Which washing machines have a detachable drum?

Washing machine bearing replacement becomes necessary after several years of use in almost every case. To replace the part with a working one, you need to completely disassemble the washing machine and gain access to the inside of the drum. If the manufacturer has equipped the machine with a detachable drum, repairs will be straightforward; otherwise, the process will be more labor-intensive and costly. Let's find out which reputable brands of washing machines with detachable drums are available in home appliance stores.

Where is the cast tank and where is the collapsible one?

It is better to prevent a problem than to eliminate its consequences. Therefore, if the question of purchasing an automatic machine arises, it is better to immediately focus on models equipped with a detachable tank. This will allow you to easily replace bearings if necessary.

The Belarusian brand Atlant tops the list. Its units are equipped with components that can be easily disassembled and reassembled. The Korean brand LG is also worth mentioning; the manufacturer uses a similar design for its washing machine tub. However, in some fully unscrewing LG machines, replacing the bearings is still not possible; you'll have to take it to a specialized service center.

Most reputable brands produce washing machines in two variations: with a solid tank and with a removable tank. These include the following companies:

• Samsung;
• Electrolux;
• AEG;
• Siemens;
• Bosch.

To determine whether a machine can be completely disassembled, it is necessary to study the full specifications of each machine being considered for purchase.

There are also models available on the market featuring a monolithic design. These include the following brands:

• Indesit;
• Ariston;
• Candy;
• Whirlpool;
• Ardo.

It's not profitable for washing machine manufacturers to produce machines with a removable drum. That's why more and more models are equipped with a cast element. However, if this is a key criterion when choosing a washing machine, finding a reliable and functional washing machine that can be completely removed is not difficult.

How to find out about the tank design?

If you've decided to purchase a machine with a disassemblable tank, don't hesitate to ask the seller for the information you need and verify it in the accompanying documentation. Most often, the disassemblable element is made of metal, while the monolithic element is made of plastic. This information will also help you understand the machine's specifications. You can find out whether the machine can be completely disassembled in the following ways:

• Check your washing machine's technical specifications. Polymer, non-removable tanks are typically only installed in units with a maximum spin speed of up to 1600 rpm. If the machine spins faster, it uses stainless steel tanks exclusively. By checking the maximum spin speed, you can determine what type of tank is installed.
• Ask a sales manager. Getting a clear answer from a regular salesperson in a store can be difficult. If you don't trust what the salesperson says, it's best to resort to the other methods described.
• Talk to qualified technicians in advance. Knowledgeable specialists will advise you on which models to prioritize.
• Inspect the equipment in person. The display models don't have a bottom, so if you tilt the washing machine slightly and look underneath, you can see what material the drum is made of.

The production of automatic washing machines with detachable tubs is declining. Manufacturers are striving to offer customers machines with monolithic tanks made of wear-resistant and highly durable polymers. This is done to reduce production costs and minimize the appliance's energy consumption. For example, rubber, non-detachable tubs retain heat longer and, therefore, consume fewer kilowatts to heat water during washing.

However, the cost of completely replacing a non-separable unit when the bearings fail will immediately exceed all possible savings from a polymer tank.

Choose a machine with a disassemblable unit

Why should you focus on models with a removable tank? We mentioned above that the bearings and seals of any washing machine will wear out over time and require replacement. A freely disassemblable tank will save money on machine repairs and significantly reduce the labor intensity of the bearing replacement process.

Let's discuss the design of one of the machine's main components. The detachable tank consists of two parts connected with bolts, clamps, or rivets to ensure a watertight seal. This allows the element to be easily disassembled by loosening or unfastening the fasteners, allowing access to the seal and bearings.

Most brands produce washing machines without the option to disassemble the tank. Even if the tank is designed to be divided into two parts, you'll have to replace not just new bearings, but also the rear half tank.

Manufacturers don't provide the ability to separate the non-separable tank. However, the most skilled and resourceful users still take on the "impossible." To do this, they cut the part, manipulate the bearings, and seal the halves with sealant. However, this method has its drawbacks: not everyone can cut the tank evenly and seal the cut. Furthermore, no specialist can guarantee that the machine will continue to function for many years after this intervention.

   

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