Direct drive washing machines - pros and cons

Direct drive washing machines differ significantly from conventional models. The main feature of such machines is that they do not have a pulley or belt.

Instead of these elements, a special coupling is used. Next, we will consider the features of this design, its advantages and disadvantages.

Design Features

Most washing machines have a separate motor and drum. A pulley and belt are used to rotate the drum.

The advantage of this design is that, with the same drum volume, a machine with a belt drive is more compact than a machine with a direct drive.

They differ from conventional models in that their motor is mounted directly on the drum.

In other words, the tank and electric motor are located in a single unit. Therefore, in such a machine there are no elements that should rotate the drum.

This design does not contain unnecessary links. This type of machine is more functional and has a number of advantages.

A direct drive washing machine is simpler and, it would seem, should be more reliable. However, it has certain features that you should know.

Advantages and disadvantages

A direct drive washing machine has the following advantages:

This technique creates much less noise during the washing process;
such machines are better balanced compared to conventional ones;
the service life of the electric motor is much longer;
such washing machines have a faster and more accurate motor, so they wash clothes much better;
As mentioned above, the design does not contain additional mechanisms, due to which the machine consumes significantly less electricity.

However, direct drive washing machines have certain disadvantages, which it is better to know about before purchasing the equipment:

They have a higher cost compared to conventional models;
Repair and maintenance of such washing machines is not cheap. In addition, they are much more likely to break during power surges than conventional models;
The wear of bearings in such washing machines is much higher than in conventional models, since they require the installation of bearings with minimal clearances.
Increased demands are placed on the integrity of oil seals and seals. After all, if these parts are damaged, water will get onto the electric motor, which can lead to its breakdown.

We can come to the conclusion that direct drive machines are more difficult to operate, and their repairs are quite expensive.

Difficulty of choice

It should be noted that direct drive in washing machines began to be used not so long ago, and such washing machines have not yet been tested by time.
Therefore, it is quite difficult to objectively assess the quality of such washing machines. About models with a belt drive, we can say with confidence that they can be used for up to 15 years. But the same cannot be said about direct-drive washing machines, since it is unknown what will happen to them after this time period. And reviews about this technology are very contradictory.

These two technologies are very similar and beltless machines do not have many advantages.Should you buy machines with this technology? It is quite difficult to answer this question accurately.

When purchasing, you should compare the cost, design and functionality of different models. At choosing a device It is advisable to pay attention to reputable manufacturers, as well as reviews from owners.

A machine without a belt is usually purchased by people for whom the quiet operation of the equipment is very important.

To make your machine last as long as possible, use filters for hard water, as well as special additives. It is also necessary to periodically clean the equipment in accordance with the instructions. Then your machine, regardless of the type of drive, will serve for a long time.