The activator washing machines familiar to many people have become an anachronism. But they continue to be used to this day - not everyone has the opportunity to purchase and install an expensive automatic machine in their apartment. In addition, an activator-type washing machine remains an indispensable attribute of country housing, where it is simply impossible to use an automatic machine.
As part of this review, we will consider all commercially available types of washing machines of this type and talk about their distinctive features.
What is an activator type washing machine
The activator washing machine has an extremely simple device. It consists of the three most important parts - a plastic or metal tank, an activator and a timer. The activator is a plastic circle with ribs-bulges responsible for the rotation of water in the tank. Having loaded the laundry into the tank and turned on the timer, we can notice that under the action of the activator, the water, along with the laundry, begins to spin in a certain direction - this is exactly how the simplest wash cycle is carried out.
Activator washing machines just outrageously. Only two things can fail here - this is an electric motor and a timer.In addition, in modern models that use plastic tanks, the tank itself may crack. There is practically no electronics here, so breakdowns are extremely rare. Thanks to this, activator machines are distinguished by the highest reliability, with which automatic machines cannot be compared.
The list of advantages can include the fact that for washing in activator machines it is allowed to use powders for hand washing, which are cheaper than powders for automatic machines. And the last advantage of these devices is more than affordable price.
Despite the presence of such striking advantages, activator washing machines have several disadvantages:
- Large water consumption;
- Large labor costs per wash cycle;
- Large consumption of detergents.
- Less washing classcompared to automatic machines.
In addition, the activator machine can easily damage and even tear the laundry - this often happens when the fabric gets under the activator and tries to wrap itself around the shaft. Only recently have models appeared that can boast the presence of gentle washing.
As for the high consumption of water and powder, this is true. After the first wash, it is advisable to change the water with the powder. In addition, a full wash cycle will require a container in which rinsing will be performed, and this is an additional cost for water. In this light, the machines look more attractive.
Types of activator type washing machines
Despite the simplicity of activator machines, there are models with additional functionality in their assortment.For example, many consumers really like spinning activator washing machines - here it is implemented as a built-in centrifuge located in the next compartment, one body with the main tank.
Washing in such machines is carried out in 3 stages:
- Main wash in a tank with an activator;
- Rinsing in any external container (under the tap, in a basin or in a bath of water);
- Spin in a centrifuge.
That is, in this whole procedure we see elements of manual labor. But the presence of a spin in the centrifuge is already a big plus, because squeezing the laundry almost dry using only your hands is very problematic.
A typical example of washing machines with a wringer is the domestic Snow White, Fairy and the Soviet model called Siberia. By the way, such machines are equipped with water inlets and a drain system similar to the drain in vending machines. The operation of the centrifuge and the activator is carried out according to separate timers. A washing machine of this type, endowed with an automatic spin, is the ideal solution for those who cannot afford to buy a full-fledged machine.
Activator washing machines with heated water have become a discovery for many housewives. Such devices save us from another tedious procedure - heating water. Cold water is poured into their tanks, after which it is heated to the desired temperature using the built-in heating element. The activator-type washing machine with heated water facilitates the work of housewives and boasts a more thorough washing of clothes.
It is customary to call mini-washing machines of the activator type Malyutki - this name came from the device of the same name, which has a minimum size.Such machines are the most common activator models, but they have a minimum capacity - they can hold a maximum of 2 kg of laundry. Some types of mini-machines are equipped with reverse and heating elements for heating water.
Exist activator type bubble washing machines, which are of higher quality washing.
How do activator machines differ from automatic machines
Activator machines differ from automata in low functionality. They are able:
- Wash clothes (cycle up to 10 minutes, continuous twisting);
- Wring out linen (only in some models);
- Heat water (only in some models).
But they are extremely reliable and cheap.
As for automatic washing machines, here washing and spinning are performed in one rotating tank. This approach made it possible to implement the following functionality:
- The ability to wash any fabrics, including delicate ones;
- Rinsing and conditioning linen;
- Water heating and temperature control;
- Weighing linen;
- Spin in a wide range of speeds;
- Washing pillows, shoes, baby clothes;
- Automatic tank cleaning (in some models);
- Complete drying (in a limited number of models).
Thus, the machines work according to the all-inclusive system - we throw the laundry into the tank, pour washing powder into the tray, select the program and press the start button. As a result, we get washed and rinsed linen, which will only be dried. The disadvantages of automatic machines are high cost, the need for water supply and sewerage, reduced reliability (compared to activator models).
Who is an activator washing machine suitable for?
Activator washing machines are designed for low-income people, as well as for apartments and houses where there is no technical possibility of installing an automatic machine (shaky floors, no drain or plumbing). In addition, activator machines are ideal for use in the country - they are easy to transport, and they require only electricity to operate. Water for the operation of such machines can be brought in a bucket or in a basin, although it may be worth paying attention to a modern automatic machine that can work without connecting to a water supply - this washing machine with water tank.
If the machine has already served you its purpose, do not rush to throw it away, because homemade from a washing machine can give her a second life.
