Types of automatic washing machines

A little more than a hundred years ago were born the first washing machines, which had minimal functions, but marked the beginning of the development of mechanization of the washing process.

Today, it is enough to put the laundry in the washing machine, and it will perform all the necessary operations for the man:

• wash;
• rinse
• rinse;
• in some cases, dries.

All this performs automatic washing machine. To choose the right option, you need to consider the types into which they are divided.

According to the type of container in which the laundry is placed for washing, washing machines are divided into:

• activator;
• drum.

In the activator washing is done by rotating the plastic wheel, which is at the bottom of the container, and only the spinning occurs in the drum.

You need to choose which loading option is convenient for you. There are vertical and front loading.

• With the vertical loading there is an opportunity after the beginning of washing to open the top cover and finish the forgotten laundry, the plus is also the fact that such a machine is designed for a large volume of laundry - from 5 kg. But it is impossible to use the upper part of the machine as a shelf. You will not be able to install such a machine under the sink or built into the furniture, for example, in the kitchen. And the cost of such equipment will be 20% more than for front-loading.
• Washing machines with front-loading - The most common option among consumers. A huge range of this type allows you to pick up one that will fit perfectly into the interior of the house. The front-loading machine can be built into the furniture. A glass window helps to observe the washing process. The only disadvantage may be the need for additional space to open the door and load the laundry.

Washing machines can be equipped with two types of motor:

• collector;
• Inverter.

The first option works on alternating current, without additional devices, but because the work is done through the brushes, the motor makes unpleasant noises, and the machine is very loud. This option is not always appropriate, in which case it is worth considering machines with an inverter motor. It has no brushes, because it works on direct current, but requires a converter. Such motors are very reliable, manufacturers give them a warranty of up to 10 years, but the cost of the machine increases.

The quietness of the washing machine depends not only on the motor, but also on the drive. Let's consider in more detail.

Drives are divided into:

• direct;
• belt.

The simpler the drive, the more reliable it is. It is to this variant belongs the direct drive, which is attached to the axis of the drum and works more quietly, relieves the parts from additional load, increasing the service life, and reduces vibration. But despite the huge number of advantages, the machines with such drives are produced only by well-known brands, and their range is quite small.

Depending on the size of the washing machine, the amount of laundry that can be put into it varies. Here, it should be based on where the machine will be installed and how much space it can take up.

• Narrow washing machines with a depth of up to 48 cm will easily fit under the sink or in small spaces, but the amount of laundry they can wash per load will be reduced - from 4 to 7 kg.
• Full-size washing machines, ready to load laundry up to 12 kg, but their dimensions also increase significantly. The depth of such a machine can reach 62 cm. Manufacturers make in such machines large diameter doors, so that it can be placed in it large things.

This type of washing machine is not very common in our country, but the citizens of the United States actively use them. They are very economical in terms of energy consumption. The entire washing process is limited to 50 minutes. They are expensive, however, this is paid off by the following advantages:

• You can consider them even if there is no running water in the house.
• Only cold water is used. The laundry does not shrink.
• Things stay in perfect condition longer, as there is no friction between the clothes during washing.

• Drying. When buying a washing machine, the question arises as to whether drying is necessary. Of course, having such a function, the consumer gets an opportunity not to hang laundry all over the balcony or bathroom. However, the choice of a washing machine with dryer should be approached responsibly. Your choice should stop at a more expensive version of a well-known manufacturer. Otherwise, the drying function may not work properly: not to dry or over-dry the laundry. This leads to damage to the fabric. You should also take into account the fact that using this function increases the amount of electricity consumed.
• The material from which the drum is made. Nowadays, the drum is made of stainless steel or plastic. The first option for us is more familiar, and at first glance, more practical. However, modern plastic is also reliable, plus, the heating of water is faster, and the spinning of laundry is performed at very high speed. The stainless steel drum does not have such a possibility. Although the optimal speed, which does not carry additional load on the laundry is 800 rpm - for cotton, and for more delicate fabrics - 400 rpm.
• Night washing. No spin during this program, allows you not to worry about the neighbors who may complain, and about the awakened children. The machine will turn off after the rinse, without draining the water. In the morning you will only need to select the optimal spinning mode and complete the wash.
• Delayed start. To perform the washing of laundry by the set time, there is this function.

The choice of the washing machine should be approached responsibly, as this household appliance is purchased not for one year. And it should work for you without additional costs, at least for the period which the manufacturers set for it. But it is difficult for a layman to make a choice among the variety presented by manufacturers of washing machines. The following video will help you make the right choice in favor of this or that washing machine.