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Older people, who have washed clothes in primitive washing machines all their lives, find it difficult to understand the modes, buttons and programs of modern SMA. They don’t make special washing machines for pensioners, but there are models whose management is reduced to elementary actions, and we’ll talk about them.
Features of SMA for the elderly
It is no secret that it is difficult for older people to adapt to everything new, including technology. The younger generation helps them deal with household appliances, televisions, telephones. Washing machines are no exception.
The abundance of functions, buttons, options, modes and programs makes old people want to “do not touch anything” so as not to “break anything”. They try to remember every action, “intuitive control” does not work when meeting with old people – every light bulb causes excitement, and the need to take any action confuses them. But we are resolving the issue, there are many simple automatic machines on the market, with elementary controls.
What should be the SMA for pensioners?
SMA is most difficult to use for people aged 80 or over. And the sight is not the same, and the hands are weak, and the sharpness of the mind has faded in many. Having collected the wishes of people who are faced with the problem of lack of contact between SMA and their elderly relatives, we have drawn a composite portrait of the ideal washer for the elderly:
- The main condition is the most simple control.
- Preferably inexpensive. Usually SMA for elderly relatives is bought cheaper. Why is the second question, we only generalize the desires of consumers. The optimal amount is 8–000 rubles.
- Noise level depends on circumstances. There are people who are hard of hearing, and there are old people who are annoyed by a strong monotonous buzz.
- Minimum features. No drying required ironing, steam treatment and other newfangled options.
- The spin is small – 1000 revolutions is enough.
- Small download. Big laundry is not for old people. They usually have enough cars for 4-5 kg. For active pensioners who like to wash blankets, curtains and other large items, you can choose a larger load – up to 6-7 kg.
- Short wash program. Retirees love to save money. They do not delve into energy classes and the like, their savings are simple – quickly turn off the car. A washing machine running for hours is sure to make them nervous – and this is unhealthy.
- The best option is still CMA, because semiautomatic devices are inferior in reliability, their level of quality is lame. Old people do not need problems and breakdowns. The washing machine should make their life easier and life in general, and not create additional difficulties.
Also, in each individual case, it is necessary to take into account specific circumstances, including the state of health:
- Weak eyesight. Washers with push-button control are suitable, not touch ones. However, this option is preferable for all old people – it is more convenient for them to use ordinary buttons and rotary switches.
- Problems with the back, joints, pressure. It is advisable to choose a top-loading SMA – it is easier for an old person to load laundry from above than to bend over to the side loading hatch.
There are not isolated cases when old people simply refuse to use SMA – they are afraid to break it or simply cannot remember how to use it.
Simple washing machines for pensioners – an overview of models
A brief collective image of a washing machine for the elderly is inexpensive, simple and reliable, push-button, quiet and preferably top-loading. And the simpler the device, the better. For the elderly, the ideal washer should have one button, and a large one. And preferably red – so that it is clearly visible. Turned on and off. And that’s it. Since modern technology has not reached such a “cosmic” level, one has to be content with what the “manufacturer sent”. We will try to find in the assortment of popular brands – we will not trust fake one-day firms – cars with an interface accessible to pensioners.
Indesit IWUB 4105
This is a small frontal washer from an Italian manufacturer. Device with removable lid for installation and small load. Dry is not here. The program switch is rotary. Options are enabled with buttons. The names of the programs and the recommended temperature are written on the panel in large letters. Automatic selection of water flow. There is no display.
- Capacity: 4 kg.
- Water consumption: 39 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 13 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, preventing creasing, washing jeans, washing sportswear, super rinse, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x33x85 cm.
Let’s see what users write about this model. Pros:
- The machine is compact, narrow, it is easy to move it to the wall.
- Saves water and electricity – calculates the consumption depending on the load.
- Moderate cost.
- There is a soaking and washing of shoes.
- Washes and squeezes well.
- It works quietly and does not jump on the spin cycle if you put pads under the legs.
Cons:
- Noise on spin.
- Due to the low water consumption, it does not rinse well.
- Uneven distribution of laundry in the drum.
The mechanically operated CMA, inexpensive and reliable, has received many positive reviews from users. Such a simple and cheap washing machine is quite suitable for old people who do not want to delve into the nuances of touch controls and peer into the display. Many noted that the management of this SMA is very simple – “even a child will figure it out.” Just what you need. This machine is not perfect, but we are not looking for an ideal. The main thing is that it does not break after the first wash – and this happens.
Hotpoint-Ariston WMTL 501 L
This is one of the most inexpensive and easy-to-manage verticals. The brand is also owned by Italian companies. The washer has a rotary knob and buttons. There is a reload – if the owner forgets to put something, the device stops easily, and after reloading it continues the interrupted program.
- Capacity: 5 kg.
- Water consumption: 42 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 18 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economy wash, super rinse, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Pros:
- Convenient to use. The linen is loaded from above, management — buttons and the switch.
- Saves water. Users note real savings on the meter – what our pensioners need.
- Spinning, though not powerful, but quiet.
- Compact, fits comfortably in a small bathroom.
- Possibility to throw clothes after the start of washing. Old people often fail their memory – it is convenient when it is possible, without waiting for the end of the cycle and without restarting the program, to reload the laundry.
- Resistant to spin – does not shake.
- Water after washing does not accumulate anywhere – you do not have to clean a lot.
Cons:
- There are many programs in this machine that are not particularly needed by its elderly owners. But a large number of programs is a characteristic feature of verticals. It is difficult to find CMA with less than 12 programs.
- Marked corrosion of the top cover.
Easier and cheaper than this vertical washer is hard to find. This is an inexpensive version from a well-known Italian brand. It is convenient to lay linen in it, mechanical control is ideal for pensioners.
Indesit BTW A5851
Another suitable washer from the brand “Indesite“. This is a free-standing vertical SMA with reloading. The machine is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
- Capacity: 5 kg.
- Water consumption: 41 l.
- Spin speed: 800 rpm.
- Number of programs: 12 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / D.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
The only drawback of such a washer is the possibility of breakage. Judging by the reviews, breakdowns for vertical washers are common. It is impossible to insure against breakdowns by buying the cheapest models.
ATLANT 50У82
SMA from the Belarusian manufacturer. The device looks extremely simple – on the control panel there is a switch and buttons. Modes are selected first, options are selected second. There is a display here – it shows how much time is left until the end of the wash.
- Capacity: 5 kg.
- Water consumption: 45 l.
- Spin speed: 800 rpm.
- Number of programs: 15 pcs. (including delicates, anti-crease, sportswear, super rinse, quick wash, soak, stain removal program).
- Energy efficiency class: A+.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / D.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x40x85 cm.
Pros:
- Three years warranty – more than analogues.
- Washes and rinses great.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Laundry is damp after spinning.
- Inaccurately calculates the end time of the cycle.
- There are complaints about the noise from the pump during draining and spinning.
The model is inferior to others in the spin speed, but this is not a critical drawback – 800 revolutions is enough. The owners of this budget washing machine note its reliability and ease of use. The main complaints are related to spinning – the device wrings out large things especially badly. One of the users noted that because of this, the machine is more semi-automatic than automatic.
Another suitable option is the Turkish BEKO WKB 51001 M machine. It costs about 11 rubles and is designed for 000 kg.
Conclusions
Summing up:
- Among the low-cost SMAs, you can find low-cost models with simple controls – the best option for retirees.
- The optimal type of loading is vertical. The cheapest vertical SMAs are more expensive than budget front cameras. But they are more convenient to use – it is easier to throw clothes into the wash.
When buying SMA for elderly relatives, ask about their preferences and health status, and also ask what type of download they like best.