Comparison Siemens WK 14D541 vs Smeg LSTA146S

The maximum capacity is the maximum amount of laundry in kilograms that can be loaded into the machine for a wash cycle.

This indicator is important primarily for those who have personal water metres installed at home. The less water consumed per cycle, the less you will have to pay for water consumption.

Most often, plastic or stainless steel is used to make washing machine tanks. Stainless steel tanks are more durable than plastic ones, but their lifespan often exceeds that of both the washing machine and its owners. Plastic tanks are cheaper but less durable. In most cases, plastic tanks are still reliable enough to be used.

The total number of work programs provided for in the design of the machine. Also in this paragraph, a list of programs can be indicated.

When selecting a washing machine based on the number of programs, it's important to consider that 12 — 16 modes are generally sufficient. A higher number of modes may only indicate variations of standard programs with minor differences, rather than a greater variety of programs. This expanded functionality can increase the cost of the machine. Additionally, it's important to note that models with the same number of modes may have different specific sets of programs.

It is worth noting that the “cotton”, “synthetics”, “wool”, “rinse”, “drain” and “spin” programs are mandatory for almost any washing machine. Therefore, only specific modes are indicated here: own programme, quick wash, delicate wash, hygiene (baby clothes), sportswear, dark clothes, jeans, outerwear, downy clothes and self-cleaning, etc. Here is a description of these and some other popular modes:

— Own programme. This function gives users the ability to manually adjust all the settings of...a wash cycle, such as temperature, duration, spin speed, and additional features. This feature allows for greater flexibility and the ability to choose the optimal settings for specific cases when the preset programs are not sufficient. In basic models, a custom program can be created by modifying one of the standard modes, which can be easily selected later on the control panel. Advanced models can store multiple unique custom programs in memory for even greater convenience.

— Quick wash. The quick wash program is ideal for lightly soiled items that don't require intensive treatment, such as everyday clothing worn on a hot day. This program saves time, water, and electricity compared to longer wash cycles. It's particularly useful when time is limited. Some machines offer multiple quick wash modes with varying durations, such as 15 or 30 minutes, which allow users to choose the best option based on their priorities of speed, economy, and cleanliness.

— Delicate wash. The delicate wash mode is designed for sensitive fabrics such as silk, lace, and some types of nylon and polyester. Typically, this mode uses more water and limits the load to 2 kg to minimize friction between items and allow for effective rinsing. The spin speed is usually low or even skipped altogether to prevent damage to delicate fabrics. Some models may offer additional options for delicate washing, but it's essential to use this program when washing particularly delicate items.

— Hygiene (baby clothes). The intensive wash mode is designed to thoroughly clean and sanitize items, removing dirt and harmful bacteria. It's commonly referred to the "baby clothes" program, as it's essential for keeping small children's clothes clean and hygienic. This mode operates at a higher temperature than usual, ensuring effective removal of contaminants and bacteria. Additionally, it features careful rinsing to remove all traces of detergent from even the most hard-to-reach areas. Some models may offer additional features for this program, which should be specified separately.

— Sportswear. A special programme for processing sportswear, which is designed for washing clothes between workouts. This type of clothing is usually soaked with sweat but has few other contaminants, and it needs to be washed frequently. Therefore, this programme is designed to minimize washing time by using low temperature, low spin speeds, and a small load. However, the details of this programme may vary and should be checked separately.

— Dark clothes. The programme for washing dark clothes is designed with a focus on preventing detergent residue and preserving the original color of the clothes. Due to the high visibility of even the slightest detergent residue on dark fabrics, this mode includes thorough rinsing to ensure that no residue is left behind. Additionally, the mode typically incorporates gentle processing to prevent wrinkles and color fading.

— Self-cleaning. This is a programme specifically designed for cleaning the interior of the washing machine from various accumulated contaminants. It involves running a cycle with hot water to thoroughly wash the drum and destroy bacteria. Some models may not have a dedicated cleaning mode, and a high-temperature wash cycle with an empty drum can be used instead to achieve similar results.

— Jeans (jeans and shirts). A special mode is available in washing machines for denim and thin shirts. Denim is vulnerable to intensive washing, so this mode provides gentle washing with lower temperature and reduced drum rotation speed. Similarly, this mode is suitable for thin shirts, and in some models, it is specifically named "shirts/jeans".

— Down jackets (down clothes). The programme for washing down items typically includes longer pauses during the drum rotation. This is because down material tends to absorb water and is difficult to release it, so the pauses allow the water to drain out more effectively.

— Outerwear. This programme is designed specifically for washing demi-season and winter jackets, and it prioritizes the protection of the outerwear's filling. The mode includes the use of a low temperature, slow rotation of the drum, and gentle spinning. Moreover, it helps to maintain the waterproof properties of the fabric.

The delay start function enables users to set a specific time for the washing machine to start its cycle, allowing them to load the machine beforehand and have freshly washed clothes ready upon their 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.

The residual moisture level in laundry is typically classified with a letter of the alphabet, with A being the highest class indicating the lowest residual moisture. As the classification decreases in alphabetical order, such as to B and so on, the residual moisture level increases.

Specs of energy efficiency. A, B, C - very economical to economical; D - intermediate value; E, F, G - from high to very high power consumption.

The noise level of the washing machine during operation is an important factor to consider, especially in situations where excessive noise can be disruptive or undesirable. The lower the noise level is preferred, as it provide a more comfortable user experience. This is particularly relevant for small apartments or households with young children, or if washing is planned during nighttime hours.

The noise level of a washing machine may vary depending on the mode of operation, with some models being louder when spinning at maximum speed. Additionally, the noise level may be influenced by the installation conditions and the proximity of other objects or furniture. Even a quiet machine may produce additional noise due to vibrations if it is installed unevenly or in contact with other objects.

Washing machines with bigger loading hatch is generally more convenient as it can accommodate larger laundry loads, and often come with a larger drum volume to match.