Advantages and disadvantages of direct drives in washing machines, top 4 best models
Due to the wide range of washing machines, it is quite difficult to choose the right option. Moreover, even with a limited budget, it is impossible to immediately select the type of equipment that is worth buying. In particular, one must decide before buying which is better, a belt or a direct drive in a washing machine, with the advantages and disadvantages of each configuration.
The principle of operation of washing machines with direct drive
The first models of washing machines were equipped with a belt drive, which transmits torque from the electric motor to the drum. This design is also used on modern equipment. However, the belt drive is already considered an outdated solution, which is mainly found in budget devices. The gradual abandonment of such a configuration is due to the fact that this design:
- provides for the presence of additional parts that also require repair over time;
- causes excessive noise;
- vibrates after starting the electric motor.
In direct-drive washing machines, the electric motor is integrated directly into the drum. This prolongs the life of moving parts. The principle of operation of these models of washing machines is as follows: a running motor transmits torque to the drum through special couplings, which in this case play the same role as a gearbox in a car.
In addition, 36 inductors are also provided in the design of the device. The motor rotor is attached directly to the drum shaft. The engine is located at the bottom (under the hatch). There is a nuance in this feature: thanks to this arrangement, the motor “reads” the amount of load in the drum, and the integrated electronics automatically calculate the amount of energy needed to wash the clothes.
What are the advantages of using a direct drive
The popularity of automatic and direct-drive washing machines is due to the following factors:
- Reliability. The absence of some of the moving parts found in belt-driven machines increases the life of the equipment.
- Low noise level. This is also due to the lack of a belt drive.
- Stability. Placing the motor under the drum lowers the center of gravity. Thanks to this, the machine does not move during operation.
- Low vibrations. This is due to the correct balancing of the pieces of equipment. Thanks to this configuration, things stretch better.
- The electric motor does not need to be regularly cleaned or lubricated. Also, due to the design features, the engine does not require repair for a long time.
- Electricity and water consumption is reduced. Built-in automation independently determines the degree of drum loading.Then, based on the results obtained, it calculates the amount of electricity and water needed to wash a specific amount of items.
- Compactness and capacity. The absence of a belt drive and other parts makes it possible to reduce the size of the equipment, while maintaining the same drum volume.
- Long term warranty service. Often this figure reaches 10 years. However, this long warranty only applies to the engine.
- The presence of an accelerated washing mode. This can be achieved by means of an inverter type motor.
According to the measurements carried out, the replacement of a belt washing machine by a direct washing machine saves up to 30% of electricity and water.
Main disadvantages of using a direct drive washing machine
The absence of a belt between the electric motor and the drum imposes certain restrictions, due to which the production of such machines continues. This includes the following:
- Overload. In addition, washing machines with this configuration are more expensive to maintain.
- The need to install a power failure protection system. The integrated electronics are extremely sensitive to overvoltages. Therefore, in the absence of a stabilizer, cars in houses where the electricity is often turned off break down earlier.
- Accelerated bearing wear. Indeed, in the absence of a pulley and belt, the load that the drum creates is entirely on these parts. This feature accelerates bearing wear.
In addition to these features, machines with this type of drive have an oil seal in the design, which also wears out quickly. If this part is not changed in time, the equipment will begin to leak.
This can lead to electric motor failure and, as a result, costly repairs. Also, an engine failure caused by a leak is not eliminated under warranty.
Top models and brands with direct drive
Despite the above data, there are affordable models of washing machines with this type of drive on the market, which are distinguished by a long service life.
LG Vapor F2M5HS4W
This model is equipped with a touch control panel and a drum that can hold up to seven kilograms of clothes. This model, despite the above, allows you to independently determine the nature of washing clothes. In particular, users can iron clothes with steam, or avoid damage to clothes due to wrong choice of powder.
Weissgauff WMD 6160 D
Unlike the previous model, this machine is equipped with a standard control unit with physical keys.
Bosch 24260 WAN
The Bosch brand washing machine is popular among consumers.
Also among the features of this machine is the presence of a panel with touch control of built-in automation.
LG F-1096ND3
The drum volume of the LG F-1096ND3 model is six kilograms. The electronics are controlled by physical keys, not a touchscreen.
conclusions
Thanks to the direct drive, energy and water consumption are reduced, vibration and noise levels are reduced and clothes are washed better.The belt of old washing machines wears out faster, which leads to a stoppage of the equipment. However, direct drive models are more expensive but last longer.