Tool Reviews

Today it is absolutely impossible to imagine any household without various types of household appliances. The washing machine occupies in it, if not the main thing, then an honorable place. A variety of models of different brands can satisfy any, the most sophisticated taste.

There is practically not a single consumer function left that has not found its application in any model. Various brands staged a real race not only in improving the functions themselves, but also in the outrageous name of each of them.

One of these characteristics is its dimensions. If everything is clear with the height and width – they are standard, then with its narrow representatives it is necessary to understand in more detail. Narrow is considered to be washing machines, the depth of which is 45 cm or less.

Narrow washing machine device

All representatives of narrow washing machines, whether they are mechanisms with vertical or horizontal loading, are arranged in approximately the same way:

• a body that carries all the structural elements;
  • case cover can be on top – vertical loading;
  • if it is located in the frontal part – horizontal loading;
• plastic, carborane, combined or stainless steel tank. It can be both collapsible and solid;
• drum – stainless steel cylinder, perforated around the perimeter. Each brand has its own unique design;
  • with two supports – if the load is top;
  • with a console arrangement, if – frontal;
• concrete or plastic counterweights. Necessary to reduce (smooth) vibration during the entire work process;
• drive motor;
  • the most common – collector;
  • three-phase asynchronous;
  • brushless version of the motor in direct drive units;
• the drive pulley of the drum, fixed on its shaft, for transmitting rotation from the engine pulley through the drive belt (except for direct drive devices);
• suspension springs and a tank shock absorber to smooth out its vibrations during operation. With a faulty depreciation system, all the dynamic components of the machine become unusable.

Auxiliary nodes

In addition to the main components of the entire unit, its auxiliary equipment should be listed, without which the control and safety of the machine will be a difficult process.

Thermoelectric heaters (TENY) – heating the water before the program starts. Their power difference, depending on the model, is between 0.8 and 2.2 kW. In some models of heating elements, a connector for a temperature control sensor is provided. Such a sensor can be mounted directly in the tank. In some models of machines, heating elements are functionally involved in drying clothes.

Pressure switch – three-contact water level switch. Working in parallel with the filling valve, the pressure switch stops filling the tank with water when it reaches a certain level. Turns off, through the electronic filling valve, the water supply and turns on the next stage of technology. Not subject to repair.

Filling valve (filling valve). It can have up to 4 outlets for water supply. In each of the outlets there is an electromagnet that opens or closes it. A filling valve with 4 outlets is placed in mechanisms with a drying function. It is located between the dispenser and the water supply hose.

Bunker dispenser for detergents with several water nozzles for washing them out. The dispenser, with several compartments, is located inside the hopper, each of which has its own marking.

Sunroof lock relay. Uses the principle of thermal bimetallic device. When heated, the plate, due to its own deformation, turns on the lock for blocking the opening of the hatch. As a result, it becomes impossible to open the sunroof immediately after the end of the program. The plate must cool down;

Water drain pump. Pumps out water during the entire technological stage. Easily breaks down when foreign objects get into it from things loaded into the machine.

Drain pipe. It is a corrugated rubber hose with an installed “eco-ball” to prevent detergents from entering the drain line. Various hoses and useful accessories.

How does it work

If the purchased machine is already released from the fixing screws, exposed, connected to all engineering communications and its dispenser is filled with detergents, you can proceed to the washing process itself:

• the required amount of laundry, according to the technical instructions, is loaded into the drum of the machine;
• the hatch door closes and the equipment operation program is selected, possibly with a delayed start;
• the start button is pressed and the execution of the selected technological process begins;
• the drum rotation motor is turned on. The tachometer controls the speed of its rotation;
• cold water begins to flow into the tank. Its quantity is determined by the selected program. At the same time, the detergent is sucked in from the dispenser. The soaking process begins;
• water heating is turned on with a heating element. The degree of heating is controlled by a temperature sensor;
• the selected program is fully executed, with control of all selected parameters;
• at the end of work, a signal is sent to the pump for pumping water. The centrifuge for an extraction of linen joins;
• after the water is completely drained, at the signal of the pressure switch about its absence, the filling valve again fills the water into the tank and rinse is carried out;
• again draining the water, spinning, adding water and rinsing. This is repeated several times;
• the final spin is the last stage of washing under the control of the imbalance sensor;
• having fully completed the entire program, the machine sends a command to unlock it through the sunroof lock sensor.

Characteristics of narrow washing machines

Unlike conventional equipment, narrow machines are manufactured with an increased diameter of the main drum. This is due to the desire to save as much of its volume as possible.

The gradation of equipment, according to this indicator, when it is related to the dimensions, is as follows:

Before deciding to buy a narrow machine, it is necessary to agree on many parameters that take into account not only the design features of such equipment, but also some everyday issues of its operation.

The functionality of the device used in the future may also be significant.

Vertical or front loading.

• the first is very convenient in the absence of sufficient space to open the hatch door;
• it is believed that such a vertical arrangement of the tank with two supports is more reliable and durable;
• at the same time, it will not be possible to use the cover of the device as an additional shelf;
• in the second case, it becomes possible to use the upper plane as an additional shelf, which is sometimes the defining moment in a cramped environment;
• front-loading equipment is cheaper than the same, but with a vertical layout.

Spin speed.

• for normal, and often delicate work, 800 rpm is enough;
• speed close to 1000 rpm. is often redundant, but also the most in demand;
• speeds ≥ 1200 rpm. practically impractical and often inapplicable due to the delicate nature of the process;

Devices without a display are in no way inferior to similar devices, but with its presence additional advantages appear:

• their illumination can be full or partial – only with the functions performed;
• the color of such a backlight may also be different;

Washing class, spin class and energy consumption are more of a guide, bearing a marketing imprint:

• the first indicator (from A to G) declares the possible efficiency of the entire technology in descending order. Class A is the best.
• the second of them (from A to G) – indicates the possible residual moisture content of the laundry after spinning, Class A – the best.
• energy saving indicator (from A + to G) – indicates the specific efficiency of energy consumption during the operation of the equipment. A mechanism with A+ gradation is 13% more economical than class A equipment. That’s it, downgraded to class G.

It should be borne in mind: the amount of water consumed depends on the size of the load of the machine. How rational is the acquisition of overall machines – should be considered in each case.

Functions

Among the variety of possibilities of narrow household, washing appliances, it has such functions that it would be incorrect to call them additional.

• “delayed start”. Allows you to postpone the start of its operation for the duration of the night tariff, or another convenient time, without human intervention. At the appointed time, all loaded laundry will be ready for final drying;
• auto stop function. It will help to avoid major troubles in case of possible leaks. The water will be immediately shut off;
• “child lock” The display will be blocked from unintentional adjustments and manipulations with it;
• bubble function. An effective variant of the special “Eco Bubble” technology, using bubbles to wash away dirt residues on fabrics. A delicate version of work is possible – in cold water;
• Drum Clean. Carries out the removal of residues of deposits on the walls of the tank and the hatch door, without special tools;
• “automatic weighing of linen”. Allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of using the machine due to the completeness of its loading;
• “reload”. Allows additional loading of linen during the work.

How to choose

The algorithm for choosing narrow or compact household appliances is quite simple. It is connected, first of all, with the desire to place equipment with the maximum possible functions on a critically small area. At the same time, there is the fact of saving money.

With this consideration of these nuances, we get the following options:

Tip: Don’t go for superfluous features in pursuit of prestige. It is better to pay attention to a well-established brand name.

Operating a narrow washing machine

Repair of any complex household appliances, including similar machines, is troublesome and quite costly.

Here are some practical tips to help you avoid it:

• the optimal loading rate must be observed. It is better to underload the drum a little than to overload it;
• with front loading, half filling of the tank will be the norm;
• when loading vertically, the laundry should lie freely;
• dilute thick conditioners with water according to the instructions;
• with excessive hardness of water and heavy soiling of linen, the amount of powder must be increased;
• badly holding buttons are better to unpick;
• remove foreign objects from pockets before loading them;
• after washing fluffy things, be sure to clean the pump drain filter;
• do not use hand washing powder – it creates more foam. This can lead to failure of the drum;
• during the program, do not open the powder tray, in order to avoid spills;
• after stopping the equipment, rinse the tray from the remnants of the product, and leave the hatch door ajar.

Precautionary measures

• do not use an extension cord – the difference in the cross-section of the wires, or the twisted wire of the extension cord with rings can lead to heating of the wiring;
• check the quality of the installed socket. The power of the equipment can reach 3 kW. The socket must match it;
• install a voltage stabilizer, especially in rural areas;
• before installation – it is necessary to pull out the power plug from the socket;
• you should not use the possibility of temporary draining into the sink instead of a stationary connection to the sewer – if you touch the water during the drain, you can get an electric shock.
• it is necessary to disconnect the equipment from the mains when preparing it for cleaning.
• if the machine is not used for a long time, the water supply should be turned off – this will increase the service life of the nozzles.

Faults

Failure of heating elements associated with the formation of a layer of scale, which prevents sufficient heat removal from them.

You don’t have to clean or scrape anything. It is enough to perform a complex program once in 3 months, without linen, at the highest temperature, after pouring 50-70 g of citric acid into the powder tray. This will help the heating element and clean the drum.

• if the case is completely neglected – invite a master with professional chemistry. Such a cleaning will last for several years;
• use programs with the lowest temperature more often.

Malfunction of the bearing assembly of the machine with front loading.

• it needs to be replaced along with the seal;
• the main cause of failure is natural wear and tear;

Pressostat malfunction.

• the centrifuge does not work;
• there is an internal smell of burning;
• when rinsing, the inlet valve and the pumping pump are switched on in turn;
• regardless of the mode, the wrong amount of water is drawn.

A complete replacement of the pressure switch in the workshop is required.

A narrow washing machine is an actively demanded household appliance. At the same time, you should seriously think before betting on it. Due to its relatively higher cost and lower performance, its acquisition may turn out to be irrational.

In terms of its functionality, it is in no way inferior to representatives with large dimensions and deserves only approval.

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