With over 300 washing machines to choose from, finding the ideal model is not easy. I'll show you which types and functions are available so that you can make the right decision.
A new washing machine is not on the shopping list every week. That's why it's important to find out about the different models and their functions in advance. Washing machines are basically divided into two types: Front-loaders and top-loaders.
Front loader: In the eye of the washing machine As the name suggests, the front loader is loaded from the front via the "porthole". These models are suitable for wash towers. This means you place a tumbler directly on the appliance. Otherwise, it serves as an additional storage surface. Front-loaders are available in both freestanding and built-in versions. Alternatively, front-loaders are also available as wash-dryers, which have the tumble dryer built into the same appliance.
Top loaders: All good things come from above Top loaders are ideal for small spaces. They are loaded via a loading opening at the top. As you load the laundry into the drum through the top-opening lid with this model, it is not suitable as a built-in appliance or as a washing tower. Due to the high access, top loaders are not ideal for small people or children. Compared to front loaders, top loaders hold slightly less laundry. They are therefore more suitable for smaller households.
The capacity (load weight) of a washing machine is given in kilograms of dry laundry. Depending on the amount of laundry, I recommend a smaller model with a load capacity of six kilograms or a larger model with a load capacity of eight kilograms. A larger capacity is particularly worthwhile for a lot of bed linen.
In terms of environmental compatibility, the machine's electricity and water consumption play an important role . Energy consumption: "eat" less (electricity), perform better Higher power consumption not only impacts the environment, but also your budget because it increases the cost of operating the machine. Basically, the efficiency class scale ranges from the energy savers in class A+++ to the excessive power guzzlers in class D. Since 2013, however, practically only A+ class machines have been on the market in Switzerland. The A+ rating can therefore serve as a reference value. A++ means around 11 per cent and A+++ 17 per cent lower energy consumption than machines in reference class A+.
Water consumption: "guzzle" less (water), perform better In addition to the energy efficiency class of the washing machine, energy labels also indicate the water consumption of the appliance. The value "litres / year" indicates the amount of water for 220 standard wash cycles. With 8,000 to 8,500 litres of water consumption per year, appliances are among the most economical machines.
Some appliances have practical special functions. Automatic detergent dosing systems or the option to add laundry after the wash has started are particularly convenient . Automatic detergent dispensing Intuition is always a great thing. However, anyone who thinks it's best to dose detergent "by feel" is mistaken. In most cases where gut feeling determines the dosage, too much or too little detergent is used. While too little detergent primarily affects the washing result, too much detergent is a burden on the environment and your budget. Machines with an integrated detergent dosing system provide a remedy for this problem. Most dosing systems take into account factors such as the degree of soiling, load quantity, water hardness and type of fabric to calculate the optimum amount of detergent.
Add laundry whenever you want The washing machine is loaded, the start button is pressed and the speed slowly increases. It is usually at this moment that you realise which items of clothing should be in the drum but have inexplicably not found their way there. The solution to this problem is offered by appliances that allow you to add clothes after the wash has started. This function called "AddWash" also allows you to add hand-washed clothes that you only want to rinse or spin.
If all this is still far too complicated and incomprehensible for you, why not pop in and ask mum for her expertise? Or your dirty laundry straight away.
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