The inverter engine is the main feature of washing machines produced by Korean manufacturers. Despite loud advertising, many people do not understand whether it is really wise to overpay for an improved engine, or whether this is just another marketing ploy. Is it worth buying a direct drive washing machine? Let's look into this issue by comparing collectors and inverters.
Belt and direct drives
How do “direct-drive” inverter washing machines differ from collector machines? The main aspect is the method of transmitting impulses from the engine to the drum. In the case of inverters, the revolutions are supplied directly to the shaft; with collectors, the rotation of the “centrifuge” is started through the drive belt. We will describe how the process occurs in each situation.
In “direct drive” machines, the engine rotor is connected directly to the drum shaft. There is no belt, instead there is a special clutch. The advantage of the inverter is the absence of brushes, which collector owners have to periodically change.
This technology is called “Direct Drive” - the inverter engine directly rotates the metal tank, without any auxiliary elements.
In direct-drive washing machines, the tank speed is controlled by the control module. Electromagnetic pulses are “sent” to the motor and start the “centrifuge”. Also, most inverter motors can read the weight of laundry placed in the machine and automatically adjust their power to the load volume.
The tank of collector machines is untwisted using a drive belt. The rubber band is stretched between the drum pulley and the motor.Rotation is performed evenly due to the elasticity of the strap. The speed of rotation is controlled by the tachogenerator. Also, engines of this type are equipped with graphite brushes that smooth out friction.
So which automatic machine should you buy? Direct drive or belt drive? It is impossible to say for sure which model will last longer without repair. Let's try to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of collector and inverter washing machines.
Why is this technology being promoted?
It is no secret that every manufacturer of household appliances tries to praise their equipment, colorfully describe how it is superior to competitors and sell the product at a higher price. All you hear from commercials is that “Direct Drive” technology is the best solution for any washing machine, and it’s time to write off units with belt drives long ago. However, the prevailing opinion about ultra-modern washing machines is not always correct - they also have weaknesses, which suppliers are usually silent about.
First, it’s worth understanding what the advantages of automatic machines equipped with a commutator engine are. Among the "pros":
low price;
average trouble-free service life – 15 years;
cheap repairs. The main load is taken by the drive belt. When it wears out, you just need to buy a new rubber band and replace it with the old one. The work will take a minimum of time and money;
The drive belt can act as shock absorbers when the drum is unbalanced.
It is important that collector models have been tested for decades. The vast majority of machines have been functioning without problems over the years. Now about the “cons” of belt-driven washing machines:
reduced tank size.Since the drive mechanism must also be located in the housing, collector machines, while having the same dimensions as inverter models, are less spacious;
the need for periodic engine maintenance. Once every 3-5 years, owners have to replace the electric brushes and belt;
increased noise during operation.
There are no other significant shortcomings. When it comes to commutator maintenance, replacing the brushes and drive belt is quick and usually straightforward. The components are also inexpensive.
What's good about direct drive?
Washing machines with inverter motors have been produced for a long time, so many users have had the opportunity to evaluate their performance. Although such machines are more expensive, they are also popular among buyers. People note several advantages of direct drive technology.
Compact body dimensions with larger drum capacity. Since the machine does not have a belt, pulley or other parts, the manufacturer can increase the tank, reducing the size of the equipment.
Increased stability of the washing machine during operation.
Accelerated wash. The inverter motor executes programs slightly faster, which reduces cycle time.
Reduced power consumption. This is achieved by removing several elements from the “motor-tank” circuit. Many inverters are able to measure the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum and control the power of their operation, which also affects the consumption of kilowatts.
Possibility of diagnosing “overweight”. Washing machines with the Direct Drive system will inform the user about overload. The display will show the corresponding fault code or the indicators will start flashing.In any case, the cycle will not begin until some of the items are removed from the drum.
If you overload the collector machine, it will start washing. However, at any moment the cycle can end due to a broken belt or a burnt-out motor. Therefore, it is so important to observe the maximum permitted weight and not allow the washing machine to operate under increased loads.
Manufacturers of direct drive machines provide a ten-year warranty on the motor.
“Direct drive” machines have many advantages, but you need to understand that with good assembly, a collector washing machine will cope well with dirt and not make much noise. But if you just need a compact machine with a large drum and minimal energy consumption, then you can use an inverter.
What's bad about this technology?
When in doubt whether to buy a machine with an inverter engine or not, it is better to study the weaknesses of this type of equipment. Of course, there are “disadvantages”. Among the main disadvantages:
high price – we are talking about both the washing machine itself and spare parts;
the need for uninterrupted power supply. The inverter is controlled by a module that is very vulnerable to power surges. Therefore, it is recommended to install a direct drive machine through a stabilizer;
fairly rapid wear of the bearing assembly. Due to the absence of a drive belt and pulley, the drum bearings take on the entire load from the rotating “centrifuge”. Due to this, the rings wear out and have to be changed periodically;
danger of oil seal leakage. With direct drive, the engine is located immediately under the tank. If the O-ring is not replaced promptly, leakage may occur. Drops of water falling on the motor lead to engine burnout.The warranty does not apply to this type of breakdown; repairs will have to be financed from your own funds.
A simple leak can cause the inverter motor to fail.
Now it’s clear how washing machines with direct drive and belt drive differ. You should make a purchasing decision based on a combination of factors. If you don’t want to overpay, you can take a well-assembled automatic collector - the washing efficiency will be at the same level. But you shouldn’t discount inverters either - in some areas they can give a head start to their competitors.
The inverter engine is the main feature of washing machines produced by Korean manufacturers. Despite loud advertising, many people do not understand whether it is really wise to overpay for an improved engine, or whether this is just another marketing ploy. Is it worth buying a direct drive washing machine? Let's look into this issue by comparing collectors and inverters.
With direct drive, the motor is located not UNDER the tank, but to the side of it.