When buying a washing machine, you need to know which models you will find in the market and the differences between them. If you know their measures, capacity and basic function elements, you will choose in the right way.

Almost every washing machine model has the same measures. This is due to the fact that they are designed with the aim of taking up as less space as possible. Nowadays, houses and apartments have a standard space specially designed for the washing machine. Technology has adapted to what architecture features impose.

Generally, the washing machines are 60 cm. broad and deep (23 inches), and 85 cm. (33 inches) - 1 meter (39 inches) tall. In some special occasions, we can find 60 cm. deep washing machines. The main feature of these types of machines is that they have a helix deep inside with a rotation system which twists the clothes and helps them wash filth with specific detergents. The vast majority has a timing control and a draining system.

The cloth capacity is measured by kilograms. A standard machine has a capacity to store between 5 and 7 kg. This capacity changes according to particular needs and the clothes' fabric. It is important to bear in mind that the kilogram capacity is an industrial parameter reference between the manufacturers, not a limit for the user.

There is a series of additional services some machines provide. The breakthrough technology has as a result unlimited changes. At the same time, machines' prices have increased so much that some people cannot afford buying them. That is why defining the elements you really need in your washing machine and the luxuries you can do without is very important. By doing this, you will be able to save money and gain comfort and quality. Some of the additional services are:

• Programming system. There are between 10 and 30 programs, depending on the model. Generally, between 4 or 5 different programs are used; among them we can find a cotton clothes program, a synthetic clothes program, a soft clothes program or a woolen clothes program. Some of the additional programs are the soft clothes program, the anti-wrinkle program or the speed wash program.
• Temperature selectors. In most cases, water is controlled from outside, but lately some machines have incorporated temperature selectors. The idea is to keep the temperature according to the kind of clothes to be washed: low temperatures (so as not to discolor or destroy delicate clothes) or high temperatures (the machine could get damaged). There are some clothes that need specific temperatures to be worn for a longer time.
• Variable load service. This service is used when you want to wash fewer clothes than the required for a full load. The main goal of this service is to save electricity and water.
• Timing service. It functions as a timing programming system. When the machine includes draining and drying, this service determines the time for each operation. It is an ideal function to be used during the night so as not to worry until the next day.

• Spin service. It consists in a system that spins on an axis and which is measured in revolutions per minute. The greater the number of revolutions, the more accurate the spin will be.. Generally, ordinary machines have between 400 and 1600 revolutions per minute. Some washing machines have also a double spin system. This function is very useful because clothes will be even drier.
• Drying service. Its basic function is the input of hot air to the interior of the spinning cylinder of variable capacity. Inside, wet clothes are spinning. It is an additional service that increases the machine price.