Review of LG washing machine with steam function
The first washing machine from LG with a steam function was introduced in 2005. Similar models appeared on the Russian market much later. Steam technology has been adopted by other manufacturers. Let’s take a closer look at what the essence and advantages of this function are, and most importantly, which models of LG machines have this function.
How does a feature like this work?
During washing, steam is supplied to the drum through a flexible rubber tube, the end of which is fixed above the loading hatch. Steam comes from a steam generator located in the rear corner of the machine, on the left near the solenoid valves; water enters the steam generator through one of them. Steam can be supplied both during normal washing and separately when the “Refresh” function is turned on without water supply.
The incoming steam promotes active and complete dissolution of the powder in water. When washing with steam, a constant temperature of about 55 is maintained throughout the entire drum.0C, regardless of what water temperature was selected.
A washing machine with this function was first used in professional areas (in hotels, laundries, hospitals), today such a machine has become available to almost every housewife.
Advantages and disadvantages of steam
The steam function in washing machines has been noted by many consumers. The following advantages of washing with steam can be identified:
- under the influence of steam, contaminants are better broken down, since small droplets of water penetrate deeper into the fibers, washing efficiency is 21% higher;
- the steam generation process occurs much faster than conventional heating of water to a high temperature, which helps save energy;
- steaming linen and items is similar to boiling, only much more delicate, which allows the function to be used for items made of thin fabrics. Besides, exposure to steam does not affect the fading of fabric, unlike boiling.
- the steam function in the washing machine can replace soaking; after such treatment, the laundry is washed better;
- Using the steam function, you can disinfect things without washing them in water, for example, new toys or a new woolen sweater;
- the Steam Refres function allows you to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance to wrinkled items, as well as prepare laundry that is too dry for ironing;
- steam removes not only up to 90% of bacteria from clothes, but also various allergens, which is especially important for children and allergy sufferers.
But there are disadvantages to the steam function, which are noted by people who bought an LG machine with this steaming technology.
- Firstly, many note that not all washing modes can choose steam treatment.
- Secondly, steam treatment does not deal with all stains 100%. For example, wine or blood stains will have to be washed off first, no matter how much you want to do so.
- Thirdly, some people believe that the steam function can replace ironing, in fact this is not the case, steam treatment only makes ironing easier.
- Fourthly, even dry things need to be dried after steaming, as they become a little damp.
So, we can conclude that This function works well as a clothes steamer.O. But as an additional function to the washing mode in the form of pre-treatment, this function raises doubts among many. It is worth noting that machines with a similar function are somewhat more expensive than similar machines without the steam function.
There are washing machines in both medium and high price categories.Whether you need such a machine, only you can decide.
Model overview
There are quite a few models of steam washing machines from the manufacturer LG. Let's look at just a few of them, from different price categories, and describe their features.
- LG F14B3PDS7 is a washing machine with electronic control and a digital display. The stated dimensions are 60x46x85 cm. With these dimensions, the machine has a drum with a capacity of up to 8 kg. The color of the machine is silver. When spinning, it can accelerate to 1400 rpm. Washing, spinning and energy efficiency classes are the highest. In addition to the steam function, we note the stain removal program; there are 14 built-in programs in total. There is complete protection against leaks. Cost from $570.
- LG F12U1HBS4 – washing machine with True Steam and TurboWash technologies has touch control. Thanks to the spraying of water in the tank, the total time of washing modes, energy consumption and water consumption have been reduced. The machine automatically detects the weight of the laundry being loaded and selects a washing mode accordingly. It is possible to control the machine via a smartphone. Dimensions are 60x45x85 cm, while the drum can hold up to 7 kg of laundry. Number of programs: 14. Cost from $340.
- LG F12A8HDS is an electronically controlled washing machine with a drum capacity of up to 7 kg. The declared dimensions are 60x48x85 cm. There is an intelligent memory of the washing mode. There is also protection against leaks and the ability to cancel the spin cycle. There are 14 washing modes in total, including the “hypoallergenic” mode. Cost from 30 thousand rubles.
- LG F1695RDH is an electronically controlled washing machine with a drum capacity of up to 12 kg. There is also a drying mode, loading laundry up to 8 kg. The declared dimensions are 60x64x85 cm. When spinning, it can accelerate to 1600 rpm.Automatic weighing of laundry and determination of water consumption during washing. A total of 16 programs, including a drum self-cleaning program. Built-in leakage protection and self-diagnosis of faults. Cost from $630.
To summarize, I would like to say that you can purchase an LG washing machine with a steam function at an affordable price. And if you have such an opportunity, then you should not deny yourself new technologies. If such technologies were a myth, most of us would still be using activator machines "Baby" type. Of course, no one wants to overpay, which is why you need to study the offer well and find a suitable model option in terms of price and quality. Good luck!
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5 reader comments
For those who choose a machine with steam, look at Indesit, the cost is much less, and in terms of functions and reliability it is at the same level, if not higher, judging by my own opinion and the reviews of friends who have equipment from other brands.
We bought an LG machine with steam. But I have a feeling that this doesn’t work, because there is no steam as such. Streams of water just splash. The laundry then has wet spots, maybe I’m imagining something wrong. Is this really how it should be?
I agree with Nastya.
The “Refresh” function does not correspond to what was declared by the manufacturer.Not only does the term refresh not correspond to what can be obtained from steam treatment (you can refresh it, for example, by hanging it outside a window in the frosty air), the function seems to work without steam treatment at all, as stated in the advertising for the product. On my machine, I reviewed in detail all 18-20 minutes of this mode. After the start, within 15-20 seconds the steam generator tank of the machine is filled (about a glass of water). Around 3-4 minutes after launch from the nozzle above the hatch
Hot water splashes out. In much the same way as water begins to pour out of a kettle that has been poured under the lid on the stove at the moment of boiling. Scalded by such boiling water, the fabric in the drum of the washing machine continues to tumble for 14 to 16 minutes until the end. That's all the “steam treatment” is. Wet spots on the fabric are the result of throwing out half a glass of boiling water at the 4th minute. The warmth of the fabric also comes from water (try splashing half a glass of boiled water on the fabric in the drum. Slam the door and see what happens there after five minutes. It will be warm in the drum. The fabric will be slightly damp and with wet spots).
I am currently fighting with the service about this. They themselves don’t know how it should be. They were taught that after processing the fabric in this mode, it should come out warm and moist. How warm, how humid, this is not stated anywhere. But the advertisement says that in the “refresh” mode, the fabric is treated with a stream of steam. Let them prove that the fabric is processed precisely by the flow of steam, and not by water and fumes from it.
I completely agree. My washing machine also sprays streams of boiled water and no steam.
It looks like either a batch with defective steam generators, or the manufacturers of the LG washing machine are fooling our brother.
It's probably a defective steam generator. From the moment I bought it until recently, my machine freshened my laundry as promised in the advertisement. I won’t say about the time of the program - I didn’t time it, but in terms of the quality of processing, the laundry was both wet and warm. No wet spots. A little airing and what had been lying in the closet all winter and was very dry was smoothed out with a bang. Now the function has “fallen off” and I just take out warm clothes. I'm waiting for a technician to fix it. On new machines there is no provision for “refreshing”; steam treatment is combined with the main wash, and this is not at all convenient.