A direct drive motor has no belt and pulley. This means it wastes less power in friction, are less prone to breakdowns and have longer lifetimes in general. They are able to operate more quietly and with less vibration.
The appliance is either Energy Star Certified, or has an EU energy efficiency rating of A++ or A+++. This means it consumes around 20-30% less energy than is required by the minimum local standards for energy efficiency.
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Ariston ARWDF 129 NA)
73kg
We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.
A hot water connection means that you can provide the machine with hot water from your main hot water supply. This can be faster than an internal heater and can save money if you have a cheap and efficient water heater.
Front loading machines are good as you can use the space above and sometimes stack a dryer on top. In general front loading machines use less energy, using less water by only partly filling the drum and obtaining higher spin speeds which clean without requiring as much heat.
Top loading machines are good because you can load and unload without bending down. In general they have less problems with mold accumulating and on average a wash takes less time. In general they are cheaper to buy and are a good space saving option.
A reversible door is useful if the machine is in a corner, so you can make it open more conveniently. It also means the door is easy to remove and can be replaced if needed.
Machines with a load sensor can weigh the load and adjust settings accordingly. This means you don't have to feel as guilty about doing a smaller load as the machine will use less water.
More weight capacity helps if you want to wash something heavy like curtains. A traditional household machine can hold around 6kg, so with a machine much bigger you may waste energy using it when only half full.
A faster spin speed means you can get things cleaner with a lower temperature of the water. Using a fast spin also extracts water, meaning that the clothes come out nearly dry. Generally, anything over 1,000 rpm is very good.
With a delay start option you can schedule the machine to begin at a later time. You can also set the machine to wash at night if your electricity is cheaper outside of peak times.
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Ariston ARWDF 129 NA)
80dB
During a spin, machines can get quite noisy. With less noise the machine is not as distracting and you won't be restricted to using it at certain times.
Condenser dryers extract the water from the damp air in the dryer and store it in a container. They are good because they can be put anywhere in the home whereas vented dryers should be next to an outside wall.
Devices which use a heat pump can save up to 50% on energy as they conserve heat better. They are better in warmer climates as in temperatures lower than 5 degrees their performance begins to suffer.
Vented dryers are cheaper and can be more efficient than condenser dryers. The damp air extracted travels through a long plastic hose and is discharged outside the home, either through a window or hole in the wall. You don't have to empty a water container like you do with some condenser dryers.
Any faults with your machine can be detected and diagnosed at an early stage with a smartphone. The machine will send a signal indicating what is wrong and how to fix it, without you having to call for help.