What kind of washing machine is it with steam? Probably, the principle of operation of such an SMA is not difficult to explain even on the fingers. We will briefly talk about the differences between such a technique and help you choose the right model with this interesting addition if you decide that you need it.
How does a “steam” washing machine work?
It's simple: with this treatment, things are not immersed in water, but soaked in steam. The effect is achieved due to the operation of the heater, which easily transforms water into high-temperature steam, capable of penetrating deep into the fibers of the fabric. What is he doing there? Elementary: fights with most dangerous bacteria, fungus and bad smell. Perhaps this technology will be a godsend for the treatment of things for allergy sufferers, young children or just people with sensitive skin. Another significant plus is that steam treatment eliminates washing products and save on water.
Steaming: Pros and Cons
A machine with a steam cycle (according to manufacturers) has a lot of advantages compared to models without this tricky solution. So, the pros:
- Easy care of things. You can keep things in order even without washing - refresh them with steam! After "steaming" the clothes dry quickly even in room conditions. You can also push the iron away and hide the ironing board: even deep folds will smooth out the steam. Of course, you can’t do without ironing, especially in the case of office clothes, but you won’t have to spend a lot of energy. And one more “yes” in favor of the couple - he is not afraid of things that are completely forbidden to wash. Consider that your home will have its own mini-dry cleaning, only without chemistry.
- Resource saving. You don’t even need a calculator to calculate how much water and household chemicals can be saved by using the steam capabilities of SMA. Water for receiving a steam cloud needs much less than for a full washing cycle with rinses. Yes, and electricity is consumed almost 2 times less than heating water during classical washing.
- Sadly go around silk and wool in stores because of problems with leaving? Do you forget to take the down jacket to dry cleaning? Do cotton hands don’t reach? A delicate lace bras afraid to trust the machine? Designers claim that any delicate fabrics and things can be steamed calmly.
- All for children. As we said, steam relieves tissue from allergens and bacteria. But also the developers promise that the steam flows will perfectly disinfect the washing machine drum itself.
- Silent work. With the function in question, this is little connected. But the pattern is that steam generation is often present in expensive SMA, and such machines are usually equipped direct drive motor, which runs many times quieter than a conventional commutator motor. In addition, direct drive means reduced vibration and a low chance of wear on many parts.
Important! The presence of a direct drive does not mean the presence of a steam generator - check this when buying.
- 1 + 1. There are models that know how to combine a washing cycle with steaming. The salt is that under the influence of steam, the tension of the fibers decreases, so the washing components penetrate into them better, which means that spots are better removed. And at the end of the washing, a control disinfection with the same steam takes place.
Our task is not to advertise steam generators in the AGR, but to talk about their real benefits (or lack thereof). Therefore, the cons are not a secret at all:
- The steam generator in the design of the SMA is a relative innovation, which not every brand has it. Mostly, such household appliance giants as LG, Electrolux, AEG, Hotpoint-Ariston, etc. have proposals.
- Cost bites. Budget models rarely cost less than 30,000 rubles, and in the middle price segment, prices start from 45,000-50,000 rubles. As a result, either you buy a cheap machine that erases steam, or an excellent middle-class SMA without this function - you choose.
- Refuse washing does not work. Steam treatment will not be able to fully replace the wash, especially when it comes to serious stains and dirt. Refresh things - please, but wash off - this is unlikely. Although in advertising campaigns of companies such as Whirlpool, they promise a steam struggle even with old spots - here it is already worth focusing on user reviews.
On a note! When buying, specify what the machine can do - WASTE with steam or FRESH. These are two types of processing that are different in intensity, while SMA can cost the same.
Rating of washing machines with steam: top 5
The review included the best CMA models with steam supply, with the highest customer rating from 4 to 5 points on a 5-point scale of the Yandex.Market version. Contrary to the belief that such machines are expensive, we selected 4 of the most cost-effective front-loading CMAs and 1 vertical vehicle from the middle price segment. Choose any option based on your budget.
Go!
Important! Models with drying are obviously not included in the rating, the emphasis is only on steam.
Samsung WW65K42E00S - 6.5 kg and with child protection
Users of the Yandex.Market marketplace rated this silver model at 4.5 points, noting good washing quality and low noise. Of course, the Korean development, even at its budget cost, is equipped with the latest technology. The heart of the model stands modern inverter motorwhich, with the help of three powerful magnets, works quietly and without strong vibrations, and most importantly - it is designed for durable operation. The proprietary EcoBubble generator provides a “trendy” type of laundry treatment - bubble washing to combat the oldest stains. This model is designed specifically for “steam washing” and not “refreshment”, which is why Samsung WW65K42E00S took the first step in our rating. By the way, thanks to AddWash technology and a small additional hole, the user will always have time to load forgotten things into the drum, even after starting the wash.
Smart Check troubleshooting technology alerts you to user breakdowns and Drum Clean technology monitors drum cleanliness.
Other parameters:
- Volume of loading: up to 6.5 kg.
- Type of control: electronic with display.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
- Classes of energy efficiency of washing / spin: A / A / B.
- Water consumption for 1 cycle: 39 liters.
- Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
- Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
- Types of safety: partial protection against leakage, blocking from children, control of foaming and imbalance of the drum.
- Number of programs: 12 pieces, including Delicate, Cost-effective, Children’s, Fast, etc.
- Other features: setting the end time of the wash, the choice of washing t °, notification of the end of the program.
- Tank: plastic.
- Noise washing / spin: 54/73 dB.
- Warranty: 1 year from the manufacturer.
After analyzing the reviews for this washer, we identified a number of unconditional advantages:
- There are short modes.
- Using the small door, it is convenient to ventilate the drum.
- No noise and no jumping.
- Most buyers noted a successful and stylish design.
- Easy to install and connect.
- Alerts are displayed when you need to wash the drum or clean the filter.
- The drum does not hold on delicate things.
And cons:
- Complaints about a poorly designed seal, in which water accumulates, require special care. Gum can also deteriorate ahead of time. Small things, such as socks and stockings, can clog into folds.
- Cyclical water supply to the powder receiver, due to which it is not completely washed off.
Whirlpool FWSG 61053 W - with "refreshment"
This roomy family washer from the American concern (Slovenian assembly) also scored 4.5 points. Unlike the Samsungs, the Virpulah specifically provides for “steam refreshment,” but perhaps such a treatment will be enough for you.
In terms of parameters, given the cost of 14,320 rubles, there is nothing particularly surprising - this is just a good workhorse with sufficient functionality:
- Volume of loading: up to 6 kg.
- Type of control: electronic with display.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x43x84 cm.
- Classes of energy efficiency of washing / spin: A ++ / A / C.
- Water consumption for 1 cycle: 38–49 liters.
- Spin speed: up to 1000 rpm.
- Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
- Types of safety: protection against leakage, blocking from children, control of foaming and imbalance of the drum.
- Number of programs: 12 pieces. Among them: Delicate, Economic, Children's, Jeans, Downy things, etc.
- Other features: delayed start, t ° wash selection, FreshCare + technology.
- Tank: plastic.
- Warranty: 1 year from the manufacturer.
About FreshCare +
This is an innovative technology and its own development of Whirlpool, which protects things from unpleasant odors and excessive bruising - up to 6 hours after the end of the program. This option will be useful if you forgot to get laundry from the drum or immediately ran away from home, leaving the working SMA. The linen after the main cycle during the activation of FreshCare + slowly rotates in the drum in two directions and periodically moderately steams. You can activate the option when you set parameters before washing or directly during program execution. You can cancel FreshCare + at any time. The option is available for all modes except Delicate and Downy items.
Pros:
- Stylish design.
- High-quality assembly.
- Nice display.
- Economical electricity consumption.
- Many functions and programs.
- Silent work. There are reviews about noisy work, but do not forget about the correct installation - only under this condition the equipment will make minimal noise.
Minuses:
- Long programs for 3-4 hours.
- Sometimes it rinses poorly.
- The washing time and spin speed cannot be selected for all modes.
- The opinion of the user about the "refreshment": "I never used FreshCare function, because I can’t imagine the situation for me to put a wash before leaving home for a long time».
- Hatch handle in an unusual place, you need to get used to it.
Hotpoint-Ariston RST 702 ST S - with large sunroof
The first thing that catches the eye in this model from Hotpoint Ariston is a black absolutely flat hatchdiameter as much as 34 cm! Also it is enough narrow AGR, only 44 cm wide. Among the programs, steam is provided. Motor - Inverter with direct drive.
Other parameters:
- Volume of loading: up to 7 kg.
- Type of control: electronic with display.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x44x85 cm.
- Classes of energy efficiency of washing / spin: A ++ / A / C.
- Water consumption for 1 cycle: 50 liters.
- Spin speed: up to 1000 rpm.
- Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
- Types of safety: partial protection against leakage, blocking from children, control of foaming and imbalance of the drum.
- Number of programs: 16 pieces. Among them: Delicate, Economical, Children's, Black things, Downy things, Stain removal, etc.
- Other features: delayed start, choice of washing °, compartment for liquid detergent, silent mode Super Silent, anti-allergy function.
- Noise: 64 dB.
- Tank: plastic.
Statistics of Yandex.Market: model rating - 4.5 points out of 5; 103 reviews; 84% of users recommend the product to others; 85 reviews with a rating of 5 points; Only 10 reviews with a rating of 1-3 points.
Pros:
- Capacious drum.
- A lot of programs.
- Suitable for night washings.
- Tank for 48 liters.
- Correction of most programs.
- Design.
Minuses:
- It does not always correctly display the operating time.
- It requires scrupulously correct installation for quiet and adequate operation - the drain hose must always be hung on the service hook.
- Short power cord.
Haier HW60-BP12758 - quiet and stylish
The machine is on a solid "five" according to the version of Yandex.Market. And on the website of the M-Video online store there are as many as 242 reviews for this model with good statistics.
Specifications:
- Volume of loading: up to 6 kg.
- Type of control: touch.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x45x85 cm.
- Classes of energy efficiency of washing / spin: A +++ / A / B.
- Water consumption for 1 cycle: 40 liters.
- Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
- Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
- Types of Security: complete protection against leakage, blocking from children, control of foaming and imbalance of the drum.
- Number of programs: 16 pieces. Among them: Delicate, Sports, Steam.
- Other features: delayed start up to 24 hours, t ° wash selection, shutdown signal, liquid compartment, 32 cm sunroof, hypoallergenic function, self-cleaning.
- Noise: 58/74 dB.
- Tank: plastic.
- Production: China.
Pros:
- Aquastop included.
- Setting up programs.
- You can put up to 5 rinses.
- She herself considers the time of work, based on the weight of things.
- Warranty for inverter motor - 12 years, for the entire AGR - 1 year.
- Antifungal sealant.
- High-quality hatch lock, like Bosch.
Minuses:
- Melodies.
- The smell of plastic.
- The drum is less than the declared volume.
- Throw linen at high spin speed.
Electrolux EWT 1567 VDW - Top-loading
Vertical SMA from "Electrolux" with inverter motor - “customer choice”, score 4.5.
Parameters:
- Volume of loading: up to 6 kg.
- Type of control: touch.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 40x60x85 cm.
- Classes of energy efficiency of washing / spin: A +++ / A / A.
- Water consumption for 1 cycle: 39 liters.
- Spin speed: up to 1500 rpm.
- Spin functions: speed selection, cancel.
- Types of safety: partial protection against leakage, blocking from children, control of foaming and imbalance of the drum.
- Number of programs: 14 pieces. Among them: Delicate, Economical, Sports, Feathers, Stain Removal, Steam.
- Additionally: delayed start, compartment for liquid detergent, drum auto parking, t ° wash selection, Time Manager.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Noisiness: 47/77 dB.
- Tank: plastic.
Buyers rated flexible settingconvenient use excellent spin. Among the shortcomings: it requires proper installation, anti-vibration stands are needed on a slippery floor, the drain hose must be placed at a height of at least 70 cm from the floor.
About steam function:
- «Steaming smoothes wrinkles».
Conclusion: a machine with steam will be appreciated by someone who really needs such a function. If you have extra time to refresh things or you often forget to get clean linen from the drum, steam is what you need. Given the low cost of the considered SMA, you will not overpay anything extra for useful functionality. Have a good choice!