The washing machine tank is one of the most critical parts that is subject to constant loads and temperature changes. The quality of the tank can determine how long the washing machine will last you. Of course, there are many other details in the washing machine that are no less important, but it is worth talking about the tank separately, in particular, we would like to touch on the issue of materials from which the washing machine tank is made. Polyplex or plastic, stainless steel or enameled steel - which is better? We will answer this question in this article.
Enamelled steel tank
This type of washing machine tank is made of ordinary steel, which is coated with a special enamel. Enamel well protects the metal from corrosion and prevents the tank from rusting.
But if a foreign object suddenly gets into the tank, then the enamel can be damaged and then corrosion will begin in the place where the enamel chipped. Over time, a hole forms at the site of corrosion, through which water will flow and such a tank can be safely thrown into the trash. Most likely, you will have to throw it away along with the washing machine, since it is unlikely that you will be able to find a suitable replacement.
The positive side of such a tank is that it is quite durable and will not crack on impact, as can happen with a plastic tank.Of the minuses is that a machine with an enameled steel tank will be heavier, and also that the technology is quite old and on modern washing machines you will no longer meet it.
Stainless steel tank
Such tanks are considered the most durable and most often they are in perfect condition, even when the entire body of the machine has already rotted, and it is no longer suitable for washing. The tank is made of stainless steel, with which we are all so familiar.
But it is worth paying attention to the fact that a stainless steel tank will last a long time only if, if it is made of high quality steel, as well as using the “right” technologies for its welding and assembly. Of course, you need to understand that all these technologies and good stainless steel require a lot of money, so a machine with such a tank will not be cheap. The “correct” stainless steel tank can last up to 100 years.
But if you see a washing machine with a stainless steel tank, the price of which is no different from other models with plastic tanks, then you should not flatter yourself. Most likely the material of the washing machine tank is of poor quality. Such a tank will serve no longer than a plastic one.
If you are wondering which plastic or stainless steel washing machine tank to choose, then first of all measure yourself with the fact that with a stainless steel tank, you only need to buy a premium segment washing machine.
Plastic tanks in washing machines
Washing machines with metal tanks are becoming less and less available on the market and are already harder to find than machines with plastic tanks. That's why It is plastic tanks that are most common today.
On the market you can find cars with tanks made of different polymaterials: Silitek, Carboran, Polinox, Poliplex. All these materials are nothing more than ordinary plastic, which is slightly modified by different manufacturers to suit their needs. Let's say polyplex in a washing machine, like any of the above materials, is designed to dampen vibration and provide good thermal insulation.
There are of course small differences between different types of plastic. Let's say polyplex is more brittle than carborane, which is more ductile and more durable. Carborane is often compared to a stainless steel tank for its properties and durability.
The advantages of washing machines with a plastic tank are as follows:
- Lightweight design - due to the fact that it is plastic, and not metal, that is used, the tank itself is lighter, respectively, and washing machine weight too. True, to make it heavier, special counterweights have to be hung on it.But when repairing such a tank, it is easier to remove it than a metal one.
- Quieter washing machine - the plastic from which the washing machine tank is made has excellent noise attenuation, as well as vibration absorption, therefore, washing machines with such a tank work much quieter than with a metal one.
- energy efficiency - washing machines with plastic tanks consume less energy, because the tank has good thermal insulation. Accordingly, less energy is required to heat water.
- Chemical resistance - the tank is made of such material that it does not experience the effects of chemicals: powders, bleaches, etc.
- Durability - no matter how strange it may sound, but it is the durability of plastic tanks that is also a plus. These tanks can last up to 30 years. Of course, this period is much lower than that of stainless steel tanks. But you yourself imagine what will happen to your machine in 30 years, we think that washing machine life will come to an end and it will need to be changed already.
There is only one minus for plastic tanks of washing machines:
- fragility - a tank made of polymeric materials is quite fragile, it can break if the washing machine is not transported correctly. Also, a plastic tank can crack during operation of the washing machine if a foreign object gets into it. Also, the plastic tank may crack if you do not unscrew the transport bolts before starting operation.
There are also plastic tanks that are not collapsible, if suddenly, your bearing breaks, then remove drum from washing machine with a non-separable tank will not be easy.
