Washing machines: what’s new on our market?

The washing machine is one of the most interesting products from the whole family of home appliances, because almost before our eyes it goes through significant changes. One of the noticeable trends is the growing interest of engineers in inverters. Inverters are used in air conditioners and microwave ovens and were first actively used by Japanese and Korean companies. The washing machines have inverters, too, at the suggestion of Asian manufacturers, especially Korean ones.

LG is the first company that introduced inverter models in America. Now European manufacturers have also begun to catch this idea. Inverter motors are installed in machines by Electrolux, AEG, Candy, Gorenje, Whirlpool and others. It is believed that the inverter motors are more reliable. The inverter motor means longer life and quiet operation of the appliance. For example AEG gives a ten year warranty on its inverter motors and the efficiency of the units has improved considerably. Start of rotation is smoother, thanks to absence of brushes noise level is noticeably reduced.

There are other ideas with motors, but they solve the same problems: life, noise level, reliability. For example, Siemens washing machines have a new PowerDrive motor with increased service life. Asko uses induction motor. Miele’s new W1 series washing machines have a ProfiEco motor with brushless permanent magnet technology. It requires no special maintenance. The brushless ProSilent electric motor is also available in Bauknecht machines, it also has a 10-year warranty.

Also the attention to direct drive designs has increased. There is much debate about the effectiveness of the failure of belt drive, but still the fleet of machines with direct drive is growing, for example, joined by Whirlpool.

Let’s save some money

The new generation of washing machines is once again breaking economic records. Only some 5-7 years ago cars of a class lower than A became a thing of the past. Now the buyer’s understanding is that the energy label on the machine should indicate at least A-20%. However, units of A-30% and even A-50% class or, as some manufacturers write, “20% more economical than A+++” are becoming more and more popular. Highest energy efficiency class to lower your energy and water consumption everyday and consequently your appliance running costs. There are quite a few examples of A-50% machines: AEG L98699FL, Electrolux EWF1408WDL, Gorenje W98Z25I.

Reduced resource consumption is due primarily to the possibility of more fine-tuning during the washing. For example, Indesit Prime Technology allows you to reduce water and energy consumption when washing medium soiled laundry by 60%.

The trend towards even lower temperatures in the wash also saves energy. Thus the new Indesit EcoTime and Hansa washing machines wash at 20°C. Gorenje Ultra White and Super Black programs run at 30°C. To save energy, Whirlpool has created a Colours 15 function only 15°C which reduces energy consumption by up to 70% in the Mixed programme and by up to 85% Dark and Light programme . These machines also have an eco-display. Its intensity indicates the level of energy consumption during the washing.

Miele EcoFeedback indicator informs about the current power and water consumption. Similar device is available for Atlant machines.

Asko and Schulthess washing machines can be connected to hot water, this reduces energy consumption for heating, and overall saves up to 60% of energy Asko .

Let’s make it quick!

Energy consumption is also reduced by short programs. Now they are becoming more and more popular. And the tendency speaks about gravitation to the maximum reduction of duration of programs.

The shortest wash cycles, we found at Indesit washing machine Innex, it is only 9 minutes, the cycle is suitable only for slightly freshening up a worn item. The fastest Electrolux, AEG program lasts 20 minutes., at Samsung – 15 min., Hansa – 12 min.

In the race

Of course, the race to download is on. The maximum load for cotton for a standard machine depth of 60 cm at the moment 12 kg. Such features can only be found now in Korean manufacturers, for example, in models LG F-1495BDS and Samsung WFM124ZAU. There are often models for 10 kg, these are Hotpoint-Ariston AQD 1070 D49, Electrolux EWF 1408 WDL, Panasonic NA-140VG3W.

Large families can pay attention to the units with larger dimensions, which are able to wash more. Asko W8844 XL W – 11 kg, with the size 60x72x85 cm, LG WD-1069FDS – 13 kg, with 69x76x98 cm, Samsung WD1142XVR 14 kg, with 69x82x99 cm, LG F-1255RDS7 – 17 kg, with 69x77x98 cm. Enlarged size of machines implies their focus primarily on laundry, separate compartments in apartments and houses with enough space.

How the customer feels about large loads? Relax. Many families simply do not need a machine which takes huge portions of laundry: it is difficult to put on about 10-12 kilograms of laundry. You have to save up, keep a basket of used items somewhere, and it’s inconvenient. It is easier to wash more often, and it is more pleasant for housewives to have a thing ready to use in the closet, than the same thing, waiting a few days in the hamper. That is why we more and more often take the big loading capacity as an extra bonus, realizing that we certainly will not wash 10kg of laundry every time.

Saving space

We pay much more attention to the dimensions of the machine, choosing a more compact unit. And this is where the “race” of loads comes in handy, as you can now find a model that will wash quite a lot of things without taking up too much space.

For machines with reduced depth from 50 cm , the most modest loading value is 5 kg. The most common is 6-7 kg LG F-10B8QD, Indesit IWDC 7105, Hotpoint-Ariston WMG 720 B . And it is worth paying attention that this group also includes built-in machines Hotpoint-Ariston AWM 129, Zanussi ZWI 71201 WA, Siemens WI 14S440 , the depth of which is limited by the depth of the standard kitchen cabinet 55-56 cm. The group of leaders is capable of washing up to 8 kg, it is, for example, Hansa WHS1255DJI, Beko WMB 81241 PTLMC, Kaiser W 46212. There are a lot of such machines now, and among them there are built-in models: Candy CWB 1382 D, TEKA LSI4 1400 E, Korting KWD 1480 W.

On top of the competition

The minimum load for narrow machines 40-49 cm is 4.5 kg. Most models wash 5-6kg. Many appliances for 7kg, for example Hotpoint-Ariston WMSG 7105 B, Indesit NWSK 7125 L, Zanussi ZWSH 6100 V. There are machines for washing at least 8kg: Samsung WF1802XFK, Hotpoint-Ariston WMSG 8018 B, Candy EVO44 8123 DCW.

Devices with a load capacity of 7 and 8 kg are just a significant competition to full-sized appliances. They are easier to find space in the house, and their capabilities look very convincing, they can wash both normal things, and, thanks to the enlarged drum, quite large, such as blankets.

These are Super

Super narrow machines with a depth of 39 cm wash up to a maximum of 6 kg of things, such models are now no more than three, among them Electrolux EWS 1066 CMU at 38 cm, Kaiser W 44112 at 39 cm. The others are designed for 5 and 4 kg – and both are about equal in size.

Mini

Still very popular are machines-crumb in height to 70 cm, width 45-52 cm, a depth of no more than 46 cm. There are a little more, for example, added black Eurosoba 1000 and 1100 with 3kg. Loading ceiling for mini machines is now 3.5 kg for Candy Aquamatic 800 DF.

Foam party

Washing quality should also improve. In addition to creating new algorithms, new systems for dissolving the powder and soap solution feed. Hansa TwinJet technology mixes the powder with water, the soap solution in the form of two jets is delivered directly to the laundry from above through two nozzles. The technology saves water and energy and reduces washing time. Hotpoint-Ariston Direct Injection technology converts soap solution into foam, which has up to 60% more effective in washing stains. It is possible to reduce the washing temperature to 20°C and wash together white and colored things with high quality. Gorenje DSS system allows you to fully dissolve the powder, which reduces the consumption of detergent by 20%. Eco Bubble Technology. Samsung creates air bubbles for foam that quickly and efficiently penetrates fabric fibers.

No to stains!

More and more companies offer optimized washing programs based on the type of dirt. Indesit machines have a choice of three types of spots: food, work, street. The similar logic laid down in the Samsung machines, they need to select one of the 6 modes, such as Garden, Work or Food.

The type of stain can be specified directly, such as chocolate or grass. Hansa has a list of 22 spot types, Hotpoint-Ariston has 20.

Enzyme phase allows to thoroughly remove impurities. For some time, this feature was almost absent from machine descriptions, although almost every machine had it 7 years ago. It’s back on trend now. The phase contributes to more effective work of the powder enzymes. Kaiser has bio-enzyme washing, the common name “enzyme phase” is used by Gorenje.

Unit against surges

Protection against power surges in a number of machines has always been used, but now it has become relevant to highlight this feature, emphasizing it to the buyers. For example, the Volt Check system of Bosch washing machines WLG 20260 OE and Siemens Volt Monitor WS 10 G 160 OE protects the appliances from voltage jumps in the range from 170 to 220 V.

The system makes it possible to save your settings in case of a temporary power cut, and when the power comes back on, the machine simply continues the interrupted cycle. A similar system on the Electrolux EWS1076CMU protects the machine against voltage fluctuations in the range of 185 to 265 V.

Remember everything!

The machine is increasingly proving itself as the genuine helper of the housewife. How? Focusing on her habits. It is becoming popular to equip appliances with the ability to memorize the most frequently used settings and offer them to the user.

Electrolux has a system called MyFavouritePlus. Samsung’s LastMemory function remembers the settings of the last washing cycle. Gorenje Simplicity washing machine pays attention to program adjustments spin speed, options , and the next time it is used, it turns on immediately, it fits – just press start, not fits – change the settings with buttons.

Holes, and not only

Novelty of course does not skimp on technology. The drum, its shape, its surface and, above all, the holes are still the focus of attention. It already seems that almost every company has set itself the task of inventing its own holes giving them some interesting name or leaving them nameless, like Gorenje or drawing the surface of the drum.

For example, Hansa now has pearl-shaped holes, and Daewoo’s drum surface is made in the form of a honeycomb. A few more examples. Candy’s “Shiatsu Massage” technology is 2,556 holes 3 mm in diameter and a new cone-shaped drum shape. Thanks to the technology, the laundry is better distributed inside, the fibers of the fabric are “relaxed”, like a massage, better washed and rinsed.

Bosch has drop-shaped projections of drum surface. LG’s new drum has a deeper surface embossing, which is a series of bubbles of varying diameters and degrees of convexity. The holes in the new drum have been reduced to prevent damage to your clothes.

Samsung’s Diamond Drum has pyramidal recesses with small holes in the tops.

Asko’s Active Drum™ has small cone-shaped openings in the middle area for the mildest wash of delicate fabrics, and big cylindrical ones on the sides for more effective washing and removal of coarse sand and dust. The blades of the drum in the form of an hourglass for directing the things in the center are removable.

In a world of technology

Other technical developments are also interesting, especially as they make the use of the machine more comfortable.

To reduce vibration at high speeds Samsung machines use a 3-dimensional vibration sensor. It has 14 stainless steel balls that rotate in the opposite direction to the way the clothes move in the drum, and thus compensate for any imbalances that occur.

AntiVibration is a special design of the side walls of Bosch washing machines in the form of catenary lines. This solution increases the rigidity of the body, reduces vibration and makes the machine even more stable and quiet in operation.

A new cushioning system is created for Big LG machines, the system prevents the transmission of vibrations to the body.

Wave Motion Whirlpool technology implies an asymmetrical rhythm of drum rotation, which results in uniform distribution of things inside the washing machine and even penetration of detergent into the fabric fibers

For long-lasting operation of the appliance Gorenje use NickelHeater, it has a smooth nickel-plated surface, on which less scale is formed. The ceramic heater Ceramic Heater Plus from Samsung also contributes to limescale protection.

The Gorenje and Schulthess washing machines have a zinc coating on their bodies just like in cars and this prevents the onset of corrosion.

Gorenje company produces a line of washing machines, which work from the tank with water, that is, are not connected to the water supply, such as W62ZY2/SRI with a tank of 65 liters, or connection is made through the tank fill valve W75Z03/RV . A very practical solution for private homes and holiday cottages. The tank is made of plastic and is supplied with the appliance.

How much to weigh in grams?

Liquid detergents are usually poured directly into the drum of the machine. Electrolux for such formulations use a special dispenser Liquidose, it releases the liquid at the right time the wash.

AEG and Miele washing machines detect the weight of a portion of laundry and use it to give you a hint as to the necessary amount of detergent. Whirlpool’s 6th Sense technology also has a Dosage Cue, the machine calculates the right amount of detergent for each load.

Another interesting innovation is the automatic dosing. We have already introduced the dosing systems of Miele, Brandt and Mabe.

Miele system made more sophisticated. It is now stationary the containers are in the machine, not separate from it as before , and it uses two built-in TwinDos dispensers – for special products UltraPhase 1 and UltraPhase 2. This system, depending on the program and the portion of laundry, automatically determines the required amount of detergent and measures it, saving up to 30% of its volume. TwinDos works in two steps: first, the detergent Miele UltraPhase 1 enters the water, it removes grease and protein impurities. Then in the soap solution gets a second detergent Miele UltraPhase 2. Its area of interest is persistent stains. In addition, Miele has created a collection of single wash capsule detergents, conditioners and impregnations.

Samsung’s Auto Dispense technology uses 4 sensors to automatically dispense detergent and water hardness softener. Auto Dispense has a supply of 19 loads of detergent, enough for 1 month of use.

The machine is in kinship with a smartphone

Touch screen displays, realistic images began to correlate the control units of washing machines with modern gadgets. For example, the new Samsung has a 5-inch color touch screen display with the most modern ways of presenting information, easy, clear menus and full-color images.

Touch Screen displays are available for AEG L98699FL, Whirlpool AWSE 7120, De Dietrich DFW 814 B, MabeDose-E MWT1 E2613.

Samsung’s SmartControl function allows the remote control of your washing machine from a smartphone and allows quick troubleshooting.

Gentle to things and people

The trend of getting certified by the Woolmark Woolmark Institute continues to intensify, with certifications coming from companies that previously stood on the sidelines. So Candy got a special cycle certified for Woolmark, plus the company got a recommendation from Italian wool producer BBB Titan Wool.

But now there is a new certification added to this voluntary certification. Machines started to be tested by allergists. Bosch machines received the ECARF quality certification from the European Center for Allergy Research Foundation. Certificate confirms the effectiveness of removing substances that can cause allergies. LG machines were tested by the Association of Children’s Allergologists and Immunologists of America and British Allergy Foundation, primarily due to the use of steam in the washing.

Asko machines are tested by the Swedish and Norwegian Asthma & Allergy Association.

In general, attention to allergies is a new trend that will only increase. Special modes for people with allergies are already available previously, the children’s program was recommended . Gorenje AllergyCare washing machines provide 49% better rinse out of detergent residues.

The Bio mode of the same brand is interesting. It is designed not only for allergy sufferers, but also for adherents of eco-friendly lifestyles. This mode assumes washing with green detergents like Biowashball or soap nuts. During washing very high water level with temperature up to 90°C and fast drum rotation is maintained.

Another unusual type of certification received Asko, their machines have been awarded the SWAN label, the most recognized eco-label in the Nordic countries, awarded to healthy and ecological products.