Features of direct drive washing machines, choice

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.

As a subtotal

All of the above allows us to conclude that an ideal washing machine does not exist. This is relevant for all its consumer characteristics, including the type of transmission of rotation to the drum shaft. Each of the existing types has its own positive and negative sides; you need to choose based on your own preferences and financial capabilities; in any case, you should buy only equipment from famous manufacturers. Products from a well-known brand are a guarantee of durability and quality, regardless of technical features.

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.

1. Compact with greater capacity. Quite likely, since the missing belt, brushes and pulley allow the drum to expand while the body shrinks.
2. Ten-year engine warranty. This is debatable, since in addition to the motor, other elements of the machine may break.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Accelerated wash. The previously mentioned sharp operation of the inverter motor allows you to cycle faster, which saves a little time.
6. 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.
7. 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:

1. Obviously higher price of purchase, operation, repair;
2. Sensitivity to power surges, such a washing machine needs to be turned on only through a stabilizer;
3. Quick erasing of the sealing gland.

More: Eco Bubble washing machine review, description, instructions

How the technology works and how it differs from ordinary machines

Back view

In devices familiar to everyone, there is a special gear that is responsible for rotating the drum around its axis. In these “washers,” the drum is secured with a belt, which drives the mechanisms through a chain reaction, especially the torque coming from the shaft. It is they that, after long-term use, wear out, wear out and become unusable. The main sign of wear is noise and vibration during the cycle.

1. The main feature of such equipment is the absence of connecting parts in the motor such as a belt or brushes. Therefore, the engine in such a device is truly reliable and durable.
2. Carefully inspect the equipment from the outside. There should be a sticker on the front of the main panel that says “DirectDrive.”
3. The engine power in cars of this type is higher than in conventional ones. There is also significantly more space in the bunker, unlike non-drive machines.
4. Standard equipment carries out the washing process mainly of those things that are located in the drum below. In modern washing machines, dirt is removed from laundry by rotating the drum back and forth during the cycle.

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.

What is the part for?

A washing machine with a direct drive built into it is an electrical device capable of, through the conversion of electromagnetic waves, starting a rotating mechanism or linear movements. This type of motor (it can also be called an inverter) involves moving the direction of energy supply directly to the rotor using an air gap, which prevents the possibility of failure of parts that move and rotate.

Inverter drive vs belt drive

The drive is almost the most important part that is installed in absolutely all washing machines. The operation of the rotation mechanisms largely depends on it. Today, many companies produce similar models, where only a part without a belt is installed.

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.

Review of popular models

SAMSUNG WW60H2200EWD/LP

Characteristics

Narrow direct drive model. Economical. The highest energy consumption classes. Equipped with an eco-bubble bubble wash. Ceramic heating element. Gentle diamond drum. Can be controlled remotely using a smartphone. Disadvantage: there is no protection against leaks. The average price is 18,100 rubles. For more detailed information and product descriptions, see here.

SAMSUNG WW90H7410EW/LP

Characteristics

Full size front loading unit. Capacity - up to 9 kg. Operation is more convenient due to the illumination of the drum compartment. Maximum efficiency classes, including spin. Fault diagnosis function. Self-cleaning drum. 14 standard programs. Additionally - wrinkle prevention, soaking, quick wash. Disadvantage - there is no protection against leaks. You can compare prices and read customer opinions here.

Samsung WD80K5410OW

Characteristics

Full-size automatic machine. It is possible to reload laundry. Equipped with a drying mode. Touch control. Complete protection against leaks. Inverter. Quiet (54 dB). With additional door. The advosh technology allows you to throw things into the machine during operation without interrupting the process. Antibacterial washing function. AirWash technology allows you to clean clothes without water or detergent using a stream of hot air. The downside is the high water consumption (88 l). You can find out how much the model costs and read customer reviews here.

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.

Advantages

From the main advantage of direct drive - reliability - other advantages follow: long service life, no need to maintain the motor and replace parts subject to constant loads (for example, a belt).

It should be noted that direct drive units produce less noise during operation. This is explained by the absence of a belt and pulley, and in the case when the motor is an inverter, then by its design (it does not have brushes, which constantly make rustling sounds).

Since the motor is located on the same axis as the drum and is directly connected to it, such washing machines are better balanced and vibrate less.

The combination of direct drive and a new type of motor (inverter) improves the maneuverability of the drum - it can accelerate and stop faster, it is easier to reverse and develop a higher rotation speed, and it can more accurately carry out commands coming from the control unit. All this means that the quality of washing in washing machines is better than in traditional models with the same parameters. The speed of program execution in such units will also be higher.

Beltless motors are more energy efficient than conventional motors, but unfortunately the difference will not be noticeable to the user.

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

1. Washing machine LG F-14B3PDS7. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy consumption class A++.
2. Washing machine Siemens WD 15H541. Designed for 7 kg of laundry, has 15 washing programs and energy efficiency class A+++.
3. Washing machine Siemens WM 14W740. Designed for 8 kg of laundry with 14 washing programs and energy class A+++.
4. Washing machine LG F-14U1TBS2. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy efficiency class A+++.
5. Washing machine Bosch WAW28740OE. Designed for 9 kg of laundry with 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
6. Washing machine Bosch WAW 28740. Designed for 9 kg of laundry, has 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
7. Washing machine Bosch WAW 28590. Designed for 9 kg of laundry with 14 washing programs and energy class A+++.
8. Washing machine Siemens WM 12N290. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 14 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
9. Washing machine Bosch WAN 24290. Designed for 8 kg of laundry, has 8 washing programs and energy consumption class A+++.
10. 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.

Which drive to choose

Direct drive washing machines are a fairly new phenomenon in the home appliance market. So for now it is quite difficult to assess the actual longevity of their work. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to consider all the nuances of the operation of direct-drive washing machines:

• We can say with almost 100% certainty that the service life of any equipment depends not so much on the type of drive, but on the quality of the assembly and components in general. If you purchased a cheap, low-quality unit, no amount of direct drive will save you from additional costs.
• If trouble does happen and the machine still needs repairs, then the cost of components for new developments is immeasurably higher than for traditional equipment. This is especially true for serious breakdowns.
• On the one hand, direct drive machines seem to be quieter, but on the other hand, new models of traditional “washing machines” do not make much more noise. So this difference can hardly be considered too significant to speak of any strong advantage.
• The cost of a direct drive machine is more expensive than a belt drive, but given the promised long service life, sooner or later it will pay off. But this will only happen if you handle it extremely carefully and it does not break before the deadline.

Pros of not having a belt drive

• First of all, the owners of such washing machine models do not need to worry that sooner or later the belt will break and will have to be replaced. This is one of the most common breakdowns in traditional machines.
• Unlike machines that operate on a belt, washing machines with direct motion are much better balanced. Therefore, they work much quieter and almost never jump around the bathroom during the spin cycle.
• Because the drum wobbles less from side to side, items in direct drive machines are less susceptible to damage. The quality of washing increases slightly.
• Due to the minimal presence of rubbing parts, the engine usually lasts longer and does not require special maintenance. As a result, energy savings increase slightly. True, the savings will not be so great that you notice it.
• These machines have a special control system that can independently determine the weight of the laundry, the rotation speed of the drum and the amount of water required for washing.
• Direct drive washing machines are capable of washing more items at a time than their “belt” counterparts. This is due to the presence of a powerful engine and more free space.
• Extended warranty period. For example, the manufacturer LG provides a 10-year warranty on the engines of its washing machines.