Which material is better for a washing machine drum: stainless steel or plastic?

When choosing a new "home helper," few people pay attention to the material the washing machine's tub is made of. Today, it can be made of stainless steel or plastic. Let's figure out which is better and why.

What is the best material for making washing machine tanks?

Many buyers don't even consider what a washing machine's tub is made of. Some confuse it with the drum, thinking they are the same thing. In fact, these two containers serve different purposes.

The drum of any washing machine is made of stainless steel. The tanks, however, are either metal or plastic. Most models have plastic tanks, which reduces production costs.

The main advantages of a stainless steel tank are durability and ease of repair.

The first automatic washing machines were equipped with metal tanks. Many people still have these washing machines today, more than 20 years later. The main advantage of stainless steel tanks is their ease of repair.

Metal washing machine drums are easy to disassemble for replacing bearings or other components. Stainless steel drums won't crack if, for example, you forget to remove the shipping bolts. Plastic drums are more fragile.

Today, washing machines of both configurations are available for sale. Only a few brands produce automatic washing machines with stainless steel tanks, and these are mostly premium models: Miele, Asko, Bosch, AEG. However, you can also find budget washing machines with a completely metal unit, for example, LG.

A plastic tank has its advantages:

• plastic is cheaper than stainless steel (which reduces the cost of the washing machine, and, consequently, its price);
• water in a plastic container heats up faster than in a metal one (the washing machine uses less electricity);
• plastic makes less noise;
• The plastic tank does not rust or oxidize (while stainless steel tanks are subject to corrosion in the area of ​​the weld).

Now about the disadvantages of plastic washing machine tanks:

• plastic is a fragile material and is very easy to damage (sometimes even a bra underwire can pierce the container);
• Most of these containers are non-disassemblable, which complicates the process of replacing bearings or the drum crosspiece;
• Plastic tanks weigh less, which makes the automatic machine less stable and more prone to vibration.

Non-separable tanks aren't very easy to repair. The drum bearings will still need to be replaced after 5-7 years of washing machine use. And to remove the rings, such tanks would need to be sawed and then glued back together, compromising the seal. Alternatively, you'd have to buy a new tank-drum assembly, which would be quite expensive.

However, there are machines equipped with plastic, detachable tanks, such as models from Haier, Weissgauff, and Atlant. Bearing replacement is straightforward in these washing machines.

So, which should you choose, stainless steel or plastic? If your budget is limited to 20,000-30,000 rubles, you'll have no choice but to buy a washing machine with a plastic tank. Automatic machines with a metal tank are at least 1.5-2 times more expensive.

Machine models with plastic tanks and stainless steel containers

Which material should you choose? If your budget allows, it's best to buy a washing machine with an inverter motor, direct drive, and a stainless steel tub. Otherwise, we recommend choosing a washing machine with a plastic but detachable tub. This way, future repairs won't be a problem.

If you buy a washing machine with a plastic tank, it is better if it is collapsible.

Which brands should you consider? If you're looking for washing machines with plastic, detachable drums, consider Haier, Weissgauff, and Atlant. Everything will depend on your budget and your needs for your "home helper."

An interesting model is the Haier HW60-BP12919BS. This multifunctional, modern washing machine features an inverter motor and steam function. The machine starts at $340. Key features:

• drum capacity – up to 6 kg;
• maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm;
• body dimensions 60x85x40 cm;
• noise level 53/76 dB during washing/spinning;
• 10 washing modes;
• energy efficiency class – “A+++”;
• weight – 56 kg.

Among the advantages of Haier HW60-BP12919BS:

• reliable inverter motor with a 12-year warranty;
• Pillow drum, providing gentle washing of the most delicate fabrics;
• autoweighing sensor;
• Smart Dual Spray technology keeps the hatch glass and drum seal clean.

The Haier HW60-BP12919BS automatic washing machine automatically detects the drum load and adjusts water consumption. It has 10 preset washing modes for various fabric types and a self-cleaning program.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly washing machine, consider models from a Belarusian brand. For example, the Atlant SMA 60U107-000, which starts at $210. It's one of the inexpensive, yet high-quality and multifunctional washing machines.

The tank of the Atlant SMA 60U107-000 washing machine is made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is a highly durable material that can withstand heavy mechanical loads. It reduces noise during machine operation. Model specifications:

• maximum load – 6 kg of items;
• maximum spin speed – 1000 rpm;
• noise level – up to 59 dB during washing, up to 73 dB during spinning;
• delay timer – up to 24 hours;
• 15 washing programs;
• energy consumption – 0.95 kW*h;
• energy efficiency class – “A++”;
• dimensions 60x85x42 cm;
• weight – 62 kg.

The Atlant SMA 60U107-000 washing machine features protection against power surges. It also features automatic drum balancing and foam control. Its features include self-diagnostics.

But what if it's crucial that your washing machine's tub be made of stainless steel? Is it possible to find an affordable, good-quality model? LG washing machines are a great option. This brand has a long-standing reputation for excellence.

The LG F2J3WS1W washing machine's drum is made of stainless steel. It costs around $350, making it even cheaper than some washing machines with plastic, disassemblable components.

This automatic washing machine is equipped with an inverter motor and a steam option. LG's unique "6 Motions of Care" technology provides the gentlest care for any fabric. The washing machine's drum features a wide range of rotation settings, adapting to the type of fabric and its level of soiling.

LG F2J3WS1W Specifications:

• capacity – up to 6.5 kg;
• maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm;
• body dimensions 60x85x44 cm;
• noise level 53 dB during washing, 74 dB during spinning;
• delayed start;
• 10 washing modes;
• Energy efficiency class – “A”.

The LG F2J3WS1W washing machine features full leak protection and a refill function. Mobile diagnostics identify any system issues and promptly address them. An automatic weighing sensor detects the drum load level and adjusts the cycle settings.

If you have the opportunity to consider a more expensive washing machine, consider the Bosch WAN24200ME. Price starts at $650. This brand's appliances are known for their reliability and excellent quality. These automatic machines are equipped with stainless steel tanks.

The Bosch WAN24200ME washing machine features convenient electronic controls. It's equipped with an energy-efficient, brushless EcoSilence Drive motor, which boasts low noise and longevity. You can add more laundry to the drum after the cycle has started.

Main characteristics of the model:

• maximum permissible load – 8 kg;
• maximum spin speed – 1200 rpm;
• body dimensions 60x85x64 cm;
• washing programs – 15;
• delayed start timer – up to 24 hours;
• energy efficiency class – “A+++”;
• energy consumption – 0.655 kW/h;
• noise level during washing 55 dB, during spinning 73 dB;
• weight – 70 kg.

The Bosch WAN24200ME washing machine features multi-stage leak protection. The SpeedPerfect option speeds up any wash cycle. It can also suppress unbalanced spin cycles and excessive foaming, and adjust water consumption based on drum load and fabric type.

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