Comparison Bosch WLT 24440 white vs Electrolux EWF1287EMW white

The maximum amount of dry laundry at which the washing machine provides normal washing quality and does not experience overload. For two people, a machine with a capacity of up to 5 kg is enough, for more — accordingly, more. The optimal value for families are models for 6 and 7 kg. For large families, washing machines for 8 kg, 9 kg and even 10+ kg will be appropriate. For small apartments, it is worth noting narrow washing machines that have a depth of up to 40 cm, but at the same time capacity like in full-size machines.

Note that for different work programmes the allowable capacity can also be different. For example, for a quick wash, this number is most often noticeably less than the maximum stated in the specifications. These details should be specified in the instructions for the unit.

The volume of water used by the washing machine during a standard wash cycle. It is measured while washing the maximum amount of cotton underwear for this model with a normal programme and a temperature of 60 degrees.

When evaluating efficiency, one should consider not only the actual water consumption but also the maximum load. So, for example, a model with a load of 7 kg and a consumption of 49 litres per kilogram of laundry will be more economical than a model of 5 kg with a consumption of 40 litres: the first consumes 49/7 = 7 litres per 1 kg of laundry, the second 40/5 = 8 litres per kilogram. This moment is important, first of all, if a large amount of washing is expected.

Many modern automatic washing machines are equipped with intelligent systems that can adjust the water consumption to the actual load and avoid overspending.

When selecting a washing machine based on the number of programs, it's important to keep in mind that having 12 to 16 modes is typically sufficient. More programs, such as 25 or more, may simply offer variations of the same standard programs with different settings for duration, temperature, spin speed, etc. This may not necessarily provide a wider variety of programs. Additionally, machines with the same number of modes may have different specific sets of programs. While more modes increase the possibilities for selecting an optimal mode, it also significantly increases the cost.

A function that allows you to delay washing for a certain time — for example, load the machine before leaving for work and hang up freshly washed laundry when you return. In this case, the timer is set not at the beginning of washing but at the time when it should end, and the machine automatically selects the start time of the programme, taking into account its duration. For example, if you set the timer for two hours, and the selected programme takes half an hour, then the wash will turn on in an hour and a half and end clearly at the specified time. Thanks to this, you can plan time with maximum convenience.

Auxiliary system designed to ensure uniform and intensive contact of the detergent with the washed laundry.

In machines without direct injection, contact occurs only at the bottom of the drum. It is believed that this does not always provide sufficient uniformity. To eliminate this drawback, a direct injection system was created: a special pump delivers a detergent solution through a nozzle at the top of the drum. It increases the washing efficiency and also contributes to savings — with the same result, less powder is used.

A special washing mode. Instead of water, hot steam is supplied to the drum of the machine. Steam penetrates better between the fibres of the fabric, which makes washing more effective than washing with hot water. At the same time, due to the high temperature of the steam — above 100 degrees — the best antibacterial effect is achieved since water in the liquid state rarely heats up above 95 degrees in washing machines. In addition, steam wash saves water and electricity, but such machines themselves are quite expensive.

The presence of a jet rinse function in the machine. Such rinsing, by the name, is carried out by strong jets of water sprayed from special nozzles. It ensures higher efficiency than the traditional method and reduces water consumption and washing time.

The type of controls provided in the washing machine.

— Rotary knobs. Operation through one or more rotary knobs only, without buttons or other additional elements. This option is found exclusively in semi-automatic (activator) washing machines with minimal functionality. In the simplest of these models, there is only one knob (it sets the duration of the wash) in more advanced ones — two or three (wash timer, spin timer, programme selection). At the same time, the timer knob simultaneously works as a switch, turning on the unit when turning.

— Rotary knob + buttons. Type of control used in most automatic washing machines. The main rotary knob in such models is responsible for selecting the programme. It can be supplemented by auxiliary knobs for setting individual parameters: for example, water temperature and spin speed. And other parameters and additional functions are controlled by buttons. Such controls are quite functional and inexpensive, which led to their popularity.

— Rotary knob + touch controls. Controls, providing a combination of a rotary knob with touch controls. The first is responsible for choosing the main programme; the second is for additional functions and parameters. Such control is somewhat more expensive than the "rotary knob + buttons" combination (see above), but this moment is not fundamental. At the same time, the touch panel gives the device...a stylish and technological appearance, and on the practical side, it is more convenient for some users since it does not require effort to press. In addition, it is much easier to clean the touch controls from dirt than the buttons.

— Touch controls. Control, carried out only through the touch panel, is much more expensive than the “rotary knob + touch controls” combination and therefore is used mainly in advanced level machines. Units with such controls do not have unnecessary protruding parts on the front panel, which provides not only a neat and pleasant appearance but also ease of cleaning from dirt. And in some models, the touch panel can be placed on the lid of the drum, which allows you to increase its diameter and capacity without increasing the height of the machine itself. At the same time, in some cases (for example, when choosing a programme), the touch controls are less visual and intuitive than the rotary knob, so this option is used relatively rarely.

— Buttons. Button-only controls are fully functional but generally less user-friendly and visual than a combination of buttons with a rotary knob. Therefore, this option is not popular in modern washing machines.

The maximum noise level produced by the machine during operation. Most often indicated for spinning — this is the noisiest mode of operation; for units without spinning (such as semiautomatic devices), this paragraph indicates the overall volume or the volume in the noisiest mode.

The quieter the machine works, the more comfortable it is for others. This moment is especially critical if there are small children in the house. However, the decibel used to measure loudness is a non-linear unit, and the actual noise level is best estimated from comparative tables in special sources.