According to most women, the automatic washing machine is one of the greatest inventions of mankind. For more than half a century, the evolution of this indispensable home assistant has been going on. During this time, the machine managed to change significantly both internally and externally, and turned into a high-tech device with many functions that meet not only safety and ergonomic requirements, but also have a modern, stylish design.
The next step on the path to excellence is direct-drive washing machines, first developed by LG's largest home appliance manufacturer. Today, similar models are in the product range of Whirlpool, Samsung, Panasonic, Bosch, Kenmore and other brands.
Direct drive motor
In 1991, the LG brand first launched a line of innovative washing machines. The Direct Drive design, in contrast to the belt drive, attaches the rotating part of the engine directly to the drum shaft. The LG concern, which showed this know-how to the modern consumer, carried out quite an active PR of this “trick” - the company spent heavily on advertising.
Long-term warranty, cost-effectiveness and good washing quality have made direct-drive washing machines popular and in demand.
Unlike conventional machines, in which the drum rotates the engine through a belt drive, in machines with direct drive, the drum is mounted directly on the motor shaft. This reduces weight and dimensions, reduces vibration and noise, in addition, such a scheme is considered more reliable according to numerous reviews.
Since there are no additional transmission elements in these models, such a washing machine is very compact and suitable for the smallest bathroom.
The direct drive motors of the washing machine are characterized by sophisticated electronic control systems and high reliability. Today, most models use a brushless three-phase direct current motor (BLDC).
Manufacturers Overview
The innovative know-how of the South Korean brand is being improved and used by other manufacturers.
The German company Bosch direct-drive cars are produced under the name Logixx. This line combines the latest developments of engineers of a famous brand and most of the advantages when using the drive itself. The chassis design and Eco Silence Drive electric motor have minimized the noise effect. The VarioSoft drum has made washing more delicate and of high quality.
Another leader in the home appliance market - Samsung, manufactures washing machines with direct drive and Quiet Drive inverter motor. The use of these motors has the same cheerful warranty period of 10 years. To extend the life of their machines, Samsung Electronics specialists used the Volt Control function, which allows you to stop washing in the event of a power surge and resume it only after stabilization.
Whirlpool uses ZEN technology for a very quiet wash. Recent developments and models of this manufacturer have shown a noise level during the spin cycle of 1200 revolutions of only 72 dB, and during normal washing - even 51 dB. It was possible to achieve such an impressive result precisely with the use of a direct drive, which allows washing and wringing things efficiently at minimum speeds.
Having considered the development and additional options offered by manufacturers, we dwell in more detail on the models of direct-drive washing machines and their range.
Narrow LG F1273ND
The increased reliability resource of this model is confirmed by Inverter Direct Drive - a ten-year guarantee for direct drive from LG.
This LG direct drive washing machine guarantees low vibration and noise.
- Wool Mark standard - certification of conformity provides a special Opti Swing program for washing, which guarantees a maximum respect for wool. It is possible to wash linen and woolen items recommended for hand washing.
- “Toddler’s Clothing” - a program designed for baby clothes, which must be washed carefully and often. This program will carefully remove complex contaminants from diapers and baby clothes at the optimum temperature and mode. For especially difficult pollution it is possible to choose temperature 95 ˚. Also, this washing mode includes a special rinse - "Super Rinse / Rinse +", in which the last rinse is carried out at a temperature of 40 ° C. Normal rinsing is always carried out in cold water.
Additional characteristics:
- Wash programs: “Baby clothes”, “Cotton”, “Cotton: quick wash”, “Delicate wash”, “Wool”, “Quick wash 30”, “Duvet”, “Synthetics”.
- The steam function is not.
- Functions: “Prewash”, “Rinse hold”, “Intensive wash”, “Super rinse”, “Easy ironing”, “No spin”, “Delayed start”, “BIO”, “Tank and drum cleaning”.
Features:
- intelligent washing system;
- noise level wash / spin - 54/67 dB;
- boot detector;
- auto balancing;
- error indicator;
- foam control system;
- 0 watts in standby mode ;
- child lock;
- duty cycle indicator.
LG Recommendations
Before buying a washing machine from a well-known brand, be sure to read reviews on LG direct-drive washing machines, determine the frequency and volume of washing, as well as its main functions and performance. These include:
- water consumption
- maximum load;
- control;
- power consumption;
- number of modes;
- class of washing and spinning;
- the presence of a display;
- dimensions;
- additional features.
For a large family with children, it is worth purchasing a capacious device with the function of washing children's clothes and protection from children. For one or two people, it is enough to install a small model with a standard set of functions.
Bosch WLG20240UA
The modern technologies of this series of washing machines are designed for your needs. They provide high energy efficiency of washing (class A +++) with excellent performance.
The washing machine controls the quantity and type and the laundry through automatic weighing. Accordingly, the water and energy consumption required for one wash cycle is calculated. ActiveWater technology - “careful water consumption” reduces costs with a sensor that detects the number of items in the drum and saves water.
Electronic control allows you to select the desired program, set the spin speed and temperature, as well as set a specific washing time.
The Start / Pause button allows you to add things to the drum even after starting the program.
Another plus of this direct-drive washing machine, according to owner reviews, is the “Quick Wash” mode. If you need to freshen up only slightly soiled clothes, such as trousers, select the Super 30 '/ 15' program. In 15 minutes you will have fresh and clean clothes.
With front loading type
This SAMSUNG WD80K5410OW / UA direct drive washing machine will delicately clean your items from various contaminants. Maximum load model - 8 kg. The device produces an efficient and gentle spinning class A with a maximum speed of 1400 revolutions.
The machine received a power class A for a fairly low power consumption. The inverter motor installed in the model is characterized by low noise level, long-term operation and exact observance of the number of revolutions.
SAMSUNG WD80K5410OW / UA is equipped with a convenient loading hatch and is made in a durable white case. The control panel is practical in everyday use. It will help you to easily choose the washing mode, adjust the spin or select additional functions.
The model copes with pollution on various types of fabrics. For this, special programs are preinstalled in the washing machine. It is worth noting in addition to the standard availability of programs for washing products from wool, synthetics and cotton.
Conclusion
Having dwelled in detail on the many advantages of direct drive units, it is fair to say that, nevertheless, these models, according to numerous reviews, are not without some drawbacks.
- a machine with direct drive is more sensitive to power surges compared to its belt counterparts;
- electronic "filling" for engine control and its complex device increases the cost of such models. Therefore, the price of these washers is quite high in comparison with belt counterparts;
- in some models, a fairly high noise level is observed when draining and taking water;
- bearings installed with a minimum clearance (this is a design feature) receive a high load and periodically require replacement.
Summing up and considering the pros and cons of the direct drive of the washing machine, we can confidently say that such models are a worthy investment, a purchase for many years and surely take their place in the market. Simplicity of design, reliability, energy efficiency, and most importantly - good washing quality - provided these models with constant demand from customers, which is the main indicator of success.