Review of washing machines with the "Steam Refresh" function

Washing machines equipped with steam generators appeared 15 years ago, but are only now gaining popularity. Many haven't yet realized the benefits of steam cleaning, dismissing it as just another unnecessary gimmick. Meanwhile, steam is considered a gentler, more economical, and more effective alternative to standard washing. We suggest exploring the full list of advantages of steam generators in automatic machines. Also, take a look at top-of-the-line LG washing machine models with the "Steam Refresh" feature.

Benefits of the steam function

Steam functionality varies across washing machines. Some brands offer steam treatment as an optional extra to standard programs—at the end of the cycle, items are blasted with hot air to smooth and disinfect. Others activate the steam generator in a separate mode, which not only smooths and refreshes laundry but also removes stains.

When you activate a special steam mode, clothes are "washed" without water. Highly heated, humidified air draws dirt out of the fibers, eliminating bacteria and allergens. Hot steam is completely harmless to fabric, which allows you to load delicate materials into the drum: silk, lace, satin and much more.

The "Steam Refresh" function on LG washing machines is a separate mode for a complete cleaning of laundry.

A fair question arises: is laundry detergent necessary when using the "Steam Refresh" program? The answer is a resounding no. Hot, humidified air is sufficient to remove stains.

As a result, this type of processing has several advantages:

• no detergents required;
• quick cycle (the machine does not waste time filling and heating water);
• dry things without spinning;
• stains are removed without boiling, soaking or aggressive cleaners;
• Delicate cleaning suitable for all colours and types of fabric.

Using a built-in steam generator is easy: just load the washing machine and press the steam button. Now it's time to figure out which LG models feature steam. A quick overview follows.

LG F1096MDS0

LG steam generator washing machines start at approximately $239.90. This is the price of the cheapest model, the LG F1096MDS0. This is a front-loading machine with a maximum drum load of 5.5 kg.

Main characteristics of the equipment:

• intelligent control;
• character display;
• inverter motor;
• maximum spin speed – 1000 rpm;

The LG F1096MDS0 has a depth of 44 cm and a classic white design. It's energy efficient, rated at energy efficiency class A. There's no Aquastop system, but you can lock the control panel to prevent accidental key presses. It also features sensors that automatically monitor imbalances and foaming.

Steam is one of 13 standard programs on the LG. Other programs include Gentle and Accelerated, Anti-Crease, Double Rinse, Wool, Baby, and Pre-Wash. You can also delay the machine's start by 24 hours and set automatic detergent dosing. For user convenience, a sound alert is provided to notify you when the wash cycle starts and ends.

LG F12M7WDS1

The LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine is slightly more expensive, ranging from 25,000 to 29,000 rubles. This freestanding front-loading machine has a 6.5 kg drum. It also features a steam generator, which can be used to refresh fabrics and remove stubborn stains.

The operating parameters of the model are as follows:

• body depth – 44 cm;
• energy consumption according to class "A";
• spin – up to 1200 rpm;
• child protection;
• Automatic control of drum balancing and foam level;
• delayed cycle start;
• varying the washing duration;
• hatch diameter 30 cm;
• noise level within 55-74 dB;
• support for Smart Diagnosis technology (automatic machine self-diagnosis system).

Smart Diagnosis technology allows you to monitor malfunctions and problems in your washing machine and signal them via the display or indicator system.

The LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine is easy to use thanks to its 13 built-in modes. In addition to steam, these include gentle, quick, and prewash, as well as "Baby," "Sport," "Mixed Fabrics," and "Easy Iron."

The washing machine's appearance is standard: a white body with a digital display. A second, gray color, used for the door and programming knob, adds a touch of class. The user will also be pleased with the "pumped-up filling" - improved firmware and a direct drive with an inverter motor.

LG F-1296HDS0

The LG F-1296HDS0 washing machine, a freestanding front-loading unit, is also equipped with a steam generator. Its drum holds up to 7 kg of dry laundry at a time, while its slim design, with a depth of 44 cm, remains compact. In terms of power and technical capabilities, this model offers the following:

• drum acceleration up to 1200 rpm;
• cost-effectiveness due to low energy consumption index "A";
• the presence of a display showing the time and cycle settings;
• panel lock to prevent accidental pressing;
• control over tank balancing and foam formation;
• support for mobile diagnostics "Smart Diagnosis".

This LG model operates virtually silently thanks to its belt-free drive and inverter motor. The maximum noise level during washing is 55 dB, and during spinning, it's no more than 74 dB. A delayed start timer allows you to remotely start the system up to 19 hours in advance.

The machine has 13 preset programs, including delicate, baby, sports, accelerated, and intensive wash, as well as steam and easy ironing. The LG's "Mixed Fabrics" mode, which washes different types of fabric simultaneously, is also considered convenient.

LG F1296TDS1

The program with hot air supply to the drum is also present on the front-loading washing machine LG F1296TDS1. The drum here can hold up to 8 kg of laundry, which allows you to steam even bulky items such as blankets, pillows and down jackets. In addition to the capacity and steam generator, the model boasts:

• economical consumption of resources (approximately 0.19 kW/h and 45 l of water are consumed per cycle);
• accelerating the engine to 1200 rpm;
• the ability to manually lock the dashboard;
• built-in sensors that control balance, water and foam levels;
• an extended range of programs (13 items, including steam treatment, quick, mixed and pre-wash);
• silent operation (up to 74 dB at maximum machine acceleration).

Otherwise, the washing machine is on par with its peers. It features all the basic LG features: smart controls, a character display, a delayed start, and Smart Diagnosis technology. The model also features a delayed cycle start feature and an audible signal at the end of the cycle.

LG Steam F4M5VS4W

Steam is also available in larger capacity machines. A prime example is the LG Steam F4M5VS4W frontal washer, whose drum is designed to wash up to 9 kg of laundry at a time. However, this model isn't exactly narrow, with a depth of 56 cm.

Despite the large capacity of the drum, the washing machine is quite economical to operate. One cycle consumes approximately 45 liters of water, and in terms of energy consumption it is assigned class “A” – practically the lowest of all existing ones. The other characteristics are as follows:

• direct drive;
• spin up to 1400;
• locking the instrument panel by pressing special keys;
• protection against imbalance and increased foam formation;
• Possibility of additional loading through the main hatch;
• the presence of a special tray for liquid detergents;
• metal tank;
• easy-to-use hatch with a diameter of 35 cm;
• noise level within 53-74 dB;
• support for mobile diagnostics "Smart Diagnosis".

With the LG Steam F4M5VS4W washing machine, you can add items to the drum even after the cycle has started!

The machine comes with 14 factory-installed programs. Unique features include steam and stain removal. Users will also appreciate the program for washing children's clothing, athletic shoes, dark fabrics, wool, and down-filled items.

   

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