A washing machine with two drums is still an exotic product for our, and indeed for the world, market. Despite a number of advantages, which we will discuss below, these devices are unlikely to go beyond a narrow niche. For the first time such a washing machine was presented at an exhibition in Berlin in 2015. The pioneer was the Haier Duo model. In it, one drum is located above a second, larger one. The corresponding load is 8 kg of dry laundry in the bottom and 4 kg in the top. In all other respects, it was an ordinary modern washing machine - in everything except that it washed two groups of things simultaneously in two different modes. Features of the washing process in a machine with two drums
In a regular machine, the process goes sequentially: you load things, wash them, take them out and load another batch. Moreover, experts even advise that at least half an hour pass between washes. In a "double-deck" machine with two drums. Using the bottom one for washing, for example, a down jacket, and the top one for linen. Each works independently and has a separate heating element. Thanks to this, the washing temperatures are different. The spin speed can also be set to different ones. These are two cars in one body. The only difference is that they have the same engine. The supply of different torque to two tanks is achieved by a complex electronically controlled transmission circuit.
Which companies produce
In 2015, the world was rocked by a wave of serial production of washing machines equipped with an additional drum. The pioneers were such market giants as LG, Samsung and Haier - two South Korean and Chinese companies. Asia does not lose its leadership position, and therefore is ahead of the rest in terms of innovations.
On a note! The Asian company Daewoo presents a wide range of wall-mounted washing machines. But, unfortunately, I haven’t released the two-reel version yet.
In the domestic market, double drums are offered mainly by the two companies mentioned above: LG and Haier. If the country of origin is important to you, be interested in the place of assembly, because the first and second companies have branch plants in the Russian Federation. Thus, it is located in the Moscow region near Ruza, and Haier is based in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny. Unfortunately, domestically produced cars are sometimes inferior in quality even to their Chinese counterparts, so be careful.
This is interesting! Find out about the nuances of production and selection of Russian washing machines in our other review.
Principle of operation
A two-chamber washing machine, like a regular one, has a motor that spins the drum. And even the fact that there are not 1, but 2 reels, does not greatly affect the essence of the work. A heating element is installed in each compartment, which allows you to heat water autonomously and eliminate dependence on heating in one compartment. A huge role is played by the control unit, which now almost always operates on the basis of microcircuits and microchips. Without such a device, the automatic washing machine either stops completely or begins to operate intermittently.
Automation receives information from special sensors. The most commonly used sensors are:
- pressure switch (monitoring water flow);
- heating meter;
- drain indicator;
- tachometer;
- thermometer.
Users can obtain the necessary information through the display. Information about installed programs is also displayed there. In simpler washing machines, programmers are used, on which the current stage of the program is indicated by light indicators. Sometimes sound notification of events is used. Buttons and switches help you set the necessary parameters, and in advanced versions, touch screens.
In addition to the listed blocks, a dual-circuit washing machine will definitely have:
- water drain and inlet hoses;
- appropriate pumps;
- electrical cables providing communication between parts of the device;
- external door with a lock (located in the frontal plane or on top).
Review of popular models
It is impossible to say for sure which of the options under consideration are the most popular - there are few reviews about the machines. Most likely, the high cost of the units plays a role. In fact, one double washing machine can be easily exchanged for 2, 3, or even 5 regular ones - they are so highly rated by the manufacturers.
Cars from LG
Let's start with budget versions, gradually moving on to overrated, according to experts, models.
LG FH8G1MINI2 is a two-tank machine that allows you to set your own parameters for each compartment. Differences: inverter motor, Wi-Fi support, compact dimensions.
The price is within 38,000 rubles. Such a low cost is easily explained: this is the price only for a second drum, which can be used to complement a model designed for an additional tank. Therefore, let’s look at the characteristics of only this mini-add-on:
| Loading | Vertical |
| Capacity, kg | 2 |
| Control | Touch (intelligent) |
| Smartphone control | Yes |
| Display | Digital type |
| Engine | Inverter, direct drive |
| Dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 60x66x36 |
| Weight, kg | 43 |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin classes | G/G/E |
| Maximum spin speed (per minute) | Up to 800 |
| Leak protection | Not provided |
| Child lock | Yes |
| Imbalance protection | Yes |
| Foam control | Yes |
| Number of programs | 8 |
| Tank | Plastic |
| Hatch diameter, cm | 27 |
| Noisy during washing/spin | 56/74 dB |
Users appreciated the following advantages of the model:
- Inverter motor;
- 3 reel rotation algorithms;
- SmartThinQ technology;
- Drum cleaning mode;
- Quick wash;
- Convenient display.
Among the disadvantages, buyers noted the price. But this is a rather subjective flaw. Read more here.
LG TW7000WS/TW350W. This is a full-fledged two-drum model, so its price is appropriate: around 150,000 rubles.
Let's look at what characteristics the car deserves such a price:
| Installation | Freestanding |
| Loading | Front type |
| Total capacity, kg | 20,5 |
| Control | Touch (intelligent) |
| Smartphone control | Yes |
| Display | Yes, digital |
| Direct drive | Yes |
| Hot water connection | Yes |
| Case dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 70x84x135 |
| Weight, kg | 148,7 |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin classes | A/A/C |
| Spin, revolutions per 1 minute | Up to 1000 |
| Spin adjustment | Yes |
| Cancel spin | Yes |
| Number of programs | 14 |
| Tank | Plastic |
| Peculiarities | Option “6 care movements”, drum cleaning, gentle boiling, “Hypoallergenic” program |
Mini Drum Features:
| Spin speed, rpm | 700 |
| Maximum load, kg | 3,5 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 70x77x36 |
| Weight, kg | 48,7 |
| Number of programs | 6 |
| Peculiarities | Underwear function |
Based on user reviews, we can highlight the pros and cons of the model. So, about the good things:
- Steam processing function;
- Boiling mode to remove bacteria;
- Saving electricity - in response to this point, users write that at such a price the machine is simply obliged to save resources;
- Convenient control;
- Quiet operation;
- The ability to wash incompatible items at the same time: black and white, casual clothes and underwear, etc.;
- Stylish design;
- Mobile diagnostics.
Some users consider the price to be the main disadvantage. The review was especially notable, receiving 89 “excellent” ratings and only 38 “bad” ratings.
We quote: “For this price, I’d rather wash it in 2 basins. I have to save for it from my pension for 2.5 years.”
As you understand, the question of price is always subjective - some people will actually have to spend several years assembling such a machine, while others can afford to buy it outright or take it in installments. No disadvantages were found in terms of functionality or technical characteristics, and this already speaks in favor of the LG TW7000WS/TW350W.
On a note. The LG TW7000DS model is similar to the previous one. It has some differences in programs and technical capabilities. Read more on Yandex.Market.
Dual boot appliances from LG
LG Electronics, a well-known manufacturer of household appliances, presented its model of a washing machine with two loading drums, TW7000WS. The unit combines many useful functions and washing modes, and has an unusual design. The upper drum is angled for easy loading and holds 17 kg of laundry. The lower mini-drum LGI TW7000WS is located under the main one in a special drawer, allowing you to wash 3.5 kg of laundry.
Washing machine LG TW7000WS
The LG dual drum washing machine has the following features:
- Free-standing unit with touch control.
- Main drum LGI TW350W with steam function.
- 12 and 6 programs, including “no folds” option, timer mode.
Lower small drum
- Maximum spin speed – 1000 and 700 rpm.
- Selecting the temperature and setting the end time of the wash.
- Steam supply, extra rinse, cleaning function.
The lower drum is comfortable for washing delicate items and fine linen to give your items a fresh look. You can place outerwear, down products, blankets, and heavy textiles in the main loading hatch of the LGI. The choice of programs and the ability to set the washing temperature allows you to care for products made from various fabrics.
Option from China
Haier Duo HW120-B1558. The design of this SMA is radically different from the previously discussed options. If the Elgie has a second drum based on the principle of a drawer, then the Haier has a front-facing mini-tank and is located on the front panel on top of the main one.
The capacity of the smaller drum is 4 kg, the larger one is 8 kg. Loading is separate, you can choose your own mode for each washing compartment. For the upper one, the user can choose from 13 programs, and for the lower one, from 19.
Detailed Specifications:
| Installation | Freestanding |
| Loading | Front type |
| Total capacity, kg | 12 |
| Control | Touch (intelligent) |
| Display | Text, highlighted |
| Direct drive | Yes |
| Case dimensions (WxDxH), cm | 60x60x128 |
| Weight, kg | 116 |
| Energy efficiency/wash/spin classes | A+++/A/A |
| Spin, revolutions per 1 minute | Up to 1500/up to 1200 |
| Spin adjustment | Yes |
| Cancel spin | Yes |
| Total number of programs | 32 |
| Leakage protection | Yes, full |
| Other levels of protection | From children, from increased foaming, from imbalance |
| Tank | Plastic |
| Delay start | Yes, up to 24 hours |
| Peculiarities | Honeycomb drum, stain removal mode, self-cleaning, etc. |
Pros noted by customers:
- Quiet operation;
- Interesting, stylish design;
- Availability of an additional hatch;
- Convenient control;
- High-quality washing;
- Much cheaper than options from LG.
Minuses:
- Large dimensions - takes up a lot of space in a small room;
- No one has written anything about the price of this model, but judging by the number of reviews, it is also in little demand. We suspect that this is precisely because of the high cost and Chinese assembly. But these are just guesses - the final decision is up to you.
Read more about the model on Yandex.Market.
Features of double-drum washing machines
Advantages:
- Save time. You can wash completely different things at the same time. The technique strives for unification, but the fabrics were different and remain so. Silk, wool, cotton - everything must be washed separately. You can’t wash sportswear with your baby’s clothes, and you can’t wash your underwear with blankets. A double-tank washing machine simplifies the task - thanks to the double drum, you can wash completely different things at the same time and in different modes.
- Saving resources. One tank is significantly smaller than the other - this is especially true for LG's SMA. If you need to wash a few things that are incompatible with the bulk of your laundry, you can do it in a small tub. There will be no need to restart the large unit. Both water and electricity are saved.
- Big load. The total load ranges from 12 to 20 kg. This amount is enough to wash the largest family. Moreover, such machines can be used in enterprises and mini-laundries.
Flaws:
- Big sizes. Such hulks are not for tight spaces.
- Risk of failure. If there is one control unit for two modules, then if the latter breaks down, both parts of the machine stop functioning.
- Overpriced. Like everything new, double SMAs are sold at a higher price than they deserve. The price of some models reaches almost 200,000 rubles.
Two-tank firstborns
As mentioned above, a couple of years ago the Chinese company Haier introduced an unusual washing machine - Haier Duo.
This model had two floors and was equipped with two drums.
Its unusualness can be described by the presence of:
- 2 drums (8 and 4 kg);
- touch screen;
- work counters;
- remote control;
- energy saving function;
- large capacity;
- compactness.
The essence of using this technique is the owner’s ability to select the desired program, while using two loading tanks:
- the small drum is intended mainly for washing delicate items and gentle care,
- large - for blankets, pillows, as well as something large and massive, but the possibility of washing ordinary things is not excluded.
A year later, LG TWINWash also rose to the pedestal of two-tank cars. I was amazed by this washing machine with two drums by the stated load weight.
This model has built-in remote control from a smartphone.
Now you can monitor energy consumption and the progress of washing outside the home.
This car is similar to the previous model, but has an innovative suspension system.
The LG SIGNATURE washing machine has a self-cleaning function for both drums and steam washing.
Steam washing is needed to remove odors and smooth out wrinkles. Both cars are big, which is surprising.
Positive
Polina, Rostov-on-Don
I can’t say that I’m delighted, but, nevertheless, I use the Cinderella washing machine with two emitters and offer my review for your judgment. It all started about three years ago with a gift from friends. I had an automatic washing machine then and now, so I treated this gift coldly, threw it in a drawer and didn’t remember it for a month.
Then one day on a day off I was inspired to experiment. I pulled Cinderella out of the drawer and put it in the basin, where a little earlier I had soaked my husband’s dirty shirt with fuel oil stains. The stains were gone and the shirt was much lighter, not quite like new, but something close to it. I was really inspired and decided to do laundry with Cinderella more often. What things have I tried to wash with this machine?
- Your underwear is white. The result is not bad, but still later I took optical brightener.
- Children's T-shirts and T-shirts. They had stains from fruit puree, borscht and raspberries. Cinderella coped quite well, there were no traces left.
- My work blouse with coffee stains. It washed off without any problems.
- My husband's work overalls. It had old grease stains, fuel oil, and glue on it. Cinderella almost got it done, but still had to do the washing with her hands.
My verdict is this: you can use the machine, but it cannot wash everything; it is by no means a magical device. I don’t know how it works, I’m not an expert, but Cinderella will never replace an automatic machine, but it can easily be supplemented.
Marina, Saratov
At one time I had the misfortune of buying an Indesit WIUN 105 washing machine. Anyone who has ever used it will understand me. Just a terrible machine, sometimes it washes, sometimes it doesn’t, it’s just torment. There is no way to change the washing machine yet, so I borrowed a Cinderella washing device from a friend. I act like this:
- I soak dirty laundry in a basin;
- I put Cinderella there and wash it;
- I wash it in the Indesit machine.
If you act in this order, even heavy dirt will come off from things, but how much time is spent on this. I tried to simply wash it by hand, the result was worse, so I will continue to follow the above scheme.
Tatiana, Moscow
I've been using Cinderella for a year and a half. A cool device for removing stains that serves as an assistant to a regular basin. The fact is that Cinderella enhances the soaking effect, but this is by no means a washing machine, so don’t think that you take Cinderella and you won’t need an automatic washing machine.
Negative
Ksenia, Tolyatti
I had both Cinderella and Retona, all of this is bullshit. As soon as I have experienced the miraculous properties of these devices, there is no difference between simple soaking and soaking with these crap. You're just wasting the light. The price of these washing machines is not high, but you still don’t want to throw money away.
Tatiana, Tomsk
I wonder how much money air sellers made in their time. Now there seem to be fewer fools, they don’t buy all sorts of Cinderellas. Or simply normal automatic washing machines have become more accessible. I used Cinderella for two months and I can definitely say that it doesn’t wash anything, it’s just self-hypnosis!
Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod
This is how the machine is, after which you stand for another half hour and cheat with your hands. Why then bother buying some gadgets, a bar of soap, a washboard and a choice Russian mat to help you, dear housewives and housewives!
Victoria, Novosibirsk
The other day I played a prank and stuck two absolutely identical waffle towels stained with carrot juice into two basins of water. In one basin there is just powder and warm water, and in the other there is also a Cinderella machine. These two tubs stood for 3 hours. As a result, the stains were equally preserved on one towel as on the other. The conclusion suggests itself - this is garbage, not a machine, the quality of washing is at zero level!
Konstantin, Khabarovsk
A few years ago, my grandmother nagged me about how well it is to wash with a Reton machine. Then a month passed, she successfully threw it out, the oddity ended, but now the wife brought home an ultrasonic crap called Cinderella. Well, quite naturally, after a week the wife was convinced that Cinderella didn’t wash at all and threw it in the trash. This is how the manufacturers of the Cinderella device make money, all the housewives tried it once, and they have five years of income.
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.
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.
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The main differences between an activator machine and an automatic machine
The main difference between an activator machine and an automatic machine is low functionality.
This type of equipment is intended exclusively for washing clothes (some models provide the ability to spin and heat water). From which we can conclude that the machines operate on an all-inclusive basis, washing, rinsing and spinning clothes. Of course, such a system is much more convenient than washing with an activator. But you need to take into account that the cost of a drum-type washing machine will be several times higher. Whether or not to overpay for comfort is up to the consumer.
Tips for use
In order for the equipment to serve you for many years, before using it for the first time, you must carefully study the instructions for its operation and subsequently strictly follow the basic rules for working with this type of electrical appliance. After reading the instructions and completing the preparatory work for installing the washing machine, pre-starting it without putting clothes in the drum to help the machine get rid of small particles remaining in its mechanism during installation, as well as the industrial smell of lubricant, you can start washing clothes. This process includes the following steps:
- first of all, you should calibrate the clothes by color and degree of soiling, as well as by the type of fabric, since completely different laundry programs are provided for different types of fabric;
- familiarize yourself with the contents of the labels that are provided with your clothes - their designations will help you determine the permissible type of washing of the product, as well as the permissible maximum water temperature for washing;
- fasten zippers and buttons on clothes before washing;
- treat stubborn stains with a stain remover before loading laundry into the washing machine drum;
- it is recommended to completely load the drum with laundry in order to reduce wear on the mechanism and ensure a long service life of this piece of household appliance;
- to avoid damage to the bearings and seal of the washing machine, it is not recommended to constantly wash clothes at maximum speed, therefore it is recommended to set the drum rotation speed within 800 rpm;
- When selecting a washing program, rotate the switch only clockwise, focusing on the icons printed on the panel.
After washing, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- wipe the inner surface of the drum and hatch dry, and also leave the hatch ajar to fully ventilate the washing machine;
- do not leave the washing machine plug plugged in - this will prevent your home assistant from being damaged by power surges;
- the powder tray should be washed and dried;
- It is recommended to wash the washing machine body with warm soapy water using a sponge;
- Clean the washing machine filter once a month to prevent it from clogging;
- regularly run a full wash cycle without detergent - this will clean the inside of the washing machine from solid particles.
Comparison of plastic and stainless steel
A stainless steel tank can last for several decades, it is a truly durable material that can be moved from one machine to another. The material is resistant to household chemicals of varying degrees of exposure.
The main condition is to choose good steel; low-quality cheap steel can quickly break. The disadvantages of stainless steel are the noise and vibration that the machine produces during washing. Such machines are more expensive than those with plastic tanks.
Plastic tanks are cheaper and quiet. The service life of the plastic tank matches or slightly exceeds the service life of the machine. The service life can be up to 30 years, steel up to 100 years.
Steel tanks retain the heat of heated water better; in plastic tanks, the water cools faster, so there is a greater consumption of electricity.
Some manufacturers use both steel and plastic to make tanks.
The back wall is steel, the sides are polymer. The machine ultimately has a lower cost, and at the same time combines the properties of both materials.
Differences can also be noticed when transporting the machine. The weight of a machine with stainless steel parts is higher. But during repairs, it is easier to remove the tank and drum for repairs; plastic ones have a more simplified design.
When transporting a washing machine with plastic parts, you must carefully follow all transportation rules. The polymer does not tolerate mechanical stress and can easily crack. You can choose a machine based on personal preferences: both materials are worthy.
