Narrow washing machines

The advent of automatic washing machines has greatly simplified the life of housewives, who are now able to transfer the care of washing, rinsing and drying laundry into the skillful "hands" of the electronic assistant. However, getting rid of the daily drudgery entailed a new problem: where to find a place to install this useful, but quite large appliance?

Not everyone can boast of having free space in the apartment, which can be set aside for the laundry room. Therefore, most of us are left with only two possible options - the kitchen or the bathroom. Both rooms usually can't boast large dimensions, and installing a washing machine does not make the room any more spacious. Fortunately, manufacturers of household appliances do not forget about the needs of city dwellers living in small apartments, so there have long been narrow models of washing machines, for which there is room even in the tiniest room.

Read more about narrow washing machines, their features, functions, varieties and the most popular models in our today's article.

• The most important advantage of narrow washing machines, for which, in fact, and should buy this type of appliances - it is small size, and, above all, the depth. "Narrow" refers to washing machines with a depth of 30 to 45 cm (whereas the standard depth of conventional, full-sized model - about 60 cm). Most often in demand are machines 33 cm and 40 cm deep.
• Another advantage of narrow washing machines over their full-sized counterparts is a relatively small consumption of water and electricity. Since they are equipped with a smaller tank, they need less water for washing and rinsing. Electricity consumption of such models will also be less.

• One of the most significant disadvantages of narrow washing machines is associated with their small size: it is impossible to install a sufficiently large tank into a compact body. However, this does not mean that you will have to wash laundry in small batches of 2-3 kg. The maximum load of the drum of most narrow models is 4-6 kg. You can find narrow washing machines with a capacity of 7-8 kg, but they will cost significantly more.
• Relatively high prices are another disadvantage of narrow washing machines. It would seem that if the unit is more compact and has a smaller drum volume, it should cost less. In practice, this is not the case, and prices for narrow models are about the same as for ordinary washing machines.

Modern automatic washing machines come in two types of loading - front and vertical. Each variety has its own features, which we will talk about below.

In front models, the loading hatch is located on the front panel. It is a round sealed door made of thick glass. The hatch opens forward, and this must be taken into account when installing the washer, as it requires a few extra centimeters of free space in front of the machine. Front-loading washing machines are considered more convenient, so they are more popular among buyers than vertical models. The vast majority of narrow washing machines are equipped with a front loading hatch.

Devices with a vertical type of loading are equipped with a loading hatch, located on the top panel. Most often it is rectangular in shape and occupies almost the entire surface of the top cover. Vertical models have significantly smaller dimensions than the front ones, so they are chosen by those who need to rationally use every available centimeter of space. It should be taken into account that such machines open upwards, so they can not be used for installation under a countertop or sink.

The number and variety of washing modes is one of the main criteria that customers are guided by when choosing a washing machine. In this respect, narrow models are not inferior to conventional models. Most narrow washing machines have a standard set of programs, which includes washing:

• different types of fabrics (e.g., cotton, denim, silk, synthetics, etc.)
• woollens;
• outerwear;
• baby clothes;
• delicate fabrics.

In addition, the standard set of modes includes: quick (express) wash and pre-soak.

In addition to the standard, there are also additional modes of washing, which are equipped with the most "advanced" models, for example:

• stain removal;
• bubble washing;
• starched laundry;
• Washing sports shoes, etc.

The presence of the function of drying laundry after washing make the washing machine truly indispensable appliance, helping to solve the problem of lack of space to install a dryer. However, in order to dry laundry directly in the drum of the washing machine, it must be large enough in volume. Therefore, for many people the question becomes relevant: do manufacturers produce narrow washing machines, equipped with drying function?

Having studied the market of household appliances, we were able to find on sale quite a few models of washing machines, which can be called narrow (their depth does not exceed 45 cm). Such units, as a rule, are designed for a maximum load of 6-8 kg, but you can dry no more than 3-5 kg of laundry in them.

The best-selling models of narrow washing machines with drying: Candy GVW 264 DC, LG F-1296CD3, Samsung WD806U2GAWQ.

Narrow washing machines are in high demand not only because they take up little space, but also because they are suitable for installation under the sink. Mounting a sink over the washer is a great way to free up space in the bathroom that can be used for other needs. The only thing to consider is that only front-loading models are suitable for this purpose.

Narrow washing machines have small dimensions, so they will not obstruct the approach to the sink (of course, if the sanitary appliance will be of appropriate size). Before buying carefully measure everything: ideally, the edges of the sink should protrude 10-15 cm over the washing machine. In addition, you will need a special siphon for normal water drainage.

Major manufacturers of household appliances usually produce a whole line of narrow washing machines, with a number of models constantly updated. We managed to compile a rating of narrow washing machines from the most famous firms.

Choosing a washing machine, you should not only carefully study the characteristics of the model you are interested in, but also get acquainted with the reviews of those who are already its owner. In this case, do not limit yourself only to the opinion of acquaintances - much more information will give you specialized sites where you can leave a review regarding any product. In addition, the objective opinion of other buyers can be found in online stores of household appliances, right on the page with the model of washing machine you like. Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of the devices emphasized by their owners - this information is often more reliable than advertising articles.

Modern washing machines can have a whole set of functions, the name of which tells little to the ordinary consumer. It is useful to know the meaning of the following terms:

• Aqua Sensor - saving water during washing plus water transparency control, which triggers an additional rinse if necessary;
• Fuzzi Control - automatic selection of washing parameters, depending on the type of material;
• S-system - control of foam formation during washing;
• Bio-phase - maintaining the set water temperature for a certain time;
• Direct injection - the possibility of feeding the washing agent directly into the drum of the washing machine by automatic injection through special nozzles.

More clearly with the device and characteristics of narrow washing machines you can see on the example of the washing machine Bosch WLK24247OE. This video was shot for you by the experts of one of the largest retail chains for the sale of home appliances and electronics: