Washing machines with collapsible tank: list of brands

Collapsible and non-collapsible

For experienced users and those who understand the design of washing machines, the design of the tank is one of the key criteria when choosing an automatic washing machine (AWA). Any equipment has a limited resource, and washing machines are no exception. In some cases, repairs extend the life of washing machines, in others it is easier to buy a new device. Let's first understand the essence of the issue.

Tank and drum - what's the difference?

The main thing is not to confuse the concepts, otherwise you may end up buying something completely different from what you wanted. They often say “plastic drum”, and this is incorrect, since the drum is always made of stainless steel. But the tanks can be made of stainless steel or plastic - it is this part of the machine that interests us now.

Let's differentiate the concepts. A tank is a metal or plastic container into which water is collected. It is motionless, and inside it there is a moving part - a drum. Water enters the latter through tiny holes.

There are two types of fixed tank:

1. Non-separable (solid cast). With this design, repairs as such are not provided by the manufacturer. But there are craftsmen who undertake to change the bearings by cutting the tank. Such repairs are labor-intensive and take a lot of effort and time. It is easier to change the washing machine than to spend money on complex repairs that do not guarantee successful operation. Many manufacturers believe that the one-piece design is more reliable and therefore preferable. If a breakdown occurs, the entire assembly is replaced. It's not cheap, but it guarantees normal operation. But unauthorized cutting can end disastrously - it is very difficult to ensure the tightness of the structure.

1. Collapsible. With this design, the problem is easily solved - the tank is easily disassembled, the bearings are changed, and the machine works safely for several more years. It consists of forward and rear forecastles connected by bolts. The forecastle tanks fit tightly to each other, ensuring the tightness of the structure. To disassemble the element into two forecastles, just unscrew the bolts. After this, the bearings are changed.

Both options are repairable, but in the second case, repairs are cheaper. If the structure is not dismountable, you have to buy a new tank, and this is not economically feasible.

What types of Gorenje washing machines are there?

Automatic washing machines (AMA) “Gorenie” are produced in Slovenia, a small country in the central part of the European Union. Today it is difficult to reliably say where this or that company produces household appliances. But it is known about Gorenje that its production facilities are located mainly in Slovenia and do not extend beyond Europe.

The Slovenian company is inferior in popularity to famous brands - Bosch, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Candy, LG, Samsung, Daewoo. The Gorenje brand is practically not found in the tops and ratings of the “best cars”. The only model that was highlighted by the experts who compiled the ratings was GORENJE W 72ZY2/R+PS PL95. This is a model with a tank - for autonomous washing.

The brand presents models of different types:

• Frontal . Narrow and full size. Machines with a depth of less than 40 cm are called narrow. They are valued for their compactness - they are easier to place in small bathrooms or kitchens. Full-size SMAs have a depth of more than 40 cm. They take up more space than their narrow counterparts, but they also have a larger load. The front type of machines differs from the vertical type in the location of the hatch. If you like the side folding of linen and the round “porthole” on the facade, this type is for you. Front-facing cameras are convenient to integrate into headsets - there is no need for access from above.
• Vertical. In these machines, laundry is placed on top - it’s convenient, you don’t have to bend over or squat. These cars have a laconic design, but they are at the peak of popularity in Europe today.
• Washing machines with a tank. This type of SMA will appeal to those without running water. You can buy such a machine for your dacha. It will help you out if the water supply is suddenly turned off - such a washing machine can work completely autonomously. If interruptions in water supply are common in your locality, it makes sense to think about a model with a tank.

“Burning” pays a lot of attention not only to the technical side, but also to the aesthetic side. All products of this brand are divided into designer lines.

The brand name Gorenje comes from the name of the Slovenian village of Gorenje, where the company was founded in 1950.

Gorenje Simplicity

The philosophy of this design line is beauty, simplicity and accessibility. SMAs of this line are presented in two colors - black and white. No compromises or halftones. The ideal design logically complements the high technology and functionality of the Simplicity models.

Simplicity is:

• Ergonomics and natural materials. SMA will fit into any interior.
• Adaptability. The machines remember your actions and offer you the desired option in the future.
• The price is for you. Savings not only during purchase, but also during operation - due to careful consumption of electricity and water.

Gorenje ONE

This line can easily be described in two words - “white minimalism”. Reliability is at the forefront - nothing should distract from the main mission. Another difference of the line is environmental friendliness. White SMAs from the ONE line consume little water and meet all EU energy saving requirements. And finally, ONE devices use the latest technologies, which we will discuss below.

Gorenje Color

This line is for those who are used to expressing their emotions in color. Colored versions are not chosen for embedding into furniture. They are used in the interior to create an atmosphere or bright accents. You can choose strict black, bright red, or stylish silver frontal SMAs.

Parameter range

Let’s abstract from design nuances and consider the brand’s assortment as a whole. There is SMA “Combustion” on sale with the following parameters:

1. Loading type and depth: vertical - 40 cm; frontal - 43; 46.5; 54.5; 60.
2. Case color: white, black, red, silver.
3. Energy consumption class - A+, A++, A+++.
4. Loading - 6, 7, 8, 9 kg.
5. Spin speed - 1000, 1200, 1400.

List of manufacturers of SMA with a collapsible tank

Most models released 50-10 years ago had collapsible tanks. Today, preference is given to the non-separable option - almost all brands are gradually switching to one-piece structures. Finding SMAs with collapsible tanks is becoming increasingly difficult.

Review of brands producing SMA with RB:

• ATLANT (“Atlas”). A Belarusian brand that produces narrow and full-size washing machines in a low price range - from 12,500 to 25,000 rubles. Their inexpensive but high-quality models are designed for the common consumer who is not used to throwing cars away: if something breaks, it can be fixed.
• . A well-known Korean brand that produces frontal washing machines in a wide price range - from 18,000 to 275,000 rubles. LG is one of the brands that represents the best SMAs on the market, economical, functional, and full of modern technologies. True, there is a hitch with replacing the bearings. Even though the tank can be unscrewed onto the forecastles, it is not possible to change the bearings. A cheap replacement of the rear forecastle helps compensate for the disappointment - it is produced by certified centers.
• A.E.G. A German brand that produces SMA at least middle class. Price range: 32,000–100,000 rubles. The range includes vertical and front modifications, including built-in ones.
• Samsung. Korean is famous for innovation. Many of its models are controlled from a smartphone. On the Russian market it presents models ranging from 16,000 to 80,000 rubles.

• Electrolux. This Swedish brand represents devices of all types - Electrolux has frontal and vertical, narrow and full-size, built-in and free-standing SMAs. The lower price threshold is 20,000 rubles, the upper one is 140,000 rubles.
• Gorenje. A Slovenian company that, in addition to conventional vertical and front-facing machines, also has washing machines with an additional tank - they can work without being connected to a water supply. Cost - from 16,000 to 30,000 rubles.
• Siemens. Among the products of this German brand there are frontal devices for 20,000 and 120,000 rubles. The assortment includes many modifications of narrow and full-size versions. Built-in models are also available.
• Haier. A large Chinese manufacturer that produces devices in all price segments - from 20,000 to 120,000. Haier offers side-loading SMAs. An unusual modification - with two reels.

Which manufacturers do not disassemble the tank, list of brands:

• Indesit (“Indesit”). Italy.
• Ariston (“Ariston”). Italy.
• Beko (“Beko”). Türkiye.
• Candy (“Candy”). Italy.
• Zanussi (“Zanussi”). Italy.
• Whirlpool (“Whirlpool”). USA.
• ARDO (“Ardo”). Italy.

Both options are found in Bosch brand washing machines. SMA series WAA have a non-separable version, WAE - a collapsible version. The Bosch WLG washing machine is available in two types of models. When buying a Bosch, you should be especially careful if the issue of internal structure is important to the buyer.

Model overview

Gorenie offers several lines and series of SMA, differing in design, technical and constructive solutions. Let's look at the most interesting and popular models that will help you form an idea of ​​the assortment. Using user reviews, we will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the models under consideration.

W 72ZX1/R

Front loading. The body is only available in white. Weight - about 72 kg. The main feature is the presence of a water tank. Capacity - 100 l. Noise during spinning - 71 dB, during normal operation - 58 dB.

• loading - 7 kg;
• spin speed - 600 rpm;
• number of programs - 18 pcs.;
• dimensions (WxDxH) - 60x60x85 cm;
• water consumption per cycle - 44 l;
• washing/spin/energy consumption class - A/D/A+;
• additionally - self-cleaning, economy wash, express wash, washing in a large volume of water;

Pros:

• there is control over foam formation;
• imbalance adjustment;
• ability to work without connecting to a water supply;
• fits a lot of laundry;
• washes things efficiently;
• many useful programs;
• economical - 10 buckets of water are poured into the tank, this amount is enough for high-quality washing and rinsing of 7 kg of laundry.

Minuses:

• there is no display on the panel;
• a noise was noticed, quote - “sounds like a drum rubbing against a cuff”;
• ill-conceived design of the tank - it is impossible to reach with your hand the hole to which the hose is attached to allow water to flow from the tank into the machine.

This option is especially suitable for residents of rural areas. Lack of running water is no longer a reason to abandon SMA. In terms of functionality and technology, this version is in no way inferior to conventional slot machines.

W 65Z23/S - narrow and inexpensive

Narrow front washing machine with low water consumption. Spin/wash noise - 70/56 dB. Weight - 62 kg. Intelligent control. There is a display. This free-standing version has a removable lid - the device can be built-in.

• loading - 6 kg;
• spin speed - 1200 rpm;
• number of programs - 23 pcs.;
• dimensions (WxDxH) - 60x44x85 cm;
• water consumption per cycle - 49 l;
• washing/spin/energy consumption class - A/B/A++;
• additionally - choice of washing temperature, express wash, direct injection;

Pros:

• there is a delayed start for 24 hours;
• large hatch - diameter 34 cm;
• works quietly and washes things efficiently;
• great functionality;
• the ability to create your own programs;
• compactness;
• energy saving;
• protected from children's pranks;
• clear controls.

Minuses:

• the user has detected an error in the draining algorithm;
• the pulley is made of thin plastic - not reliable;
• vibrates during the spin cycle;
• poor quality assembly - although the machine was purchased, assembled in Slovenia;
• mechanical malfunctions occur - door jamming, etc.;
• 6 kg does not fit - users complain, maximum 5 kg;
• spoils delicate things - for example, lingerie;
• user complaint - “in self-cleaning mode at 95 degrees 1200 rpm, the belt fell off.”

The main idea of ​​this SMA is saving in everything. It is inexpensive, takes up little space, consumes little water - an ideal budget solution. The simple design is unlikely to put off buyers - even the cheapest cars from this brand look stylish and expensive.

Gorenje WE I823 – spacious

Customers appreciated the machine for its quiet operation and large drum volume. The model is popular, sold in a large number of retail outlets and there will be no problems purchasing it. The washing machine is equipped with 16 programs, a delay start function up to 24 hours, and all types of protection. It is also very economical in electricity consumption and spins out quickly enough.

Characteristics:

• Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
• Energy efficiency class: A+++.
• Washing/spin class: A/B.
• Maximum load: up to 8 kg.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x55x85 cm.
• Number of programs: 16 (Delicate, Down, Sportswear, Wash in large quantities of water and others).
• Noise: up to 72 dB.
• Additionally: inverter motor, self-cleaning, anti-allergy.

Pros:

• Large hatch 31 cm.
• Cleans clothes well.
• Fills in enough water - the laundry is well soaked.
• Large and spacious drum.
• Clear controls.
• It calculates the washing time itself - “smart”.
• Large informative display.

Minuses:

• May vibrate at maximum speed when spinning.

On a note! Follow installation guidelines and use anti-vibration stands.

• There is no additional rinse after the main program - only a separate option.
• The machine is sensitive to voltage surges and requires connection through a stabilizer.

WT 62113 - vertical

Vertical version from "Combustion". Noise in spin mode - 75 dB. With intelligent control and display. Weighs 62 kg.

• loading - 6 kg;
• spin speed - 1100 rpm;
• number of programs - 18 pcs.;
• dimensions (WxDxH) - 40x60x85 cm;
• water consumption per cycle - 48 l;
• washing/spin/energy consumption class - A/C/A++;
• additionally - wrinkle prevention, economy wash, mixed fabric washing program;

Pros:

• there is additional loading of laundry;
• inverter motor;
• a bioenzyme phase is provided;
• high-quality spin;
• There are roller wheels on the body.

Minuses:

• noisy;
• long programs;
• the display is very small;
• no drum parking;
• declared capabilities and actual functionality do not match;
• few programs;
• the hose sticks out to the side, so the device cannot be moved close to the wall.

Thanks to the direct drive and inverter motor, the device has increased durability. The biggest disadvantage is the imperfection of the hose connection system. Due to the protruding hose, the advantages regarding the compactness of the modification are neutralized. Among the reviews there are many negative ones; users are especially dissatisfied with mechanical breakdowns, imperfect programs and the general “budget” nature of the machine. The vertical cameras of Goreniye are clearly inferior to the front cameras.

Gorenje Simplicity WA 72SY2B – from the color series

SMA from the color line. Front loading type. Equipped with a display. Weight - 72 kg. Management is electronic.

Characteristics:

• Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
• Energy efficiency class: A++.
• Washing/spin class: A/B.
• Maximum load: up to 7 kg.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x60x85 cm.
• Number of programs: 23 (Direct injection, Fast, Preliminary, Wash in large quantities of water and others).
• Noise: up to 74 dB.
• Additionally: hatch with a diameter of 34 cm, 2 year warranty.

Pros:

• Stylish design.
• Good washing quality.
• Stable design.
• Large load and wide door.
• Minimum buttons (simple control).

Minuses:

• Sometimes there are complaints about noise and vibration.

Gorenje WE 62S3 R – in red housing

Spectacular shallow SMA of red color with medium loading in the front modification. Designed for 16 programs, it has a high-quality spin speed of up to 1200 rpm. There is a delay start of up to 24 hours. Control is touch.

Other options:

• Spin speed: up to 1200 rpm.
• Energy efficiency class: A+++.
• Washing/spin class: A/B.
• Maximum load: up to 6 kg.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 60x43x85 cm.
• Number of programs: 16 (Sportswear, Mixed fabrics, Wash in large quantities of water and others).
• Noise: up to 75 dB.
• Additionally: self-cleaning, anti-allergy.

Pros:

• All types of protection, including from children and leaks.
• Stylish design.
• Convenient controls.
• European assembly.

The only downside worth noting is the high noise level, but it can be minimized without problems by correctly installing the equipment using anti-vibration stands.

How do you find out which models can have bearings replaced?

Manufacturers do not advertise information about the design features of washing machines. And most consumers become “in the know” only after a problem appears—when the bearings “fly.”

By looking at the documentation and characteristics of the machine you like, you can easily find out what kind of load it has, how many revolutions it produces during the spin cycle, what programs and modes it has. They will clearly tell you about its advantages and keep silent about the disadvantages. But neither the manufacturer nor the sellers like to talk about the “insides” of SMA. The topic of “collapsible or non-dismountable” is directly related to the issue of repair, but why should a buyer choosing an SMA think about breakdowns at the time of purchase?

You will have to look for the answer to the question yourself. Recommended procedure:

1. Ask consultants. But this is not ideal. Firstly, managers of trade pavilions often do not themselves know the design intricacies of household appliances. Secondly, the seller may simply make a mistake, so you cannot 100% trust the information received from him.
2. Ask the craftsmen who repair SMAs of different brands - they are more familiar with the internal contents than others. But even here there may be a mistake - perhaps the master came across modifications of a certain brand and they had RB, and you will come across another model - with a non-separable version.
3. The best option is to verify the design solution in person by performing a visual inspection. In a word, you need to look inside the device and look at the element that interests you.

What technologies have been introduced?

Aesthetics are aesthetics, but the manufacturer’s main bet is the latest technology. They are what make Gorenie SMA productive, reliable, economical, easy to operate, and gentle with your things.

Design features and interesting features:

1. SpaDrum. Provides a neat wash. The smooth walls of the drum are covered with holes d=3 mm. Thanks to the wavy 3D ribs and the special geometry of the “porthole”, the laundry is evenly distributed throughout the drum.
2. DurableHeater. Slow scale formation extends the life of the heater. The reason for the effect is the nickel coating.
3. SensorIQ technology. Touch control over the washing process. Intelligent selection of water volume and process time.
4. StableTech. Thanks to the stiffening ribs on the drum walls, the stability of the devices increases and vibrations are reduced.
5. Self-cleaning program. To keep the tank clean and sterile. The laundry smells nice and there are never any unpleasant odors inside the machine.
6. SensoCare. The technology provides the optimal washing mode for a specific fabric. The equipment itself selects the temperature, amount of water, speed and spin time. For items that require special care, additional modes and functions are provided:

• NormalCare - selection of the optimal combination of all 4 parameters;
• TimeCare - acceleration of washing;
• AllergyCare - more water and extra rinse;
• EcoCare is an energy efficient mode.

Latest Developments

Most recently, Gorenje introduced a new series of SMA WaveActive. “Active Wave” was released under the motto: “Don’t load your head, load your car.” This slogan directly points to the increased artificial intelligence of new products.

All WaveActive series models are equipped with advanced technologies, including:

• IonTech. Ionization technology that improves the process of removing contaminants. Things are washed better without increasing the water temperature and without additional detergents.
• SteamTech. Steam treatment. Fabrics are completely washed, smoothed, odors are eliminated, and bacteria are destroyed. No need to add conditioner.
• Inverter PowerDrive. An economical engine is used. Quiet, powerful and efficient. Saves energy and has an increased service life compared to its collector counterpart.
• WaveActive. Any fabric is safe. The drum design ensures gentle handling. The effect is created due to the wave perforation of the drum and the wave-like shape of the 3D ribs.

All of these technologies improve the quality of washing without requiring additional costs from the consumer.

conclusions

Let's summarize:

• The same brand can produce modifications with different tanks. Find out which option a particular SMA has, using any method available to you - question, consultation, examination, etc.
• In 2022, manufacturers preferred SMAs with non-disassembling containers. This trend will continue to be observed in 2019 - the future belongs to monolithic tanks made from high-strength polymers. Non-removable polymer construction is the most profitable option. In terms of strength, they may be inferior to stainless steel, but they are economical and, subject to operating rules, can last as long as their metal counterparts.
• Despite the dominance of non-separable tanks and all their advantages - strength, durability, efficiency, collapsible versions continue to be successful. This will continue until replacing a non-removable element costs 50% or more of the cost of the washing machine.

If you're hoping to extend the life of your future washer by replacing the bearings, look for a model with a tank that can be disassembled. Otherwise, bearing failure will cost you half the cost of the machine or you will have to replace it altogether.