Which motor in a washing machine is better, inverter or standard?
Automatic machines equipped with inverter engines began to be produced relatively recently, but have already firmly established themselves in the household appliances market. Compared to its “collector” brothers, this type of engine is more expensive and in many ways superior to standard engines, namely, in terms of operational reliability and greater wear resistance.
Today, the competition between these types of engines is reaching its peak, and the consumer should understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of them in order to decide whether to choose an inverter or a standard engine.
Why is an inverter considered better?
An inverter motor for a washing machine has many advantages. The advantages of an SMA equipped with an inverter are noted by both specialists and the majority of equipment users. Washing machines with such an engine are characterized by:
- reduced electrical energy consumption and increased efficiency (this result is achieved by reducing the number of working parts of the unit);
- durability - there are no brushes on the inverter, unlike a conventional motor, and therefore there is no need to replace this quickly wearing element;
- reduced noise level during operation (this is achieved by a reduced number of machine parts in contact with each other);
- suppression of vibrations and shaking that occur during washing, this ensures and maintains uniform distribution of laundry over the surface of the drum;
- instantaneous output of the machine to the required number of revolutions and constant support of the desired speed;
- softer and smoother start;
- the possibility of spinning at high speeds (up to 2000 per minute), this allows you to remove clean things from the drum almost dry.
Agree, the listed advantages are quite significant. We can conclude that inverter washing machines are much more economical than collector ones, are more reliable, and provide high quality washing and spinning.
Let's compare engines
Inverter motor type - Korean development. It has been used for a long time, originally intended for microwave ovens and air conditioners. But at the instigation of global brands Samsung and LG, starting in 2005, engines began to be introduced into washing household appliances to increase their resource efficiency and reliability.
The operating principle of the inverter engine is as follows: when the engine rotates, a frequency converter is created, called an inverter. Here the alternating current is converted into a constant one, so at the output you can see the current of the required frequency. This procedure makes it possible to precisely regulate the rotation speed of the motor and maintain the optimal number of revolutions.
An inverter motor for an automatic machine differs from a commutator motor in structure - it is not equipped with brushes rubbing against each other, but supports rotation using an electromagnetic field.
Brands of washing machines with similar motors
Modern automatic washing machines of the global brand Samsung are equipped with inverter engines. Series of washing machines CrystalStandard In addition to this advantage, it can offer the user “Eco Bubble” technology, or in other words, the bubble washing method, which will provide high quality removal of the most difficult stains. The enormous functionality of Samsung models will allow you to select washing parameters for any type of fabric, and a large number of interesting additions will make the process of using the device even more convenient and enjoyable.
The Yukon series of washing machines with inverter motors is also equipped with the Eco Bubble function. The unit has the ability to clean clothes during a “dry wash” using steam. This ability will be relevant for products made of wool, holofiber and suits.
The famous brand LG can offer customers the latest development - inverter machines operating on the direct drive principle. We are talking about models of the “DirectDrive” series. They operate almost silently, without creating any inconvenience for family members, even at night.
It is worth highlighting the 6 Motion model, which has the ability to rotate the reel in six different modes:
- standard – most often used during the main wash;
- reversible - helps to dissolve washing powder well;
- rocking – it is recommended to turn it on at the stage of soaking the laundry;
- torsion;
- saturation - allows you to evenly distribute powder and other detergents throughout the fabric);
- smoothing – provides for washing without strong creasing, provides easy ironing.
SMAs equipped with inverter motors presented on the household appliances market continue to prove their reliability and efficiency. European manufacturers Electrolux, Bosch, Whirlpool have also been producing automatic machines with a similar engine in recent years. The AEG brand gives a ten-year guarantee on inverter washing machines, because it has no doubts about their quality and reliability. If you prefer to buy domestically produced equipment, you can study the Belarusian Atlantas.
A washing machine with an inverter: should I buy it or not?
Does it make sense to overpay for an inverter motor in a washing machine? The indisputable advantage of the inverter is greater energy efficiency, increased reliability and wear resistance. Compared to conventional motors, technologically advanced machines consume 20% less electrical energy.
To finally decide between an inverter or a standard motor, it is best to look at the pros and cons using a specific example. Let’s say the user has loaded 2 kg of laundry for washing (with a permissible load of 6 kg). The converter motor will rotate the drum at the maximum speed possible for the machine, while the inverter will select the optimal number of revolutions based on the mass of loaded items. Electricity consumption will be reduced, as the device optimizes and stabilizes the rotation speed of the drum in each specific case.
Electricity is mainly spent on heating water; the inverter will allow you to save from 2% to 6% of energy at this stage, if the drum is not loaded to the maximum permissible weight.
Direct drive inverter motors operate completely silently. Therefore, if this criterion is significant for you, we advise you to pay attention to the LG “DirectDrive” series models.
Another argument in favor of inverter machines will be spinning at high speed. On some models, the drum can spin up to 2 thousand revolutions per minute. However, it should be remembered that such a strong spin can negatively affect the state of things.
As for durability, you should figure out how long you want to use the washing machine. If this is 10–13–15 years, then a converter machine from the middle price segment can handle this service period.Moreover, within such a period of time they will definitely release washing devices that are several levels higher than those offered for sale now. But if you are buying equipment that will last 20-30 years, then it may be worth paying more for a more durable inverter.
It is also worth understanding that inverter washing machines are units with the most modern engine. Manufacturers provide a long warranty on the devices, but if a breakdown does occur after the warranty period has expired, be prepared that repairing the motor will cost a tidy sum.
Chooses the right equipment
When purchasing an inverter-type automatic washing machine, be sure to carefully study its technical characteristics. So, what indicators should you focus on?
- Electricity consumption class. It is better to purchase devices with categories “A”, “A+”, “A++” or “A+++”. The more pluses there are after the letter “A”, the less electricity the washing machine will consume.
- Drum rotation speed during spinning. Most inverter devices allow you to spin things at 1600 rpm. However, such fast rotation can damage things, so it is not necessary to chase this indicator.
- Maximum load. Here you need to focus on the size of your family. For 1-2 people, you can install a machine with a drum that can hold up to 5 kg of laundry; for families of 3 or more people, it is better to find washing machines with more space.
- Noise level – for comfortable use of the device it should not be higher than 75 dB.
- Functionality programmed in the intellect. The more additions and washing modes are provided, the more convenient it is to operate the machine. A modern machine should have basic washing programs; it is advisable to choose a device with “Eco Bubble”, “AddWash” technology, steam washing, easy ironing, the ability to record favorite parameters, delayed start, child lock, etc.
Choose a SMA that provides protection for the housing from emergency leaks!
When deciding on a washing machine model, it is not at all necessary to chase the presence of a new generation engine in it. The “induction motor” criterion should not be the main one; it is much more important to pay attention to the main performance indicators of the washing machine, its functionality, ease of use, and protective properties. And let the “inverter motor” item be a pleasant bonus for your purchase.
Interesting:
20 reader comments
The author of the article is a big joker. Washing machines do not last 20-30 years. Maximum 12, and then the fungus will eat all the rubber bands, the electronics will start acting up, the drum dampers will leak, the entire concrete load will crack, and you will be left with an immortal inverter motor with a broken trough.
We bought a washing machine 21 years ago. She is still alive and working, but there is no point in moving her. The metal began to rust and if we move it, the body will most likely fall apart. So it’s not a fact that a washing machine can work for 12 years.
They took it for the money for a decent amount of $250.
I have an Italian washing machine, it lasts 25 years without breakdowns!
I don't quite agree with your conclusion. My Indesit is being finalized for 24 years (alas, the last one) - that’s all the bearings are!
A Bosch machine lasts 20 years without any repairs. And it looks fresh.
I have an Electrolux for 17 years. Replaced heating element and pump
Samsung worked for 16 years. And he continues to work. I replaced the belt once.
Indesit. Italian. He has been working for 18 years, but is already starting to give up. It's probably time for him to retire :)
Who will translate the operating principle of an inverter motor into technical language?
And my first Italian is 25 years old, our second is 8 years old under an Italian license, but our third is Lipetsk (Ariston) 1 hour 37 minutes and handed over to the store. The software crashed. So judge for yourself.
My washing machine is Bosch. He works. And she's 30 years old.
Kandy. It's been working for 16 years.
LG 18 years without repair
Hotpoint Ariston. In 18 years, the belt has been replaced and that’s it.
Simens siwamat 3301 has been in operation for 32 years. Engine brushes replaced 2 times – RUB 1,500.
In October 2022, the drum shock absorbers and drive belt were replaced - 3,500 rubles.
Serious work period.
LG without a single repair, for 20 years, and no rust!
Ariston, 20 years without a single breakdown. The view is good. No hints of rust.
Bosch, 21 years old. The programs crashed once at the very beginning of operation and that’s it! Even the belt hasn't changed. I always processed it at maximum t, with vinegar or lemon juice, the second step with whiteness, bleach at the same maximum t. So much for quality :)
Veko served a family of 3 for 17 years
Bosch has been working for 26 years.