In terms of wear resistance, Korean ones are clearly inferior to Japanese washing machines. However, they are not very popular on the Russian market.
Depending on the type of laundry loading, machines can be vertical or frontal. Firstly, the washing powder is poured directly into the drum, and secondly, there is a special compartment.
Japanese SMA brands
A Japanese-made washing machine is an expensive luxury. It is unrealistic to find in Russia a unit assembled in Japan for the Japanese. Unless it's used. There is almost no export to Russia. However, all trademarks (TMs) that produce washing machines are well known to Russian consumers for other household appliances and electronics. The most famous Japanese manufacturers producing washing machines:
- Panasonic
- Akai
- Hitachi
- Sharp
- Shivaki
Often a fake is hidden under Japanese trademarks. Knowing the respect Russian consumers have for technology from Japan, it is actively collected in China, where mimicry of prestigious brands flourishes.
If you are lucky and have purchased a device assembled in Japan, then know that its quality and characteristics are superior to the best European analogues.
Easy ironing
This program significantly simplifies ironing after washing, since the laundry is almost not wrinkled, and the bends and creases on the fabric are much less pronounced. However, it won’t be possible to do without ironing completely.
How it works? By turning on this function, the washing machine will exclude intermediate spinning, and rinsing will be carried out with a large volume of water.
Advantages:
- ironing time is reduced;
- things remain presentable longer;
- less energy is consumed.
Flaws:
- takes longer to dry;
- The washing program lasts longer;
- You still can’t do without ironing;
- It will not be possible to load the drum completely.
When choosing “light ironing”, keep in mind that you will only be able to wash ⅔ of the normal load.
It is also important to control the amount of detergent; an excess of it can remain on the laundry in the form of stains and a strong odor. The program extends the duration of the wash in general, plus a couple of hours will be spent drying clothes
If you need an item urgently, it is better not to select this function. When taking out the laundry, do not rush to iron it immediately; it must first dry out.
Peculiarities
The automatic washing machine (WMA), produced in Japan for the domestic market, has a number of features that are not typical for export models. Devices exported to European markets do not have such advantages. Differences between machines for domestic consumers:
- Wash in cold water - maximum at +30 °C. But things are washed flawlessly. The Japanese have a developed cult of cleanliness, so the technology is designed for the total elimination of any contamination.
- Short drain hose. Water usually flows by gravity. The washing machine is placed on a tray with a drain - this provides protection against leakage.
The cost of new modifications starts from 1000 USD. They belong to the most expensive segment. Old machines, which can be purchased second-hand, are often vertical, and the powder is placed directly into the drum. Modern versions are front-loading. When buying machines under the Panasonic, Sharp, Shivaki, Akai, Hitachi brands, you run a high risk of purchasing a fake, assembled somewhere in China or Russia. If you believe Yandex.Market, today there are almost no cars from TM from Japan for sale in online stores. Only Sharp is presented with two models at an affordable price - 17,000 and 18,000 rubles.
Technical features:
- Inverter motor - low noise level;
- Touch sensors - recognize the type of laundry being loaded and determine its weight;
- Connection with smartphones, as well as other technical innovations that cannot be found in cheap European analogues.
Where to get?
If the features of washing machines do not confuse the user, you can take a closer look at such equipment. However, there is one problem - you won’t be able to look at the models in the store. The product is specific, so domestic companies do not even offer modern washing machines. If you want, you can get everything, so don’t be upset.
It is best to look for the product on the Internet. There are probably several online stores that will sell the product you are interested in. All that remains is to discuss the terms of payment and delivery of products. Another option is to buy the machine second-hand. This move is riskier, since there is no guarantee that the product is new and will work well. However, the price can be a big winner.
Model overview
Japanese manufacturers prefer the front loading type - they consider the vertical option outdated. The vast majority of modifications have a drying function - this is one of the reasons for their high cost. Let's take a closer look at each TM using the example of one of its models.
Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation was founded in 1918. It has production facilities in China, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine, and sells equipment all over the world. We pay great attention to the environmental friendliness of our products - components are made from materials that do not harm the environment.
The manufacturer offers front-facing machines - simple and spacious.
Panasonic NA-16VX1 Specifications:
| Maximum load, kg | 7 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1000 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A++ |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | A |
| Water consumption, l | 44 |
| Number of programs | 16 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x60x85 |
| Weight, kg | 84 |
| Drying | No |
Benefits according to user reviews of the NA-16VX1:
- Low noise level;
- Simple controls;
- Possibility of transformation into built-in;
- Economical consumption of water and electricity;
- Quiet wash.
Disadvantages noticed by consumers:
- Impressive size - does not fit into the doorway;
- Weak shock absorbers;
- Leaks after 5 years of operation;
- Expensive repairs - bearing replacement costs twice as much as other brands;
- Noisy spin;
- High cost of spare parts.
Sharp
Sharp is the largest manufacturer of electronics and computer equipment. Any model from Sharp is an example of quality and the embodiment of innovative technologies. Washing machines presented on the Russian market from the brand are distinguished by a combination of affordable cost, reliability and environmental friendliness.
Characteristics of Sharp ES-FA5102AR:
| Maximum load, kg | 5 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1000 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | WITH |
| Water consumption, l | 45 |
| Number of programs | 16 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x40x85 |
| Weight, kg | 62 |
| Drying | No |
The cost of this model is 17,700 rubles. Benefits noted by users:
- Capacity;
- Bubble wash - removes heavy stains;
- Large number of programs;
- Possibility of washing large items;
- After spinning, the clothes are almost dry;
- Program adjustments;
- Anti-allergenic program.
No deficiencies found.
Akai
The company was founded in Tokyo in 1929. It produced electronics and audio equipment. After bankruptcy in 2004, it was bought by the Chinese. Now TM belongs to Grande Group of Hong Kong. Many manufacturers operate under license, so a wide variety of household appliances can be sold under the AKAI brand.
Characteristics of Akai AWM 551 FD:
| Maximum load, kg | 5 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1000 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | WITH |
| Water consumption, l | 45 |
| Number of programs | 16 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x54x85 |
| Weight, kg | 64 |
| Drying | No |
Pros:
- Durability - works flawlessly for 10 years or more;
- Luxurious set of programs;
- Removable lid - can be built under the countertop;
- Automatic water level adjustment;
- Time display - you can see how much time is left until the wash is completed;
- Protection against overflow and overheating;
- Selecting spin intensity;
- High quality rinsing.
If you keep the hatch door open and wipe the seal after each wash, the device will not cause problems for its owners.
Hitachi
Hitachi is one of the 50 largest companies in the world. Its name translates as “dawn”. Includes over 20 thousand items of goods. She has implemented many innovative developments in her technology.
Hitachi BD-W75SV BK is a modification of a direct drive washing machine. Low noise level. Black body.
Characteristics:
| Maximum load, kg | 7,5 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1600 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A++ |
| Washing class | A |
| Spin efficiency class | A |
| Water consumption, l | 45 |
| Number of programs | 15 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x56x85 |
| Drying | No |
This is a quiet and economical model with a full range of functions, programs and modes. Reliable and durable - able to operate uninterruptedly for several years. Users have not identified any shortcomings with this machine.
Shivaki
Shivaki is a brand that started its journey in 1988. This company was engaged in the production of televisions and other electronic equipment. Since 1994, the trademark has been transferred to the AGIV Group. Today, various equipment is produced under the Shivaki brand, including washing machines. On the Russian market they are represented mainly by top-loading activator-type models. But there are also traditional frontal type SMA. Among them is a small machine Shivaki SWM-LS10.
Its characteristics:
| Maximum load, kg | 3,5 |
| Spin speed rpm | 1000 |
| type of instalation | freestanding |
| Load Type | frontal |
| Tank material | plastic |
| Energy class | A++ |
| Washing class | A |
| Weight, kg | 56 |
| Water consumption, l | 44 |
| Number of programs | 15 |
| Dimensions, (WxDxH), cm | 60x33x85 |
| Drying | No |
This miniature model is suitable for a small family. Judging by the reviews, it fully meets Japanese quality standards - quiet, efficient and reliable.
Choosing the most suitable spin class
Almost all modern models include a programmed drying function. To wash your clothes today, all you need to do is sort them, select the appropriate program and press “Start”. Each program already has its own number of revolutions. Each program differs in the acceptable type of clothing.
It is clear that you cannot combine light synthetic fabrics and outerwear together in one wash. Synthetics can easily lose the aesthetics of their appearance, namely these can be hooks, torn sections of the material. In this regard, each fabric requires a certain attitude towards itself under specific conditions.
Cotton
Cotton fabrics require a temperature range of 40-60 degrees for washing. Dark and slightly dusty items are washed at 40 degrees. Products that do not require subsequent ironing, such as blankets and towels, can be washed at maximum speed.
Accordingly, white cotton items are washed at a maximum of 60 degrees. But this temperature regime should be treated with caution - high temperatures can recolor or even change the size (stretch/shrink) of your clothes. You should not set the speed to more than 800 per minute.
Synthetics
It is preferable to wash synthetic clothes at 40 degrees and dry at 400 rpm. In this case, it will not lose its original shape. If the item is heavily soiled, then you should choose a higher temperature.
Delicate cycle/hand wash, wool
Manufacturers usually offer 40 degrees and 800 revolutions in this position. At the same time, very little time is allocated for rinsing, which leads to the fact that some items of clothing may not be rinsed. It should be remembered that in cases where the fabric is light and delicate, it is better to choose the minimum number of revolutions, namely 400, so as not to damage the clothes.
Kids' things
95 degrees and 1200 rpm are preferred. The logical question is why is the temperature so high? - a simple answer is brewing - this is disinfection. As a bonus, products after the presented program do not require additional ironing. But the impact of centrifugal force on them still does not provide a 100% guarantee, because clothes wrinkle.
If you really don’t want to pick up an iron, then you can use the additional “easy ironing” function. Most manufacturers are trying to implement it. I would like to add two words of my own: this is a very convenient function; the laundry can be pulled out of the machine not only clean and fresh, but also even and smooth.
Intensive wash, outerwear
The cycle increases the time available for washing on any set mode. In this case, the spin can be adjusted from 800 to the maximum set number. In simple terms, the laundry comes out wrinkled and crumpled. The optimal number of revolutions is 1000.
Quick wash
A very convenient program for washing lightly soiled small items such as socks, panties, T-shirts, T-shirts.
Summarizing the previous section, it is worth emphasizing that colored items are washed separately from white and dark ones. And in order for your wardrobe not to lose its original appearance, it is best to give preference to a temperature of 40 degrees.
Do Japanese washing machines break?
Any equipment can fail. Only low-quality equipment breaks down due to poor materials, poor-quality assembly, defective parts or outdated technologies, while in premium-class equipment problems arise mainly due to external factors:
- Improper use;
- Non-compliance of resources - water and voltage - with established standards.
Let's look at the typical causes of breakdowns of washing equipment assembled in Japan, using Panasonic as an example:
- Due to voltage surges, contacts and wiring burn out, and electronic components fail. If the network filter is faulty, the control board breaks down.
- Due to violation of the instructions - overload, overdose of powder, falling objects - problems arise with the drum.
- Due to hard water, the internal elements become covered with scale.
- Clogged drain and water intake. The reason is clogged filters, hoses, pipes or pump failure.
- Spin does not work. Problems in the pressure switch, pump, engine, tachogenerator. If at least one of the listed elements is broken, the spin cycle will work poorly or will not start at all.
- The hatch door does not open/close. The reason is wear and tear.
What is the spin sign?
In almost any automatic machine, this icon is indicated by a picture with a curled spiral, reminiscent of a snail’s house. Manufacturers of washing machines depict the “snail” in different ways (the number of curls may vary), which, however, is not important for the mode itself.
Some manufacturers, for example Beko, LG, Zanussi, for convenience, often designate a function on the control panel with a word rather than an icon (“snail”).
But there are also combined options: a picture plus an inscription.
In many washing machines, the mode is often included as a separate option. Sometimes it is combined with rinsing or draining. This is necessary so that the user can simply wring out things, for example, after regular hand washing.
How to spin clothes without a rinse cycle, if a separate option is not provided, you can learn from this video
The number of drum revolutions depends on the SMA model. The minimum permissible number is 400 rpm, the maximum is 1800 rpm. The user can also set them independently, using the handle or button (depending on the model) for selecting the speed on the control panel.
Frequent use of high speeds negatively affects the efficiency of the component mechanisms of the device and contributes to their rapid wear. The risk of damaging things is also high. Therefore, the washing machine automatically limits the selection of the number of revolutions if the maximum permissible number for a particular program is exceeded. Such restrictions exist in many washing machines, for example “Ariston” and “Indesite”, in the “Wool”, “Synthetics” and “Silk” modes.
