Washing machine with ironing function

Many housewives dream of automatic washing machines that perform a full laundry care cycle. That is, they wash, rinse, spin, dry, and iron. However, for now, this remains a figment of the imagination. Automatic washing machines wash, rinse, spin, and even dry clothes, but they haven't yet learned how to iron them. The modern "easy iron" function doesn't iron clothes like an iron; it merely helps make the process easier. Let's discuss this function in more detail.

Easy-iron machines: advantages and disadvantages

Washing machines with an "easy iron" feature reduce excessive creasing during the spin cycle, making them easier to iron. Items washed with this feature are free of creases and wrinkles and can be ironed without steam. At first glance, this seems like a great feature—it's not an iron, of course, but it makes life easier for housewives! However, it's better not to rely on superficial judgments and instead consider the main pros and cons of "easy iron." So, here are the pros of this feature.

• Items washed using this function are indeed easier to iron, especially denim.
• Laundry that is regularly washed using this function lasts longer because the machine produces less wrinkling and twisting during spinning.
• This function allows you to save energy by reducing the time you use the iron and steamer.

Please note! The "Easy Iron" feature works differently on different washing machine models, but the overall effect is the same.

That's about it for the advantages of the "easy iron" feature offered by manufacturers of similar washing machines. While some of these benefits are downright far-fetched, let's take them at face value. Now let's talk about the disadvantages of this feature.

1. The first thing you notice when activating this function and completing the wash cycle is that the laundry coming out is very damp, to say the least, soaking wet. Apparently, the gentle spin cycle is less effective, so the laundry will take significantly longer to dry.
2. When the "Easy Iron" feature is activated, the washing machine extends the washing time, even in the Super Quick Wash mode. Under normal conditions, the wash cycle is completed in 30 minutes, while with the "Easy Iron" feature, it's completed in 45 minutes.
3. In the "easy iron" mode, the washing machine uses more water per wash cycle. For example, in several models of Electrolux washing machines, consumption increases by almost 25%.
4. In the "easy iron" mode, laundry is rinsed at low speeds using a large amount of water. The effectiveness of this rinsing process can be judged by the items removed from the drum after washing. In most cases, traces of detergent are visible on them.
5. To use the "easy iron" feature, the user only needs to load the washing machine drum 2/3 full. Otherwise, the laundry will not only come out wet but also wrinkled, just like with a regular automatic wash and high-speed spin cycle.

These shortcomings of the "Easy Iron" feature were identified through laboratory testing and confirmed by numerous reviews from users. As the saying goes, draw your own conclusions!

Review of machine models with this function

Now let's look at specific washing machine models with an "easy iron" feature. We've deliberately chosen two models as examples because they received the highest ratings from experts. In our opinion, if you're considering automatic machines with this feature, these two are the ones to consider, although opinions are certainly open to others.

Experts recognized the automatic washing machine as the best in terms of the “easy ironing” function. Samsung WW12H8400EX/LP. In laboratory tests, it demonstrated the best results in terms of spin time and quality with the "easy iron" feature enabled. In addition to the "easy iron" feature, this washing machine offers an impressive package of other additional features:

• Fuzzy Logic;
• Eco Bubble;
• launch delay;
• half load;
• accelerated wash;
• wash without spinning;
• soak.

It's not that all of these features work flawlessly, and frankly, not all of them are needed. However, it's worth using each of these features at least once, as situations vary.

The Samsung WW12H8400EX/LP washing machine is recognized by experts as one of the most economical, as its energy efficiency class is A+++, which is considered the best achievement to date.

Among the general technical characteristics, I'd like to note the convenient wide door (46 cm) and the honeycomb drum, which can rotate at up to 1400 rpm. The maximum load capacity is also impressive: 12 kg. In this case, the manufacturer hasn't faltered at all, as the machine actually washes 12 kg of laundry. Furthermore, the machine is programmed with 15 washing modes, has an ergonomic display, and a child safety lock. The average price of this machine is $1,000.

The "easy ironing" function is implemented slightly worse in the washing machine. LG F1495BDS. However, compared to other companies' models, this model's performance is very decent; laundry comes out slightly damp. "Easy Iron" isn't the only additional feature this washing machine offers. Other features include:

1. automatic weighing of laundry;
2. launch delay;
3. half load;
4. accelerated wash;
5. wash without spinning;
6. Automatic water level adjustment.

This machine ranks among the top in terms of safety. It features imbalance control, foam control, leak protection, a lint filter, and a child safety lock. Furthermore, it boasts a high-quality, ergonomic display and a pleasing design. Among its basic technical features, noteworthy are a spacious drum with a load capacity of up to 12 kg and a low operating noise level of 54 dB. This "marvel of technology" costs approximately $750.

Is it worth buying a machine with such a function?

In our analysis of washing machines with an "easy iron" feature, we examined the efficiency of washing, spinning, the speed of these operations, and the condition of the laundry at the end. As a result, we came to the conclusion that it is not worth purchasing a washing machine just because of this function. In reality, you gain nothing: water and energy consumption, as well as washing time, increase, and the resulting laundry is almost soaking wet, requiring a long time to dry. And all this for the sake of easier ironing?

So, the technical disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Add to this the high cost of washing machine models with a well-implemented "easy iron" feature, and you're looking at a net loss across the board without achieving anything useful.

To summarize, the much-touted "easy ironing" feature of automatic washing machines is nothing more than another clever marketing ploy to lure people into paying for a supposed benefit. In reality, this feature provides almost no benefit to the machine owner!

   

1 reader comment

1. December 7, 2020 at 12:48 AM

   Elena:

   I have an LG washing machine with an easy-to-iron feature. It's been around for 10 years. It's very good, and the laundry doesn't get wet. A friend of mine has a machine without an iron, and the laundry gets very wrinkled.

   Answer