There are things we do on autopilot, and laundry is one of them – until something goes wrong. A capsule that does not dissolve, clothes that come out with powder residue, or the feeling that you will never manage to synchronize the end of the cycle with the moment you are at home. Electrolux's new washing machine, the 9 kg UniversalDose 800 SenseCare, does not promise to change your life – but it does eliminate some of these frustrations in a way that felt immediate.
The first thing that appeared on the display when I turned on the machine was the remaining time for the cycle. This might sound trivial, but when you stand there in the evening and weigh whether to start laundry or not – knowing that there is exactly an hour and a quarter is information that changes a decision. And even before that, the machine itself weighs the laundry through a SensiCare sensor and alerts you if you have overloaded it – there is no need to guess, and the screen flashes if you have exceeded the maximum recommended weight for the program you selected.
The feature that pleased me the most is the delayed end option – Finish in – which allows scheduling the end of the cycle up to 24 hours ahead. In practice, this means that you can put laundry in before going to bed, set it to finish in the morning – and transfer it straight to the dryer without it being forgotten there. Not a revolution, but anyone who has dealt with wet and wrinkled laundry forgotten in the machine for an entire day – understands exactly why this is important.
Regarding laundry capsules – here Electrolux did something I have not seen exactly like this before. The machine comes with a dedicated UniversalDose compartment designed to ensure that the capsule dissolves completely and flows the detergent at exactly the right time throughout the cycle. In practice, the clothes came out clean with no residue, and that means a lot to someone who switched to capsules for convenience but always kept a small doubt regarding their effectiveness. And for those who still prefer gel or powder – the compartment supports them too.
Another mechanism that impresses is the UltraCare technology, which dissolves and mixes the detergent before it even enters the drum – ensuring even distribution even at low temperatures, something that is also important in terms of electricity savings. The energy efficiency rating of the machine is A, with an electricity consumption of 0.70 kWh for a full load eco cotton program – and only 0.50 watts in standby mode.
In terms of programs, the variety is particularly wide: cotton, synthetic, delicates, jeans, manual and wool, sanitizing, sportswear, and more – and through the application, you can add additional programs such as towels, curtains, linen, baby clothes, bedding XL, and blankets. There is also an UltraQuick program of 59 minutes for 5 kg for moments of pressure, a Steam Refresh program for refreshing with steam without washing for items that are only hung up, and a Steam Easy Iron program that finishes the cycle with steam for easier ironing later – a small detail that anyone who loathes ironing will highly appreciate. The sanitizing program removes bacteria and allergens, and is particularly suitable for families with babies or anyone who suffers from allergies.
Another detail that is felt in daily use: the loading opening is an XXL of 34 centimeters, which makes loading blankets and bedding less of a struggle. The heating element has a diamond-polished platinum coating that prevents limescale formation over time, and the motor is a permanent magnet inverter without carbons and brushes – which is considered more durable and efficient than regular motors. The machine is manufactured in Italy, its dimensions are 850x600x600 mm, and it also includes a child lock and an accessible front filter.
Electrolux's UniversalDose 800 SenseCare washing machine is marketed in Israel by Mini Line.