Every day, some new technologies appear in advertising that we have not seen before, this applies not only to the world of electronics, which is developing very quickly. Household appliances, in particular, washing machines also do not stand still and every year their manufacturers improve their products.
One of these “novelties” is a honeycomb drum in a washing machine, what is it, what are its advantages, and are there any at all? We will answer these questions in this article.
What is a typical washing machine drum
In order to understand what a honeycomb drum in a washing machine means, you must first understand what a regular drum looks like. An ordinary drum is a kind of stainless steel tank, which is pierced with small holes over its entire area. How many holes to make and at what distance from each other is calculated by the manufacturer, so different drums can have a completely different number of holes and their location.
But, of course, all standard drums are made using the same technology - the same principle of hole arrangement.
The disadvantage of any machine wash is that the laundry wears out more with it.. During washing, the linen rubs against the walls of the drum and, accordingly, the threads begin to wear out, which spoils the overall appearance of the fabric. If you conduct an experiment and wash two identical things in different conditions, but the same number of times: one in the machine and the other by hand. Then after a while you will notice that the thing that was washed in the typewriter is more worn out.
This happens for the following reason, in addition to the fact that during washing the linen rubs against the walls of the drum, the so-called “pulling” of the linen into the holes in the drum also occurs. During the time when the drum is spinning intensively, the water, along with the laundry, is pushed outward by centrifugal force. And the fabric begins to tighten into the holes.
Of course, manufacturers try to minimize this process by drawing up the right washing programs for different types of laundry, but fabric wear is still inevitable.
What is a honeycomb drum in a washing machine
In order to reduce the effect that we described above, one of the well-known manufacturers of Miele washing machines invented the so-called honeycomb drum (European washing machines have always been renowned for their technology. As the manufacturer himself says, the technology was not invented by them, but by nature itself, they only took the idea of arranging honeycombs and introduced it into their technique. Of course, this is a very beautiful fairy tale and no less beautiful marketing ploy.
Maybe, of course, they took the honeycomb as a basis, but still, it is unlikely that the bees themselves are somehow connected with washing machines. The drum is really made in the form of honeycombs, at the corners of which there are small holes for water circulation.
Be that as it may, but the manufacturer managed to achieve the best resultthan with a conventional drum.Washing machines with a honeycomb drum made it possible to wash clothes more gently, damage the fabric less during washing and spinning, and also not “pull” it into the holes so much.
If you look at the honeycomb drum, even to the eye it seems smoother and there are noticeably fewer cavities in it, which destroy the fabric during washing. It can be said for sure that this technology is significantly superior to conventional drums in terms of gentle washing of clothes. As for the rest washing machine working principle with a honeycomb drum is completely similar to a conventional washer.
Advantages and disadvantages of honeycomb drums
Of course, like any other technology, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's go first Let's look at the benefits.
- Smoother drum - as we wrote above, the drum turned out to be smoother, and accordingly this reduces the wear of the fabric during washing.
- Small holes for water circulation - due to the fact that the holes have been reduced, the water lingers longer in the drum, forming a thin film that protects the fabric from friction. Also, due to the smaller holes, the fabric is less drawn into them.
- Honeycomb structure - also allows you to reduce the friction of the fabric on the walls, which adds a certain plus to the treasury of benefits.
Of the shortcomings, only the price can be distinguished. Yes, you have to pay for new technologies. Many buyers question the wisdom of overpaying for a honeycomb drum washing machine, but that's up to everyone. Undoubtedly, such a drum is more efficient than a conventional one. When buying a washing machine, be sure to pay attention to the material from which it is made, and read more about this issue in our article. Choosing the material of the tank in the washing machine.
Honeycomb Drum Diamond and others
Miele's honeycomb drum technology has also caught the attention of other manufacturers, who have also begun to invent their own drum designs to make laundry more gentle.
Samsung decided to call its Diamond drums also cellular, although they are not as similar to honeycombs as those of Meile, but more, probably, on the verge of diamonds. The principle of diamond drums is similar: the manufacturer has reduced the hole itself and their number. As he himself claims: the total area of the holes was reduced by 79%. Also, recesses were made in the drum, in which holes are located.
All these innovations are designed to achieve the same goal - to improve the quality of washing and reduce wear and tear on things.
Other manufacturers began to invent their own types of drums. But they all follow the same principle - reduction in the diameter and number of holes; and such an arrangement to reduce the tightening of the fabric during washing and spinning.
