Dimensions of automatic washing machines and other parameters influencing the choice of equipment
When going for a new automatic machine, you need to decide how much clothes it should wash in one cycle, what program functionality and additional options will be required for high-quality washing, as well as the size of the washing machine, which will definitely fit in the space prepared for it in the apartment.
When choosing a washing machine, it is wrong to consider only the functions and modes. Often, after purchasing a multifunctional modern automatic machine, there is nowhere to place it, and when transporting it to an apartment, it does not fit into the doorways.
Therefore, when communicating with a sales consultant, you must immediately indicate the dimensions of washing machines in order to familiarize yourself with only suitable options and not waste time on bulky models that are unacceptable in a particular situation.
The content of the article:
What should you consider when placing?
The dimensions of automatic machines include: height, width and depth. If the first automatic machines had standard dimensions 85x60x60, now the household appliances market is filled with different models - from standard to the narrowest.
To allow the unit to be built under the sink, placed on stands, while saving maximum space, there are compact models, all of whose dimensions are significantly smaller than standard ones.
To minimize space, they are increasingly used top loading machines. The unit is narrow in width, only 40 cm wide, with laundry loaded through a window on the top panel, making this machine universal in terms of placement.
Indicator No. 1 - height of equipment
Almost all units with vertical and front loading have a height of 85 cm. Due to adjustable screw legs, these models, if necessary, can reach values of 90 cm. And if rubber stands are used to stabilize vibration, the unit becomes even higher.
Some compact models for installation under the sink have a maximum height of 70 cm. This is necessary so that a special bowl-sink with an edge drain can be mounted on top, and this design is flush with the rest of the furniture in the bathroom.
Household front-loading models with a height of 85-90 cm should be installed with a reserve of space above them, since the loading hatch lid opens upward.
The standard dimensions of the vertical cover are 40-45 cm, so for ease of loading and unloading laundry, you need to leave 45 cm above it.
If the height of 130-140 cm is not too significant for the user of an automatic machine, then above it and the spare space you can install a shelf for washing powder and other household products.
Indicator No. 2 - vehicle width
Most often, machines with a front window are 60 cm wide. There are also narrower models, 55-59 cm wide. This is important if the room where the unit will be located is very small, and every centimeter is taken into account.
Built-in models practically do not differ in width, since for proper placement, the gap between the walls of the machine and the walls of the tabletop should be 2-4 cm.
If there is too narrow a corner for the washing machine in the bathroom, hallway or kitchen, or it should be placed between furniture and plumbing fixtures, then it is better to purchase a model with vertical filling, since the width of these devices does not exceed 45 cm.
Indicator No. 3 - depth of washing machines
The depth of the machine is an important indicator, since if you live in an apartment with a shared or small bathroom, there will be nowhere to place full-size equipment and you will have to buy a narrower model.
Standard models with a width of 60 cm can be placed in a boiler room, a specially designated room in a private house, or in a bathroom, if its area allows the installation of such a unit, and it is necessary due to the significant capacity of things.
More often, for combined bathrooms, narrowed or narrow models are purchased, since when installed behind the machine, communications and sockets are located, which takes up additional space and a full-size unit may simply be inappropriate.
When choosing a location for a front-loading washing machine, it is necessary to take into account the availability of free space in front of the unit so that you can open the hatch for loading and removing laundry. When placing the machine in the corridor, you must remember the need for water supply and sewerage, which will take 10-15 cm of additional space behind the machine. Therefore, the unit must be significantly narrower than the space allocated for it in the room.
If the area of the bathtub does not allow you to place both the machine and the sink, they can be combined. To do this, you need to consider compact models that are built under a narrow sink with an edge drain.
The depth of built-in kitchen models varies between 54-60 cm, so you can find a unit for any kitchen configuration and install it, leaving a standard 2-4 cm gap.
Additional criteria influencing the choice
The choice of washing machine is based on several criteria. They are interconnected, since if the desired load volume for a family is 5 kg, then the machine will have small dimensions.
If the functionality of the machine includes the option of steam washing or pre-dissolution of the powder, then a steam generator or bubble generator in the mode is installed inside the machine. Eco Bubble, then its dimensions become larger due to the placement of additional equipment.
Criterion No. 1 - weight and dimensions of equipment
The weight of the machine affects possible vibration. Therefore, there are no ultra-light models on the market, as this is fraught with significant movement of the unit along the floor surface.
The weight of modern devices is within 50-80 kg. Thus, the narrowest LG machine weighs 59 kg, and standard models of Hotpoint Ariston brand machines weigh 66-76 kg.
Automatic machines need significant weight to reduce vibration, since they have little support on the base. To achieve the required parameters, weights and counterweights are built into the design of the product.
New models from Samsung and LG have an electronic balancing system in which vibration is minimized by changing the speed.
Another important criterion when choosing an automatic machine is the dimensions of the product. Since small bathrooms often do not have enough space to place a full-size washing machine or a narrow model, the machine “moves” to the hallway or kitchen.
Installing a wide unit in the corridor results in very little space left for passage, so you should purchase a narrow or narrowed model. When installing an automatic machine in the kitchen, it is simply built into the kitchen set.
You need to choose an automatic washing machine wisely, since it is expected to last for several years.
Therefore, before purchasing, you should decide which functions are preferable and what dimensions the household appliance should have.
To determine the dimensions, you need to do the following:
- Select a place for the washing machine, take measurements of the free space and niche.
- Decide on the model of the machine, which loading will be preferable, vertical or frontal. To do this, you need to take into account the size of the room and the space around the designated niche.
- Measure the doorways of the front door and the doors to the room where the washing machine will be located, since sometimes you have to remove the jambs to bring the unit into the room.
- Write down your measurements and preferences on a piece of paper.
Having decided on the size of the device and its location, it is worth considering other parameters that may influence the choice.
Criterion No. 2 - drum loading volume
The next selection criterion is the loading volume. In a family with 5 or more people, the minimum load volume required to save water and electricity is 7 kg.
Some washing machine models are designed for 8 and 9 kg. In this case, it is necessary to consider a full-size automatic machine.
Machine manufacturers did not stop at the achieved 9 kg at the maximum width of the unit. To date, the proportions of maximum volume with minimum dimensions have been achieved. Thus, in the new line of Samsung washing machines with a width of 45 cm, you can wash as much as 8 kg of laundry per cycle.
Criterion No. 3 - functionality of the unit
The main options are reflected on the front control panel. Here are the washing modes with operating parameters - time, cycle temperature. In addition, the panel contains spin and rinse controls, with which you can also set the necessary parameters, depending on the number of stains, volume and structure of the clothes.
In addition, the latest generation washing devices are equipped with technological innovations that can be classified as the functionality of a washing machine. The consultant should inform you about these functions when choosing.Each of them is indicated by an icon or inscription on the boot window or information panel of the device.
Thus, the latest models of washing machines from Samsung have the function Eco Bubble. Before starting the wash, the internal generator produces air bubbles in which the washing powder dissolves. Airy foam penetrates fabrics at the microfiber level and removes any dirt faster than with regular washing.
A series of washing units from LG and Electrolux, thanks to technology True Steam And SteamSystem, are real home dry cleaners. With their help, you can easily care for silk, wool and other delicate items without additional costs.
In addition, things forgotten in the wardrobe can be given a fresh look without washing, and can cope with allergens and unpleasant odors.
Criterion No. 4 - additional options
Additional, but no less important functions of automatic washing machines include soaking, long rinsing, minimal ironing, and removal of animal hair. Modern units are equipped with innovative functions that help make washing more comfortable.
In a device from Siemens with technology i-Dos and in the German Miele with the function TwinDos, built-in auto-dosing of detergents.For the automatic Dos system to work, you need to fill a special container or insert blocks of powder into the dispenser. After determining the weight of the laundry, she herself dispenses the amount of detergent needed for washing.
Some Siemens models are equipped with the program StainRemoval, which, by accurately calculating temperature, time and volume of water, washes 16 types of stains.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What to look for when buying a washing machine:
How to correctly install a washing machine and sink bowl in the bathroom:
Where to place the machine in a small bathroom:
When purchasing an automatic washing machine, it is necessary to take into account not only the functions, loading volume, but also the dimensions, since the household appliance market offers various models of washing machines, from full-size to the narrowest models.
If the size of the bathroom allows you to accommodate a standard unit, then to be able to wash bulky items and a large amount of laundry, you can purchase a full-size machine. If the room where the washing machine will be located is very small or to support the design idea it needs to be built into furniture or under the sink, you need to choose narrower, more compact models.
Do you have any questions, found any shortcomings, or have valuable information that you can supplement our material with? Please leave your comments and share your experience in the block below the article.
We have a very good Samsung washing machine at home. It's over 10 years old and works well. The bathroom is large enough to accommodate a washing machine. We have it in standard size, volume 5 kg. This is enough to wash the clothes of 4 adults. Children's clothes are washed separately.During the entire period of operation of the washing machine, it broke down only 1 time. And then the handle broke down and had to be replaced.
Progress does not stand still; it turns out that my car lacks an electronic balancing system. I have an old Samsung with standard dimensions and front loading. With a light load, it behaves decently, and if you load a bedding set or a down jacket, be prepared for the machine to greet you at the bathroom door. With a heavy load, she gallops around the bathroom like an Indian on the prairie.
Adjust the machine level normally. You can also buy special anti-vibration pads. They are inexpensive, but they help a lot.
Our bathroom is very small. Only a bathtub fits there, and there is a little space between it and the wall, just enough for a narrow washing machine. I bought a new Candy to replace the failed washing machine. Size, of course, was of paramount importance, but I also paid attention to functionality. In the purchased model, for example, you can select the degree of soiling of the laundry and there is a “steam” washing function. And it also has the ability to be controlled via an Android application. In my opinion, Candy is an excellent option for a narrow washing machine.
So many criteria really. Our eyes widen when shopping))) We finally decided on whirlpool. The load volume is large, it washes quietly and does not consume much water.
Indesit has several options for small kitchens, 40 cm wide. We chose the most spacious of them, 6 kg, vertical. And it spins perfectly, and there are enough different programs.
It’s a pity that there was nowhere to put the large washing machine, which is why we had to sacrifice the load in favor of the dimensions, but it’s okay, we took a vertical machine and it has taken root with us.