What is steam washing in a washing machine?

How does a steam washing machine work?

It's simple: with this treatment, things are not immersed in water, but are saturated with steam. The effect is achieved thanks to the operation of a heater, which easily transforms water into high-temperature steam that can penetrate deep into the fibers of the fabric. What is he doing there? Elementary: fights most dangerous bacteria, fungi and unpleasant odors. Perhaps this technology will be a godsend for treating things for allergy sufferers, small children, or simply people with sensitive skin. Another significant advantage is that steam treatment allows you to eliminate detergents and save on water.

Features of washing machines with steam function

The release of washing equipment with a steam cleaning function was a real breakthrough, because unlike classic models with a standard set of programs, a device with a steam generator is capable of not only eliminating complex stains without user intervention, but also completely disinfecting the loaded laundry.

It has an electrical appliance and a lot of other features and advantages, including:

• the presence of a valve tube and a hose for transferring steam to the tank from the generator;
• minimal consumption of electricity, water and detergents;
• instantly eliminates unpleasant odors and refreshes laundry without washing;
• absence of pathogenic microorganisms on the drum walls;
• reduced level of noise emitted during the cleaning process;
• no need to dry cleaned laundry for a long time;
• the ability to choose a gentle mode for delicate fabrics;
• When washing with steam, items are not subjected to mechanical stress;
• receiving cleaned clothes that do not need to be ironed;
• simple and intuitive interface;
• the unit does not require special maintenance.

A device with a steam function is an excellent solution for people with allergies and those users who do not have a lot of time to do laundry. The technology will also be an excellent solution for families with small children.

Steam treatment: pros and cons

A machine with a steam cycle (according to the manufacturers) has a lot of advantages compared to models without this clever solution. So, the pros:

• Easy care of things. You can keep your things in order without washing them - refresh them with steam! After “steaming”, clothes dry quickly even in room conditions. You can also move the iron away and hide the ironing board: the steam will smooth out even deep wrinkles. Of course, you can’t do without ironing at all, especially in the case of office clothes, but you won’t have to spend a lot of effort. And one more “yes” in favor of steam - it is not terrible for things that are completely prohibited from washing. Consider that you will have your own mini-dry cleaning at home, only without chemicals.

• Saving resources. You don't even need a calculator to calculate how much water and household chemicals you can save by using the steam capabilities of SMA. To obtain a steam cloud, you need much less water than for a full wash and rinse cycle. And electricity is spent almost 2 times less than heating water during a classic wash.
• Do you feel sad about shopping for silk and wool items because of problems with care? Forgetting to take your down jacket to the dry cleaner? Can’t you even get your hands on cotton curtains? Are you afraid to trust the machine with delicate lace bras? The designers assure that any delicate fabrics and items can be safely treated with steam.
• Everything for children. As we have already said, steam rids fabrics of allergens and bacteria. But the developers also promise that steam flows perfectly disinfect the washing drum itself.
• Quiet operation. This has little connection with the function under consideration. But the pattern is that steam generation is often present in expensive SMAs, and such machines are usually equipped with a direct drive motor, which operates several times quieter than a conventional brushed motor. In addition, direct drive means reduced vibrations and a low likelihood of wear of many parts.

Important! The presence of a direct drive does not mean the presence of a steam generator - check this when purchasing.

• 1+1. There are models that can combine a washing cycle with steaming. The point is that under the influence of steam, the tension of the fibers decreases, so the detergent components penetrate them better, which means stains are removed better. And upon completion of washing, control disinfection occurs with the same steam.

Our task is not to advertise steam generators in SMA, but to talk about their real benefits (or lack thereof). Therefore, the disadvantages are not a secret at all:

• The steam generator in the SMA design is a relative innovation, which not every brand has. Offers are mainly from such giants of household appliances as LG, Electrolux, AEG, Hotpoint-Ariston, etc.

• The cost is biting. Budget models rarely cost less than 30,000 rubles, and in the middle price segment prices start from 45,000–50,000 rubles. As a result, either you buy a cheap machine that washes with steam, or an excellent middle-class SMA without this function - the choice is yours.
• You can't refuse to do laundry. Steam treatment cannot fully replace washing, especially when it comes to serious stains and dirt. Refresh things - please, but wash them - this is unlikely. Although advertising campaigns of companies such as Whirlpool promise steam treatment even for old stains, here it is worth focusing on user reviews.

On a note! When purchasing, check whether the machine can WASH with steam or REFRESH. These are two types of treatment with different intensity, while SMA can cost the same.

Rating of washing machines with steam: top 5

The review included the best SMA models with steam supply, with the highest customer rating from 4 to 5 points on a 5-point scale from the Yandex.Market version. Contrary to the belief that such machines are expensive, we have selected 4 of the most budget-friendly front-loading SMAs and 1 vertical machine from the middle price segment. Choose any option based on your budget.

Go!

Important! Models with drying were obviously not included in the rating; the emphasis was only on steam.

Samsung WW65K42E00S - 6.5 kg and childproof

Users of the Yandex.Market marketplace rated this silver model at 4.5 points, noting the good quality of washing and low noise level. Of course, the Korean development, even at its budget cost, is equipped with the latest technology. The heart of the model is a modern inverter motor, which, with the help of three powerful magnets, operates quietly and without strong vibrations, and most importantly, is designed for long-lasting operation. The proprietary EcoBubble generator provides a “fashionable” type of laundry treatment - bubble washing to combat the oldest stains. This model provides for “steam washing” and not “refreshing”, which is why the Samsung WW65K42E00S machine took the first step in our rating. By the way, thanks to AddWash technology and a small additional hole, the user will always have time to add forgotten items into the drum, even after the wash has started.

The user is notified of breakdowns by the Smart Check troubleshooting technology, and the drum cleanliness is monitored by the Drum Clean technology eco-function.

Other options:

• Loading volume: up to 6.5 kg.
• Control type: electronic with display.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
• Washing/spin energy efficiency classes: A/A/B.
• Water consumption per cycle: 39 liters.
• Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
• Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
• Types of safety: partial protection against leakage, child lock, control of foam formation and drum imbalance.
• Number of programs: 12 pieces, including Delicate, Economy, Children's, Fast, etc.
• Other features: setting the end time of washing, selecting washing t°, notification of the end of the program.
• Tank: plastic.
• Washing/spin noise: 54/73 dB.
• Warranty: 1 year from the manufacturer.

After analyzing the reviews for this washing machine, we identified a number of undoubted advantages:

• There are short modes.
• The small door makes it convenient to ventilate the drum.
• Doesn't make noise or jump.
• Most buyers noted the successful and stylish design.
• Easy to install and connect.
• Alerts are displayed to let you know when you need to wash the drum or clean the filter.
• The drum does not snag on delicate items.

And the cons:

• Complaints about a poorly designed seal in which water accumulates - requiring special care. Delicate elastic can also deteriorate prematurely. Small things - socks, stockings - can get stuck in the folds.
• Cyclic supply of water to the powder receiver, due to which it is not completely washed off.

Whirlpool FWSG 61053 W - with “refreshment”

This spacious family washing machine from an American concern (Slovenian assembly) also scored 4.5 points. Unlike Samsung, Whirlpools provide “steam refreshment”, but perhaps this treatment will be enough for you.

In terms of parameters, considering the price from 14,320 rubles, there is nothing particularly surprising - it’s just a good workhorse with sufficient functionality:

• Loading volume: up to 6 kg.
• Control type: electronic with display.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x43x84 cm.
• Washing/spin energy efficiency classes: A++/A/C.
• Water consumption per cycle: 38–49 liters.
• Spin speed: up to 1000 rpm.
• Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
• Types of safety: protection against leakage, child lock, control of foam formation and drum imbalance.
• Number of programs: 12 pieces. Among them: Delicate, Economical, Children's, Jeans, Down items, etc.
• Other features: delayed start, choice of washing temperature, FreshCare+ technology.
• Tank: plastic.
• Warranty: 1 year from the manufacturer.

Model rating

So far, steam washing machines are produced only by well-known manufacturers of household appliances. Therefore they are functional and reliable.

Many have additional features. Popularity depends on price, performance, number of programs. Several popular models can be noted.

Electrolux PerfectCare 600 EW6S4R06W – compact and economical

This machine has many washing modes. You can select a temperature from 20 to 900, spin speed up to 1000 rpm.

Popular because of the program for washing delicate fabrics, wool, children's clothing, and sportswear. There is a steam function, wrinkle prevention, express wash, and a timer.

Despite the fact that the model is compact, with a depth of 38 cm, it can load up to 6 kg of laundry. It is protected from leaks and from children, saves energy, and controls foam formation.

There are many advantages:

• you can customize the program by selecting the parameters of speed, temperature, duration;
• many washing modes;
• simple controls;
• super fast wash;
• does not vibrate;
• sound signal for completion of work.

The car also has disadvantages:

• short drain hose;
• The touch panel does not respond well;
• The bottom is covered with cardboard.

LG F-12B8WDS7 – with a bubble drum that can move in different directions

The first steam-powered cars began to be produced under the LG brand. There are three modes: for baby clothes, hypoallergenic, for cotton.

Thanks to the steam cleaning function and the fact that the drum moves in different ways, the model is suitable for the most delicate fabrics. Unpleasant odors are eliminated, fungi and bacteria are destroyed.

This model saves energy and, when washing with steam, also water. Has a direct drive inverter motor. Therefore, it is reliable and durable, does not vibrate, does not make noise.

A convenient and intuitive control panel makes it easy to select not only the program, but also the temperature, spin speed, and time.

The machine holds 6.5 kg of laundry. You can wash children's clothes, sportswear, jackets. There is a super rinse, stain removal, quick wash, and economical program.

The model also has other advantages:

• drum cleaning function;
• timer up to 20 hours;
• automatically distributes laundry in the drum;
• protection against leaks and increased foaming;
• doesn't make noise.

There are few disadvantages:

• no pause;
• can change the washing time itself depending on the weight of the laundry;
• It’s inconvenient to set the timer.

Candy GVSW40 364TWHC - with dryer

The peculiarity of the model is the structure of the drum. It has thousands of little holes. Water is supplied through them under pressure, penetrating deep into the tissue structure. This helps save energy, as clothes are washed even in cold water.

In addition to the standard 13 washing programs, the model has 4 drying modes. Customizable by fabric type. You can dry 4 kg, and wash load 6 kg.

The model has touch controls. You can adjust any temperature and spin speed up to 1300 rpm. It is convenient to have a washing program for delicate fabrics, anti-allergy, anti-crease, and steam treatment functions. There is a timer and several protection systems.

In addition, the machine has the following advantages:

• works silently;
• rinses out the powder well;
• can be controlled via smartphone.

This model has several disadvantages:

• in drying mode it is uneconomical;
• uses a lot of water when rinsing;
• When spinning it vibrates and makes noise.

Samsung WW65K42E08W – with the ability to add laundry at any stage of washing

This model stands out among front-loading machines: a special door allows you to add forgotten laundry, add powder or conditioner.

Equipped with an inverter motor that reduces vibration, a steam function, and a delay timer. It has programs for washing delicate fabrics, quick and pre-wash, super rinse.

The model has touch controls with a large digital display and the ability to connect to a smartphone. There is self-diagnosis, drum cleaning, foam control, and leakage protection. The model has many advantages:

• 12 programs;
• protection from children;
• you can select the spin speed;
• does not make noise;
• quick wash;
• washes well.

She has almost no disadvantages:

• may make noise when spinning;
• sometimes small things get stuck under the seal;
• an unpleasant sound signal for the end of the wash.