Small-sized washing machines: TOP-5 models, how to choose the right one?

The dimensions of the washing machine – height, width and depth, are especially important in small spaces. Compact washing machines, unlike full-size counterparts, are not only easier to place in the kitchen or bathroom, but can also be successfully built in – under the sink, countertop or cabinet.

Dimensions of small washing machines

Small washing machines are among different types of washers – front and vertical, automatic and semi-automatic. Our review focuses on the side-loading CMA, the most popular type of washing machine in Russia.

A small-sized washing machine is called provided that each of the three dimensions – height, width and depth – is less than the standard. If at least one of the parameters is equal to (or greater than) the standard, the model does not belong to the small-sized category.

How SMA are distinguished by size:

• if the depth is less than it should be, and the width and / or height are standard, the machine is called narrow;
• if the height is below the standard, and the depth and / or width are standard, the model is classified as low CMA.

The standards for full-size washers are not strict, the parameters may deviate by several centimeters. It is generally accepted that the dimensions of a conventional SMA are as follows:

• height – 80–85 cm;
• width — 55–60 cm;
• depth – 55–60 cm.

Dimensions of small-sized front-loading washing machines:

• height – 67–70 cm;
• width — 47–52 cm;
• depth – 43–50 cm.

The average capacity in washing machines of small sizes is from 5 to 6 kg of laundry. This performance is usually enough for a family of 2-3 people.

Advantages and disadvantages

If your house has spacious rooms, then there is no particular need to look for a compact washer. Moreover, almost all top models are standard. Manufacturers are focusing on the production of full-sized SMAs and it is these that are brought to perfection. Compact versions are most often chosen only out of necessity.

Pros:

• The ability to hide a small-sized washing machine under the sink, countertop, cabinet in the bathroom, in the kitchen. Full-sized SMAs can also be placed in cabinets, but for installation under the sink, with their 85 cm, they are definitely not suitable.
• The compact dimensions of the devices do not affect the quality of washing in any way. The latter depends on the class of the car, on the brand, on technical solutions and implemented technologies.
• Smaller devices have the same functionality as full-sized CMAs, but they use less water and electricity.

Cons:

• Parts wear out faster than in large-sized machines due to tight placement.
• They vibrate more strongly – due to the lighter weight and the absence of counterweights.
• Limited download. In conventional devices, the drums can hold 7-8 kg at a time, or even more, in compact ones – no more than 5 kg.
• High cost. There are few small-sized versions on the market, and the manufacturer has the opportunity to offer them at an inflated cost.

When buying a compact SMA, pay attention to such points:

• Download volume. It is better to take the option with a maximum load of 5 kg. This is enough for a small family, it will also be possible to wash large things.
• tank material. Experts advise buying cars with a stainless steel tank, not plastic. Such SMAs are much more expensive, but they also last longer. Among the compact washers, stainless steel tanks have “Eurosoba».
• The number of spin turns. Smaller machines have a slower drum rotation speed than full-size versions. The maximum value for the category under consideration is 1100 revolutions.

Overview of small-sized automatic washing machines

Not every brand has compact CMAs. And in general, there are not so many non-standard washers on the market. That is why the price for them is too high, but the quality of this is no better than that of full-sized SMAs. Consider the most popular and popular models. Let’s make a reservation right away that in our field of vision are compact front cameras. These little machines do not have a dryer.

Candy Aqua 114D2 – direct drive

Front freestanding model with removable cover and direct drive. Management – electronic, there is a display and a delay timer (for 24 hours). Weight – 48 kg. The tank is plastic.

• Capacity: 4 kg.
• Water consumption: 52 l.
• Spin speed: 1100 rpm.
• Number of programs: 16 pcs. (including delicates, economy wash, mixed fabrics, super rinse, quick wash, wash with plenty of water).
• Energy efficiency class: A+.
• Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
• Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 51x44x69 cm.
• Noise level (wash/spin): 56/81 dB.

Pros:

• Stable, does not vibrate.
• Can be installed under the sink.
• Moderate cost.
• Light weight.
• Good spin.

Cons:

• The maximum temperature is 75°C. Normally, for washing kitchen towels, programs with heating up to 80-90 ° C are used.
• Linen wrinkled after washing.
• Overpriced. Products of this quality with standard sizes would cost less, and would have a larger load.
• High spin noise.

This washer was assembled at a Vyatka enterprise. The manufacturer has improved the model by eliminating the flaws. This machine is half the price of the Swiss counterpart “Eurosob” with similar dimensions. This is the best price on the market for an SMA of this size. Reading user reviews, the manufacturer (official representative) reminded consumers that in order to avoid problems during washing and spinning, it is not recommended to put much more / less laundry in the drum than the instructions indicate.

Candy Aquamatic 1D1035-07 – delayed start

Another small-sized version from the Italian brand Candy. This is a stand-alone machine with a small load. Management is intelligent. There is a time delay (9 hours).

• Capacity: 3,5 kg.
• Water consumption: 29 l.
• Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
• Number of programs: 16 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, washing program for mixed fabrics, quick wash, wash with plenty of water, prewash).
• Energy efficiency class: A.
• Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
• Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 51x46x70 cm.
• Noise level (wash/spin): 56/76 dB.

Pros:

• Independently regulates the amount of water for rinsing.
• Quietly washes and spins.
• There is a short program for 14 minutes.

Cons:

• No display.
• After washing, the machine has to be turned off manually.

With a cost almost the same as the previous model, this modification has a load of 1,5 kg less. It has a lower noise level than the previous version. Some users noted its quiet operation, while others, on the contrary, write that it is noisy, literally “howls” during the spin cycle. Traditionally, claims are made to this brand about the build quality. This is a relatively inexpensive option and the cheapest of its kind, but there is no need to talk about high quality and great opportunities – it’s just a compact technique that can be placed under the sink, this is its main and, perhaps, the only plus.

Eurosoba 1100 Sprint Plus — Available

This is a small electronically controlled front-mounted sink for which the manufacturer produces special configuration sinks that are installed above the CMA body. Provides intelligent control and character display. Weight – 50,5 kg.

• Capacity: 4 kg.
• Water consumption: 36 l.
• Spin speed: 1100 rpm.
• Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including wrinkle prevention, baby wash, jeans wash, black wash, outerwear wash, down wash, mixed fabric wash, super rinse).
• Energy efficiency class: A++.
• Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
• Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 46x46x68 cm.
• Noise level (wash/spin): 40/63 dB.

Pros:

• There is a reload function.
• There is a bioenzymatic phase.
• There is a compartment for liquid powder.
• Low noise level, no vibrations and extraneous noise.
• Automatic opening of the door after the end of the cycle.
• Stainless steel tank – increased durability and reliability.
• Economical electricity consumption.
• High quality wring out clothes.
• Intuitive interface and simple controls.

Users did not find any shortcomings in this Swiss washer. The price for it is twice as high as for washers with similar dimensions from other brands. But users admit that for this model, the price-quality pair is ideal. All modifications of Eurosoba belong to the compact category. Usually they are built under the “water lily” sinks.

Zanussi FCS 825 C – 16 programs

Stand-alone machine with electronic control type. Weight – 54 kg. The material of the tank is plastic.

• Capacity: 3 kg.
• Water consumption: 39 l.
• Spin speed: 800 rpm.
• Number of programs: 16 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economical washing, preventing creasing, washing down items, super rinse).
• Energy efficiency class: A.
• Washing / spinning classes: B / D.
• Safety: partial leakage protection, imbalance and foam control.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 51x51x67 cm.
• Noise level (wash/spin): 53/68 dB.

Pros:

• Easy to understand, small problems can be fixed by yourself.
• Reliable and durable, high-quality assembly.

Cons:

• No child protection.
• High price.
• There is no wash time indicator.
• Very small load.
• A small hatch – a diameter of only 23 cm.

Compared to Kandy, this SMA is expensive, and its load is very small. At the same time, it weighs more than many other compact modifications. The assembly is Polish, so many users are distrustful of this rather expensive machine.

Electrolux EWC 1350 – with child protection

Swedish brandElectrolux» offers a miniature washing machine that can hold only 3 kg of laundry. She has an intelligent control type. The device weighs 52 kg. The tank is plastic. There is a delay start timer (up to 6 hours).

• Capacity: 3 kg.
• Water consumption: 39 l.
• Spin speed: 1300 rpm.
• Number of programs: 15 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, economy wash, anti-crease, super rinse, quick wash, prewash).
• Energy efficiency class: A.
• Washing / spinning classes: B / B.
• Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 50x54x67 cm.
• Noise level (wash/spin): 53/74 dB.

Pros:

• Great opportunities in terms of programs.
• Clear control panel.
• Low noise.
• Quality plastic.
• Maintainability. Spare parts are available online.
• You can disassemble the washer yourself – to eliminate minor damage.

Cons:

• Overcharge.
• The motor is fixed on 2 self-tapping screws, and not on 4 – the fault of the assemblers.
• Wiring is not hidden in protective tubes.
• It is inconvenient to get to the filter installed on the drain.

This compact version from Electrolux outperformed most of the full-sized washers of this brand in price. It shows itself well in work, but consumers have to pay about 10 rubles for compactness.

Conclusions

Summarizing:

• The prices for compact washing machines within the same brand are not inferior to the prices for full-size versions. The cost of small cars is clearly overpriced.
• When choosing a compact CMA, you should focus primarily on the reputation of the brand. Of the manufacturers producing small-sized models, the most trusted brands are Evrosoba, Electrolux, Zanussi, Kandy. But of all brands only Eurosoba specializes in the production of small cars.
• If you put the sink higher, you can buy a narrow SMA. Narrow modifications – with a shallow depth, much cheaper than compact ones. True, this option is suitable for fairly tall people. With a small growth, it will be inconvenient to wash your hands.

We have to admit that buying a small-sized SMA is financially unprofitable – with similar or even worse characteristics, it will always be more expensive than conventional washing machines 60x60x90 cm. less expensive and with better performance. This is just a guess, it’s up to you to decide.