What is the steam function in a washing machine?

What is the steam function in a washing machine The steam function in a washing machine is a fairly useful technology that is loved by millions of users from all over the world. Thanks to steam treatment, you can not only remove difficult stains without special household chemicals, but also disinfect things. The option allows you to destroy all bacteria and microbes that have “settled” in the fibers of the fabric. Let’s figure out how the steam generator functions and whether it’s worth overpaying for such an addition.

How does steam cleaning work?

When choosing an automatic machine, you should pay attention to what kind of steam mode it provides. Some washing machines can only slightly refresh clothes and eliminate a slight unpleasant odor, while others can perform a full wash, removing the most difficult stains. Everything will depend on the device model.

A washing machine with a steam function works a little differently than a regular washing machine. It additionally contains a heat exchange device. The steam generator is located behind the tank, with an inlet valve attached to it on one side (through which water is poured inside), and a rubber pipe on the other. Through this tube, steam enters the drum.

Steam treatment occurs at a temperature of 55°C, but the function is safe even for the most delicate fabrics.

If it is necessary to perform antibacterial treatment of laundry, the machine can generate steam at a higher temperature. For this purpose, the machines provide different operating modes of the steam generator. how steam cleaning works

According to the vast majority of users, the steam function is very useful. It helps not only fight stubborn stains, but also remove allergens and harmful microorganisms from things.This opportunity will be especially interesting for people prone to allergies.

Pros and cons of this feature

To understand how useful the steam mode will be for you, and whether it’s worth looking for just such an SMA model, let’s look at all the pros and cons of this technology. It’s better to start with the advantages, which washing machines equipped with a steam generator have more than enough of.

Economical. Steam machines can handle laundry even without using gel or powder. In addition, water consumption is significantly reduced, since the machine does not rinse items after steam treatment. Finally, the energy consumption of the steam cycle process is reduced compared to the standard cycle. Steam generation is faster than heating water, so the equipment “eats” less kilowatts.
Versatility. You can wash any clothes in an automatic machine with a steam generator. These can be the most “demanding” fabrics: silk, wool, cashmere, lace. For this purpose, there are programs in which steam is produced at low or medium temperature.
Easy to care for clothes. The steam mode will help you quickly refresh things stuck in the closet, or easily remove difficult stains from fruit, blood, wine, and cosmetics. You no longer have to soak your laundry, treat the contaminated area with stain remover, or wait for the product to work.
No creases or wrinkles on the fabric. After steam treatment, things look neat and do not have deep folds.
Possibility of disinfecting linen. The steam function is very important when washing children's clothes, bedding, and towels. All allergens and microorganisms “hidden” in the fabric fibers will be destroyed.

There are also disadvantages of steam machines.

Small selection. The range of washing machines with a steam function is not so wide.Vaporization is a relatively recent technology, so not all brands are introducing it into production yet. You will have to select a machine from Bosch, ElG, Electrolux, Ariston or Whirlpool models.
Price. The most budget machines with a steam function will cost the buyer at least $250. For this money you can buy a good machine with excellent software, but without a steam generator.

Also, do not forget that budget steam machines do not always have a steam washing program. They will cope with the task of refreshing things, but they may lose the fight against old, ingrained dirt. The laundry will still have to be washed first.

Having objectively assessed all the positive and negative aspects, we can conclude how useful the steam processing function is for your family. If such a regime is necessary, proceed to choosing a new “home assistant”.

Popular models with steam function

Of course, in addition to the built-in steam generator, the washing machine must meet other requirements. Therefore, when choosing a new machine, be sure to look at its technical characteristics. Let's present a rating of the three most popular steam machines.

It’s worth paying attention to the LG F1296CDS0 washer-dryer. This is a free-standing “front-facing” machine that allows you to “scroll” up to 6 kg of laundry at a time. A drying mode is also provided - when activated, up to 3 kg of items can be placed in the drum.

Main characteristics of LG F1296CDS0:

inverter motor;
electronic control;
13 special washing programs;
delayed start timer;
maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm.

The cost of the LG F1296CDS0 machine with drying, direct drive, inverter motor and steam generator is quite pleasant - about $330.

The washing machine is equipped with a convenient digital display, which displays all the information about the stages of the cycle. Unfortunately, there is no leakage protection system. But the machine can prevent drum imbalance and monitor the foam level. Thanks to technology Smart Diagnosis The machine itself detects breakdowns that have occurred in the system and notifies the user about them.

The next interesting model from the Swedish brand is Electrolux PerfectCare 600 EW6S4R27W. This is a front-loading machine, permanently installed. Main characteristics of the machine:

maximum loading weight – 7 kg;
maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm;
timer for postponing the start of washing – for up to 20 hours;
noise level – up to 77 dB during spin cycle;
complete protection against leaks;
electricity consumption – 0.13 kWh/kg;
water consumption – 52 liters per cycle.

The intelligence has 14 programmed modes, including steam supply, light ironing, washing jeans, sportswear, children's clothing and outerwear. Thanks to the special “Anti-allergy” option, you can destroy allergens from fabric fibers.

Users of the Electrolux PerfectCare 600 EW6S4R27W note the efficiency of the machine, excellent build quality, stylish design, intuitive controls and almost silent operation of the equipment. The cost of the model is about 240-280 $

The next machine in the rating from the South Korean brand is Samsung WW65K42E00W. The functionality of this model is more interesting. In addition to the steam technology, it also provides the possibility of bubble washing. When the EcoBubble option is activated, the water in the tank is saturated with air bubbles, which ensures better cleaning of clothes.

The Samsung WW65K42E00W machine can be controlled via a Wi-Fi network via a smartphone.

Main characteristics of the model:

drum capacity – up to 6.5 kg of laundry;
energy saving and washing efficiency class – “A”;
water consumption per cycle – 39 liters;
maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm;
12 special cleaning programs;
noise level – up to 73 dB.

Thanks to AddWash technology, you can put things into the drum after the cycle has started. Additional loading of laundry is carried out through the main hatch. It is possible to set the end time of washing.

The body of the machine is protected from leaks thanks to a special float sensor. While the washing machine is operating, the control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button presses. Intelligence can also control the level of foam in the tank and, if necessary, perform automatic balancing of the drum. The cost of the model is up to 37,000 rubles.

A machine with a steam mode can become a real lifesaver for any housewife. Therefore, if it is possible to overpay for this technology, then it is not worth saving. The function will not become one of the “unused” ones; washing machine owners use it quite often.