Advantages of direct drive washing machines

You have probably heard of direct drive washing machines. We heard that such machines are somehow better than ordinary ones, but you don’t really know what is better. In fact, a direct drive washing machine does have a number of advantages, and we will analyze them. Why is such a washing machine actually better than a conventional one and is it worth giving preference to it when buying?

What is direct drive in washing machines

First, let's look at the direct drive technology itself. The classic drive of washing machines is carried out using a belt. That is, at the bottom of the washing machine there is an engine that, with the help of a belt, sets the drum of the machine (through a pulley) in motion. Roughly speaking, this is a belt drive, which is also used in cars.

Washing machine device with direct drive is as follows - this technology eliminates the use of a belt to drive the drum. The engine is connected directly to the drum, thereby eliminating unnecessary links.

The very technology of such a drive has been developed for a long time and is used in many household appliances, as well as other devices, but direct drive washing machines have appeared relatively recently. The first to launch them was LG.From this technology they made a real PR company, and at every opportunity they reminded that their cars had a Direct Drive system. As proof of the reliability of this technology, LG has given a 10-year engine warranty.

Advantages and disadvantages of a direct drive washing machine

In fact, there are several advantages of such technology, and they are indisputable, let's look at them:

• Lower operating noise – compared to the classic drive, the direct drive does not have a belt and a pulley, which make additional noise during operation.
• Better Balance - since the engine is located in the center of the washing machine and is connected directly to the drum, direct-drive machines are more balanced and cause less vibration during operation. You don’t even need such a washer for silent operation. rubber anti-vibration mat.
• Longer service life - again, due to the lack of rubbing parts, the engine can last a longer period. Also, the motor is more reliable and does not require maintenance.
• Best wash quality - due to the fact that a special asynchronous motor is used, the machine can spin the drum faster and perform more precise movements, thereby increasing the quality of washing.
• energy saving - due to the fact that there are no rubbing parts, saving on electricity increases, though not so much that you can even notice it.

Everything is clear with the advantages, but what about the disadvantages of such washing machines, let's analyze them for order:

• Price - of course, you have to pay for all the good things, so the price of such washing machines is more than for belt-driven machines.
• Repair cost - if the electronics fail in a direct drive washing machine, and it is more susceptible to voltage drops there, then the repair can cost a pretty penny.
• Frequent bearing wear - bearings in such washing machines are installed with small clearances, which causes the greatest load on them, and bearings can fail more often. And replacing a bearing in a washing machine is not cheap.
• Danger of engine failure - since the motor is located very close to the drum, if the stuffing box leaks, water can get on it, which will lead to its complete burnout. The problem is that such a case is not recognized as a warranty.

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages, and the question arises - which washing machine to choose with a direct drive or with a belt?

Washing machine with direct drive or with belt

It is difficult to give an objective assessment of direct drive cars, because these are relatively new units that have not yet been tested by time. If we can say about a conventional drive that machines with it are operated for up to 15 years without breakdowns (in some cases), then direct drive has appeared on the market relatively recently and it is not known what will happen to it after a given period of time. So far, reviews about this technology are contradictory.

To answer this question, let's look at things from the consumer's point of view:

• The service life of the machine does not depend on the drive, but depends on the quality of the equipment itself - if the machine is of poor quality, then no direct drive will save you from breakage. Yes, and as we wrote above, belt-driven washing machines have been in operation for 15 years without drive failures.
• Yes, direct drive cars are quieter. - this is undoubtedly so, but again to choose a quieter washing machine, read the article on our website, and then draw a conclusion. And the noise level is not so low as to talk about a big difference.
• Repair – it will be cheaper and easier to repair a washing machine with a belt drive in case of serious breakdowns.

We have provided information for you, but the choice is yours, because everyone decides for himself what he needs. I would like to say that you need to choose a washing machine not by the presence of direct drive technology in it, but by the ratio of price, quality and necessary functionality. It is with this balance that it will serve you for a long time and will not require large maintenance costs.