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.
Drum volume
The internal volume of the drum of the washing machine.
A larger drum can accommodate more laundry, but there is no rigid dependence here: models with the same volume may differ in maximum capacity. It is because to process a large mass of laundry you need not only a capacious drum but also an engine of appropriate power. At the same time, it should be noted that in a larger drum, the same mass of laundry will be washed and dried more efficiently than in a small one. On the other hand, a volumetric drum takes up more space — the size of the device is largely determined by the size of the drum.
Max. spin speed
Maximum drum rotation speed in spin mode. The higher it is, the more intense the spin. However, note that not all types of fabric normally tolerate high speeds — a speed
of 1000 rpm or more should be used only for especially durable fabrics, and delicate ones need to be wrung out at low speeds, so the best choice is a machine that allows you to choose the spin speed.
The maximum spin speed (
1200 rpm,
1400 rpm), in particular, determines its efficiency (see Spin class), but this parameter is not decisive — the duration of the spin cycle and the diameter of the drum also play an important role. Therefore, for machines with the same spin speed, their efficiency class may differ.
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.
Inverter motor
Washing machine with an
inverter electric motor.
Such motors are also called brushless because they do not have commutator brushes. Thanks to this feature, the noise level, heating and wear are significantly reduced, which has a positive impact on efficiency, reliability and durability. In addition, the accuracy of rotation speed control is increased. The reverse side of the coin is the rather high price of such machines.
Automatic dosing
Automatic detergent dosing system. Models with this function have the detergent poured into a special container, from where it is taken away with each wash. At the same time, the volume of the container is enough for several cycles, and the machine automatically selects the specific amount of detergent each time, depending on the amount and type of laundry, the selected programme and other operating parameters. It provides savings without sacrificing efficiency. On the other hand, in most cases, automatic dosing is only available when working with liquid detergents, while the powder has to be added manually. There are exceptions, but such models are expensive.
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.
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.
Leak protection
An automatic safety system that controls the integrity of the system for supplying and draining water to the washing machine and stops the water supply in the event of a leak. The protection can be installed on the hoses, on the body, or both (full protection).
Leak-proof hoses are equipped with special sensors and solenoid valves at both ends that shut off the water supply in the event of a breach in the hose. They can be used for both sampling and draining water. It is worth noting that for most washing machines, leak-proof hoses can be purchased separately, even if they are not included in the original package.
Protection of the body of the washing machine is carried out using sensors installed on the bottom of the device isolated from water. When water enters the bottom, its supply to the machine is turned off. The presence of leak protection allows you to avoid troubles like a short circuit or a flood in the house. However,
leak-proof machines are more expensive than conventional machines, all other things being equal.