Looking closely at Italian washing machines, we get the impression that the inhabitants of this sultry Mediterranean country know a lot about washing. The proximity of the seas, the freshness of the air and high industrial potential are conducive to the creation of advanced washing machines. We will find out which brands of washing equipment from Italy are represented on our market.
What do washing machines made in Italy have in common?
Italian CMA unites:
- Price category. Italian manufacturers produce devices of medium and high class. At the same time, their products are sold at affordable prices – Italian SMAs are cheaper than most German counterparts.
- Stylish design. Italians are not indifferent to aesthetics, and industrial design has not done without it – washing machines from Italy look stylish and modern.
- Wide functionality. It seems that every Italian car really wants to please the buyer – it is outwardly attractive, it has many features, functions, options, modes.
Overview of Italian SMAs
It cannot be said that Italian SMAs are the best in the world and even in Europe. But the fact that they are in high demand among Russian consumers is true. Our customers are well acquainted with the leading Italian brands, they are all well-known – these are “Ariston”, “Indesite“,”Zanussi“,”Ardo“,”Kandy“. The secret of the success of “Italians” is a combination of affordable prices, decent quality and a large selection.
But it is impossible to evaluate all Italian brands as one manufacturer. All brands have their own characteristics, pros and cons, their price range. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, we will consider the most popular models from all Italian brands.
Italian firms are mostly family-owned, they kept production within the borders of their country for a long time, taking care of their reputation. But in the end, they also gave up, placing production in different regions of the world, including Russia and China.
Indesit
The brand represents over 20 models that differ in the type of loading, functionality and price. There are vertical, frontal, as well as small-sized CMAs that are suitable for embedding under the sink.
Most of the SMA “Indesit” belong to the economy class. But all models are equipped with a large set of programs, and some even special features. In the event of a breakdown, spare parts for machines of this brand are easy to find. The problem occurs when bearing wear. The tank of the “Indesites” is non-separable, so replacing a worn part is a whole special operation.
Indesit factories are scattered all over the world. In addition to Italy, CMA of this brand is assembled in France, Poland, China, and also in Russia – especially for the domestic consumer.
I must say that the spoiled Russian consumer, judging by the reviews and forums on the net, categorically does not accept the Russian-assembled Indesites – their quality is being questioned. And probably justified. The products of the Lipetsk plant are bought by those who do not delve into the nuances associated with the place of assembly of washing machines.
The cost of CMA Indesit is from 11 to 200 rubles. Warranty – 40 year.
Indesit IWUB 4085
Freestanding frontal CMA with removable lid for embedding represents narrow models. Its depth is only 33 cm. Control is electronic. There is no drying in this budget version. Weight – 66 kg. The tank of this modification, like all other Indesit machines, is made of plastic.
- Capacity: 4 kg.
- Water consumption: 39 l.
- Spin speed: 800 rpm.
- Number of programs: 13 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, jeans, sportswear, super rinse, economy, quick and prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / D.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x33x85 cm.
Pros:
- Delay start timer. Almost all SMAs have this feature today. The difference is only in the number of delayed hours. In this case, the delay is up to 12 hours.
- There are programs for washing delicate fabrics – silk and wool.
- Compact, easy to manage.
Cons:
- Partial leakage protection. This applies to almost all Indesit washers.
- The noise level is high – 59 and 76 dB for washing and spinning, respectively. Washers of a higher class are quieter by 5–6 dB. Vibrates when pressed.
The most typical CMA from an Italian manufacturer is cheap, with a minimum set of functions and features. Users note the cheapness and maintainability of the model. The same applies to all other versions of the brand. A good choice for families on a budget. If you have not had SMA before this time, Indesit IWUB 4085 will simplify your life.
Indesit BTW A5851
Vertical CMA without drying, with electronic control. Weight – 56 kg.
- 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, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Pros:
- Convenient control and economy.
- No display.
Cons:
- No car parking drum.
- Short hoses – you have to build up.
About this and other vertical versions, the reviews are not the most flattering. They cost more than front cameras, but are far from perfect. Claims are related to noise, the fragility of some parts, the lack of some convenient features. Among verticals there are more advanced versions – with a display, auto-parking of the drum, full protection against leaks.
Devices with a vertical type of loading are 1,5–2 times more expensive than front-loading ones.
Other popular models:
- BWSD 51051 – low noise level;
- BWSE 71252 LB 1 – large load (7 kg) and high energy class.
Hotpoint-ariston
Today, instead of SMA “Ariston”, cars are offered on the market Hotpoint-ariston. This is due to the unification, purchase and absorption of some companies by others. Ariston after the merger with Hotpoint, they wanted to rename. But it turned out that in some countries CMA “Hotpoint” is produced, and in Russia – Hotpoint-Ariston. The brand belongs to the Merloni concern, as well as Stinol and Indesit. SMA sold on our market are produced in Russia.
The cost on the market is from 14 to 000 rubles.
Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B
Stand-alone, front-loading CMA. Without drying. With intelligent control and display. Weight – about 59 kg.
- Capacity: 5 kg.
- Water consumption: 47 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 12 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, washing children’s clothes, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 46x46x68 cm.
Pros:
- High Energy Efficiency – The device consumes little power.
- There is a choice of spin speed and its cancellation.
- There is a timer – to postpone the start for a certain time.
- High quality washing, washes blankets, children’s toys, etc.
- Stability in spin mode.
- A large set of useful programs.
- Convenient cuvette for detergent.
Disadvantages:
- Not quiet enough. 60 dB – washing, 83 dB – spin.
- long programs. For example, a normal wash at 60 degrees lasts 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Consumers are attracted by the price and quality of this narrow washer. The machine takes up little space, but is equipped with wide functionality.
Hotpoint-Ariston WMTL 601 L
Vertical version from Hotpoint-Ariston with drum parking. Management is electronic. Weight – 58 kg. There is no drying.
- Capacity: 6 kg.
- Water consumption: 48 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 18 pcs. (including delicate fabrics, economy wash, baby wash, super rinse, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Pros:
- There is a reload. This function is not available in all washing machines. It allows you to stop the machine without knocking down the program, and report the linen.
- There is a delayed start – up to 12 hours.
- Management is understandable even for inexperienced users.
- There is auto-weighing – water is saved, cycle time is reduced.
- Stable while working.
- Washes and rinses well in all modes.
- Qualitatively washes powder and conditioner from trays.
Disadvantages:
- Many users miss the display.
In general, the impression of this vertical is positive. Users liked its price and luxurious functionality. It’s easier to throw laundry into this washer, especially if halfway through you remember that you forgot to put some little thing in the drum. The noise is average, some users think that the device is noisy, others are satisfied with everything. Noise parameters – 59/76 dB when washing / spinning.
The tanks of the Ariston washers are made of plastic – this is one of the factors in reducing the cost of products. In general, the brand attracts buyers with its design, price and functionality. The disadvantages are related to assembly errors – they are observed in CMAs assembled outside of Italy, as well as minor mechanical problems – pump failures occur, the inlet hose wears out, etc.
More popular models:
- Hotpoint-Ariston VMSG 601 B – narrow, the drum holds 6 kg of laundry;
- Hotpoint-Ariston RST 703 DW – roomy and economical.
Ardo
This brand, along with full-size front cameras, offers many modifications of vertical and recessed SMAs. The brand is proud that all its products are manufactured in factories in Italy.
The price range is from 27 to 000 rubles.
Ardo TL 128 LW
Spacious top loader. Drying is not provided. There is intelligent control and digital display.
- Capacity: 8 kg.
- Water consumption: 48 l.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including delicates, economy wash, jeans wash, sportswear wash, mixed fabrics program).
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: full leak proof, child proof, unbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x90 cm.
Pros:
- Leak protection is complete. Minimizes the risk of flooding.
- You can select the spin speed and cancel it.
- The shutters open smoothly.
- There is an automatic positioning of the drum.
- Relatively quiet operation – 59/76 dB.
- Big download.
- High build quality.
Disadvantages:
- There is no protection from children (but the fact that the baby will climb a high car is unlikely).
- There is no way to speed up the selected program.
This SMA caused a lot of positive feedback. Comfortable, reliable and roomy. The cost is higher than the previous brand, but there are more opportunities here. And the main plus noted by users is the work without failures.
Ardo 39FL106BSW – new
Frontal stand-alone machine with touch control. Designed to serve 2-3 people.
Options:
- Spin speed: up to 1000 rpm.
- Energy efficiency class: A+++.
- Washing / spinning class: A / C.
- Maximum load: up to 6 kg.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x39x85 cm.
- Number of programs: 14 (Sportswear, For jeans, Quick wash and others).
- Noise: up to 77 dB.
- Optional: tank disinfection.
Pros:
- Complete leakage protection.
- Compact
Cons:
- Linen comes out damp.
- The noisy one of Ozime.
A good option at an affordable price. This model has recently appeared on the market, so we are waiting for more detailed reviews about its work.
Today, Ardo raises the quality of its models by setting a standard of 10 working hours for them, which is ten times more than the average life of many washing machines. The brand has a special anti-corrosion coating, a super-quiet inverter motor, a specially designed drum and a 000-degree opening sunroof.
More popular Ardo cars:
- Ardo TL 107 SW – roomy and washes well;
- Ardo 39FL106LX – economical side-loading.
Zanussi
Zanussi is one of the most popular brands in Italy. Its factories are located all over the world. The company has been on the Russian market since 1994, during which time Zanussi has established itself as a manufacturer of modern equipment at an adequate price.
The cost of Zanussi is from 13 to 000 rubles.
Zanussi ZWSG 7101V
Super narrow SMA with side loading. There is a digital display. Drying, as in previous models, no. Tank made of plastic.
- Capacity: 6 kg.
- Water consumption: 48 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 12 pcs. (including delicates, economy wash, wrinkle prevention, jeans wash, mixed fabrics program).
- Energy efficiency class: A++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x38x85 cm.
Pros:
- There is a spin cancel and a spin selection.
- Delayed start – up to 20 hours.
- Understandable management. All programs are on one rotating toggle switch.
- The water temperature, spin speed and time until the end of the cycle are displayed.
- Quality rinse.
- Reliable protection from children.
- With small dimensions – large capacity.
- Adjusts the time depending on the amount of laundry.
Disadvantages:
- No program in hot water.
- Long cotton wash cycle.
- Noisy when pressed. No vibration isolation.
- The top cover is made of chipboard.
This is an ordinary middle-class washing machine – nothing outstanding, normal equipment at an average price.
Zanussi ZWQ 61226 WI
Vertical version from Zanussi. Equipped with an informative display. The tank is plastic. Drum car parking is provided.
- Capacity: 6 kg.
- Water consumption: 43 l.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 8 pcs. (including delicates, economy wash, mixed fabrics, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy efficiency class: A++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x89 cm.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to manage.
- Stops when the drum flaps are at the top – auto-parking function.
Cons:
- The signal about the end of the wash beeps until it is turned off manually.
- Noisily draws water. Noisy during spin.
In general, the model leaves a good impression. The disadvantages are related to small technical issues that the manufacturer has probably already fixed in newer or more expensive versions.
All modifications of “Zanussi” are made in white. The new versions use the control system Fuzzy Logic. In general, the manufacturer is in no hurry to fill its devices with super-new developments, relying on build quality and the classic capabilities of washing equipment.
More popular models:
- Zanussi ZWSO 6100 V – super narrow at 4 kg;
- Zanussi ZWY 51024 WI – vertical skid with additional loading;
- Zanussi ZWY 61025 CI – roomy with parking.
CANDY
The Kandy trademark has its own factory in the Russian Federation. The company sells its products in various markets around the world. We know him as a supplier of inexpensive equipment.
The price range is from 12 to 000 rubles.
Candy CST G270L/1
Capacious machine of vertical type. Smartphone connection is possible.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Water consumption: 36 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 15 pcs. (including washing delicate fabrics, quick wash, prewash, stain removal program).
- Energy efficiency class: A++.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x63x88 cm.
Pros:
- There is a load of laundry.
- Remote control – from your smartphone.
- The shutters open smoothly.
- The drum parks automatically.
- Sturdy, quiet operation.
Cons:
- Child protection is not provided.
With this SMA, users found one drawback – it is noisy on the spin cycle. In all other respects, this washer met the best expectations of its owners.
Candy CS4 1051D1/2-07
Narrow side loading washer. Economical device with a large number of programs. Very large hatch – 35 cm in diameter.
- Capacity: 5 kg.
- Water consumption: 45 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 16 pcs. (including economy wash, wash jeans, wash sportswear, wash mixed fabrics, super rinse).
- Energy efficiency class: A+.
- Washing / spinning classes: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, child protection, imbalance and foam control.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x40x85 cm.
Pros:
- Quiet operation, noise during washing – 58 dB.
- Roomy, easy to manage.
Cons:
- There are problems with pressing.
- There are breakdowns of components – insufficiently high quality materials and assembly.
Great option for a low budget purchase. Many people take such a washing machine for a rented apartment. Inexpensive, but fully functional device.
In demand:
- Candy CS4 1061D1 / 2 – roomy front;
- Candy Aquamatic 1D1035-07 – compact 3,5 kg;
- Candy GVS4 is economical and washes well.
Summary
To sum up:
- Italian washers are really inexpensive. In assortment – SMA budget and middle class.
- All brands offer models with different types of loading and dozens of modifications.
- Most Italian companies have production facilities outside of Italy. Consumers appreciate the Italian assembly.
- Almost all models are equipped with plastic tanks. This is not a disadvantage; it is a feature of many SMAs. Plastic is less durable, but it costs less and makes less noise.
- Made in Italy SMAs are functional and elegant. There are many narrow and compact versions among the models – the manufacturer is looking for a way to the hearts of buyers from small apartments.
- Italian brands are widely represented by service centers. Problems with the repair and purchase of spare parts usually do not arise.
Thanks to Italian manufacturers, Russians are provided with tens of thousands of automatic washing machines. These SMAs make high technology accessible to the masses. For only 11–000 rubles, you can buy a working device that can last at least several years.