The concept of activator washing machines originated at the dawn of the first drum models. Both developments had good prospects for becoming a leader in terms of market demand, and for various reasons, the units of the second type won the championship. Nevertheless, modifications of the activator type have always existed in parallel with them. A washing machine in this design has many disadvantages, but serious advantages do not allow it to completely leave the segment.
Machine device
The whole design of the machine is due to the function of its main working element - a rotating shaft. Actually, this component acts as an activator that ensures the movement of linen during the washing process. For this purpose, both a traditional element with blades and a disk device can be used. The case also has a different design. Metal tanks and cylindrical containers are the classic foundations of the old activator type models. A washing machine with blades in a modern design provides a plastic housing with compactsizes. A hinged or removable cover is located in the upper loading part, and the same activator is located at the bottom. The working element is driven by an electric motor.
Oddly enough, as the development of the working volume of such machines was reduced. If, for example, Soviet models held about 10 liters of water, then the latest activator-type mini washing machines serve 5-7 liters at a time, which is slightly more than the volume of a bucket. On the other hand, modern technology is endowed with more advanced technological additions, which makes it possible to optimize washing processes in small volumes.
Workflow Features
Washing begins with pouring hot water into the container, after which laundry with powder is added. Next, the rotation of the activator begins. During the operation of the shaft or disk, the washing solution moves, to which the laundry is also connected. It should be noted that the washing powder for activator-type machines does not imply significant requirements. It can be any soapy substance that has a cleaning effect. By the way, many also use compositions for hand washing, although special modifications that produce bubbles are more suitable for such powders. But there are features of a different kind. Almost all models of this type are designed to be loaded vertically, so the top must remain free.
Varieties of activator machines
There are many parameters by which models with an activator can be classified. Most of these features do not have a serious impact on the workflow, but the division into conventional models and automatic ones is fundamental. The simplest models, in essence, are a tank and a working element with a motor without any technological frills. Much more interesting are semi-automatic models, which usually have two sections - for the activator and spin. From the point of view of washing performance, such versions are advantageous by supporting several modes. Also, these models have large laundry containers - at least in their class.
Even more opportunities for housewives are provided by automatic models, which are distinguished not only by their versatility, but also by the independent performance of their tasks. All operations from loading to the final spin are performed by an activator-type washing machine, in which the necessary operating parameters were initially set. Typically, such modifications are single-tank designs, which also has the advantage of saving space.
Spin models
Activator models compare favorably with popular drum counterparts in that they are small in size. At the same time, the introduction of new options only in rare cases affects the dimensions. The same applies to the spin function, which is present in both semi- and automatic models. During operation, an activator-type washing machine with a spin cycleperforms operations without the participation of a person, who only needs to load the laundry and set the appropriate parameters in the control panel. It is noteworthy that in such models it is possible to turn off the spin cycle when working with woolen and synthetic items. In other cases, this washing step is basic along with rinsing.
Positive feedback from owners
Although drum models are the most popular in Russia, the situation in Europe is not so clear. This is explained by the fact that machines of this type are less “gluttonous” in terms of the consumption of detergents and use electricity more rationally. The owners also note the versatility that distinguishes the activator-type washing machine. Reviews, in particular, emphasize the convenience of using such models in the country and in general in rural areas, where there may be problems with water supply. Again, minimal water consumption adds to the attractiveness of such machines in autonomous communications situations. Separately, it is worth highlighting such qualities as low noise and a low level of vibrations - these advantages, on the contrary, are appreciated by the owners of city apartments, where such support for the operation of equipment is very noticeable.
Negative reviews
Among the main factors in the operation of activator models that scare away a large part of housewives, it is worth noting the rapid wear of linen. Although obvious damage in the short termIt is difficult to notice in the long term, after long-term operation, there is still a negative effect of washing on the structure of the fabric. But here it is important to understand that drum models entail the same consequences - the only question is the degree of impact. One way or another, experts do not have an unequivocal answer regarding the harmful mechanical effects of activator-type models. A washing machine with a drum, of course, does not imply the same intense physical contact of metal elements with linen, but the process of the activator function is faster and therefore seems more gentle.
Producers and prices
There are many Russian manufacturers among the representatives of this segment. For example, the companies Oka, Feya and Evgo offer fairly high-quality and simple versions of such machines worth 4-7 thousand rubles. Another thing is that there are not so many automatic models among them. If we talk about foreign products, then good options can be found in the lines of American manufacturers Mabe and Maytag, the cost of which is about 8-15 thousand. Frigidaire is also successfully developing this concept. But, even in the entry-level category, this brand's semi-automatic activator-type washing machine is valued at 30,000. For this money, however, the user can count on the presence of several washing programs, powder and bleach dispensers, as well as wide options for adjusting operating parameters.
Conclusion
Home Appliance Market Researchshow that in a competitive struggle, ideas that offer something new always survive. Even if a product loses to analogues in a number of characteristics, but has a significant advantage in some way, it means that there is a prospect for its development. This is exactly what happened with the activator-type models. The washing machine has gone through several major changes and in its modern form demonstrates an example of a compact, easy-to-operate and inexpensive device for domestic needs. Of course, the characteristic shortcomings of such units have also been preserved, some of which, in principle, cannot be eliminated. This, in particular, applies to the physical contact of the activator with the laundry, and to vertical loading, which excludes the possibility of using the top of the machine.
