Which washing machine tank material is better, stainless steel or plastic?

Hello! I would like to buy a washing machine, but I have a problem - I can’t decide on the choice of drum. I heard that a steel drum is more durable than a plastic one. Plus, plastic products may develop cracks even during transportation. At the same time, washing machines with metal drums are much more expensive. Do I need to choose them and pay extra? Also, what is the difference between a honeycomb drum and a regular drum?

Answers the question:

Igor Markov

First, I suggest you understand the basic terms.
The drum is a container in which clothes are washed. You can just see it if you open the door or lid of the washing machine. Since it is made in all cases from stainless steel, there are no options here. However, there is also a tank - a container in which the drum is placed. It is into this that water and detergents are directed, which then goes through special slots into the compartment with laundry. The tank can be made of plastic or stainless steel. See also -
Which brand is better to choose a washing machine

What other plastic options are used?

Polynox is widely used in Bosch washing machines. But not only. There are other manufacturers who use analogues of this material.

The main polymer materials are carborane, carbotec, carferon, silytek and polynox. For each of the listed materials, the main substance is a special polypropylene. It contains calcium carbide, which significantly improves the strength of the material. As a result, the material becomes resistant to substances from detergents. The less different elements in the plastic are added, the worse the plastic tank is.

Polyplex is the most popular analogue. It is not afraid of rust, strong vibration and other things that pose a danger to metals. However, we must admit that if we compare it with other plastic analogues, it is still more fragile.

In Electrolux it is customary to make tanks from Carboran. It is more durable. But also more expensive. And this cannot but affect the total cost of the goods. Carboran is a development of this company. In particular, Carboran is close in quality to stainless steel. It is just as durable, strong and reliable.

IMPORTANT! Electrolux has worked not only to increase strength, but also to ensure that the plastic does not absorb odors, so that it has better thermal insulation qualities and sound insulation. And Carboran is not afraid of aggressive chemicals.

Kandy considers it possible to use Silitek, which in its essence can be considered a complete analogue of Polynox, although it has some minor differences. He is not afraid of acidic and alkaline environments.

This is interesting: Which refrigerator is better, single-compressor or two-compressor: what are the differences, pros and cons

Types of drum perforation

Perforations are small holes on the surface of the drum through which water enters. The drum rotates during washing. Under the influence of centrifugal forces, the laundry is pressed into the perforation holes. This leads to rapid wear of things. Companies that produce washing equipment are trying to prevent laundry damage, so they are working to improve their equipment. This also applies to perforation parameters.

Each manufacturer uses its own types of perforation:

Cellular. Such drums are produced by Miele. Perforation in the machines of this manufacturer is performed in the form of a honeycomb. The holes look like convex hexagons. The fabric in them is almost not tightened, i.e. the laundry is washed more carefully.
Drip. Bosch produces drums with perforations in the form of drops. When the wool or silk mode is selected, the cylinder rotates in one direction, providing a delicate effect on items. If cotton or linen is loaded, the drum rotates in the other direction, providing more intensive washing.
Pearl drum The pearl drum is produced by Hansa. The perforation in it is made in the form of hemispheres reminiscent of pearls. The manufacturer claims that thanks to this technology, wear of the laundry is prevented even at a drum rotation speed of 1400 rpm.
Wave drum. The “wave” drum is a type of Pearl drum. The holes in it are also made in the shape of hemispheres. They bend in waves throughout the cylinder. The developer of this technology claims that such a drum improves the movement of laundry during washing. This allows you to get cleaner things. Wave drum prevents wear and tear of laundry.
Diamond drum Machines with such drums are produced by Samsung. This technology differs in that the perforation holes are located in recesses made in the shape of a pyramid. The holes are small in size, preventing the fabric from being drawn into them.

Drum with honeycombs: what's the catch?

Numerous experiments have confirmed that the “grater effect” does not actually work. Convex and rough drums do not wash away dirt better, but spoil the laundry, so more and more manufacturers are trying to achieve the least impact on the fabric. An acceptable standard option involves small holes, highly polished and with concave edges. There is also a new trend - the so-called honeycombs.

The honeycomb drum is patented by Miele and differs from the usual ones by the presence on the wall and sides of the cylinder of bulges in the form of hexagons, which outwardly resemble a honeycomb. Thanks to them, a water film is formed between the loaded laundry and the metal, which enhances slip and protects the structure of the fabric. And, according to the developer, the gentleness of washing is complemented by durability and low energy consumption.

The catch with a fancy drum is one thing - the high cost is not justified. Many ordinary surfaces, well made, offer equally effective cleaning. If you choose a machine wisely, you can find a more advanced unit for the asking price.

Which drum is better

It's difficult to say which drum is good and which is bad. When choosing a washing machine, you should pay attention to different parameters - how much water and electricity the machine consumes, what is the functionality of the equipment, what additional options does the manufacturer offer. Last but not least is the cost of the unit.

How to clean an automatic washing machine from scale and dirt inside the machine
Washing machine pump repair
Why doesn't the washing machine turn on?
List of washing machines that have a collapsible drum

Let's inspect the drum before purchasing equipment

If you decide which drum is best for the machine, we’ll start testing it in a store. It is extremely imprudent to trust only advertising or recommendations of a sales consultant. Therefore, we approach the model we like and begin a visual palpation examination.

Open the hatch door and run your palm along the inner surface of the drum. Despite the irregularities and holes, your fingers should not catch on sharp protrusions or microburrs. Especially in the area of seams and holes. If there is at least one clue, pass by, as there is poor quality workmanship in violation of technology.

There is also a more reliable way - to put nylon tights or stockings on your hand. The tights will definitely catch on the micro-burr.

We carefully feel the rib punches - plastic elements on the drum that look like blades or barriers. Absolute smoothness is also required here, and the delimiters themselves must be held firmly in the provided grooves. If they dangle even a little, the machine does not pass the test.
We spin the drum, checking how easily, silently and smoothly it rotates. A slight stretch is allowed, but there should be no extraneous creaks or whistles.
Rock the container up and down, paying attention to the junction with the body. The resulting large gap clearly indicates worn bearings.
We estimate the distance from the edge of the drum to the beginning of the hatch cuff. A length of 5 mm would be ideal, but more than 8 mm would be risky. The risk is that through such a gap small things, children's socks, panties or gloves can fly into the tank. It’s even worse when coins or other hard small items left in pockets get into the washer through the hole. They can cause a breakdown.

Checking the drum yourself is the main argument when choosing a washing machine. If there are no burrs, loose ribs or scary cracks inside the machine, then the type and material used to make the elements will fade into the background. Remember that there is a concept of “excessive quality”, and even a budget washing machine with a regular drum will last for many years if used properly.

Interesting:

What brand of washing machine should I buy?
Washing machines with water tank - review
Where to put a washing machine in a small bathroom
Ardo washing machine device
How does a Kandy washing machine work?
Reviews of Daewoo wall-mounted washing machines

Reader comments

Share your opinion - leave a comment

Washing machine drum: perforated

On the side surfaces of any cylinder inside the tank you can observe many small holes called perforations. This is necessary for water to flow from the tank to the drum and back during washing. But sometimes such holes can affect the wear and tear of the laundry.

Why is this happening? The fact is that during washing, when the cylinder rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the things inside it, which seems to “press” them into these perforated holes. As a result, the fabric fibers wear out over time and the item wears out faster.

Important. At high spin speeds, fabrics wear out faster. Therefore, it is recommended to spin delicate items at the lowest speed, choosing the appropriate washing mode.

Manufacturers of washing machines are trying to change such situations for the better by developing special algorithms and operating programs for washing devices. By providing the best washing quality, they at the same time minimize the wear and tear of fabrics. For this purpose, manufacturers also make drums that have a special internal surface.

Honeycomb drums

Drums of this type were patented by Miele, so they cannot be found in washing machines from other manufacturers.

Features of Honeycomb Drums

The developers of this company turned their attention to the design of honeycombs, which are quite stable, although they are made of soft material. Manufacturers have used similar shapes for the surfaces of the cylinders of their washing units. They covered them inside with raised, specially stamped hexagons.

The perforation with such holes has a smaller diameter, which is why the washing solution lingers inside the drum for a longer time, and the fabric is practically not drawn into them, washing is much more gentle than usual. As the developers themselves say:

cylinders of this type help reduce energy consumption;
laundry is washed more carefully;
There are no welded parts inside the drum, which means their service life is quite long.

Drip drums

The inner surface of this type of drum is not covered with honeycomb-like holes, but with special protrusions that are shaped like drops. This type of coating was developed by Bosch specialists. One side of these droplet protrusions is gently sloping, and the other is steeper. This coating principle is applied inside the drums, which are called VarioSoft. The developers have provided this:

firstly, a delicate effect on fabrics (wool, silk) during washing when the cylinder rotates in one direction;
secondly, a more intensive wash, removing all dirt on cotton or linen fabrics, when rotating the cylinder in the other opposite direction.

VarioSoft washing machine drums

Pearl Drum

"Pearl Drum" or pearl drum, designed for Hansa washing machines. It is named so because its internal surfaces are covered with protrusions in the form of hemispheres, similar to a scattering of pearls of different sizes. This was also done to prevent fabric fibers from being drawn into the holes on the surface of the cylinder. According to the developers, this perforation design should protect things from wear during spinning even at high speeds up to 1400 rpm.

Wave Drum

This type of perforation is a type of “Pearl Drum”, translated as “wave drum”. Its inner walls are covered with special hemispheres that bend in waves along the entire diameter. The developers claim that this design can improve the movement of laundry during washing inside the drum and protect fabrics from wear.

Diamond Drum

Samsung continued the idea of the Miele developers and created its high-tech advanced drum “Diamond Drum”, inside of which the perforations are located in small recesses resembling the shape of a pyramid. The reduced diameter of these holes prevents fabric fibers from being drawn through them, protecting items from wear and tear. Such “pyramids” are similar to the cutting of precious stones, which is why they got their name “Diamond Drum”.

Diamond Drum

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic tanks

Manufacturers, of course, are working to reduce production costs. This may explain the fact that they started producing plastic tanks. Of course, buyers are always happy when prices drop. However, they still doubt that such tanks can be reliable and durable. First, we’ll look at the obvious advantages of plastic tanks.

— Plastic tanks are less susceptible to vibration when you wash. This also leads to a reduction in the noise level of the washing machine.

— Such tanks retain heat inside better. This eliminates the need to constantly heat the water. As a result, the washing machine's energy costs to heat water are reduced.

— Plastic is much lighter than metal. This reduces the weight of the washing machine and makes it easier to transport.

— Polynox and its analogues will not be damaged by moisture and will not rust, which leads to an increase in the period of its use.

— Plastic is cheaper than stainless steel. Cars with a plastic tank are cheaper compared to their metal counterparts.

There are many advantages, but there are also disadvantages.

Plastic is easier to damage. And while a stainless steel tank can survive impacts from hard foreign objects that accidentally enter the tank during washing, plastic can crack when hit at high speeds.

Please note: when your washing machine has a plastic tank, you need to check things very carefully. Damage from hard and sharp fittings is possible.

Also, when you repair the machine yourself or carelessly transport the machine, the plastic tanks may suffer from impacts.

If the transportation was carried out poorly, or you forgot to remove the special bolts before starting the machine, the integrity of the container may suffer. She will break. And nothing worse can happen. The car will simply become unusable. And then it will be necessary to replace the tank. Or you might even have to buy a new car.

However, manufacturers know what the shortcomings of their products are. That's why they are constantly improving the plastic formula. Modern laundry equipment is increasingly using plastic that is much stronger than that of their recent predecessors.

IMPORTANT! When the plastic is of high quality, then if you handle it carefully you can expect it to last for a quarter of a century.

This is interesting: Rating of the best Beats headphones of 2021 (TOP 5)

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic

Some time ago, the production of washing machines that used enamel tanks was launched. But if small cracks appeared in the enamel, the metal underneath the damaged coating began to rust. As a result, the tank's service life was significantly reduced. Manufacturers of household appliances have given up on a very unreliable material. This is how the green light was given to plastic and stainless steel.

Like any material, plastic has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the fact that plastic: - has a lower price compared to metal; - has low weight; - characterized by relative strength; - does not leak; - does not corrode; — retains heat an order of magnitude higher than metal, thereby saving energy; — has high resistance to aggressive chemically active substances; — characterized by low vibration and noise levels; - has a service life of 20 to 25 years.

Almost the only drawback of plastic can be considered its predisposition to all sorts of splits and fragility. It is this “minus” of the material that should be taken into account when transporting the product.

Improper transportation of the washing machine or failure to remove the transport bolts before starting the machine can most likely cause damage to the integrity of the tank, and further damage. Then the question arises of purchasing a new unit or replacing a part.

Features and purpose

Many washing machine owners mistakenly assume that the tank and drum are the same part in household appliances. A drum is a container into which dirty things are placed. It is always made of stainless steel. Tank is a container for the drum. Liquids, powders, conditioners and other laundry detergents are poured into it.

All this enters the drum through special pipes.

Tanks are:

collapsible;
non-separable.

The former consist of two halves connected to each other using fasteners, while the latter are a one-piece, non-separable structure.

The tank is an important part in any washing machine. Water is poured into it (depending on the machine model, from 30 to 60 liters). To avoid strong vibration during washing, spinning and rinsing, the tank is not rigidly attached to the body. To soften vibrations, springs are located in the upper part, and a shock-absorbing system is located in the lower part. For these purposes, manufacturers also install concrete counterweights on containers.

The washing machine tank takes on a colossal load. Water is heated in it, chemically aggressive laundry detergents enter here, and it can withstand sudden temperature changes. Therefore, the quality and durability of this part will depend on the type of raw materials used in the production of tanks. Let's look at the most popular materials used by manufacturers.

Tank and drum: what's the difference

Many users confuse the concepts of “tank” and “drum”, or rather, they use both words to refer to the container into which laundry is loaded.

In fact, we load the laundry into a drum located inside a container - a tank into which water is poured with detergent dissolved in it.

Water enters the drum from the tank through a large number of small holes - perforations. The drum rotates, but the tank remains motionless.

Plastic version

Which drum will do? Each company has a special one. All types of plastic used have their own characteristics. For example, carboran is close to stainless steel in terms of qualities such as durability, strength, and reliability. But its properties are surpassed in terms of thermal insulation and vibration reduction.

The main polymer materials are: carborane, carbotek, carferon, silytek and polynox.

For all of them, the main substance is a special polypropylene. It contains calcium carbide. It significantly improves the strength of the material and its resistance to detergents. The fewer different added elements in the plastic, the worse the plastic tank.

Advantages of plastic

Does not corrode.
Good in terms of durability.
Modest mass.
Does not absorb water.
Reduces noise during drum rotations.
Saving electricity consumption.
Resistance to aggressive chemical elements.

Which is better to choose? Despite the existing strengths, modifications with plastic options, when compared with steel versions, break more often and are not resistant to mechanical influence. But today the development of plastic composition does not stop. And each company adds its own “zest” to this material. In this way, these plastic components of the machine gradually develop their strength and reliability. And when solving the dilemma of how appropriate a plastic container is in this technique, the answer is more positive. It is also worth noting the low cost of this material. And modern manufacturers are motivated to reduce the cost of devices with plastic tanks.

Weaknesses of plastic versions

As has already been noted, many companies are trying in every possible way to modernize and strengthen the plastic for their cars. But for now, this washing machine tank material is susceptible to splitting and is quite fragile. This is his main and only weakness.

If the machine is poorly transported or someone forgets to remove special bolts before starting, the integrity of the container may suffer. And she will simply break; there cannot be any worse consequences. And the car will no longer be able to be used. You will need to replace the tank or even buy a new car.

If the plastic is of excellent quality and if handled with care, it can last 20-25 years.

Purpose of the SMA tank

The washing machine tank cannot be assessed visually when purchasing. Therefore, you need to immediately find out about the material from which it was made.

Polynox tank

Do not confuse the tank and the drum. The laundry is placed in the drum, and it is this drum that rotates during washing. Tank is the container where the drum is placed. Water and detergents are poured there. This mixture enters the drum through special holes through the pipe.

The tank takes on a lot of load. The water heats up in it, aggressive chemicals get into it, and some object may accidentally fall out of the drum. These factors can significantly accelerate the failure of a part. To prevent this from happening, you should take care in advance of choosing a car with a suitable tank.

Do you turn off the water tap after washing?

Oh yes! No.

The drum is made of stainless steel. Tanks are made from the following materials:

stainless steel;
plastic;

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages and affects the price and life of the washing machine. If it breaks down, most often you have to replace the entire washing machine, so you should take your choice seriously.

How does a washing machine tank work?

The tank of washing machines is a reservoir, which is sometimes solid (non-separable), and sometimes consists of two halves, fastened with bolts or a clamp.

The second option is more preferable because it allows you to carry out repair work without much difficulty. It is almost impossible to repair a solid cast tank, and if any bearing breaks, it must be replaced along with the drum.

It is difficult to come up with anything unusual in the design of the tank. However, some developers have succeeded. So in LG and Hansa cars the tank (and therefore the drum) is not located parallel to the floor, but at an angle. This, firstly, makes loading and unloading laundry more convenient, and, secondly, improves the quality of washing, since the laundry in the inclined tank, when the drum rotates, falls into the water not on the same side, but on different sides, as a result of which more cleaning is done. evenly.

But in the Candy washing technology, the tank is not round, but oval, or rather egg-shaped. This reduces its internal volume, allowing you to reduce the amount of water required for washing, and therefore the electricity required to heat it, and the detergent.

Metal tank

Metal, namely steel, which is coated with special enamel. Absolutely adapted for the washing process, but may be unstable to all kinds of impacts.

All kinds of impacts can damage the enamel, which over time will lead to significant destruction of the protective layer and cause corrosion (rust). Rust in its worms will slowly but surely lead to the formation of cracks and the tank will begin to leak. As a result, the tank will need to be replaced.

Therefore, it is not a very reliable material for a washing machine tank. Fortunately, they are almost never used in modern models. Therefore, when you have to replace such a tank with a new one, this can be a problem. Since production practically does not produce such units, there are no auxiliary parts for repair and replacement. Most likely, you will not have to repair, but buy a new washing machine.

Features of the enamel coating of tanks

In the recent past, manufacturers made cars with enamel tanks. However, their service life was short. As soon as the smallest crack appeared on the enamel coating, the metal underneath began to quickly rust.

The version of models with enameled metal has its own characteristics. Both positive and negative.

POSITIVE SIDES

— Works reliably, even if you place any laundry. — Enamel is a protective layer that prevents corrosion from appearing on the metal.

What material are the containers made of stronger? There is no clear answer to the question. During transportation, it is almost impossible to damage models with enameled metal. They do not crack even with large temperature changes.

NEGATIVE SIDES

- An impressive mass. — The container is defenseless against impacts.

Long periods of use lead to chips appearing on the enamel container. This is caused by impacts from foreign objects. The enamel begins to crumble in areas where there is damage.

IMPORTANT! Once the protective layer disappears, rust quickly covers the metal, leading to complete destruction. Some time will pass and you will begin to worry about leaks. In this situation, you need to replace the tank or buy new equipment.

We emphasize that containers from this option are practically no longer produced. As it turned out, there were too many accidents when using them. And in the production of tanks they began to use plastic or a stainless steel base.

Plastic tank

Plastic or polyplex. In principle, manufacturers improve this alloy in different ways, so the name of polymer materials may sound different. In terms of functionality it:

somewhat isolates noise output when the drum rotates;
to a certain extent reduce the level of electricity consumption;
quite light in weight;
does not leak;
unlike metal, it does not corrode and is resistant to chemicals;
optimal price.

Quite durable, but unlike metal it can be somewhat fragile. Although, manufacturers consider this material the most favorable and are constantly improving it. Its modification made the material closest to steel in terms of strength. Different types of plastic have slightly different properties: brittle, more durable. Among the segment of polymeric materials, special preference is given to carborane.

The service life of a plastic tank is approximately up to 30 years, and maybe more. This is several times less than what a stainless steel tank could serve, but overall an absolutely satisfactory service life.

Stainless steel tank

Stainless steel. A common material for making tanks for washing machines. It has been used for this purpose for quite a long time.

Reacts well to contact with water - does not rust.
This tank has increased strength and resistance to mechanical and chemical damage.
Service life up to 100 years.

Of the minuses

The weight of a stainless steel tank will be greater than that of a plastic tank, so it produces more noise.
Low thermal insulation of metal requires higher energy consumption.
High price.

Provided the washing machine is equipped with such a tank, this is perhaps one of the elements that can outlast all other elements of the washing machine in terms of service life. When choosing a washing machine with a stainless steel tank, you should understand the following:

The steel must be of high quality, and the technology of its assembly and soldering is at the highest level. Only under such conditions will the tank really be durable and live up to expectations.

This will immediately affect the price. A washing machine with a stainless steel tank will cost more than, for example, one with a plastic tank.

Therefore, if they offer you a washing machine with a stainless steel tank at a lower price, then it is probably a low-quality unit and its service life will be short.

What are tanks made of?

In addition to the design, washing machine tanks differ in material. For some reason, it is generally accepted that stainless steel tanks are the best: they are supposedly the most durable. Indeed, such a tank can last 50 - 70 years. But what to do with it when the washing machine breaks down? In addition, the steel tank makes the entire structure heavier, increases vibration and resonates with the drum, making the machine noisier.

Another option is a tank made of enameled metal. It has all the same disadvantages as stainless steel containers.

In most cars, the tanks are made of either durable plastic or modern composite polymers. And, I must say, this is completely justified, because even plastic tanks break infrequently, and even more so composite ones. Breakdowns are usually caused by hard objects accidentally falling into the drum along with the laundry. The tank can be pierced by bra wires and other similar things.

The advantages of polymer tanks include corrosion resistance, quiet operation, and good thermal insulation, which helps save energy when heating water.

Many companies make the tanks of their cars from proprietary polymer materials. So, in Electrolux machines it is called carboran, in Candy - silitech, in VEKO - carferron, in Bosch-Siemens - polynox, in Whirlpool - fibran, in Gorenje - polytenax and carbotech.

ARDO took an original approach to the design of the tank. This part combines plastic, from which the side walls are made, and stainless steel, which is the basis for the rear wall. This design, called “polycarbonat + inox,” retains all the advantages of a plastic tank and gives special strength to the unit that connects the tank to the drum shaft.

Purpose of the tank and its types

Structurally, the tank is a container for the drum, where the user of the machine puts things for washing . Through the inlet pipe into the container from the water pipe, the automatic machine draws water for washing. In the tank, the water is heated to the desired temperature. The amount of liquid collected depends on the model and the set washing program.

Using a special mechanism, washing powder and conditioner are supplied into the container. The soap solution enters the drum, which rotates during washing, through the holes. At the end of the washing program, liquid is discharged into the sewer through the outlet pipe.

According to the design, the water tank can be collapsible or solid. The collapsible design consists of two halves connected with bolts. To reduce oscillatory processes that occur during washing, developers use special shock-absorbing mechanisms: springs, counterweights, etc.

When operating a washing machine, the tank experiences heavy loads: temperature changes, exposure to chemicals, vibration. It is important that the part is made of high-strength materials.

conclusions

Let's summarize:

The same brand can produce modifications with different tanks. Find out which option a particular SMA has, using any method available to you - question, consultation, examination, etc.
In 2021, manufacturers preferred SMAs with non-disassembling containers. This trend will continue to be observed in 2019 - the future belongs to monolithic tanks made from high-strength polymers. Non-removable polymer construction is the most profitable option. In terms of strength, they may be inferior to stainless steel, but they are economical and, subject to operating rules, can last as long as their metal counterparts.
Despite the dominance of non-separable tanks and all their advantages - strength, durability, efficiency, collapsible versions continue to be successful. This will continue until replacing a non-removable element costs 50% or more of the cost of the washing machine.

If you're hoping to extend the life of your future washer by replacing the bearings, look for a model with a tank that can be disassembled. Otherwise, bearing failure will cost you half the cost of the machine or you will have to replace it altogether.

Types of material

Now let’s look at which tank (from which material) in the washing machine is better. As already mentioned, different materials are used to make the tank (stainless steel, plastic, metal). Let's consider all the advantages and disadvantages of these materials for an important part of the washing device.

Stainless steel

Tanks have been made from this type of material for a long time.
Stainless steel has proven itself well due to its ability to withstand contact with water. Pros:

it is not subject to corrosion;
quite durable;
has a long service life;
resistant to chemical elements;
tolerates the effects of anti-scale medications well.

Minuses:

Stainless steel tanks are very noisy because metal cannot dampen vibration;
this is a fairly heavy metal that affects the weight of the tank and the machine as a whole;
Stainless steel does not have thermal insulation properties, which is why the energy consumption will be slightly higher;
models of machines with tanks made of high-quality stainless steel are quite expensive.

Plastic

First, you need to understand that plastic refers to various composite polymer materials. Some manufacturers make their own materials themselves, giving them their own brand names.

Moreover, the characteristics of different types of plastic are different from each other. If we consider, for example, “carboran”, it will be more durable, and in terms of strength and reliability it will not be inferior to stainless steel. In addition, it has the ability to dampen vibration, which stainless steel does not have.

Main composite, polymer materials:

Polyplex;
Polynox;
Silitek;
Carborane;
Karbotek;
Carferron.

Pros:

they are relatively durable;
do not corrode;
do not allow liquid to pass through;
they are light in weight;
have the ability to reduce drum noise during spinning;
save energy;
are not exposed to chemicals and aggressive substances.

Minuses:

There is actually only one minus here, but it’s quite big. Any polymer materials are brittle by nature and prone to splitting. Any poor quality or improper transportation of the device, or failure to remove the transportation bolts in time before using the washing machine, may damage the integrity of the tank. After which he will be unfit for work. You will need to replace the tank or even buy a new car.

Metal

Pros:

Tanks made of metal coated with an enamel layer are quite reliable and not subject to corrosion. They are quite strong and do not crack during transportation or large temperature changes.

Minuses:

heavy weight;
they are susceptible to impacts and chips.

Attention. If during operation chips or damage to the protective layer of enamel appears, the metal begins to quickly rust and collapse. The tank is leaking, you will have to buy a new washing machine, since such tanks have no longer been produced.

Plastic

Quite a popular material. Has many advantages:

easy;
inexpensive;
low thermal conductivity;

does not create excessive noise;
does not rust or leak.

Biggest drawback: fragility. Much easier to damage than metal. Most often this happens when moving.

It also happens that during washing, some object gets caught between the drum and the tub. In this case, the latter may crack. You will have to change the part or buy a new unit. Both will not be cheap.

Plastic tank

Gray plastic is considered the most unreliable. It quickly deteriorates, and you have to buy a new washing machine.

Steel-stainless steel option

Cars with a metal tank made from this material are considered classic. Since such steel has long been used to create these components of the washing machine.

Knowledge of the following specifics of a tank made of a given material helps to solve the dilemma with the best tank option for washing equipment:

Superior durability.
Impressive service life. It can reach 100 years.
High resistance to water.
Resistance to chemical aggressors. They can be contained in different detergents. Scale also poses such a threat.

Disadvantages (when compared with the plastic version):

Inability to suppress vibration. As a result, strong noise is generated.
An impressive mass.
Lack of thermal insulation. This minus seriously increases the electricity costs for the operation of automatic washing models with containers made of the specified material.
If a stainless steel tank is of solid quality, then its price tag is very serious. If you come across a device for sale with a steel container and a low price, do not rush to make a purchase. This device most likely has poor quality of tank material and welding. The nodes are poorly assembled.

Despite the indicated disadvantages, stainless steel tanks are more popular today. And if you want to purchase a model for a long time and your budget allows, then when purchasing, give preference to a device with a container made of this particular material. In addition, this option is usually chosen by those owners who often transport household appliances.

If your treasury is more modest and you don’t travel frequently, then buy a car with a plastic tank.

Advantages and disadvantages of steel

Regarding the stainless steel tank, it should be said that the metal is in excellent contact with water. Steel is quite strong and highly resistant to various chemical elements. Therefore, a part that is made of stainless steel will in no way be affected by any detergents, as well as anti-scale agents.

But metal also has some disadvantages: - heavy weight; — inability to dampen vibration and noise; — very low thermal insulation coefficient; - high price.

In addition, you should choose household appliances made of good steel. Otherwise, cheap metal will quickly break.

Any expert in this industry will note that, despite all the disadvantages of parts made of stainless steel, the advantage will be in the direction of reliability. And if the consumer has the financial means, then he should purchase a washing machine equipped with a metal tank. However, if large household appliances are not in danger of frequent transportation, then you can purchase a product with a plastic tank.

Polynox

Polynox tank

One of the most popular materials, which includes polypropylene and calcium carbide. Has the same advantages as plastic. In addition to polynox, there are other similar substances. They differ slightly in composition and are called composite materials.

The varieties are as follows:

Depending on what the manufacturer added to the composition, the quality of the resulting substance will differ. For example, carborane is stronger than polynox. But since there are no significant differences, composite materials for tanks are considered together.

Products made from polynox can last until the end of the life of the washing machine. Each manufacturer is trying to develop more and more durable polymer options. Some of them already have the properties of both plastic and metal. Such parts do not break down for up to 30 years.

So, now the most popular materials for making washing machine tanks are stainless steel, plastic, polynox and its variations. The choice is determined by a person’s finances and living conditions. If you move frequently, there is a high probability of damaging the plastic tank. But it is lighter, cheaper and less noisy. And yet, experts do not recommend looking at the material first.

Power consumption, brand, and technical characteristics are considered more important. The easiest way is to select several cars with suitable functions, price and country of origin, and from them choose the best one with the required tank.

Subtypes of plastic

Today, various modifications of plastic are produced that have good characteristics - polynox, silitek and carborane. Of all of them, polynox is used most often.

Let's look at all three materials briefly below.

Polynox

The first of the three materials, which is most often used when creating plastic tanks for washing machines, is polynox. And trying to understand what this material is, you need to turn to its name. It seems to “hear” and “feel” the connection with plastic. And indeed it is.

Polynox is really a subtype of plastic, and to be more precise, polynox is a kind of polypropylene. Changes are made to its structure, additives are added to resist vibration and improve thermal insulation properties, and after that it turns into the same polynox from which washing tanks are then made.

There are other polymers that are closely similar to polynox. For example, polyplex. This option is interesting for the following features.

pros

High resistance to high temperature, water, corrosion.
Polyplex tanks are quite silent.
Good thermal conductivity.

Minuses

Quite fragile material.

Washing machine tanks are often made from polynox.

Carborane

A slightly less used material than polynox is carborane. Interestingly, this material is found specifically in Electrolux products, which developed it. It is considered more durable than polyplex, but costs one and a half times more.

pros

There are no odors left on it.
It has dielectric properties, which means it is safe for everyone.
High resistance to loads of mechanical and chemical origin.
High thermal insulation rates allow you to save electricity.
High-quality sound insulation.

Minuses

High price.

Silitek

This material is similar in technical characteristics to polynox, but it will be even closer to basalt (a volcanic natural stone with high resistance to acid and alkali) and dolomite (a moisture-resistant but fragile natural mineral).

Let's look at the pros and cons of Silitec.

pros

High resistance to high temperatures.
Good sound absorption.
Excellent thermal insulation.

Minuses

High price.

Silitek is an expensive but reliable material

Manufacturing materials

Strong and durable material is the key to successful operation of the washing unit, because the work is constantly subject to serious loads and temperature changes. Foreign objects may damage or block system operation.

Manufacturers use the following types of material to make the drum container:

stainless steel;
plastic;
polymer;
metal.

Stainless steel

Steel copes better than others with constant interaction with water, and is also particularly durable. It is very often used as a material for the washing machine tank. The main advantages are:

durability;
reliability;
strength;
The tank, made of stainless steel, will serve you for many years.

Despite this popularity, there are also disadvantages:

High noise level. This is caused by the inability to dampen vibration and noise. Many housewives are unhappy with this phenomenon.
High price. A product made of high-quality steel with conscientiously welded seams cannot have a low price.
Devices with metal drum containers consume more electricity, since metal has low thermal insulation.

Plastic

The second place in demand is occupied by products made of plastic and other polymers.

The advantages are:

Low cost.
They don't make noise. If you believe the advertising, things will be washed absolutely silently. They do an excellent job of absorbing noise and vibration.
Less energy consumption due to good thermal insulation. Heating water requires less energy.
Not susceptible to corrosion or chemicals.
Light weight of the product and the device itself. When repairing, it is much easier to remove than a metal one.
Relative strength. When compared with stainless steel products, plastic elements will lose out due to their fragility. However, constant developments are underway in this direction, and the composition of polymers for the manufacture of parts is improving, becoming stronger and more reliable. The service life can reach 30 years, which is significantly lower than that of stainless steel. However, this is enough, since the service life of the washing machine itself will come to an end after this time.

The only but significant disadvantage is:

Fragility. Damage may occur during transportation or if foreign objects get between the drum and its reservoir. Breakdowns can be very serious, making it impossible to use the equipment.

Each washing machine manufacturer uses its own polymer composition technology.

Plastic differs in characteristics, has low cost and high fragility. Due to additional impurities, the strength of the composition increases, and in some cases, products made from polymers are not too inferior in reliability to stainless steel elements and perfectly withstand the aggressive effects of chemical detergents.

Composites

In order to offer household appliances at affordable prices, manufacturers began to use composite plastic materials for the manufacture of tanks: polynox, carbotech, fibran and others. The machine operates with such a tank with a low noise level. The low thermal conductivity of composites promotes rapid heating of water and heat retention, which is more economical in terms of energy costs. But compared to stainless steel, many composite polymer materials are fragile and require careful transportation and operation.

Polynox is a composite of polypropylene and calcium carbide. A reservoir made of such plastic is light and durable, retains heat for a long time, absorbs vibrations, and is resistant to corrosion. The tank, subject to the manufacturer's recommendations, can last up to 30 years.
Carbotech is a composite that is not inferior to stainless steel in terms of resistance to mechanical damage and has all the advantages inherent in plastic.
Silitek, Karbotek, Carferon are similar materials with excellent performance characteristics.

The best material for a car tank

First, let’s determine what elements of the washing machine we are talking about. The tank is the main container of the washing machine, where water and detergents are supplied and the heating element, sensors and drum are located. The latter, in turn, has a cylindrical shape and is intended for loading laundry.

Now let's look at the materials. The drum in both budget and expensive washing machines is always made of stainless steel. Tanks come in different varieties, and the consumer will have to choose from three options.

Enameled steel. It is practically not used, despite its reliability, resistance to corrosion, temperature changes and splits during transportation. Steel tanks have one big disadvantage - with the slightest chip or crack, the enamel cannot cope with its protective function, the material rusts and becomes unusable. This outcome can be caused by both long-term use and accidental entry of a foreign body into the tank.
Stainless steel. A stainless steel container, on the contrary, will last up to 100 years due to its high strength, reliability, resistance to wear and aggressive environments. There are also some disadvantages: high price, heavy weight, increased noise and vibration. Among the “cons” is low thermal insulation, which is why the machine spends a lot of electricity, constantly heating the water. There is also a high chance of running into a fake and paying for cheap and short-lived metal instead of high-quality processed steel.
Polymers. We are talking about plastic tanks that have good performance characteristics. They are valued by consumers for their low cost, absorption of noise and vibration from a rotating drum, high thermal insulation, lightness, and absolute resistance to corrosion and chemicals. The only thing that raises doubts is the strength, due to which plastic with a service life of up to 30 years is clearly inferior to steel. However, constant developments are being carried out to improve the composition, and this period coincides with the service life of the entire washing machine as a whole. Another negative nuance is the fragility of polymers when transported carelessly or when foreign objects get inside.

Important! Each, which includes any composite materials.

Moreover, brands are actively developing their own types of materials, complementing the standard form and assigning them a brand name. Thus, Whirlpool promotes fibran, Candy - silitech, VEKO - carferron, Bosch and Siemens - polynox tanks, Gorenje uses carbotech and polytenax, and Electrolux - carboran. Other manufacturers, including the well-known ARDO, offer a compromise: a plastic tank with a stainless steel back wall. Such machines are strong, durable, and inexpensive.

There is no clear answer to the question about the most suitable material for a tank. It all depends on financial capabilities, brand, build quality, transportation conditions and buyer’s request. It is better to focus on the technical characteristics of the washing machine and choose a “home assistant” based on capacity, energy consumption classes and efficiency.