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.
Careful treatment of fabric
Another innovation from Electrolux is the SoftDrum. The smooth shape and small holes of the drum eliminate the possibility of clothes deforming at high speeds. Wave-shaped blades allow you to turn the laundry in different directions, which adapts the degree of mechanical impact depending on the type of fabric. Thanks to this system, the washing machine successfully copes with old stains on cotton and does not damage delicate items.
The maximum load is from 7 to 10 kg, that is, several double sets of bed linen can be placed in such a washing machine and there will still be space left. All clothes can be washed in one cycle. When the load is not full, the devices automatically reduce the cycle duration, which saves time, energy and water, and also protects the laundry from overwashing and, as a result, from premature wear.
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.
Top 6. Electrolux WH6-8
Rating (2021): 4.46
The smartest control The device can connect to a network program for commercial laundries, allowing you to control all operations remotely.
- Characteristics
Price: 746,460 rub.
- Country: Sweden
- Loading: 8 kg
- Type of heating: electricity/steam (optional)
- Control: automatic (Clarus)
- Dimensions: 720 x 721 x 1132 mm
- Features: network connectivity
Professional machines are the best choice for commercial laundries. Each device is connected to the common OnE Laundry system. The service monitors the hygiene of the unit, manages processes and income from its use. All monitoring is carried out remotely, which is especially valuable for business. With a load capacity of 8 kg, industrial machines save water and energy with less laundry. The washing machine automatically detects the weight and adjusts the required consumption according to it. Additional savings are provided by the Power Balance function: it controls overload, eliminates imbalance, and ensures a minimum percentage of humidity during textile drying. The only disadvantage of the device is its high cost, so it will take longer to pay for itself than its analogues.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Remote process monitoring
- Corporate system OnE Laundry
- Power balance function
- Saving water costs
- High price
See also:
- 5 best Electrolux washing machines
