Inverter washing machines differ from ordinary ones with a more perfect motor. Such washing machines are more expensive than analogues with collector motors. We will find out which brands offer inverter SMA and which models occupy the first lines of tops.
What is the difference between inverter SMA and conventional?
In an inverter motor (ID), revolutions are generated by a frequency converter - an inverter. Converting alternating current to direct, the output receives alternating current of the required frequency - this allows, by changing the speed of rotation of the engine, to regulate the frequency of revolutions of the drum. Unlike collector analogues, the motors in question do not have rubbing brushes, and the rotor speed does not depend on the voltage in the mains.
Who produces inverter SMA?
The authors of the new technology are Korean scientists from the LG concern. The year of invention is 2005. This company was the first to introduce inverter-driven washing machines to the world. The first AGRs with a new motor were launched by the Korean brands LG and Samsung. Europeans quickly picked up the technology, today machines with advanced technology can be found at Electrolux, Siemens, Hotpoint-Ariston, Candy, Whirlpool.
Pros and cons
Advantages of ID washing machines compared to conventional SMA:
- High energy efficiency and best efficiency. There is an auto power off function - energy is saved.
- High drum rotation speed - up to 1600 rpm. This was made possible thanks to the brushless motor. The output turns out to be semi-dry.
- Lower noise and vibration.
- Longer service life. Due to the absence of rubbing parts, the engine wears out less.
- Better washing. Since vibrations are reduced, laundry is evenly distributed over the drum - this contributes to better washing.
- Saving resources. The consumption of water and electricity varies depending on the amount of loaded laundry.
In ID washing machines, the motor instantly reaches the desired speed, which is then maintained at the required level.
Rating of inverter type models and consumer reviews
We have chosen the 5 most popular ID washing machines. These machines are not only in high demand among consumers, but also earned many positive reviews from their owners. Based on user comments, we highlight the characteristic pros and cons of the top 5 models.
In SMA with ID, a direct drive is used, but not a belt drive - as a more efficient, silent and durable.
Samsung WW70K62E00W
Narrow front-mounted SMA with LED LED display and touch controls. Perhaps control from a smartphone. Eco bubble bubbling and steam treatment available. The tank is made of plastic. The heater is ceramic. Drying is not provided.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Water Consumption: 42 L
- Weight: 55 kg.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including delicate fabrics, cotton, wool, soaking, economical washing, synthetics, baby clothes, dark items, bedding, steam washing).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, control of imbalance and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 54/73 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
All users note quiet operation and high-quality washing. More advantages:
- capacious;
- Bubble wash - qualitatively and gently launders things;
- functionality understandable even for older people;
- Eco Drum Clean - drum cleaning without chemicals;
- there is an express wash;
- Addwash - reloading;
- stylish design.
Samsung introduced Addwash as the main trend of the 2016–2017 season. Above the water level there is a door through which you can load laundry.
The noted shortcomings are uncritical, and many are subjective:
- The wash finish melody plays too long.
- The actual depth is greater than indicated. The user claims that the real depth is 53 cm (the hatch protrudes + behind the hose). If dimensions are important to you, check them in the store.
- There is no program for washing downy clothes. Moreover, the user blames Yandex.Market, which indicated the existence of such a program.
This Samsung model is one of the best according to customers. It is spacious enough, effective in all respects and is filled with the latest technology. And all this at the most average cost. Users note - compared with the old washers with conventional motors, the model with the ID works almost silently. 94% of buyers recommend this product. Strikingly different reviews - from 100% enthusiasm to complete rejection - are explained by the usual competition.
LG FH-0B8ND4
Freestanding frontal SMA with a removable cover for embedding. Management - electronic, there is a digital display. The tank is plastic. The hatch has a diameter of 30 cm, it opens 180 degrees.
- Capacity: 6 kg.
- Water consumption: 56 l.
- Spin speed: 1600 rpm.
- Number of programs: 13 pcs. (including preventing creasing, washing children's clothes, washing sportswear, super rinse, quick wash, prewash, stain removal program).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A ++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, control of imbalance and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 56/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x44x85 cm.
Pros:
- attractive design and the presence of a removable cover;
- capacious;
- high-quality spin - linen is almost dry;
- have a quick wash at 20 ° C;
- there is a button lock.
Some users note that the degree of noise in different modes is not the same and that the washing machine cannot be called completely silent - however, no one claims complete silence. We are talking about a lower noise level, and most reviews confirm this fact - the washer is much quieter than its predecessors.
This model of "Elgie" is recognized as "pleasant in every way" - quiet, smart, hard-working, beautiful - just an ideal employee. And it’s inexpensive. Thanks to the large workload, it will easily serve a family of 3-5 people.
Electrolux EWS 1277 FDW
Freestanding SMA with touch control and digital display. There is no drying. Equipped with a delay timer start. There is a compartment for liquid powder. From the Swedish manufacturer.
- Capacity: 6.5 kg.
- Water consumption: 45 l.
- Spin speed: 1200 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including washing sportswear, washing fluffy items, super rinse, quick wash, prewash, stain removal program).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A ++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / B.
- Safety: full protection against leaks, protection against children, control of imbalance and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 50/74 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
Pros:
- excellent build;
- low noise level, not only during washing, but also during the spin cycle;
- the device does not vibrate on the spin;
- controls the load balance - if it does not meet the standards, there will be no spin, and, therefore, no vibration;
- convenient and useful programs;
- economical energy consumption;
- convenient and intuitive controls.
Among the shortcomings are named:
- lack of steam and Direct Spray (continuous injection of washing solution);
- non-separable drum - this "drawback" was noticed by users who, after several years of operation, "flew" bearings.
This expensive machine, according to owners, works much quieter than their previous machines - Indesit and even LG with direct drive. Consumers praise the Italian assembly and note the almost silent operation of the device.
Hotpoint-Ariston RST 7029 S
The Italian version of the inverter machine. Here the control is electronic type, there is a display, but drying, as in previous versions, is not provided. Direct drive, weight - 63 kg. Tank made of plastic.
- Capacity: 7 kg.
- Water consumption: 50 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 14 pcs. (including economical washing, washing children's clothes, washing black things, washing downy items, super rinsing, quick washing).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A ++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, control of imbalance and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 58/72 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x44x85 cm.
Pros:
- steam washing;
- large diameter of the hatch - 34 cm, you can easily load large things;
- affordable cost and easy management;
- quietly erases and wringes out even at high load;
- capacious titanium drum;
- the door lock is instantly removed after the end of work;
- you can change the temperature / spin speed during program execution;
- rinses the powder well - do not have to include an additional rinse;
- convenient buttons;
- delicately erases - you can wash the wool and cashmere;
- legs are regulated - the device becomes stable.
They write that in the car the smell of rubber is present for the first time, but it disappears after the very first self-cleaning of the drum. Another point - there is no protection against power surges, so you need to buy a stabilizer.
Bosch WAN 20060
Freestanding frontal unit with a capacious drum. Equipped with touch controls and a digital display. Drying is not provided. The drive is direct. Hatch diameter - 30 cm.
- Capacity: 8 kg.
- Water consumption: 55 l.
- Spin speed: 1000 rpm.
- Number of programs: 15 pcs. (including direct injection, economical washing, mixed fabric wash program, quick wash, prewash).
- Energy Efficiency Class: A +++.
- Classes of washing / spin: A / C.
- Safety: partial leakage protection, protection against children, control of imbalance and foam level.
- Noise level (wash / spin): 54/77 dB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x55x85 cm.
Pros:
- convenient and easy to operate - the mode is selected with a rotary knob;
- the maximum laundry weight for the installed program is displayed on the screen;
- no extra programs;
- very quiet work - almost inaudible.
This German washing machine is characterized by all the qualities of inverter machines. It is reliable, durable, efficient and erases very quietly. The machine is suitable for a large family, in its drum you can wash the largest things - down jackets, blankets, etc.
Most models with an ID are frontal, but there are also vertical versions, for example, the Gorenje WT 62113. It costs about 20,000 rubles and is designed for washing 6 kg.
Conclusions
To summarize:
- All inverter SMA are quiet - thanks to the brushless motor design and the use of direct drive.
- The cost of ID washing machines is slightly higher, but noiselessness is not their only advantage. Since such brands are produced by leading brands, they have many other advantages - high-quality assembly, stylish design, high class of washing and energy consumption, an abundance of useful programs, etc.
- The ancestor of direct-drive SMA and ID is the Korean brand LG, today they are produced by leading world brands - Bosch, Electrolux, Siemens and others.
Sometimes it’s useful to delve into the technical nuances when buying household appliances. Machines equipped with inverter motors outperform analogues with commutator motors in all respects. They are more reliable, more economical, quieter, more durable, they are a bit more expensive - but the difference in cost is more than compensated by the existing advantages.