Against the backdrop of a rise in the price of energy resources, energy-saving equipment is in trend. One of the most important selection criteria is the energy class. An economical washing machine is easy to recognize by its marking – the letter “A” with any number of pluses or no pluses means that the device will consume a minimum of electricity.
What does the energy efficiency class mean?
When electricity cost a penny, no one paid attention to “trifles” like the amount of energy consumed. Today, in order to prevent electricity bills from making a hole in the budget, buyers tend to purchase household appliances with a minimum level of energy consumption. Among the automatic washing machines (CMA), the most economical are A +, A ++ and A +++ classes. However, at present, all self-respecting brands produce devices with a class of at least A.
The rational use and saving of electricity is achieved in different ways. For example, through the use of engines with high efficiency, due to economical water consumption, etc.
What are the energy classes?
All household appliances are classified into electricity efficiency classes. Each designation – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, corresponds to a certain level of energy consumption. The maximum energy efficiency is shown by machines marked “A”, the minimum – “G”. Since 1992, labeling has been unified in the EU – equipment manufactured in different countries began to be labeled according to one system. A single European classification was soon adopted throughout the world. A sticker with the appropriate marking is glued directly to the CMA body.
The energy efficiency of washing machines is defined as the ratio of kW consumed per hour to 1 kg of laundry. For SMA with class A, this value is in the range from 0,17 to 0,19. In the new generation of washing machines, there are variations – A with a different amount of “+”. Having the same consumption of electricity, they belong to different classes. Pluses are “issued” to washing machines for the ability to rationally spend electricity. For the consumer, these icons do not carry any specific digital meanings. So, “+” play about the same role as asterisks in the application to the hotel.
Who spends electricity?
For SMA to be economical, its elements must rationally spend electrical energy. Its main consumers in the washing machine are:
- Motor. It drives the drum. The main type of engines used in washing machines are collector. They consume 400-800 watts. During washing, the energy consumption is less, during the spin cycle, the consumption increases.
- Heating element. Heats the water in the tank. It may not turn on at all, or it can heat water up to 95 degrees. The installed capacity of heating elements is in the range of 1,7–2,9 kW.
- Pump. Pumps out water at different stages. Power – from 25 to 40 watts.
- Control Panel. Here, electricity feeds the electronic module, lamps, sensors, etc. The total consumption is 5–10 W, no more.
As you can see, the main consumers of energy are the motor and the heating element, and the consumption volumes depend on them.
Top 5 Most Energy Efficient SMAs
All classes A – with one, two and three “+”, spend 45% less electricity than the standard mode suggests. Such washing machines are considered super economical and can last about 15 years. And +++, being a kind of pinnacle of economy, is not a panacea. SMA is evaluated only by the totality of characteristics.
Not a single manufacturer claiming the attention of consumers today allows itself to produce machines with an efficiency below the A-class *. Experts have compiled a rating of manufacturers in terms of the energy efficiency of their washing machines. They arranged them in this order – BOSCH batteries and motors, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Indesit, Zanussi, Ariston, Candy.
*This does not apply to CMA with drying – in such devices it is difficult to minimize consumption.
Leading brands offer many A+++ models. Among them there are SMAs with different drum capacity – from the minimum to 12–15 kg, and with different types of loading. Consider the most economical models on the market of washing machines.
Bosch WLL 24266 – many programs
Free-standing narrow SMA from a German manufacturer. This is a front-facing machine with an average drum capacity – its volume is enough to wash an average family of 3-5 people. The control panel has a digital display and touch buttons. The tank is made of plastic – this is an inexpensive option that allows you to reduce the noise level in the device. The diameter of the loading hatch is 32 cm, which is quite enough for laying large things.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 42 liters per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 17 pcs. (including direct injection, washing delicate, economical, night mode, for children’s clothes, for sportswear, super rinse, quick, preliminary).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash/spin): 56/77 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Advantages:
- Works very quietly. Users claim that the noise level of this machine is lower than that of some Korean SMAs.
- Collapsible drum. Such a constructive solution allows you to quickly change the bearings – the repair is less expensive than in SMA with non-separable drums.
- A large number of programs, and they can be adjusted to a specific case.
- Does not vibrate even at maximum speed.
- Acceptable cost. Compared to competitors with similar characteristics, the price is quite affordable.
- Economical consumption of water and electricity.
Disadvantages:
- The sensor is slow.
- Claims to the quality of the display.
Electrolux EW6F4R08WU – big load
Front-mounted, stand-alone machine with a large load. The control panel is equipped with a digital display. There is a convenient rotary knob and touch buttons. The delayed start timer has a duration of 20 hours. The tank, like the previous model, is plastic. There is a compartment for liquid powder.
- Capacity: 8 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 52 liters per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical, for jeans, for sportswear, for outerwear, down clothes, super rinse, quick).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash/spin): 58/79 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x55x85 cm.
Advantages:
- Large set of functions and programs. For the asking price, this modification is “mega-functional” (citation needed).
- Simple control.
- There is a quick wash – a very convenient and profitable program for lightly soiled laundry.
- There is a function of reloading linen. This option also allows you to save money – no need to stop and then restart the program. You can pause the process, reload the laundry and continue the cycle.
- There is a steam treatment that removes bacteria and allergens. This option is especially important in a house where there are children and animals.
Disadvantages:
- Reloading can be done only in the first 10 minutes of operation.
Users note the efficiency of this washer, including electricity. This is the ideal machine for those who wash a lot and often. It not only consumes little electricity, but also offers economical modes. This is an excellent CMA, in addition to the usual set of options, there is reloading and steaming – very important features for a modern washing machine.
LG FH-2C3WD – direct drive
Frontal CMA from a Korean brand. This is a narrow, stand-alone device with a direct drive – thanks to it, the reliability of the washer increases, its service life increases, and noise during operation decreases. The tank is made of plastic. Management – touch.
- Capacity: 6,5 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 43 liters per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 9 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, for children’s clothes, quick wash, pre-wash, stain removal program).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash/spin): 55/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Advantages:
- Works quietly.
- Spacious drum.
- Removes contaminants well.
Disadvantages:
- No child protection.
- There is no timer.
- Washing steps are not displayed.
- Does not display the time until the end of the wash.
thanks inverter motor and direct drive, this SMA not only works quietly, but also economically consumes all kinds of resources. This is a multifunctional device, economical and inexpensive.
Samsung WW70K62E00S – with additional loading
Side loading CMA with superior performance. An inverter motor is installed here – today this is the best option for washing machines. Thanks to the brushless motor, the durability of the machine is increased, its efficiency is increased, and noise is reduced. This modification belongs to the CMA line with additional loading – there is an additional door.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 42 liters per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical, for children’s clothes, for black clothes, super rinse, fast, steam).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash/spin): 58/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Advantages:
- AddWash technology – the ability to reload. The machine can be stopped at any time – you can even throw the laundry at the end of the cycle to rinse.
- EcoBubble – bubble wash. Allows you to quickly and efficiently wash dirt, even in cold water.
- There is a steam wash – allows you to wash complex and chronic pollution. Provides antibacterial and antiallergic effect.
- There is a “super rinse +” – the smell of detergent is eliminated.
- The inverter motor ensures quiet operation and long service life. The manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty on the engine.
- Low water consumption, 42 liters is one of the best on the market.
- Silent work.
- Large set of programs.
- After washing, the lock is quickly removed from the door – a minute after stopping.
- The detergent is completely washed out of the tray.
- The kit comes with a Russian-language instruction for a specific model.
- The display has a large and bright screen – easy to read information.
Disadvantages:
- Steam is supplied only on two programs.
- It is difficult to maintain the filter – the user had problems unscrewing this element. But then he himself admits that he should have read the instructions first.
- For some, the indicator option is not in the form of an inscription, but in the form of symbols – sometimes it is not clear what they mean.
- Short drain hose.
- There is no anti-crease mode.
Indesit BTW E71253 P – vertical
In this model from Indesit, linen is laid on top. There is a reload function – you can throw forgotten things after the start of the cycle. Operated by a rotary knob and touch buttons. There is a timer for 12 hours – for a delayed start.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Drying: no.
- Water consumption: 41 liters per cycle.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including delicates, economy, anti-crease, sportswear, mixed fabrics, super rinse, quick, stain removal program).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, balance and foam level control.
- Noise level (wash/spin): 58/77 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Advantages:
- Quietly washes – can be washed at night.
- Convenient control and informative display.
- Qualitatively washes dirt, delicately treats linen.
- Compact, takes up little space – easy to place in the bathroom.
- Possibility to load laundry during washing – after pausing, then the machine continues to work according to the previously set program.
Disadvantages:
- Child protection is not provided.
- Slight vibration when spinning.
- No temperature 90 degrees.
- There is no end-of-cycle signal.
Users emphasize that this version of Indesit is extremely economical in its use of resources – water and electricity. The washing machine is suitable for people who do not chase design and often wash – this modest-looking machine is reliable, hardworking, quiet and saves money for its owners.
Conclusions
Summing up:
- When choosing an economical SMA, one should not focus on one indicator, one should evaluate the operation of the device in a complex – take into account washing class and spin, as well as other characteristics.
- The minimum consumption of electricity in its pure form is extremely important for appliances that work constantly – for example, for refrigerators. If the washing machine works 1-2 times a week, then chasing extra “pluses” is irrational – the savings will be negligible. For SMA with A +++, the manufacturer will charge the buyer 10–15% more, but whether it is worth overpaying for the sake of insignificant savings depends on the frequency of washing.
- The question of buyers is how much electricity the washing machine takes, one of the main ones when choosing the right model.
- Today, almost all brands that produce CMA have class A +++ – from the Belarusian “Atlanta” to the German Miele.
Class A+++ is found in many CMA models today, but it is not a guarantee of maximum savings. A whole set of factors affects the consumption of electrical energy – from water consumption to the frequency of washing.