Small washing machines: characteristics, rating of the best models and tips for choosing

Washing machines have long become familiar helpers to housewives, replacing laborious hand washing. However, the lack of space in small apartments often does not allow the installation of standard volumetric models. The way out of this situation is to install a small washing machine.

The small model has certain advantages.

• First of all it is the ability to install in tight spaces, saving and freeing up useful space, since the mini-unit has small dimensions: height - from 67 to 70 cm, depth - 30-45 cm, width - from 47 to 60 cm.
• Profitability a small appliance consists in less water and energy consumption, which is due to a smaller load of laundry - up to 5 kg.
• The presence of the same functional programs, as with standard models.
• Compact dimensions allow installation of the machine under the countertop or sink or built into other furniture.

However, disadvantages should also be noted.

• Since all working components and elements of the device are located compactly, their wear can come faster.
• Small size do not allow equipping the unit with standard counterweights, which negatively affects the resistance to vibration.
• Small drum volume the machine does not allow large items such as blankets and blankets to be washed.
• Several limited range of models.

Compact washing machines can be classified according to many criteria. Their varieties are determined by such parameters.

The principle of operation of the unit and the washing method are important. According to these indicators, such equipment is distinguished.

The activator models are equipped with a cone-shaped relief disc with blades - activator... During washing, the activator rotates, rotates and moves the laundry. Thus, dirt is removed from things.

These machines consist of a tank, an electric motor, an activator, a cover located on the upper surface of the body. In the lower part of the body there is a hole for draining waste water.

Activator models are durable, easy to operate and economical, have a fairly high washing quality and low vibration and noise levels. However, such units require human participation in the washing process and performing certain actions for manual filling of hot water, rinsing, spinning the laundry and draining dirty water.

Drum-type machines perform washing by rotating the loading drum itself. The drum is a cylinder with perforated walls and a round opening for loading laundry. On its inner surface there are special ribs that facilitate the movement of things.

Drum models are basically automatic machines that operate in a given automatic mode.

Semi-automatic machines are most often activator machines. They have 2 compartments: one is for washing, and the other is a centrifuge for spinning the washed laundry. Semiautomatic do not require a stationary installation and connection to the water supply, but they need human participation in the washing process.

The machines have fully programmed control of the washing process: they themselves determine the amount of washing powder per volume of loaded items, heat the water to the desired temperature, and determine the spin speed. The vending machines not only rationally consume electricity and water, but are also distinguished by delicate washing of products and save the consumer's time, since all actions are performed independently.

After washing according to the set program, the machine drains the water and starts the rinsing cycle. It can be carried out repeatedly in accordance with the preset mode. Then the water is drained again and the spinning process begins. After all the operations performed, the machine ends the program.

Compact machines vary in size and are divided into compact, narrow and super slim. The compact model has the following dimensions: depth does not exceed 45 cm, width - within 47-60 cm, height - up to 70 cm. Washing volume is from 3.5 to 4.5 kg.

For narrow devices, the depth ranges from 39 to 49 cm, for super-narrow ones, it corresponds to 33-38 cm. The width and height of these machine variants are standard. The shallower depth does not affect the volume of the loaded items: up to 4.5 kg can also be placed in the drum.

The type of construction determines these kinds of mini-models.

Front-loading machines have a door located on the front of the body. Special gaskets ensure tightness of its closure. The closed door is fixed with a lock with a special design that can block it during washing. The door opening angle can be set from 90 to 180 degrees.

Machines of this type have greater versatility. The upper surface of the cabinet can be used as a table top.

For top-loading models, the door is located on the upper surface of the cabinet. This saves space at the front of the unit. Usually, such models have a slightly smaller tank volume and fewer functions compared to front-mounted appliances, but they allow you to take out or add laundry without interrupting the washing process.

Vertical models less likely to leak and are more economical in case of repair. Their design does not provide for the presence of elements such as rubber seals, which are often deformed and require replacement. There are also no glass windows that can crack or break. Such repairs will require significant financial costs.

In terms of functionality, compact machines are not much different from standard options. Mini vending machines can have many options.

• With rinsing and spinning. Washing machines have 4 spin classes: maximum A (it is absent in compact machines), B and C - these classes are often found in "babies", and the most common minimum class is D.
• With and without drying... The compact models usually do not have a drying option. However, there are standard units that, although they cannot be attributed to mini-models, have reduced dimensions with a compact body. Such a combined model is convenient in that at the end of the process it produces dry laundry that does not need to be dried.

The standard set of programs includes cotton, wool, delicates, mixed laundry, intensive, quick and pre-wash.... The program can include additional options - washing children's and sports clothes, removing organic dirt, removing animal hair, super rinsing and others.

Expensive units can have a remote control and be equipped with a display that allows you to control the washing process, since the screen displays information about the selected mode, shows the temperature, cycle time and spin speed.

In addition to the types of small washing machines described above, there is also a portable mini-model. The dimensions of portable machines can vary within the following limits: height from 44 to 56 cm, width - from 35 to 37 cm, height - 36-37 cm, and the volume of loaded linen is 1-2.2 kg.

For example, the foot model provides a quick (5 minutes) wash of clothes. These machines do not exceed a normal bucket in size and can be easily transported in a car. The portable model does not require electricity to operate as it is powered by a foot drive.

It is impossible to determine which of the small washing machines is the best, since each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, consumer demand shows that the top includes certain manufacturers and their models.

The most popular are machines from brands Candy, LG, Electrolux, Samsung, Ariston. Such products have proven themselves well and are trusted by consumers. mini-vending machines with spinning.

The main advantages of the model are reliability and compactness. Device dimensions: 69 cm - height, 51 cm - width. The unit is 44 cm deep and has a drum capacity of about 4 kg.

The model has great functionality (16 programs), as well as control of imbalance and foaming. Energy consumption belongs to class A and ranges from 0.17 to 0.19 kWh per 1 kg of laundry. For 1 cycle, the device consumes 32 liters of water. The car looks great in any interior as it has a modern design.

With a height of 67 cm and a width of 51 cm, the depth of the model is 50 cm. The drum can hold up to 3 kg of items. A feature of the model is the presence of a mini-program that allows you to get clean linen in almost half an hour, and an accelerated washwhich saves up to 30% of washing powder, water and electricity. The Extra Rinse option completely removes detergent from items. High-quality spinning is ensured by a high speed (1100 rpm) of rotation of the drum.

The new model has already gained popularity among consumers for such advantages as economical power consumption, high quality of washing, low noise level during operation. The set of the machine includes an additional large block for washing bulky laundry.

The dimensions of the unit itself (36 cm high, 66 cm wide and 60 cm deep) allow it to be placed separately or mounted in a bedside table or wardrobe. The machine has 8 modes, is equipped with a modern touch control panel with a smartphone application that allows you to control the washing process with it.

The smallest automatic machine is the Xiaomi MiJia Mini J Smart Mini. This mini-appliance may well be mistaken for a toy washing machine.... Its dimensions: height 50 cm, width - 63 cm, depth - 41 cm. However, such a "baby" is able to wash clothes, diapers, duvet cover and tablecloth with high quality.

The miniature machine has 2 control methods - using the touch panel and using a smartphone... The program, in addition to the usual wash, also includes a quick wash, washing sports and children's clothing, removing stubborn dirt. The model washes all types of fabric.

The high quality of rinsing ensures that the washing powder is completely washed out, and no traces of it remain on the clothes. The maximum drum rotation speed during spinning is 1200 rpm, and the spin mode can be changed.

The following models are also popular: Eurosoba 1000, Samsung WW60H2200WD | LP, Hansa WHP6121DSW, Hotpoint-Ariston RST 6229S.

The most popular activator machines are models from the Russian series "Baby". At a fairly low price, they have decent performance.

Other popular models of this type of washing machines.

The model has been produced since Soviet times and remains popular today. The loading tank holds up to 3 kg of dry items. The washing quality is quite high, the power consumption is about 160 W.

It is a very compact and portable model. Small dimensions (height 44 cm, width 35 cm, depth 36 cm) make it easy to transport it in a car. The maximum load is 1 kg of laundry. The model is distinguished by a simple mechanical control system.

Among the semiautomatic devices, such mini-units should be noted.

The device is reliable and easy to use and has an attractive design. One load is about 3 kg. The machine has option to control the weight of items and water level, several washing modes... Fairy is different high-quality washing, a good level of spinning of the washed laundry.

She uses washing powder sparingly. The model works with a low noise level, it is equipped with a pump for draining the waste water.

Top loader requires freestanding installation. The maximum load of laundry is 5 kg. Device dimensions: height - 64 cm, width - 42 cm, depth - 38 cm. The spin speed is up to 300 rpm, the control method is mechanical.

Small dimensions (height 59 cm, width 44 cm, depth 42 cm) make it possible to transport it in a car. The maximum loading volume is 4 kg. The machine has 2 operating modes - normal and delicate wash.

The model is controlled mechanically. The engine runs fairly quietly. The advantages of the unit include economical power consumption.

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a mini washing machine. First of all, it is necessary to determine the place of installation of the device. If you intend to install it under a sink or countertop, then you need to buy a front-loading machine. If the model is mounted as a free-standing element, then it can also be vertically loaded. In addition, you need to make measurements of the room in order to select the unit with the most optimal dimensions.

An important point is the material from which the drum or tank is made.... The best option is drums made of stainless steel and composites: they have a longer service life.

When choosing, you need to take into account such parameters of the unit.

• Maximum drum capacity... For one consumer, a car with a volume of 3-3.5 kg is suitable, and for a small family, a more capacious device is required - up to 5 kg.
• Washing efficiency class... It has letter marks from A to G. The lowest, which means less quality is class G, and the highest is A.
• Energy efficiency class (A to G)... It is not recommended to buy a car below class A.
• Spin speed. The higher the spin speed, the drier the washed laundry. The best option is considered to be a speed of 600 to 800 rpm.
• Door-hatch size... It must be large enough to fit bulky items into the drum.
• Management type. The mechanical method is the most primitive: the regulator knob is manually set to the selected program, then the washing process starts. Electronic control provides for the presence of an indicator screen, which allows you to control the work process and time, as well as change options during washing.
• Availability of functions... The more functions a car has, the more expensive it is. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal set of options in advance.

For families with small children, a typewriter with a program switch lock function on the panel is required. It is good if the machine has a leakage protection function that turns off the unit and stops the water supply when a leak occurs.

If a washing machine is needed for a summer residence where there is no water supply and sewerage system, then the purchase of an activator machine or a semiautomatic device will be relevant.

In addition to a free-standing option for placing a washing machine, there are other methods.

Embedded option, which is carried out by 2 methods: partial and full embedding. Partial implies the installation of the device under the sink in the bathtub or in the kitchen under the countertop. With this method, the car should be chosen to match the color of the room so that it fits better into the interior.

When fully integrated, the unit fits completely into a piece of furniture (wardrobes, bedside tables). With this method of placing the device, the interior becomes more stylish, and the space of the room visually increases.

Miniature models can be installed on the wall, observing the basic rule - the wall must be solid (brick or monolithic).

The optimal placement of small washing machines is determined by the specific conditions in the room.

For an overview of the Candy Aquamatic compact washing machine, see the following video.