The brands and models selected have been chosen as typical washing machine products available in the marketplace today. The purpose of the comparison is to suggest a method to help choose a product with the lowest overall environmental impact (OEI) and meet practical needs. This requires achieving a balance between cost and application requirements. The principles discussed apply to other brands and models.

A measure of the environmental impact is summarised in the following washing machine performance ratings in three categories: Energy, Wash and Spin. Each category is in-turn assigned a letter A+,A,B,C,D,E,F,G providing a scale of relative damage to the environment. The letter A+ environmental rating indicates the lowest level of damage to the environment and at the other end of the scale the letter G environmental rating indicates highest level of damage to the environment. An example for a typical washing machine performance is given as: Energy: A+; Wash: A; Spin: B

The combined environmental rating may be written in the order: (Energy)(Wash)(Spin). In this example the combined rating is A+AB. In the comparison matrix below, the column marked Rating, follows this convention.

To get a single numerical measure of the overall environmental impact (OEI), we assign a number to each letter: A+=1/2, A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7. The the overall environmental impact score of a washing machine may then be expressed as a multiple of the rating in each of the three categores: OEI = (Energy)x(Wash)x(Spin). In our example, OEI = (A+)x(A)x(B) = (1/2)x(1)x(2) = 1. The larger the OEI score, the more damaging the environmental impact. The lower the OEI score, the less damaging the environmental impact. A score of OEI=1 or less than 1 is the environmental recommended objective.

NOTE: TBA - to be advised. Prices exclude VAT. Installation Free. Delivery Free subject to region & Free Extras - see Special Offer.

It is important to point out that all models shown in the table have an OEI value no greater than 1. This indicates that all models meet the recommended environmental criteria.

In this limited comparison, the row highlighted in green indicates the lowest OEI value. Capacity and Spin are relatively high and the cost mid range. The overall specifications and warranty for this Hotpoint model AQXXD169 indicates value for money. Of course, if particular features are required, other models offered then become more competitive. For example, the relative high cost of Smeguk model WMF16AX1, high quality build, low load capacity and relatively low water consumption would suit those with modest to low washing machine usage requirements and a flexible budget. Smeguk provides the most comprehensive specifications.

CDS Environmental Electrics offers a wide range of popular brands and models in addition to those listed above. If you would like to contact us, we will be pleased to discuss your particular requirements to help you choose a machine with good environmental credentials, style and cost that meet your needs. Enquiry Form