Activator-type washing machines: what they are, operating principles and design, rating of the best models

When choosing a washing machine on the pages of online stores, in the filter you can come across such a thing as activator-type washing machines. Every housewife understands what an automatic, semi-automatic, vertical or horizontal loading machine means in relation to classic drum-type machines.

But not everyone knows what an activator type of machine is. As a rule, the older generation of Russians is familiar with them. The article will talk about seemingly outdated and unnecessary units, but this is only at first glance. With a more detailed dive into the topic, we will see that such machines have undeniable advantages, and there are many of them. This is what helps them stay afloat.

What is an activator type washing machine?

An activator-type washing machine is a washing device in which water and powder move due to the operation of an activator. Hence the name. The activator is a plastic disk with convex blades or ribs. Soapy water rotates with the laundry, just like in a drum washing machine, and thus removes stains.

The heyday of activator machines occurred in 1980-90 of the twentieth century. Back then, these machines helped women a lot in housework. Even though I had to do some of the work myself. Previously, activator machines were heavy and clumsy due to their metal structure, they often spoiled things and did not cause delight at all. But the lack of an alternative helped their spread. Models of activator machines have undergone significant positive changes since those times, and now they are lightweight plastic units.

Currently, these machines are not as popular as in the Soviet Union, but they still find their buyers, since in some situations they are an indispensable household assistant. The advantages and disadvantages of models with an activator will be described in a separate section.

These machines are used not only in the home. They are also used by industrial enterprises. They differ in size; industrial machines have a larger capacity and, accordingly, are larger in size.

What is the activator function in a washing machine?

An activator washing machine differs from analogues in the presence of a paddle disk that drives the soap foam. Traditionally, the activator is located at the bottom or wall of the tank. In newer models it is replaced by an impeller. It allows you to direct the movement of water along a more efficient path, and also eliminates tissue getting stuck between the blades.

Typical diagram of an activator washing machine.

In general, the design of the unit is simple. It consists:

• from a plastic or metal tank;
• activator;
• motor;
• timer.

This design allows you to solve washing problems with minimal consumption of resources. The activator washing machine with spin included 2 tanks. One was for washing, and the other container was for pre-drying.

Types of washing machines with activator

Progress does not stand still, and it also affected activator-type washing machines. If previously these were the simplest primitive units, now among them there are both semi-automatic and automatic machines. The more modern the machine, the more functions it performs. Let’s take a closer look at what each type of activator machine is, depending on its automation:

1. Simple models do not have any functions other than washing. The structure of the machine is quite simple: a V-belt drive, an engine, a plastic tank and a very ordinary timer. Spinning is carried out by spinning the laundry between 2 rubber rollers. Sometimes you can adjust the height of the gap between the rollers in order to spin laundry of different thicknesses. The rollers are driven by a drive handle.
2. Semi-automatic machines can have one or two tanks: for washing and a centrifuge for spinning. The water in the tank is driven by a V-belt drive, and the movement of the centrifuge is driven by an elastic coupling. Sometimes it is possible to select a delicate mode for fabric, a choice of washing time, or a delayed timer.
3. Automatic machines may already have an electronic control panel with a choice of different modes depending on the type of fabric and contamination. There are models with 10 washing modes and a choice of water filling level in the tank. May have one or two tanks. A heating element is installed for heating water, the water is drained automatically through the operation of the pump. Filters are installed to trap lint. They differ from drum machines in the presence of an activator. The weight of the automatic activator machine reaches 70 kg. The price of such a machine is not small.

You can also divide the machines by the number of tanks: one or two. In a machine with one tank, washing and rinsing occurs. If there are two tanks, then both washing and drying clothes are possible.

Activator washing machine: truth and fiction

Perhaps due to the fact that we all come from the USSR, we associate an activator washing machine primarily with an unassuming tank, a rubber hose and intimidating rollers for squeezing clothes. With those washing machines from our childhood, the efficiency of which was estimated in kopecks per kilogram of laundry.

However, progress does not stand still, and modern activator machines differ from Soviet semi-automatic machines much more than the first washing machine from the butter churn, from which Karl Miele actually converted it. And yet, talking about different washing principles, many sales consultants continue to compare modern drums with activators from the 50s!

To some extent, this is due to the specifics of exports. Washing machines are supplied to Russia mainly from Europe, which prefers drum-type machines. For Europeans who are little familiar with central heating, this is a completely appropriate model, but Russians have become hostage to the stereotype. However, first things first.

Activator washing machine, inside view

Activator washing principle

Washing clothes can be done in two ways: using a drum and using an activator. In the first case, by rolling the laundry under the influence of gravity, and in the second, by creating water vortices that move the laundry inside the tank. If with the drum washing method everything is intuitive, it requires only a horizontal axis of the drum, then the activator principle is implemented in many variants. These options depend on the shape of the activator, the method of its movement, the presence of additional elements (pulsators, air-bubble mechanisms), and so on.

The simplest form of activator is considered to be an asymmetrical blade one. Typically, this is a cone-shaped screw that stirs the laundry inside the tub in a clockwise direction. In washing machines of this type, clothes are washed very quickly, but such washing cannot be called delicate. With the unidirectional movement of the activator, the laundry gets twisted into strands and wears out quickly. And although in many ways this method of washing is outdated, it is still very popular.

Washing machines with activator-agitators wash very quickly, due to active mechanical action they cope with the most severe dirt and practically do not break down. The extreme simplicity of the design does not require service or professional repairs, and also places these machines in the lowest price niche.

Activating the cleaning solution using an impeller or activator-impeller is a completely different matter. Unlike an asymmetrical activator, an impeller usually has complex trajectories of intermittent-reversible movement. Moving either clockwise or counterclockwise, the impeller prevents the laundry from curling and also creates a powerful circulation of water flows in the tank.

The most advanced form of impeller today is a bell with symmetrical ribs of various sizes. The mixing blades are the largest and highest ribs. They create a funnel of water. Between the mixing blades there are auxiliary, smaller ones, which allow the whirlpool to smoothly transfer frictional force and ensure delicate washing. Finally, along the outer circle of the bell there are short radial blades, which create additional water flows and make the main whirlpool heterogeneous. Thanks to them, the laundry is washed evenly and efficiently, does not form lumps or strands, and is also thoroughly rinsed.

The bell may consist of several concentric parts: inner and outer circles, moving both in one and in opposite directions. The air-bubble method is also additionally used: air bubbles passing through the holes of the impeller create a “boiling effect” and allow you to wash clothes efficiently even at low temperatures.

Air bubble impeller

Advantages of activator washing machines

We will not dwell in detail on the fundamental differences between front-facing and vertical machines: firstly, activator washing machines are only vertical, and secondly, this is rather a matter of taste, design and location category. Let's pay close attention to vertical loaders.

The main difference that catches your eye is the location of the drum axis. In traditional European machines, the drum is always located on a horizontal axis, regardless of whether the laundry is loaded frontally or vertically. But American and Asian cars have a vertical axis of rotation and an activator. It looks like this:

The drum-type machine is an extremely inconvenient design: access to the drum is through special doors that require a fixed position exactly opposite the hatch. This is achieved either through additional movements (the drum has to be rotated to the hatch by hand) or through an increase in cost (automatic fixation of the sashes increases the cost of the design). Machine breakdowns or power outages can leave laundry “locked” in the drum.

An activator washing machine is free of such design flaws. Access to laundry is unlimited, which creates additional convenience - the ability to add detergent or laundry directly during washing. In addition, there is a pleasant psychological effect - you can watch your clothes being washed in the same way as in a front-facing machine. It is enough to buy a model with a transparent hatch or simply open the lid during washing.

Activator washing machine Whirlpool Vantage

Let us list other, less obvious, advantages of activator machines:

• universal choice of detergents - you can wash with hand washing powders, soap, baby shampoos without worrying about foaming;
• quick wash - the vast majority of activator machines use hot water directly, and the wash cycle is reduced by three times;
• energy savings - in activator washing machines there is usually no thermal electric heater (TEH), and therefore no electricity is wasted on heating water;
• a large amount of loaded laundry - only activator-type machines have models for loading 10-14 kilograms of laundry, the maximum values ​​for drum machines are usually 6-8 kilograms;
• reliable design - the absence of heating elements, drum drive belts and other structural parts makes activator machines durable;
• absence of strong vibrations during spinning - in a horizontally located drum, some of the laundry at the end of washing can easily end up closer or further to one of the walls, which will provoke knocking and additional vibrations from different loads on the drum mounts. This cannot happen in a drum with a vertical axis. Due to the effect of gravity, the laundry is always located at the bottom of the tank at the end of washing;
• work in difficult living conditions - if machines with a drum washing principle represent exclusively the segment of stationary automatic machines, then activator machines evenly cover all consumer niches. If you need a machine that works without being connected to a central water supply, or a portable model (with a highly reliable design that is resistant to frequent moves), a machine for a summer house or a rented apartment, you will find it among the activator washing machines.

Truth and fiction

Why, despite the abundance of advantages of activator washing, do Europeans choose a drum? The answer is simple - the peculiarities of everyday life. There are practically no heating plants in Europe, and even where they exist, there is a meter on each radiator. In order to save money or due to the lack of hot water, water heaters are used.

In many regions, not only hot water is in short supply, but also cold drinking water. Quite common are reservoirs into which drinking water is supplied centrally at certain times of the day. Due to the low quality of tap water, many wash their clothes with drinking water, which requires stationary heating. Therefore, a water-saving drum is an urgent need for Europeans.

However, is such austerity relevant for Russia, where we pay for electricity according to the meter, but we count water by cubic meters? Is it important for everyone to have a heating element in a washing machine, which comes with long wash cycles and problems with limescale, if it is possible to connect directly to hot water?

Let's take a closer look at existing stereotypes. Is it true that activator washing machines...

Do they waste a lot of water?

Indeed, cheap machine models with asymmetrical activators require the tank to be filled completely with water, which increases the overall water consumption. If we are talking about modern impellers, then the level of filling the tank with water corresponds to the amount of laundry loaded.

Water level at different load levels of laundry

It is worth mentioning the quality of rinsing, which varies between drum and activator type machines. The drum is aimed primarily at saving water, and manufacturers of such machines have reached the ceiling in this area.

Saving on water has led to the fact that quite a lot of detergent remains in washed items. People with sensitive skin, parents of babies, allergy sufferers and asthmatics are forced to buy washing machines with special modes. These modes either increase the number and duration of rinses in the cycle, or spin the laundry more often between rinses, respectively, increasing the price of the washing machine. Choosing “gentle” household chemicals, special gels or children’s washing powders does not completely solve the problem, since these products harm sensitive equipment.

Fact: High-end models of activator washing machines use 20% more water and detergent for the same wash quality than their drum counterparts, but provide a better rinse.

Are they ruining their laundry?

Yes and no. Machines with asymmetrical paddle activators twist laundry into strands, which leads to faster wear. If we are talking about modern technological models with air-bubble impellers, then delicate, hand and cashmere washing modes are commonplace for them.

Are they making a lot of noise?

Yes and no. Machines with asymmetrical unidirectional actuators are indeed the noisiest. However, the source of noise is not the machine itself, but the laundry itself, which is twisted into heavy strands.

Models with symmetrical impellers and an intermittent-reversible movement principle, on the contrary, are the quietest of all available.

The cheapest?

Yes it's true. The cheapest of all possible ones are mechanical activator washing machines. You can buy cars of the Oka, Fairy, Candy, Renova, VolTek, Wellton brands in the range from 1200 to 2000 rubles.

The most expensive?

No that's not true. For example, a front washing machine from the Spirit series from the Swiss company Schulthess (a leading European manufacturer of luxury washing machines) is recommended for sale at a price of $7,355 (CHF 6,233). At the same time, Whirlpool's latest development - an activator washing machine from the Vantage series with the same functionality and a very beautiful 7-inch color touch screen - is offered at a price of $2,500.

Both machines are made with the latest technology and differ only in size and volume of loaded laundry. The Swiss car is rated for 5.5 kg, and the American one is rated for 11.5 kg. It is the need to implement a wide range of functions in a modest size that makes European “drums” so expensive.

The smallest?

Yes. Compact and portable models with the simplest design, as a rule, use the activator washing principle.

The biggest?

Yes. The horizontally located axis of the drum is structurally weaker than the vertical one when spinning a large amount of laundry, and therefore large capacity washing machines (140-150 liters) are represented exclusively by activator models.

Top 5 best models of activator washing machines

The market offers a wide selection of activator-type washing machines. The machines differ in price and functionality. Let's take a closer look at the most popular models.

The most famous activator machines are produced under the Malyutka brand. These are the old-timers among activator machines. One of the models of this manufacturer is called “ Malyutka-2 ”. It got its name for its miniature size and fully lives up to its name. The load volume does not exceed 1 kilogram of dry laundry, the volume of water is 28 liters. The washing cycle lasts only 5 minutes. There is a 4 minute rinse function. If necessary, the washing time can be made even shorter, for example for delicate fabrics. For this model, the activator is located on the side, and the engine is located outside the machine body. Since the washing time is not long, pre-soaking the laundry is recommended. It is better to wash delicate items in special laundry bags. The tank is plastic, so you should never pour boiling water into it. The temperature should not be higher than +80 degrees. Rinsing is carried out after washing by manually pouring clean water. This model is one of the cheapest in price. In addition to “Malyutka-2”, there are analogues from others, and “Snow White”, even Bosch has such models.

If we take models in the middle price segment, then the popular models are VolTek Rainbow SM-2 and Renova WS40Pet.

VolTek Rainbow SM-2

received 5 stars, according to user reviews on online shopping sites. The machine represents the class of semi-automatic machines. The model weighs about 7 kilograms and has a carrying handle, so it’s perfect for a summer house. Compared to Renova WS40Pet, it can wash only 2 kilograms of laundry, but it is much more compact. Equipped with an indicator for the end of the washing time. There are 2 modes to choose from: normal and delicate wash. There is no drying. Washing class - F. The minimum washing time is 5 minutes. Cost: about 4,000 rubles.

Renova WS40Pet

has a relatively small weight, not exceeding 13 kg. The dimensions of the machine are quite compact, allowing it to be transported, for example, to the countryside. This model also belongs to the category of semi-automatic machines and already has 3 washing modes. The activator movements are reversible. Due to the presence of 2 compartments, in addition to washing and rinsing, there is a high-quality spin in a centrifuge. Spin speed: 1350 rpm. The machine is spacious and designed for 4 kilograms of laundry. 30 liters of water is enough for high-quality washing.

Modern drum machines cannot always boast such indicators in terms of spin and laundry volume. Washing class – A. You can delay the start of washing by 15 minutes. Another advantage is its price – approximately 5,000 rubles. Among the models of this manufacturer there are many worthy options for different needs and the quality of all is excellent.

VolTek and Renova have analogues from Assol, Daewoo and others.

Among the expensive options for activator machines, the most popular are Snow White BN5500SG and Slavda WS-85PE.

Model Slavda WS-85PE

has one tank for washing and rinsing. There is no spin, but this is compensated by the washing class. This machine has a washing class of A and energy efficiency of A+. We can say that this machine will save your budget a lot, but at the same time it will wash no worse than drum machines. The machine is very spacious and can load 8 kg of laundry. But due to this, the weight of this unit is already 18 kg. It has 2 washing programs, the drain is automatic, and the hatch is blocked during washing for safety reasons. Washing requires 50 liters of water. Cost: about 7,000 rubles.

Snow White BN5500SG

has 2 tanks, so a spin speed of 1350 rpm is added to the advantage of this model. Has 2 washing programs for normal and delicate laundry. Loading capacity is 5.5 kg, which is also not small. Washing class - C. Mechanical control, interesting country design, small dimensions - this is precisely why it earned the right to be on this list. The cost is 8,000 rubles.

As we see, progress, although slowly, is reaching these machines. You can already find machines on sale with touch controls, a display with multi-colored backlighting, the ability to customize the washing mode yourself or choose one of 33 modes. We are talking about the Whirlpool Vantage model. Among the functions there is even a USB interface. True, before purchasing, you should think about whether such a unit is needed, since its price has exceeded 100,000 rubles. At the same time, there are no obvious advantages over cheaper drum machines.

Choosing the best washing activator machine

There are quite a lot of washing machines, or rather models. Basically, such activator-type structures are used by those people who, due to circumstances, move very often or live in small apartments/remote areas.

We will tell you how to choose a washing machine for yourself, and what to look for when choosing. Criteria for choosing an activator design.

1. First criterion. Role. Set the bar for your future machine and determine what role it should play. If you need to quickly wash a small number of things, then you will need the “Malyutka”. It holds up to 27 liters of water in its tank and can wash up to 1 kilogram of laundry in 1 cycle. There is a hose for draining used water. Ideal for cottages and villages.
2. Second criterion. Brand. Take a look at the manufacturing company. Here is a list of the best: “Fairy”, “VolTek”, “Malyutka” (Russian manufacturers), Renovo, Maytag, Daewoo, Mabe (foreign manufacturers).

3. 
   Third criterion. The principle of operation of the activator.

   The modern type of design is a washing machine with an activator-impeller. The difference is that the impeller has its own rather complex trajectory of movement. The best shape is a bell-shaped impeller with bulges of different sizes.
4. The fourth (and important) criterion. Design. Modern activator-type washing machines come in elegant cases. The top cover can be made of plastic material, which makes it possible to monitor the washing of things.

It is important to know! In activator-type washing machines with an air-bubble impeller, clothes are washed more efficiently than in conventional machines. The air bubble impeller includes a large number of holes on the surface through which air is pierced, resulting in a boiling effect.

List of the most famous models

Conventional washing machines have a cup lid made of metal or plastic. They have a hole for draining water. The motor is mounted on the side. The location of the activator is located on one of the walls of the tank. Such designs can often be found on cars from domestic manufacturers.

The units are suitable for washing items with a capacity of 2 kilograms. These include:

• "Assol";
• "Fairy";
• "Princess";
• "Little one."

It is important to know! We do not recommend washing items made from delicate fabrics in such machines, as they may lose their former appearance, because such models do not have a spin cycle. Quite compact, such machines are easy to move from corner to corner.

Semi-automatic

This type includes: “Oka-100”, “Fairy”, Redber.

The line of Fairy washing machines is diverse.

There are more than 12 models on the markets, which differ from each other in different ways:

• 
  Color (gray, white, blue).

• Size.
• Capacity.
• Power consumption.
• The presence/absence of a pump designed to drain water.

Modifications of the Redber brand differ:

• Dimensions.
• Capacity for washing and spinning.
• Number of modes.

Some machines have removable legs. The body can be made of either metal or plastic. All structural tanks are plastic. Absolutely all models of this brand are equipped with a timer for washing and spinning.

Slot machines

There are many activator automatic washing machines on the market, we will provide a list of common models:

Whirlpool Vantage

This model is equipped with a color display, touch controls and a USB interface. The unit contains up to 33 washing modes.

It is possible to create your own personal washing mode; you can also wash sportswear, shoes, bathroom rugs and other things. The disadvantage is the high price.

Bosch WOR 16155

There is electronic control. Spin system up to 800 rpm. Loading capacity up to 6 kg. There is protection against leaks. It is possible to choose the spin speed (in revolutions) and water temperature. There is a delayed start function.

Fairy (models MCMA-19GP/MCMA-21G)

The largest amount of dry laundry that can fit in the machine reaches 2.2 kilograms. There are six washing programs. During spinning, the maximum number of revolutions per minute is 850. When washing wool or synthetics, it is possible to stop (turn off) spinning.

EVGO

Three series of washing machines: mini (capacity 3.2 kg), comfort (capacity 5.5 kg), air bubble (capacity 7 kg). Designs of the “comfort” series are equipped with the “FUZZY LOGIC” system, which makes it possible to save water, electricity and time.

REDBER WMA-552

A machine that is connected to a mixer. Controlled by a microprocessor. There is a touch panel.

Frigidaire FWS 1649 ZAS

This activator-type washing machine has a huge number of different functions. Up to sixteen washing programs are available. Contains four combined water temperature settings for washing and rinsing, based on: warm/warm, warm/cold, hot/cold, cold/cold.

Capacity up to 10.1 kilograms of items at one time. There is a smooth water adjustment. There is also a filter for self-cleaning from fluff and threads. The only drawback is the price of the activator unit. The cost exceeds the limit of the most expensive drum-type washing machines.

Made LMR1083 PBYR

Equipped with mechanical control. Drum capacity up to 10 kg. Spin system up to 680 rpm. The following washing modes are available: delicates, express wash. This model automatically sets the water level, which is determined by the number of things in the drum, and sets the desired temperature; the “ID System” handles this.

It is possible to choose any combination of modes: wash-rinse, wash-spin, rinse-spin. All powders, bleaches and rinses are put into place using the Techno-Clean system.

In conclusion, let's say

As you understand, activator machines come in various types and types: easy to transport, compact, can be used in summer cottages, there are also high-tech, more modern models.

Between drum-type washing machines and modern units, the characteristics are no different. The buyer has the final say. Only you choose a car based on your individual needs and capabilities. And we hope that our article helped you with choosing your new car.

How to use an activator type washing machine

When using an activator type machine, you do not need to know any special operating rules. Everything is as simple and convenient as possible. Just read the instructions carefully. There are no abundance of buttons to select a mode, so even a child can handle it. To start using the machine, you do not need to call a plumber, since most often a connection to the water supply network is not required.

If the machine will always work in the same place, then there is no need to place it close to the wall. A sufficient distance from the wall is 5 cm. This is necessary so that vibration during operation of the centrifuge does not make loud noise. It is also good if there is an electrical outlet at a short distance from the device. If the cable is not long enough, you will have to use an extension cord.

Consider where the drain will be carried out: bathtub, sink, toilet or directly into the sewer. As a rule, the drain hose is no more than 1 meter. If you intend to use it outdoors in your dacha, then the machine needs to be installed on a flat, elevated place.

Before first use, wipe the machine's tank with a damp cloth. After each use, wipe the tank and centrifuge dry with a cloth. It’s good to leave the machine open for a couple of hours after use to ventilate the machine. Then no odors or microorganisms will appear. Never use hard or metal brushes for cleaning. This will lead to scratches on the plastic and additional contamination.

Be sure to sort your laundry by color to avoid staining. Wash white clothes separately from colored and dark ones. It is advisable to pre-soak heavily soiled laundry to obtain better washing results.

It is important to remember that the weight of the laundry is calculated for each machine in dry form.

For best results, it is better to fill the machine with warm or hot water, depending on the type of fabric. Washing in cold water is not as effective. Follow the recommendations on the clothing label.

You can use washing powder for hand washing or an automatic machine; such units are not demanding in terms of washing agents.

If the machine provides spinning, then after transferring the laundry from the tank to the centrifuge, drain the water and only then turn on the spin. You cannot wash in one compartment and spin in another at the same time.

You need to remove the laundry only after disconnecting the machine from the power supply.

To prevent the electrical cable from getting into the water, there is a special hook on the side of the machine. Broadcast cable to it for security reasons.

Do not allow the machine to hit various objects. Although the plastic of the body and tank is durable, it can still be deformed or damaged. If you plan to move the machine frequently, secure it securely in the car during transportation.

Do not leave the machine over the winter in rooms where the temperature is below freezing. This will cause it to break. It is advisable to maintain a value not lower than +5 degrees and humidity - no more than 80%.