LG Steam Washing Machine Review
The first LG washing machine with a steam function was introduced in 2005. Similar models appeared on the Russian market much later. Steam technology was adopted by other manufacturers. Let's take a closer look at the essence and benefits of this feature, and, most importantly, which LG models feature it.
How does such a function work?
During the wash cycle, steam is supplied to the drum through a flexible rubber tube, the end of which is attached above the loading door. The steam comes from a steam generator located in the rear corner of the machine, on the left side near the solenoid valves. Water enters the steam generator through one of these valves. Steam can be supplied either during a regular wash cycle or separately by activating the "Refresh" function without water.
The incoming steam promotes the active and complete dissolution of the detergent in the water. When washing with steam, a constant temperature of approximately 55°C is maintained throughout the drum.0C, regardless of what water temperature was chosen.
A washing machine with this function was initially used in professional settings (hotels, laundries, hospitals), but today such a machine has become available to almost every housewife.
Advantages and disadvantages of steam
The steam feature in washing machines has been noted by many consumers. The following advantages of steam washing can be identified:
- Under the influence of steam, dirt is broken down better, as small droplets of water penetrate deeper into the fibers, washing efficiency is 21% higher;
- the process of steam formation occurs much faster than the usual heating of water to a high temperature, which helps save energy;
- Steaming linens and other items is similar to boiling, but much more delicate, making it suitable for delicate fabrics. Furthermore, exposure to steam does not affect the fading of fabric, unlike boiling.
- The steam function in a washing machine can replace soaking; after such treatment, laundry is washed better;
- Using the steam function, you can disinfect items without washing them in water, for example, new toys or a new wool sweater;
- The Steam Refres function allows you to give an aesthetic appearance to wrinkled items, as well as prepare too dry laundry for ironing;
- Steam removes not only up to 90% of bacteria from clothing, but also various allergens, which is especially important for children and allergy sufferers.
But the steam function has some drawbacks that people who bought LG machines with this steaming technology have noted.
- Firstly, many people note that steam treatment cannot be selected for all washing modes.
- Secondly, steam treatment doesn't remove all stains 100%. For example, wine or blood stains will require pre-washing, no matter how undesirable.
- Thirdly, some people think that the steam function can replace ironing, but in fact this is not true; steam treatment only makes ironing easier.
- Fourthly, even dry items need to be dried after steam treatment, as they become slightly damp.
So, we can conclude that This function works well for steaming clothes.However, many people doubt the use of this pre-treatment feature as an additional feature to the wash cycle. It's worth noting that machines with this feature are somewhat more expensive than similar machines without a steam function.
There are washing machines in both mid- and high-end price ranges. Whether you need one is up to you.
Model overview
LG offers a wide range of steam washing machine models. We'll look at just a few, across various price ranges, and describe their features.
- The LG F14B3PDS7 is a washing machine with electronic controls and a digital display. Its stated dimensions are 60 x 46 x 85 cm. These dimensions allow for a drum capacity of up to 8 kg. The machine is silver in color. It can spin at up to 1400 rpm. It boasts the highest wash, spin, and energy efficiency ratings. In addition to the steam function, it also features a stain removal program, of which there are 14 programs in total. It also features full leak protection. Prices start at $570.
- The LG F12U1HBS4 washing machine features True Steam and TurboWash technologies and touch controls. By spraying water into the drum, the overall wash cycle time, energy consumption, and water consumption are reduced. The machine automatically detects the weight of the laundry and selects the wash cycle accordingly. It is possible to control the machine via a smartphoneThe drum measures 60 x 45 x 85 cm and holds up to 7 kg of laundry. It has 14 programs. Prices start at $340.
- The LG F12A8HDS is an electronically controlled washing machine with a drum capacity of up to 7 kg. Its stated dimensions are 60 x 48 x 85 cm. It features intelligent memory for washing cycles, leak protection, and a spin cancellation feature. It offers 14 washing modes, including a hypoallergenic setting. Prices start at $300.
- The LG F1695RDH is a washing machine with electronic controls and a drum capacity of up to 12 kg. It also features a drying mode and a load capacity of up to 8 kg. The stated dimensions are 60 x 64 x 85 cm. The spin cycle can reach up to 1600 rpm. It automatically weighs laundry and monitors water consumption during washing. It offers 16 programs, including a self-cleaning program. Built-in leak protection and self-diagnosis of faults. Price from $630.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that you can buy an LG washing machine with a steam function at an affordable price. And if you have the opportunity, don't deny yourself the latest technology. If such technology were a myth, most of us would still be using it. activator machines Like the "Malutka." Of course, no one wants to overpay, so it's important to thoroughly research the offerings and find a model that's both price- and quality-appropriate. Good luck!
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For those looking for a steam washer, consider Indesit. It's much cheaper, but its features and reliability are on par, if not better, based on my own experience and the reviews of friends who own other brands.
We bought an LG machine with steam. But I feel like it doesn't work because there's no steam as such. It just sprays jets of water. The laundry ends up with wet spots. Maybe I'm misunderstanding something. Is that how it's supposed to be?
I agree with Nastya.
The "Refresh" function doesn't match the manufacturer's claims. Not only does the term "refresh" not reflect what can be achieved with steam treatment (you can refresh, for example, by hanging it outside in the frosty air), but the function seems to work without steam treatment at all, as advertised. On my machine, I carefully monitored the entire 18-20 minute operation of this mode. After starting, the machine's steam generator reservoir fills within 15-20 seconds (about a glass of water). Around 3-4 minutes after starting, the nozzle above the sunroof starts to discharge.
Hot water splashes out. It's similar to how water starts to slosh out of a kettle on the stovetop when it boils. Scalded by this boiling water, the fabric in the washing machine drum continues to tumble for 14 to 16 minutes until the cycle is finished. That's the entire "steam treatment." The damp spots on the fabric are the result of the half-cup of boiling water being released at the 4-minute mark. The warmth of the fabric is also from the water (try splashing half a cup of boiling water on the fabric in the drum, slamming the door, and seeing what happens after five minutes. The drum will be warm. The fabric will be slightly damp and have wet spots).
I'm currently arguing with the service center about this. They don't even know how it's supposed to be. They were taught that after using this setting, the fabric should come out warm and damp. How warm and how damp is not stated anywhere. But the ad says that the "refresh" setting treats the fabric with a stream of steam. Let them prove that the fabric is treated with a stream of steam, not with water and its vapors.
I completely agree. My car also sprays streams of boiling water and produces no steam.
It looks like either the batch contains defective steam generators, or the manufacturers of LG washing machines are fooling us.
It's probably a faulty steam generator. My machine, from the moment I bought it until recently, refreshed my laundry as advertised. I can't say for sure about the program time—I didn't time it, but the quality of the treatment was such that the laundry was both damp and warm. No wet spots. A quick airing, and laundry that had been sitting in the closet all winter and was very dry, smoothed out perfectly. Now the function has stopped working, and I take out the laundry just warm. I'm waiting for a technician to fix it. Newer machines don't have a "refresh" feature; the steam treatment is combined with the main wash, which is not convenient at all.