Nowadays, choosing a washing machine is quite difficult. Thousands of different models with different characteristics. Not so long ago, models of washing machines with direct drive appeared, what are the differences from a conventional drive, what are the advantages and, most importantly, are there any disadvantages of such machines. Let's figure out whether it's worth buying without a belt, as the advertisement says?
What is the difference between direct drive and conventional drive?
Direct drive units use an inverter motor that is mounted directly on the drum and does not require the installation of a belt drive. A special clutch is used as a mechanism for changing speeds.
Direct drive eliminates the need for additional transmission elements such as fasteners and pulleys, making the design more compact. Such washing machines may not visually differ at all from units with a belt, however, models with different types may also have their own inherent advantages and disadvantages.
What is the difference between the design
To clearly understand how one washing machine differs from another, let’s first remember how a regular washing machine works. This unit has a traditional working drive via a belt. This means that there is a motor located at the bottom of the housing, which drives the drum through a pulley and drive belt. If you are at least a little familiar with the structure of a car, you will easily notice the similarities.
A direct drive washing machine is designed a little differently. Here the motor is “mounted” directly on the drum. In this design there is no belt and pulley at all, and the engine and tank are a single unit. On the one hand, this provides a number of advantages, but on the other hand, it is not without its disadvantages, which also cannot be ignored.
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Washing machine for the kitchen - rules for choosing
Pros and cons of direct drive washing machines
It is difficult to find real reviews from consumers who have tried direct drive in action. Most comments repeat advertising slogans. If you combine all the information you come across, then direct drive machines have the following advantages.
- Compact with greater capacity. Quite likely, since the missing belt, brushes and pulley allow the drum to expand while the body shrinks.
- Ten-year engine warranty. This is debatable, since in addition to the motor, other elements of the machine may break.
- Reduced noise and vibration levels. True, it is very insignificant, since the rustle from the constantly working belt is replaced by too noisy intake and drainage of water.
- Washing efficiency. They say that the expanded capabilities of the inverter motor with sharp stops and rotations in the opposite direction clean laundry better and fight the most stubborn stains. It is difficult to compare, since there were few complaints about traditional machines.
- Accelerated wash. The previously mentioned sharp operation of the inverter motor allows you to cycle faster, which saves a little time.
- Saving energy consumption. Due to the exclusion of some elements from the rotation chain and the ability to automatically control the required power by “reading” the weight of the loaded laundry.
- Diagnosis of the problem. The “Direct Drive” system is capable of signaling an excess of laundry in the tub by displaying a corresponding error, refusing to start the cycle, or randomly flashing indicators on the control panel.
The advantages of direct drive washing machines look very significant, but before making a final decision, it is worth considering the obvious disadvantages; alas, they also exist. Those who are going to buy a washing machine of this type should take into account the following disadvantages:
- Obviously higher price of purchase, operation, repair;
- Sensitivity to power surges, such a washing machine needs to be turned on only through a stabilizer;
- Quick erasing of the sealing gland.
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Direct drive design
In direct drive washing machines, the motor is attached to the drum without the use of belts and pulleys; instead, a special clutch is used, which plays the role of the driving mechanism of the gearbox. The absence of additional transmission elements in such a machine makes it compact.
In most cases, direct drive washing machines use a three-phase brushless motor. It consists of a permanent magnet (rotor) and a stator equipped with 36 inductors.
The rotor is attached directly to the drum shaft. The rotor shaft is at the same time the drum shaft of the washing machine. The engine is controlled by sending signals from the electronic module.
The best direct drive washing machines
High-quality direct drive machines are produced by such well-known brands.
LG
It produces excellent machines with electronic control, economical consumption of water and electricity. The equipment is high-quality and durable, equipped with a large number of necessary modes and programs.
Samsung
This brand offers durable and practical devices with an attractive design, large tank capacity, and a high level of all-round safety.
Bosch
It produces high-quality direct-drive machines with improved functionality, good spin power, and economical consumption of water and electricity. Bosch equipment can have not only large, but also compact dimensions.
Hotpoint-Ariston
Machines with a maximum load of up to 7 kg, a digital display, a high class of washing efficiency and low energy consumption - RST 702 X and VML 7023 B. Spin within 1000 rpm, 16 modes and equal power in other aspects.
Additional characteristics:
- Washing programs: “Children's clothes”, “Cotton”, “Cotton: quick wash”, “Delicate wash”, “Wool”, “Quick wash 30”, “Duvet”, “Synthetics”.
- Steam function - no.
- Functions: “Pre-wash”, “Rinse delay”, “Intensive wash”, “Super rinse”, “Easy ironing”, “No spin”, “Delayed start”, “BIO”, “Tank and drum cleaning”.
Peculiarities:
- intelligent washing system;
- noise level washing/spin – 54/67 dB;
- load detector;
- auto balancing;
- error indicator;
- foam control system;
- 0 W standby;
- child lock;
- duty cycle indicator.
Operating rules
As you know, trouble is often easier to prevent than to eliminate its consequences. This also applies to washing machines. If you know how to properly care for your washer, and most importantly, don’t be lazy about doing it, the equipment will serve you faithfully for many years:
- To begin with, don’t neglect prevention. Even if nothing bothers you about the operation of the machine, once every three to four years it is worth inviting a specialist who will inspect the machine, carry out preventive maintenance, where it is necessary to lubricate and tighten connections, and replace worn parts.
- To avoid leakage on the engine, you need to change the oil seal in a timely manner. It is also better to entrust this procedure to a specialist.
- Bearings also require regular replacement. You should not bring them to the point where they crumble on their own.
- To protect an expensive electronic control system from sudden power surges, it is recommended to equip it with a separate outlet and protection against voltage surges. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if the washer’s “brains” burn out as a result of a power surge, repairs will cost a disproportionately large amount.
- To protect internal parts (heating elements) from scale and salt build-up, it is worth installing a special filter at the inlet. It will soften the water and extend the life of the equipment.
Troubleshooting basic problems yourself
You can fix many problems with LG washing machines yourself; you don’t have to call a technician. The only exception is the replacement of worn bearings, which will require complete disassembly of the control unit, as well as repair of a damaged control unit, which requires the participation of a qualified technician.
Diagnostics and replacement of the tubular heater
Such repairs do not require special qualifications. The heating element often burns out due to hard water, which forms limescale on its surface. To prevent such damage, install an additional filter with cassettes for water softening on the water supply.
To clean the tank and heating element from scale, you can use citric acid, as well as other commercially available products. Checking and replacing the heater is easy. To do this, de-energize the SM and perform a number of actions:
- Unscrew the fasteners and remove the back wall of the SMA.
- From the heating element located at the bottom of the tank, disconnect the two contacts, and also remove the connector from the temperature sensor.
- Check the resistance of the heating element with a multimeter. If its value is within 25–40 Ohms, the heater is working. If the value is less than 20 Ohms or the device shows a break, the heating element needs to be replaced.
- Unscrew the nut located in the center of the heater and remove the ground wire. There is another fastening nut under it, which should also be unscrewed. Using a screwdriver and WD-40 lubricant, carefully pry up the rubber seal and remove the heating element from the mounting niche.
- Clean the niche from scale and dirt, lubricate the rubber seal of the new heating element with liquid detergent so that it fits into the groove more easily, then install it in its seat.
- Connect all terminals to the heater and the connector to the thermistor.
- Check whether the heater seal is not leaking water from the tank.
Features of choosing a model
If the question of purchasing has become an issue, then the pros and cons of direct drive have already been described. This arrangement of the mechanism elements made it possible to significantly improve the quality and speed of washing. This is an important aspect when choosing household appliances, since there is no such thing as too much time.
Again, the maximum service life has increased. This, in turn, will allow you to use one machine longer, in which a lot of money has been invested.
The price of the machine will be paid off by the time it operates. But you should handle the unit carefully so that you don’t have to spend money on repairs. Is this type of washing machine better? Of course better. Less noise, washes faster, breaks less often and lasts longer. A housewife's dream.
A direct drive washing machine is an excellent purchase for home use. It is more convenient than other types, although it costs more. Of course, the design has its drawbacks, but its advantages are greater.
Rating of direct drive washing machines
- Washing machine LG F-14B3PDS7. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy consumption class A++.
- Washing machine Siemens WD 15H541. Designed for 7 kg of laundry, has 15 washing programs and energy efficiency class A+++.
- Washing machine Siemens WM 14W740. Designed for 8 kg of laundry with 14 washing programs and energy class A+++.
- Washing machine LG F-14U1TBS2. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy efficiency class A+++.
- Washing machine Bosch WAW28740OE. Designed for 9 kg of laundry with 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
- Washing machine Bosch WAW 28740. Designed for 9 kg of laundry, has 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
- Washing machine Bosch WAW 28590. Designed for 9 kg of laundry with 14 washing programs and energy class A+++.
- Washing machine Siemens WM 12N290. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
- Washing machine Bosch WAN 24290. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
- Washing machine Bosch WAN 28290. Designed for 8 kg of laundry with 15 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
When wondering whether to buy a direct drive washing machine, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The design of these types is constantly being improved, which eliminates the inherent disadvantages of washing machines.
As for cost, well-known brands offer lines of direct drive washing machines of both premium and economy class.
