleaching agent (chlorine, bleach...) is now virtually absent. The compartment for pre-wash also goes to the hatch on some models, but you can always put the detergent directly in the drum. Rest the tray to products associated with the washing phase and the tray to softening. The latter must be subject to a regular maintenance to avoid clogs. When purchasing, so make sure that the siphon compartment fabric softener is easily accessible and that the detergent dispenser can be disassembled easily.
Bins products fit the laundry liquid is now being used more and more. A specific accessory serves to retain the washing fluid in the compartment washing-tray products. Without this accessory, the lye disappears immediately into the bowl to fall either in the bottom of the tank (detergent unused), either on the machine (risk of damage to the textile colors).
The accessory liquid laundry detergent (blue) helps keep the detergent liquid in the detergent dispenser up to the water intake.
Distributors of liquid laundry detergent also make their appearance. They are called Dose-e in Brandt, Opti dose Feature, Twin Dos at Miele or i-BACK at Bosch and Siemens. Their advantage ? Measure just the right amount of detergent based on the amount of machine and/or the degree of soiling of the laundry. These devices use the liquid detergent, which is stored beforehand in a tank.
Systems using the assay to develop. After a few rotations of the drum, the washing machine indicates via its display the amount of detergent to be introduced. Other washing machine is just a subsequent information by enabling a witness of an overdose in the end of the cycle. These different devices for the purpose of inducing the consumer to combat the overdose of detergent.
Engines
Universal, induction, dc, induction or Inverter, different types of engines co-located on the washing machine. Universal motors are the most basic but their performance is limited. Another drawback, the brushes supplying the rotor is subject to wear by friction, limiting their duration of life. Other types of motors eliminate all friction. Their longevity is greater. Some manufacturers do not hesitate to increase the duration of the warranty for these engines. Another advantage is that their sound level is generally lower.
The tank and the drum
Drum and tank are too often confused. The first, systematically in Stainless steel, contains the laundry. The second contains the drum and the wash water. Once in Stainless steel, this tank is now plastic on the majority of the washing machine. Some high-end models retain of Stainless steel tanks, where sustainability is theoretically better. This is the case on the frontal Miele as well as some " top " Brandt or Featured 45 cm wide
The security
The washing machines are equipped with many safety devices operating. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main safety devices available on the market :
- Child safety. A function that prevents children from changing the programmer during operation of the device.
- Overfill protection. Triggers the drain in case of water level abnormally high.
- Security antibacterial. Limits (or removes) the spin cycle when the machine, badly distributed in the drum, too vibrate the device.
- Security door. Blocks the opening of door during operation (mandatory on all washing machines). When this security is thermal, a waiting time is necessary between the end of the wash cycle and the unlocking of the door.
- Security of water supply. In the case of a term abnormal filling, the washer stops the water intake.
- Water inlet hose-armored. The pipe is shielded to avoid any bursting in the event of over pressure.
- Safety anti-bursting pipe (" aqua lock "). The water inlet hose is lined with a sheath. If it ever breaks out, a mechanical system just interrupt the incoming water.
- Security antiquate. The lower part of the washing machine is equipped with a water recuperation system with a float placed in the tank of the washing machine. In the event of a leak, the tray fills up and activates a switch via the float. The drain pump is then activated and the water is removed.
- Security stop. The solenoid valve is offset to the outside of the washing machine and directly connected to the water valve. The hose is under pressure only when the washing machine takes the water. In addition, it is lined with a sheath which may lead to a system of security antifuite placed under the tank.
The price
It is a fact that consumers want to buy cheaper. Washing machines are no exception to this trend. The price range varied little – from 199 to 2 000 € – but the average selling price is falling. Between 2012 and 2013, he would have lost 9 € in just 1 year to 370 € on average depending on the Gifam (Groupement interprofessionnel des equipment manufacturers, household).
The growth of retailers ' own brands (MDD) is a constant in this market. All distributors have their own brand, some big surfaces specialized with even a second brand positioned a notch above their brand of entry-level. Choose regularly includes these MDD in its testing appliances.
source:onlinelibrary.wiley.com