How to choose a top-loading washing machine

Vertical type washing machines appeared much earlier than frontal ones. But the latter gradually began to supplant the vertical lines. Nevertheless, automatic top-loading washing machines are still in demand and have their own advantages. Here you will learn about all the nuances, features, capabilities, pluses and minuses of vertical design machines, which will help you make your choice.

Which machine is better - with vertical or front-loading?

Before we figure out which type of washer is better, we will find out what are their main differences.

The main differences between frontal and vertical cars

The main difference in the devices is the location of the loading hatch. At front cars it is located on the front panel in the form of a round door with transparent glass. When opening the hatch, the user immediately gets access to the drum.

On a top-loading machine, the lid is located on top. When it is opened, a drum is observed, which, like the front-wheel, is installed in a vertical plane. To gain access to the drum of a vertical machine, it is necessary to open the door and in it. Thus, it turns out that vertical boxes have two covers: in the case and in the drum itself.

More expensive models have a "drum parking" system - when washing is completed, it is automatically installed so that the hatch is on top. If the unit does not have such a system, then the drum will have to be scrolled manually to catch the shutter. The process is simple, but not everyone finds it convenient.

There are verticals activator type, they have a tank located in a horizontal plane. But they are rare, and those that are on our market are mostly semi-automatic.

Another important difference is the size. Vertical washers are narrower in width and often help out where there is not enough space to install a frontalka.

Average sizes of cars:

As you can see, the dimensions of the devices have a clear difference. People who do not have extra square meters in the house often have to choose the vertical because of its size.

Among vertical instruments there are also small cars, but, as a rule, these are semiautomatic devices or ordinary, mechanical models.

Now let's try to compare other parameters of machines of different types of structures:

1. Front washing machines can have drums with a capacity of up to 15 kg, vertical models - up to 9-10 kg.
2. Shock absorbers and counterweights for vertical devices are arranged somewhat differently than for front-end units. Due to this, vertical lines are more stable and vibrate less.
3. Vertikals better tolerate the effects of centrifugal force, and their bearings are less likely to fail.
4. Any vertical machine can to load during washing. Frontal - only if such an option is provided by the manufacturer.
5. Both types of automatic washing machines have similar control panels, but they are located in different places: vertical bars - on top, front cameras - on the front plane.
6. There are no differences in the quality of washing between the categories of machines. It all depends on the specific models and what programs they have.
7. There are no special differences in functionality.Among both types of machines, you can find models with a large number of programs, with drying and other additional features.
8. Front-loading washing machines can integrate under a countertop or cabinet. Vertical - not. They can only be used as stand-alone.

The main advantages of vertical cars

1. There is no need to bend over to load laundry.
2. The device takes up little space and can fit in a small space.
3. At any time during washing, you can stop the machine, load laundry or remove it.

What's better?

So, we come to the main question: what type of washing machine to choose - with vertical loading or front-loading, or rather, which one is better.

The answer is ambiguous: it cannot be said with certainty that one type of structure is significantly better than another. Each category of washing machines has its pros and cons, and it all depends on individual needs.

Some people choose verticals according to their old habit: such loading seems more comfortable, since people are used to it from the old days when there were no other designs. But more often these units are bought to save space.

Top-loading washing machine: choosing the right one

If you are still more attracted to vertical washing machines or if you find them more suitable for your living space, find out how to choose the right device.

What should the washing machine have?

The capacity of the tank for verticals can vary from 4 to 10 kg. The larger the tank, the larger the body dimensions in depth. For a family of 2-3 people, a volume of 4 kg will be enough. For a family of 3-5 people, a machine with a capacity of 5-6 kg is suitable. A family of more than 5 people can choose an aggregate with a drum volume of 7 to 10 kg.

Much depends on people's lifestyle: in some families, dirty laundry is collected almost daily, while others load a car only once a week. Therefore, here you need to objectively weigh your needs.

What is the best spin and energy saving class?

Electricity and water bills are rising almost every day. Today, home appliance manufacturers are focusing on resource saving systems.

Regarding energy consumption washing machines marked with latin letters. To figure out how much the device of one or another labeling will approximately consume, the table will help:

Today, units of class E and lower are almost never found on the market. The more economical the device, the higher its price. But it’s much more profitable to pay once for a purchase than to take cheaper machineand then regularly pay high electricity bills. Therefore, if you approach the issue wisely, it is better to buy a washer in a class not lower than A.

Spin is an important parameter in a washing machine. The better the appliance will cope with this task, the faster the laundry will become dry after washing. The spin level is calculated based on the revolutions of the drum per minute. Today's washing machine models can have a maximum spin speed from 800 to 1700 rpm. In addition, each unit has several speed levels, the minimum of which is usually 400 rpm.

The spin class is also marked with Latin letters:

1. “A” - residual moisture in things will be below 45%.
2. “B” - the drum will squeeze the laundry by about 50%.
3. "C" - things will remain wet at 55-60%.
4. “D” - the laundry will be wet at 60-70%.

There are models equipped with a spin function with anti-creasing things.This means that after the cycle, the laundry will remain almost not wrinkled and it will not require ironing.

Programs and Features

Let's consider what programs and functions should be in the best vertical washing automatic machine.

1. The number of programs. On average, washing machines have from 8 to 12 programs. There may be more. The basic set includes modes for washing cotton, synthetics, wool, delicate fabrics, fast, hand wash. The remaining programs are not necessary, but add value and comfort to the wash.
2. Pre-soaking. A very convenient option for heavily soiled laundry.
3. Extra rinse. Detergent is washed out worse from some fabrics, and the additional rinse function solves the problem.
4. Manual selection of water temperature. Typically, for each program, the temperature is set automatically. But one doesn’t always want to wash things at the temperature set by the machine. Manual adjustment will never be superfluous.
5. Manual adjustment of the spin speed. Some products do not tolerate the machine spin, and its manual adjustment will help preserve the structure of the fabric.
6. Delay start timer. A useful option that allows you to delay the start of the wash for a while. Cars can have a timer for 9, 12 and 24 hours.
7. Protective systems. The better the washer is protected, the lower the risk of trouble. It is good if the device will be protected from leaks, from the formation of abundant foam, from the imbalance of the drum, from children.
8. Self-diagnosis system. A very useful option. In the event of a malfunction, the machine independently diagnoses itself and issues a code indicating a particular breakdown. No need to guess what and where it broke.
9. Drying. Models with this option are much more expensive. But for those who have nowhere to dry laundry, this feature will be very useful.

Drum and Tank Materials

Tanks for washers come in three types:

1. From stainless steel.
2. Made of steel with enamel coating.
3. Made of plastic.

Metal tanks are considered more wear-resistant, but only if the steel is of high quality and welded correctly.

Recently, manufacturers are gradually abandoning steel tanks in favor of plastic ones. They are made of a special durable carbon fiber plastic - carbon fiber. This is a fairly high-quality material, while it does not lend itself to corrosion, deformation and is able to serve for many years.

Therefore, do not be afraid of cars with a plastic tank, you just need to make sure that it is made of carbon fiber.

Cheaper units have tanks made of polyplex (Poliplex). Its durability is much lower than carbon.

What is better not to splurge on?

When choosing a vertical type automatic washing machine, you need to think carefully about which functions will really be needed and which are not urgently needed. The more options the model has, the higher its price.

For example, there is no need to spend money on a device with a capacity of 7-8 kg, if 2-3 people live in the house. It is unlikely that huge piles of linen will be collected in such a family. A large tank will consume more energy.

Also, experts recommend that you do not run into cars with high spin speed. At a speed of 1400-1600 per minute things simply spoil, stretch. The most optimal spin speed is considered to be 1000-1200 rpm.

As for the choice of washing machines for quality and reliability, it is worth giving preference to trusted brands.

Top-Loading Machine Companies - Who Should Give Preference

The most popular brands of automatic vertical washers:

1. Bosch.
2. Indesit.
3. Zanussi.
4. WHIRLPOOL.
5. Gorenje.

Brands producing reliable vertical washing machines of the activator and mechanical type:

1. RENOVA.
2. Fairy.
3. Assol.

It’s hard to say which company is better. Each manufacturer has successful models and not so.It is necessary to consider each specific model separately, studying all its parameters.

In the next article, we suggest you look at manufacturers rating of washing machines and choose the best.

Rating of the best top-loading washing machines

We present a brief overview of washing machines of a vertical type, which have quite a decent quality, optimal characteristics and price.

So, a rating of 2019 good verticals.

RENOVA WS-50PT

• Freestanding washing machine
• 74x43x88 cm
• activator
• top loading
• load: 5 kg
• mechanical control
• spin at 1350 rpm

This is a semi-automatic model of the activator type with mechanical control. The capacity of its tank is 5 kg. The unit is quite simple and has only 3 washing modes. The width of the RENOVA WS-50PT washing machine is 65 cm, since its spin centrifuge is located separately. The maximum spin occurs at a speed of 1350 rpm. Among the exciting functions there is a timer and an audible signal that signals the end of the wash cycle. The price of the model is 4500-5500 p.

Fairy SMP-40N

Continues our rating of the best verticals another budget activator model from a domestic manufacturer. By options, it is very similar to the above. The unit also has three programs, and the tank load is designed for 4 kg of laundry. The case is 69 cm wide. The control panel is mechanical, a spin centrifuge with a maximum rotation speed of 1300 rpm is located on the side of the washing drum. The cost of the model varies between 4000-5000 p.

VolTek Rainbow SM-5 White

The compact activator vertical has a body width of 49 cm. The model is semi-automatic, with mechanical control and a tank with a capacity of 5 kg. She has only two washing modes: normal and delicate. There is no spin in this device. This is a very simple washing machine in terms of functionality, but its price is also low - 3500 p.

Indesit ITW A 5851 W

And completes our top automatic vertical model with a body width of 40 cm and a drum for 5 kg of laundry. The device is equipped with 15 programs, an extraction at a speed of 800 rpm, electronic control. The machine has three degrees of protection, there is a timer for 12 hours, an audible signal. Of the additions, double rinsing, manual selection of the spin speed, pre-soaking are provided. Estimated price - 18000-19000 p.

Everyone should decide which company and with what functions the vertical line is based on their needs. But general information about the features of these machines will help to make a purchase more competently. When buying a machine, do not forget to take a warranty card. Usually manufacturers give a guarantee for their devices for at least 1 year.

Title	RENOVA WS-50PT	Fairy SMP-40N	VolTek Rainbow SM-5 White	Indesit ITW A 5851 W
Maximum load of linen	5 kg	4 kg	5 kg	5 kg
Dimensions (WxDxH)	74x43x88 cm	69x36x69 cm	49x42x73 cm	40x60x85 cm
Spin Speed	up to 1350 rpm	up to 1320 rpm	up to 1350 rpm	up to 800 rpm
Water leakage protection	no	no	no	partial (housing)
Additional Information	loading laundry during the spin up to 4.5 kg; drain pump; multipulsator	pump	water pump	the choice of washing temperature, the presence of wheels / rollers on the body
Price	from 4600 rub.	from 5200 rub.	from 4500 rub.	from 19700 rub.