There is no washing machine perfect: this household appliance fits primarily to its needs and budget. Because, beyond its design and its mode of opening (front, with a porthole or over, "top"), we do not need the same washing machine if we live alone, with two or five. Or if you have a baby or allergic person at home. So, to get out of the hundreds of washing machines available and buy yours at the best price / quality ratio , here are some criteria to take into account.

The capacity of the washing machine, criterion of choice

The washing machines that are found on the market generally have a capacity ranging from 5 to 15kg . The smaller ones are enough for singles or couples, while for a family of 4 to 5 people, it is better to opt for a washing machine of 7 to 9 kg. Larger formats correspond to specific lifestyles: ideal for example if you have a bed and breakfast and that regularly wash duvets.

To know: some machines are equipped with an electronic weighing system which allows to adapt the consumption of water and electricity to the number of kilos of linen that one lava. In other words, no need to run 8kg machines to make the bill profitable.

Technologies that enhance washing efficiency

While it is difficult to form an opinion about the efficiency of a washing machine before using it, some technical criteria can still help us make the right choice. Some machines are equipped with additional technologies that enhance the efficiency of washing. If you have an allergic person at home, for example, you can choose a washing machine with a built-in steam system. Steam penetrates the fiber of the garment and removes all traces of allergen .

The number of revolutions per minute has no effect on the washing of the laundry , but on its spinning. The higher the number of revolutions per minute, the faster the drum rotates, and the more the machine dries out of the machine. 1200 to 1400 is the average number of revolutions per minute.

The different washing programs

Here again, the presence or absence of certain washing programs defines the choice of its washing machine. In addition to the classic "cotton", "delicate" or "synthetic", there are many other washing programs that meet the needs of each other. More and more people are turning to washing machines that have "fast" or "eco" modes. These short programs (usually 30 to 45 minutes) allow you to wash clothes quickly on a daily basis. And some washing machines integrate cycles even faster, 15 or 20 minutes for example. If these programs are ideal for dusting or washing lightly soiled laundry, do not bother to leave a stubborn task with a short program. And contrary to popular belief, invoice side, it is not fast programs that help save money. They are then abandoned in favor of the "eco" mode, which allows them to reduce electricity consumption by 30 to 45% for each laundry. Also practical: the delayed starting modes that allow you to run a machine during off -peak hours to save money, or several hours later, so that it ends when we return from the office for example ...

Then, the choice of washing programs is made according to its needs: special baby , sport, difficult tasks, waterproof , silk, easy ironing, black clothes, lingerie ... The connected washing machines even offer the downloading of new programs directly from his smartphone .

There are also machines that wash and dry the laundry. But the end result is usually not that of a dryer.

The energy rating of the washing machine: an element not to be neglected

When you buy your washing machine, you also think about looking at the energy rating given to the product (from A for the most eco-friendly to D). The annual estimate of the number of kilowatts and liters of water spent on the unit is shown . Also indicated: the spin score (from A to G), the number of decibels emitted by the machine during the washing phase and during the spinning phase and the annual estimate in euros of its use. Convenient to have all the basic info at a glance. And if according to Cool Products for a Cool Planet , a coalition of NGOs specializing in eco-design, manufacturers overestimate the energy performance of their devices by about 10% compared to reality, washing machines rated A consume still less energy than the others and especially 60 to 70% less water than 10 years ago.

Thanks to Valéry Vieira and Sébastien Bergeret, LG trainers.