Washing machine guide: decisive factors
Buying a new washing machine is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's important to find out in advance about the different types and models of washing machine and their functions. It's also important to determine your own needs and space constraints. Here are the main criteria to consider when buying a washing machine.
Hublot or top
Washing machines can basically be divided into two categories, with different advantages, porthole washing machines and top washing machines.
Hood washing machines: in the eye of the storm
As its name suggests, the porthole washing machine, or front-mounted washing machine, has a porthole on its front through which the laundry is loaded. In the case of stand-alone units, a second appliance can be placed on top (e.g. a tumble dryer). The top can also be used as a storage surface. Porthole washing machines are available as freestanding or built-in models.
Selection of porthole models: [[product:5697339,5776713,5776293]]
Here you'll find all the porthole washing machine models.
Top washing machines: the top of the top
If you only have limited space, the choice is often self-evident, as top washing machines are generally narrower. The top opening makes it easy to load laundry. As you have to be able to open the lid of the machine, these appliances are not built-in models and cannot be used as a surface for a second appliance. Compared to porthole washing machines, these appliances have a smaller capacity and are therefore more suitable for smaller households.
On the other hand, these appliances are less recommended for small people and children, as the laundry at the bottom of the drum is then difficult to reach. If you want your little ones to take part in the laundry chore, then it's best to choose a front-mounted washing machine.
Selection of models
Selection of top models: [[product:5776425,5635312,424459]]
Here you'll find all the top models.
Capacity
The capacity (maximum load) of a washing machine is given in kilograms of dry laundry. It's essentially the "volume of laundry" that will determine whether you need an XS or XXL machine. However, we recommend a machine with a load capacity of at least six kilograms. This means you can easily wash a larger quantity of bed linen and your clothes will be less creased.
Selection of models with a load capacity of min. six kilograms: [[product:5635137,6148232,6001966]]
Here you'll find all the models with a load capacity of at least six kilograms.
Environmental impact
When it comes to environmental impact, it's mainly energy consumption and water consumption that come into play.
Energy consumption: less energy, more efficiency
High energy consumption not only harms the environment, but also your budget, as it increases the running costs of the machine. The scale of efficiency classes ranges from energy-saving virtuosos in class A+++ to excessively energy-hungry appliances in class D. Since 2013, however, there have been virtually no A+ machines on the Swiss market. The A+ rating can therefore be used as a benchmark. A++ indicates around 11% lower energy consumption and A++ 17% lower energy consumption than appliances in the A+ reference class.
Selection of energy-efficient models: [[product:4237075,6148237,5776715]]
Here you'll find all the models in the A+++ energy efficiency class.
Water consumption: less water, more efficiency
Alongside the washing machine's energy efficiency class, the energy label also mentions the appliance's water consumption. The "litre/year" value indicates the amount of water required for 220 standard machine cycles. Appliances with a water consumption of 8000 to 8500 litres per year are among the energy-saving machines.
Selection of water-efficient models: [[product:4236161,5702525,3672019]]
Special features
Some devices have handy special functions. These practical functions include the automatic detergent dosing system or the ability to add laundry after the wash cycle has started.
Automatic detergent dosing system
It's fine to trust your intuition. But you're mistaken if you think detergent dosing is done "by feel". In most cases, a rough dose of detergent means either too much or too little. Too little mainly affects the wash result, while too much has a negative impact on the environment and your budget. Machines with built-in detergent dosers are the solution to this problem. Most dosing systems calculate the optimum amount of detergent based on factors such as the degree of soiling, the amount of laundry, the hardness of the water and the type of textiles.
Selection of models with automatic detergent dosing: [[product:5713801,5713842,6148239]]
Add laundry, at any time
The washing machine is loaded, you press the button and the machine starts. It's often at this precise moment that you realise that a garment should also be in the drum, but has strangely got lost somewhere along the way. This problem affects us all, and is not necessarily linked to old age. Fortunately, there is a solution: appliances that allow you to add laundry once the cycle has started. This function (AddWash) also offers the option of adding hand-washed clothes to the machine that you simply want to rinse or spin.
Selection of models with AddWash function: [[product:5700680,5702527,5739036]]
Multiple talents
A washer dryer is a combination of washing machine and tumble dryer. This unique appliance is ideal for small spaces. It is, however, important to note that the drying capacity is less important than the washing capacity.
Selection of washer dryers: [[Produit:5339958,2492087,2357015]]
You can now take the plunge without risk. If you're also in the market for a tumble dryer, you'll find some fantastic set deals here.
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