The washing machine is considered by most women to be one of the greatest inventions of mankind. For more than half a century, the evolution of this indispensable home helper has continued. During this time, the machine has changed significantly both internally and externally, and has become a high-tech device with many functions that meet not only safety and ergonomic requirements, but also have a modern stylish design.
The next step on the path to perfection is the direct drive washing machines, first developed by the South Korean company LG, the largest manufacturer of home appliances. Today, similar models are available from Whirlpool, Samsung, Panasonic, Bosch, Kenmore and other brands.
Direct motor drive
In 1991, the LG brand first launched a line of innovative washing machines on the market. The Direct Drive design, unlike a belt drive, attaches the rotating part of the motor directly to the drum shaft. The LG concern, which showed this know-how to the modern consumer, heldrather active PR of this "chip" - the company spent a lot of money on advertising.
Long warranty, cost-effectiveness and good wash quality have made direct drive washing machines popular and in demand.
Unlike conventional machines, in which the drum is rotated by the engine through a belt drive, in machines with direct drive, the drum is mounted directly on the motor shaft. This reduces weight and dimensions, reduces vibration and noise, in addition, such a scheme, according to numerous reviews, is considered more reliable.
Since there are no additional transmission elements in these models, this washing machine is very compact and suitable for the smallest bathroom.
The washing machine's direct drive motors feature sophisticated electronic control systems and high reliability. Today, most models use a brushless 3-phase DC motor (BLDC).
Overview of manufacturers
Innovative know-how of the South Korean brand is being improved and used by other manufacturers.
The German company Bosch produces direct-drive machines under the name Logixx. This line combines the latest developments of well-known brand engineers and most of the advantages when using the drive itself. The design of the housing and the Eco Silence Drive electric motor helped to reduce the “noise effect” to a minimum. The VarioSoft drum made washing more delicate and of high quality.
Another leader in the home appliance market, Samsung, produces washing machines with direct drive and a Quiet Drive inverter motor. The use of these motors has the same cheerful warranty period of 10 years. To extend the life of their machines, Samsung Electronics specialists have used the Volt Control function, which allows you to stop washing in the event of a power surge and resume it only after stabilization.
Whirlpool uses ZEN technology for super quiet washing. The latest developments and models of this manufacturer have shown a noise level at a spin of 1200 revolutions of only 72 dB, and during normal washing - even 51 dB. It was possible to achieve such an impressive result precisely with the use of a direct drive, which allows you to effectively wash and wring things at a minimum speed.
Having considered the developments and additional options offered by manufacturers, let's dwell in more detail on the models of direct drive washing machines and their range.
Narrow LG F1273ND
This model's extended durability is backed by LG's Inverter Direct Drive, a 10-year direct drive warranty.
This LG direct drive washing machine is guaranteed low vibration and noise.
Wool Mark standard - conformity certification includes a special Opti Swing washing program that guarantees maximum care for woollens. You can wash linen and woolen items recommended for hand washing
"Baby Clothes" is a program designed for baby clothes that need to be washed thoroughly and often. This program will gently remove difficult soiling from diapers and children's clothes at the optimum temperature and mode. For especially difficult pollution it is possible to choose temperature of 95 ˚С. Also, this washing mode includes a special rinse - "Super Rinse / Rinse +", in which the last rinse is carried out at a temperature of 40 ˚С. Regular rinsing is always done in cold water
Additional Features:
- Washing programs: Baby, Cotton, Cotton Quick, Delicate, Wool, Quick 30, Duvet, Synthetics.
- Steam function - no.
- Functions: "Prewash", "Rinse Hold", "Intensive Wash", "Super Rinse", "Easy Iron", "No Spin", "Delayed Start", "BIO", "Tub and Drum Cleaning" "".
Features:
- intelligent washing system;
- wash/spin noise level - 54/67 dB;
- load detector;
- auto-balancing;
- error indicator;
- foam control system;
- 0W standby;
- child lock;
- duty cycle indicator.
Recommendations for choosing LG
Before you buy a washing unit from a well-known brand, be sure to check out reviews of LG direct drive washing machines, decide on the frequency and volume of washing, as well asits main functions and performance. These include:
- water consumption;
- maximum load;
- control;
- power consumption;
- number of modes;
- wash and spin class;
- display;
- dimensions;
- additional features.
For a large family with children, it is worth buying a capacious device with the function of washing baby clothes and child protection. For one or two people, it is enough to install a small model with a standard set of functions.
Bosch WLG20240UA
The modern technology of this series of washing machines is designed for your needs. They provide high energy efficiency washing (class A+++) with excellent performance.
The washing machine controls the amount and type of laundry thanks to automatic weighing. Accordingly, the required water and energy consumption for one washing cycle is calculated. ActiveWater Technology – “Water Conserve” reduces costs with a sensor that detects the amount of clothes in the drum and saves water.
Electronic control allows you to select the desired program, set the spin speed and washing temperature, as well as set a specific wash time.
The "Start/Pause" button allows you to add things to the drum even after the program has started.
Another advantage of this direct drive washing machine, according to the owners, is the mode"Quick wash". If you only need to refresh lightly soiled clothes, such as trousers, select the Super 30'/ 15' programme. In 15 minutes you will have fresh and clean clothes.
Front Load
This SAMSUNG WD80K5410OW/UA direct drive washing machine will gently clean your belongings from various contaminants. The maximum loading model - 8 kg. The machine produces an efficient and gentle class A spin with a maximum speed of 1400 rpm.
The machine received an energy class A for a fairly low power consumption. The inverter motor installed in the model is characterized by low noise, long life and accurate speed control.
SAMSUNG WD80K5410OW/UA is equipped with a convenient loading hatch and is made in a durable white case. The control panel is practical in everyday use. It will help you easily select a wash cycle, adjust the spin cycle or select additional functions.
The model copes well with dirt on a variety of types of fabrics. For this purpose, special programs are preinstalled in the washing machine. It is worth noting, in addition to the standard programs for washing items made of wool, synthetics and cotton.
Conclusion
Dwelling on the numerous advantages of direct drive units, it is fair to say that these models, according to numerous reviews, are not without some drawbacks.
- direct drive machine is more sensitive topower surges compared to their belt counterparts;
- electronic "stuffing" for engine control and its complex structure increases the cost of such models. Therefore, the price of these washers is quite high compared to their belt counterparts;
- in some models, a rather high noise level was noticed when draining and taking water;
- bearings installed with minimal clearance (this is a design feature) are heavily loaded and need to be replaced periodically.
Summing up and considering the pros and cons of the direct drive of the washing machine, we can confidently say that such models are a worthy investment, a purchase for many years and confidently take their place in the market. Simplicity of design, reliability, energy efficiency, and most importantly - good washing quality - ensured these models a constant demand from customers, which is the main indicator of success.
