There are more and more inverter models in the range of leading brands. Do they have advantages? We understand the details.
It’s no secret that some “innovative” technologies become the intrigues of marketers – they do not carry any real innovations. What about inverter washing machines? There is something to talk about here. So we will tell you about the principle of operation of such equipment and advise several optimal models of 2020 for the home.
Inverter motor in a washing machine: what is it?
The main difference between a motor and a conventional one is the operation principle. This is the same electric motor, but it is controlled through an inverter, a frequency converter. Inverter motors do not have carbon brushes; they are quieter and can provide higher speeds (up to 2000 rpm).
In addition, this technique is more economical; it uses less energy and water. As a rule, due to the stability of the rpm and good balance, they are less susceptible to jumping and beating, which also cause a lot of inconveniences.
Are inverter motors reliable?
If there are no brushes, there is no need to change them. And also, as a rule, in such models, a direct drive is used, and there is no drive belt either. The simpler the method, the more reliable it is. Accordingly, inverter motors last longer than conventional motors (although more expensive) – usually 10-15 years without repair. But keep in mind: if repairs are still required, it will also cost more.
Is it worth buying an inverter washing machine then? The question remains open. This is a new stage in the development of washing machines, and if you are used to being at the forefront of progress, the purchase will be quite justified. But it’s too early to write off ordinary cars: it’s easier to repair and “reanimate” them for further service. So a washing machine inverter motor has both pros and cons like any other.
In terms of choosing a model with an inverter, they are no different from the usual ones. The algorithm is pretty simple.
Top-loading or front-loading
This is one of the main questions facing the buyer. What is the difference? Each type of download has its pros and cons. Top-loading washing machines are more compact to be placed in a bathroom or kitchen with relatively little space.
It is also easier for some housewives to load linen since they do not need to bend too much. The lid does not take up useful space when opened since it opens upwards. In vertical models, the drive is equipped with additional counterweights, so their vibration level is less than that of front-mounted models (when compared within the same brand).
However, in terms of the volume of loaded linen, the vertical ones are inferior to the front ones – you can rarely find a model with a volume of more than 7 kg. Also, before buying, it is worth clarifying whether there is a drum parking system, the possibility of stopping after working with the lid up. For example, in old vertical machines, the drum could stop as needed, after which it had to be rotated by hand. Modern typewriters usually have drum parking. We recommend Gorenje WT 6213 for a 6 kg load of the vertical ones with an inverter motor.
Front-loading models allow you to hold much more laundry, which will be a definite plus for a large family. So, front-facing machines can hold from 4 to 15 kg of linen (industrial models further).
The best front-loading inverter washing machines have spin speeds of 1400 – 1600 rpm. At this speed, the laundry is practically dry. And a huge number of programs will allow you to choose the right one for a certain type of linen.
However, the advantages of front-end machines affected their dimensions. They need much more space (although there are also compact models). Additional space is also required to open the lid. With an equal load and within the same brand, front-end machines are somewhat more expensive than vertical ones. One of the popular front-facing models with an inverter motor is the LG F-1096TD3. It will satisfy the needs of a large family, as its capacity is 8 kg. At the same time, it has a low power consumption – 0.17 kW * h / kg.
How much capacity should a washing machine have?
This parameter largely depends on the size of the family: the larger it is, the more laundry needs to be washed. Also, the size of the load affects the size of the machine. If there is relatively little space in the bathroom, a model with a large load volume cannot be delivered. Please note that the load parameter describes how much dry laundry can be loaded at one time. It should be remembered that some modes (for example, quick wash) imply an incomplete filling of the drum.
We have highlighted the average ratio of the weight of the load to the number of people in the family:
- 1 – 2 persons: 3 – 5 kg.
- 2 – 3 persons: 4 – 6 kg.
- 4 – 6 people: 7 – 8 kg.
However, this does not mean that a 5 kg machine is not suitable for a family of 4. Anyway, coloured and white laundry is usually washed separately; you can just run a few cycles. For large volumes or bulky items such as thick blankets, they often take the Samsung WW80R42LHES model with a load capacity of up to 8 kg.
Do you need high revs?
We have already noted that inverter washing machines can operate at high spin speeds. As a rule, they are regulated by software or manually. This is necessary because high revs are contraindicated in some things. For example, they usually do not exceed 800 rpm in the Wool program.
When choosing a washing machine about the speed, one can proceed from the principle “more – not less”. You can wring out cotton items to the maximum, take them out almost dry, and reduce the speed to the recommended value for more delicate items.
The typical maximum for modern washing machines is 1400 rpm—for example, this Bosch WAT286H2OE.
Which management is best?
There are three types of washing machine controls:
- mechanical,
- electronic.
- Sensory.
Everything is clear with a mechanical one – this is the simplest option with physical knobs and buttons. If we talk about modern inverter machines, you will not find this in them.
Electronic control includes a display and a menu. There are also buttons here, but there are fewer of them, and they serve mainly to navigate through the menu.
Touch control is no different from electronic, except for buttons. Here they are (you never guess) touch-sensitive, so the control panel is easier to keep clean.
Best inverter washing machines 2020
LG F-2H5HS6W
LG was the first to use an inverter motor in washing machines, so it can be considered the “pioneer” of the new technology. This model is designed for a total load of 7 kg of laundry. The maximum spin speed is 1200 rpm. There is a child protection system; the control panel can be locked.
This washing machine is equipped with an inverter motor and the proprietary Smart Diagnosis technology. By connecting to the washing machine via a smartphone, you can correct the washing modes and read the errors of the system operation. However, to connect, you need an NFC module in your smartphone. The machine is supplied with a function to control the formation of foam, thereby improving washing quality.
Weissgauff WM 5649
This is one of the most energy-efficient washing machines with this load capacity. Its energy consumption class is A +++, which corresponds to approximately 0.14 kW * h / kg. The washer can take up to 9 kg of laundry at a time, making it in demand for a family of 5-6 people. It can also wash large, thick blankets. Note that the maximum spin speed reaches 1400 rpm so that things will be only slightly damp.
The washing machine allows you not only to use fixed washing modes but also to customize your own. That is, you can select one of the programs from the list (16 pcs) and additionally adjust it (for example, add a rinse or reduce the spin speed). These settings are saved in the device’s memory and can be started with one touch with every new wash. In one cycle, the device consumes 56 litres of water. With 9 kg of laundry, this is a small waste. The heating part is made of stainless steel.
Samsung WW80R52LCFS
An inverter washing machine from Samsung allows you to wash up to 8 kg of laundry simultaneously. The manufacturer has equipped the device with the Eco Bubble function. Thanks to it, air bubbles pass through the fabric, which allows you to fight dirt better. However, soft water is desirable for this function to work since bubbles will not form in hard water.
Among other things, there is a steam wash function (not available in all models). Clothes are bathed in steam, which is above 100 ° C, thanks to which even the oldest dirt is washed. From experience, we can say that steam washing is good, including overalls. The washing machine consumes 48 litres of water in one cycle. Note that a ceramic heating element is installed here.
Haier HW70-BP1439G
Like the Weissgauff washing machine, this one has an A +++ energy class. Therefore it is energy efficient. Thanks to the inverter motor, it is very quiet and makes a noise of about 54 dB during washing. With a 7 kg load, the device consumes only 37 litres of water. The maximum spin reaches 1400 rpm – if you want to get things out of the tank almost dry, this machine is what you need.
The manufacturer has equipped the device with a steam washing function, convenient for cleaning clothes with old stains and baby clothes. There is currently a discount in some stores, so you can buy it cheaper than usual.
Bosch WAT 28541
A very economical German washing machine consumes only 0.13 kWh / kg (energy class A +++). With a load of 9 kg, its average annual water consumption is 12,400 litres. It is equipped with the ActiveWater function, which, according to the manufacturer, saves resources (water and electricity) depending on the load. If the integrity of the drain or filler pipes is broken during operation, the Aquastop leakage protection system will work.
Like most machines, this model has a delayed start function, which allows you to start the washing machine without human intervention. This is convenient if you need to do your laundry night when electricity rates are the best. The device’s noise in washing mode is only 48 dB while spinning – 73 dB. The only drawback of the machine is it is not the most democratic price.
Data Pro Tech 