Silent washing machines: a review of the 17 quietest models on the market today

For a person to live comfortably, it is necessary that household appliances do not create excessive background noise.Therefore, virtually silent washing machines are very popular among consumers, and manufacturers pay a lot of attention to ensuring the quiet operation of their devices.

Are you looking for equipment with minimal noise effect, but don’t know which model to choose? Our article will help you understand this issue. We have prepared ratings of the quietest frontal and vertical washing machines, described their operating parameters and functionality, and outlined the advantages and disadvantages of the units.

In addition, they listed the reasons for the appearance of noise when the equipment is operating, and also suggested ways that will help you independently reduce the “sound” level of the washing machine.

Causes of noise in washing machines

During normal operation, the noise level of the new devices is low. Compliance with the rules of installation and placement allows you to minimize its intensity. Increased or atypical sound means a breakdown of one of the components and the need for repairs.

Drum rotation during operation and spinning

The main “classic” sound of a washing machine comes from the rotating drum and partly from the motor. It is uniform, monochromatic, characterized by a smooth increase and decrease in strength. The hum is produced by things and water coming into contact with the drum and with each other.

Modern engines are almost silent, producing minimal noise levels inverter washing machines.

Information about the maximum sound value is given in the technical documentation. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates two values: during washing and during spinning at maximum speed. Modern devices usually have a volume level of 55 and 77 decibels, respectively.

For each model, laundry loading parameters are determined. If they are not followed, there will be a misalignment in the placement of things inside the drum, which will cause vibration and noise during washing.

Many manufacturers provide the ability to program a spin mode with speeds less than the maximum. This results in more residual moisture, but causes less damage to items and reduces the operating sound of the device.

Design changes to motors and drives also contribute to quieter operation. First of all, the sound level was positively affected by the abandonment of a belt connection in favor of a direct drive clutch.

It should also be noted that new inverter motors are much quieter than brushed motors. They are practically inaudible against the background noise of a drum loaded with things.

If wear is detected on the shock-absorbing devices, they should be replaced.

Like any dynamic parts, the drum shaft (axis) and bearing wear out or become deformed over time. In this case, the smoothness of movement is disrupted and during rotation a whistling tone begins to be traced in the emitted sound spectrum.The noise level becomes uneven, and its intensity begins to pulsate at intervals of 1 to 3 seconds.

If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the problem. If a bearing jams at full speed, it can cause such severe mechanical damage that repairing the machine will be impractical. Instructions for replacing the bearing in the washing machine are given in this article.

If a sound atypical for a washing machine occurs, you must immediately look for the cause. Otherwise, a minor problem can cause serious damage.

Other sources of loud sound

Often increased noise occurs when draining or collecting water. Most users who write about high sound levels in reviews of washing machines believe that this occurs due to pump malfunction or constructive miscalculations in its design.

However, this happens more often for other reasons:

• A bend causing a reduction in the cross-section of the hoses. Leads to the creation of a vacuum zone during pump operation. Forced air intake causes gurgling sounds.
• The presence of a local maximum area at the water supply hose. Air accumulates in it, forming a bubble. The force of the pump is enough to push it through, but when it starts working, a loud gurgling sound occurs.
• There is a blockage either in the water supply hose itself. Or a similar situation may arise in the area where it is connected to the water supply system. This reduces the water pressure power below the permissible limit, which is indicated in the technical documentation.
• Excessive pressure. When water is drained due to high pressure, loud sounds arise from the outlet pipes or sewer. This problem occurs when they are clogged or initially have insufficient throughput.The washing machine has nothing to do with it.

The next possible problem is vibration. It occurs when the mass is unevenly distributed inside a rotating drum.

The counterweight system partially compensates for the imbalance of centrifugal force, and the shock absorbers create an inertial component, which, summing up the vectors of forces of the opposite direction, practically stops the transfer of vibration energy to the body.

Objects placed on the washing machine begin to move at the slightest vibration. Therefore, you should not place hard objects on the machine, as they will generate sound during washing.

However, even in working devices, slight vibration still exists. Therefore, when choosing a location for the machine, it is necessary to provide a gap between it and other solid objects, such as a sink, bathtub, wall, etc.

If open space is undesirable, then it can be filled with foam rubber and covered with soft rubber or polyurethane foam insert on top.

If suddenly the washing noise increases significantly, or vibration appears stronger than usual, then it is necessary to stop the process. Most likely, mechanical problems have arisen in the counterweight system, shock absorbers, or in the area of ​​the central axis of the drum.

Before continuing work, you need to find and fix the problem, otherwise serious damage may occur.

If a rattling or knocking sound is heard, this may be the result of a foreign object getting into the niche between the drum and the housing. It is necessary to stop the washing process and find the source of the sound. Most likely it is a nut or screw. We need to find the place where it fell out and restore the integrity of the fastening.

At installing a washing machine a common mistake is to align it incorrectly.To achieve a more accurate position, you must use a level.

Twisting the legs should be done diagonally: for example, set the near right and far left legs, achieving a horizontal diagonal position, and only then adjust the position of the remaining legs.

If the legs from the washing machine have been lost or broken, then you can use anti-vibration mats. They are made of foam rubber and have good grip, so they will not move even on slippery linoleum.

Another reason may be the unremoved bolts for fixing the position of the tank, which are used when transporting the device from the store to the consumer. Although modern washing machines have a protection system that is triggered when you try to start the machine when the shock absorbers are blocked.

A monotonous sound of any adequate volume will not wake up small children. But electronic signals about the completion of work can wake up the child. Therefore, you need to find ways to reduce their volume or turn them off completely.

Rules for calculating the integral indicator

To avoid subjective assessments when compiling the rating, a calculation formula was developed:

R = (A₁ + 2*A₂*(O_Wed /O))/K,

Where:

• R – calculated noise factor: the lower it is, the quieter the device operates;
• A₁ – noise level during washing;
• A₂ – the noise level during spinning is taken with an increasing factor of “2”, since it is at this stage that the machine produces the sound of maximum power;
• O_Wed – the average median value of the maximum spin speed among the models under consideration (equal to 1200 rpm for both types of machines);
• O – maximum spin speed of a particular model;
• K – reduction factor.

Combined coefficient O_Wed /O, in relation to the noise level during the spin cycle, was taken from the considerations that with the same sound intensity indicator, a model with high speeds should receive a higher place in the rating.

This is true if we consider the following example. Let's say two models have the same spin noise level, but machine "A" has a maximum value of 1200 rpm, and machine "B" has a maximum value of 1400.

Then it is logical to assume that, for example, with a delicate wash with a spin speed of 800 rpm, washing machine “B” will work more quietly.

Almost all modern models allow a reduction in spin speed. This not only helps to better preserve the integrity of the laundry, but also reduces the sound level

The coefficient "K" is initially equal to "1". If the user is able to reduce the spin speed (all models have a switch-off), it is assigned the value “1.1”. If there are options that have a positive effect on the noise level, the value “0.1” is added for each of them, but no more than twice for one model. Thus, K lies in the range [1,0; 1.3].

Rating of front washing machines

An up-to-date integral rating has been compiled for 15 popular manufacturers, reflecting the noise level of their washing machines.

The brands are ranked taking into account the declared sound power at different cycles, the possibility of reducing maximum speed, as well as the presence of functionality aimed at achieving silence during operation. Only the latest models with almost the same permissible load of dry laundry (5-8 kg) were taken for analysis.

The new washing machines presented at the presentations are produced using modern technologies that reduce friction of moving parts, which leads to a decrease in sound levels

All technical information about the models in question was taken from the websites of washing machine manufacturers or from instructions for use posted on the Internet.

10th place – Indesit BWE 81282 L B

The model in question is BWE 81282 L B (manufactured in Russia). Sound level 56/82 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. Possibility of turning off the spin cycle, a timer is provided to postpone the start of washing by 1…24 hours. Full protected from leaks, there is a remedy child locks.

In the arsenal of the unit 16 different programs. The machine washes items made of delicate, woolen, mixed fabrics, tidies down jackets, performs pre-treatment, and removes stains. Can work in accelerated mode.

Controlled touch electronicsThe machine is equipped with a display to monitor operating data. The foam level is controlled automatically.

The disadvantage is the lack of a drying function. Not everyone is satisfied with the material from which the unit’s tank is made. It is made of plastic, stainless steel lasts longer.

9th place – Siemens WS 12T440

The model in question is Siemens WS 12T440 - a free-standing washing machine. Noise level 56/78 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. Monitoring the balance of the model and the level of foam formation.

Changing the spin speed and the possibility of canceling it. The machine is completely protected from leaks and is protected from child intervention by a locking system.

The set of programs includes modes for processing clothes made of silk, denim, wool, and delicate fabrics. The machine performs pre-washing, washing of shirts, underwear, impregnation, hygiene. The unit is controlled smart electronics, for monitoring operating data there is digital display.

There is no drying in this model either; the tank is made of reinforced plastic, which, despite the enhanced formula, is still inferior to stainless steel.

8th place – Atlant CMA 70C1010

The model in question is CMA 70C1010 (manufactured in Belarus). Sound level 59/73 dB at maximum speed 1000 rpm. Automatic adjustment of rotation speed in the event of an imbalance and foam control.

You can change the spin speed or disable this feature altogether. Using a timer, you can delay the activation of the wash.

The model offers potential owners 15 different programs. It washes sports equipment, items made of delicate, woolen and easily wrinkled fabrics.

It can work in accelerated mode, rinse in an increased volume of water, perform pre-soaking, and successfully fights stains. Electronically controlled.

The drying function is again not provided. The design of the washing machine uses a plastic tank. The disadvantages include weak protection against leaks, which is resisted only by the housing.

7th place – Electrolux EW8F3R28S

The model in question is EW8F3R28S (assembled in Poland). Sound level 50/73 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. The balance and level of foam formation are automatically controlled.

It is possible to select the spin speed and cancel it. Built in timer to reschedule the launch for up to 24 hours, blocked from child intervention.

The washing machine has 14 programs. Excellent for tidying things made of silk, denim, wool and easily wrinkled fabrics. Processes outerwear and down jackets. It works in high-speed mode, rinses in an increased volume of water, and removes stains.

The model is equipped with a washing function and steam refreshment, electronic touch type control.

Cons: the unit does not provide drying, the tank is made of plastic. Only the housing protects against leaks, which are quite likely during the washing process.

6th place – Samsung WW65K42E09W

The model in question is WW65K42E09W (assembled in Russia). Sound level 54/73 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. Vibration Prevention Technologies and balance control, there is a foam formation control device. The spin speed can be controlled or the function can be cancelled.

Among the significant advantages of this model is the mode for automatic drum cleaning. The model provides the opportunity to use 12 programs. An individual feature is bubble wash and the presence of a hatch for additional load of laundry during a running cycle.

Excellent for processing children's, delicate, woolen items. Produces accelerated washing and super-rinsing, removes stains.

Identified shortcomings: there is no drying, the tank of the washing unit is made of plastic, only the body of the machine can protect against possible leakage.

5th place – Candy BWM4 147PH6/1

The model in question is BWM4 147PH6/1 (made in China). Sound level 51/77 dB at maximum speed 1400 rpm. Model automatically controls balance and independently monitors the foam level.

The spin speed can be selected or canceled. The machine is fully protected from leaks and from the participation of children in operation.

There are only 8 modes, the washing machine copes with wool, items made of delicate and mixed fabrics. Gently steams easily wrinkled clothing. A smartphone can be used for control, for which you should download the appropriate program.

And this machine is also without drying, and the drum is again plastic.

4th place – Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B

The model in question is Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B with a drum capacity of 5 kg. Sound level 60/83 dB at maximum speed 1000 rpm. Changing the spin speed.

According to the noise level declared by the manufacturer in the washing mode, the VMUF 501 B model has an excellent indicator among all the options under consideration.

The owners of washing equipment of this model will have at their disposal 16 different programs. Toilet items made from delicate fabrics and items made from wool are washed excellently by the unit.

The spin can be adjusted at your discretion or canceled altogether. Controlled smart electronics, a display is built in to monitor operation. There is a blocking system against interference of the younger generation in programming and operation.

There is no drying, the tank is plastic, which is not very conducive to confidence in its reliability. Insufficient protection against leaks is just the housing.

3rd place – Beko WRS 55P2 BSW

The model in question is Beko WRS 55P2 BSW (manufactured in Russia). Capacity - 5 kg. Sound level 60/68 dB at maximum speed 1000 rpm. Automatically imbalance and foaming are controlled.

To postpone the start of work for up to 19 hours, the machine is equipped with a timer. To prevent children from participating in the process, a timer is provided.

The washing machine offers a set of 15 programs. Excellent for washing woolen and black items, carefully and safely tidying up children's and sportswear.

Performs accelerated and economical washing, soaking and pre-treatment. Washing down clothes and shirts.

Disadvantages: no drying, no protection against leaks, plastic was used in the manufacture of the tank.

2nd place – LG F-1096ND3

The model in question is F-1096ND3 (assembled in Russia). Sound level 55/73 dB at maximum speed 1000 rpm. Quiet wash mode balance and foam control. Changing the spin speed and the ability to turn it off.

You can reschedule the start of the wash using a timer. The model is ideal for families with allergies, because... It has a health protection function.

Future owners will have a unit with 13 different operating modes at their disposal. The washing machine carefully processes clothes made from delicate, woolen, and mixed materials. Cleans children's clothes and removes stains.

It works online and rinses in a large volume of water. Cleans the drum independently. The model is suitable for installation in furniture.

Traditionally there is no drying. The machine has relative protection against leaks - only the body. The tank is plastic.

1st place – Asko W2086С.W.P

The model in question – Asko W2086С.W.P – holds 8 kg of things. Sound level 54/75 dB at maximum speed 1600 rpm. Balance and foam control.

Adjustable spin speed and the ability to cancel it. The unit is equipped with an Active Drum and has the option of cleaning it automatically. Energy consumption corresponds to class A+++.

The washing machine removes dirt from sports equipment, woolen, mixed and delicate fabrics. Super-rinse, soak and pre-treat. Works great on stubborn stains and prevents creasing.

The tank is made of stainless steel alloy. The unit is fully protected from leaks and interference by children.

The list of shortcomings includes only the lack of drying and high cost.

Rating of vertical washing machines

Many companies do not supply top-loading devices to Russia, so this rating has fewer positions than those made for front-loading options.

7th place – Hotpoint WMTF 701 H

The model in question is WMTF 701H (manufactured in Slovakia). Sound level 59/75 dB at maximum speed 1000 rpm. You can select the appropriate spin speed or disable the specified function. In order to postpone the launch for up to 19 hours, a timer has been set.

Users who purchase the machine will have at their disposal 18 programs. The washing machine is capable of pre-treatment and intensive rinsing; it can work quickly or economically. Suitable for removing dirt from children's clothing, delicates and woolen fabrics. It is controlled electronically and has a display.

The list of disadvantages includes the lack of drying and blocking from curious researchers; the tank of the model is made of plastic.

6th place – Indesit BTW A5851

The Indesit BTW A5851 model has a noise level 61/73 dB at maximum speed 800 rpm. The dimensions of the washing machine are 40x60x90 cm.

Independently controls foaming and imbalance. There is a device that allows you to turn off the spin or change the speed.

The model suggests 12 different programs, can wash items made of delicate fabrics, pre-wash is provided. It is possible to reload laundry. Controlled by intelligent electronics.

Cons: the machine is not equipped with a dryer, there is no blocking from inquisitive researchers, the drum is made of plastic.

5th place – Gorenje WT 62113

The model in question is WT62113 (manufactured in Slovenia). Sound level 59/75 dB at maximum speed 1100 rpm. Foam and balance control. Possibility to turn off spin and select optimal speed.You can start the unit with delayed start up to 24 hours using the timer.

The unit can operate in 18 different modes. Washes woolen, delicate, children's clothes, puts sports equipment in order. At the request of the owners, it can be processed quickly or economically, performs a pre-wash, and has a bioenzyme phase.

Significant advantages include direct drive And washing temperature adjustment. The body is equipped with wheels for towing if necessary.

The list of disadvantages includes weak protection against leaks and lack of child lock. No drying. The washing machine tank is made of plastic.

4th place – Zanussi ZWQ 61226 CI

The model in question is (manufactured in Poland). Sound level 57/76 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. Control of balance and foam formation is carried out automatically. If the spin is not necessary, you can turn it off or change the number of revolutions.

The choice of programs is minimal - 8 pcs. There is an economical mode, a fast mode, as well as washing items made of mixed materials and wool. As well as wrinkle prevention and pre-wash and refresh mode. It is possible to reload laundry.

The unit is controlled by touch (smart electronics); it is installed to monitor the stages of washing and other actions. digital display. The machine is blocked from the participation of children, child protection is provided.

Disadvantages include a plastic tank and a fairly high cost.

3rd place – Bosch WOT 20255

The model in question is Bosch WOT 20255 (manufactured in Slovakia). The maximum capacity of the drum is 6.5 kg, it is possible to reload laundry.

Maximum speed 1100 rpm. Control of balance and foam formation is done automatically.It is possible to turn off the spin and select its optimal speed. Using a timer, the start is delayed by 1…24 hours.

The model washes woolen items and children's clothes. Rinses in super mode, removes stains, and protects against creasing. It has direct injection and quick wash.

Controlled by an intelligent electronic system, a display is built in to track performance. Upon completion of the cycle, smoothly the sunroof opens automatically. To tow the unit, the body is equipped with wheels.

There is no drying or protection from young owners, the tank is plastic. Partial protection against leaks is implemented (body only).

2nd place – Candy CST G282DM/1

The model in question is Candy CST G282DM/1 (made in China). Sound level 61/77 dB at maximum speed 1200 rpm. Imbalance and foaming are controlled. There is protection against children.

You can change the spin speed or turn it off completely. The start of washing can be postponed for up to 24 hours by using the timer.

The unit offers owners 15 different programs. There is a hygiene program and a compartment for liquid powder. Perfectly washes items made from wool and delicate materials. Washes at a faster rate, pre-treats and removes stains.

The drum doors open smoothly at the end of the session. It is controlled electronically, can be controlled from a smartphone, and is equipped with a digital display.

Disadvantages: only the housing protects against leaks, the tank is made of plastic, there is no drying.

1st place – Electrolux EWT 1366 HGW

The model in question is EWT1 366 HGW (manufactured in Poland). Sound level 51/77 dB at maximum speed 1300 rpm. The machine itself controls imbalance and foam formation. The spin speed can be adjusted or disabled.To postpone the activation of washing for up to 20 hours there is a timer.

The model offers owners 14 different programs. Washes wool, denim, delicate fabrics, tidies down jackets and sports equipment. Refreshes things with steam. At the end of the cycle, the unit doors smoothly swing open. A system is provided to protect against small experimenters.

Among the disadvantages: the tank is made of plastic, minimal protection against leaks using the housing, lack of drying.

The rating is based on the intensity of sales in online stores that provide information to Yandex Market.

As you can see, among the presented models there are no units with drying. If you are looking for a washing machine with this option, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this review.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Soundproofing a washing machine by covering the inside of the walls and panels with sound-absorbing material:

Installing anti-vibration pads to reduce noise and stabilize the washing machine:

All washing machines generate sound when operating. Its greatest force occurs during spinning, when the drum rotates at maximum speed. The noise level is not the main selection criterion, but it largely determines the operating comfort of the equipment.

Are you looking for a quiet washing machine for your home or apartment? Or do you have experience using the model from the above ratings? Tell our readers about the specifics of operation and maintenance of such devices. Share your personal experiences and ask questions - the comment form is located below.