You will find washing machines in a variety of types, sizes, and styles. In fact, there is one washing machine for every consumer.
Most people are concerned about the size, type, energy energy efficiency, and other features of the machine that the inner working is often overlooked.
Direct drive is one of the ways of the internal functioning of the washing machine, just like a belt and pulley.
If you do not know what is a direct drive washing machine or you are confused if you should buy one or you want some best recommendations, you are in the right place.
What is a direct drive washing machine?
Direct drive washing machines are simple in construction.
The tub is directly connected to the motor, thus decreasing the number of parts that wear down with use. It also increases energy performance and reduces noise while working.
In the traditional belt and pulley system, the spinning of the tub and the agitator requires the same amount of electricity regardless of the laundry weight.
In the direct drive washing machine, the laundry weight is sensed and accordingly power output is adjusted.
There is also a reduction of the tangling of the fabric in the direct-drive technology.
List of the best direct drive washing machine in India
1. LG Fully Automatic Direct Drive Washing Machine (THD11STB)
11 Kg washing machine that is super quiet and stable
LG is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation, established in 1947. The brand has been leading in the electronic appliances industry since then.
This is an 11 kg fully automatic top loading washing machine connected by Wi-fi. It is suitable for a family of more than 5 members.
It’s six motion direct drive technology is tough on stains while giving your clothes gentle care. It makes sure the laundry is super clean.
You do not have to worry about the buzzy sound because this washing machine does not involve a belt and pulley operation. It is super quiet and stable.
The SmartThinQ allows you to operate the machine from anywhere. The drum is made of stainless steel and not plastic, thus there are no bacteria and germs. It is no-rust stainless steel.
The smart diagnosis can help you save time and money. You can connect to the SmartThinQ app and find out if there is any error and solve it yourself.
The steam wash program sterilizes your laundry and removes bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and pet allergen from the clothes.
The tub clean feature sterilizes your inner and outer tub, thus making it smell pleasant always. You can disable the control setting with a child lock and thus ensure the settings are safe.
If there is a power outage, the machine will resume the cycle from where it had stopped. The jet spray will remove tough stains and save 70% water and 40% energy.
The machine comes with a 2 years warranty on the product and 10 years on the motor.
2. LG Fully-Automatic Direct Drive Washing Machine (FH0H3NDNL02)
6 Kg washing machine that is ideal for baby laundry
If you are looking for a direct drive washing machine in a lower capacity, then this 6kg fully automatic front-loading machine is an ideal choice. It is ideal for a family of 3 or couples.
The six motion control technology moves the drum in multiple directions giving you a cleaner wash. The technology is designed to be tough on the stains and gentle on fabrics.
The motor is directly attached to the drum and thus does not involve a belt and pulley mechanism, thus reducing noise and increasing stability.
The heater in the machine can heat up to 60 degrees celsius, thus removing any type of stains. The machine resumes the cycle from where it left before the power outage.
The water is heated at 40-degree celsius for 15 minutes and then at 60 degrees celsius kills all the bacteria, germs, and allergens, making it safe for baby laundry.
Connecting with the SmartThinQ app can help you operate the machine from anywhere. Also, it can help you diagnose any problem and get a solution to it too.
The touch panel is waterproof. The drum is not made of plastic but stainless steel, so no more bacteria and germ accumulation.
The tub clean feature heats water at 85 degrees celsius and cleans the tub thoroughly. It comes with a 2 years comprehensive warranty on the product.
3. LG Front Loading Direct Drive Washing Machine (FHT1208SWW)
8 Kg washing machine that can help solve minor issues
If you are looking for a fully automatic front loading washing machine suitable for a family of 4-5, then this one is an ideal option.
The six motion control technology moves the drum in multiple directions giving you an ultra-clean laundry.
The machine has minimal wear and tear and makes low noise and vibration compared to traditional washing machines due to its inverter direct drive technology.
The steam wash function sterilizes the laundry and removes pollen allergens from the clothes. You can operate from anywhere with its SmartThinQ app. The application also helps you determine the minor issues and also helps you solve them.
The heater can heat up to 60 degrees celsius, thus removing all types of stains. You can keep the functions set safe from your child with the child lock feature.
The stainless steel drum is rust free and does not accumulate bacteria and germs since it is not made of plastic.
The Turbowash function can help you save time and water by washing the machine in 59 minutes rather than 95 minutes.
It comes with a 2 years warranty on the product and 10 years on the motor.
Belt Drive vs Direct Drive – Which is better?
There is no doubt in the efficiency in the working of a belt-driven washing machine but there are some more benefits of using the direct drive washing machines.
Here are a few advantages:
Micro spillages – Belt driven systems are very efficient nowadays but there are some micro spillages. These will increase as the washing machine would age. You may not notice this daily.
Energy-efficient – the motor is directly connected to the drum and thus the direct drive mechanism experience less energy loss.
Vibrations – the motor and drum act as one unit, thus the vibrations caused is reduced. Remember that these machines can make a lot of noise if it is not placed on a stable surface or the laundry load is not adjusted.
Noise – machines with direct drive technology makes less noise when compared to traditional machines.
Longevity – direct drive washing machines are popular for it longevity. They do not get easily impacted by exterior conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my washer is a direct drive?
The washer cabinet of the direct-drive technology is a few inches narrower – 27 inches when compared to the belt-driven machines – 29 inches.
Another point that can distinguish direct drive to belt drive is the back panel.
The back panel of the DD washer is covered from top to bottom and you cannot access any panels. While the belt drive machine has a small panel at the bottom that you can access.
What are the disadvantages of direct drive washing machines?
The direct drive washing machines do not have many downfalls, the only limited ones are mentioned below:
The motor is behind the drum and thus it reduces the drum depth. But these washing machines can have larger circumference which negates this downfall.
These are more expensive when compared to the traditional belt-driven machines.
Your local washing machine technician cannot repair this machine. LG offers a 2 years comprehensive warranty on the product and 10 years on the motor.
Conclusion
We hope to have helped you know the basics of the direct drive washing machine which will help you make the right decision.
If you do not know anything about this type, we have mentioned what it is and also the difference between belt drive and direct drive.
If you are looking for a DD washing machine, to make your search simpler we have reviewed the best direct drive washing machines available in the market.