If you are currently on the market looking for a new washing machine, you may come across some new features that you previously have not seen.
One such term of rising popularity is ‘inverter technology‘. Taken literally, some assume that this means that the machine can run on the inverter at your home in the case of no electricity.
However, this common interpretation is wrong as this actually refers to a technology present in some washing machines to help reduce power consumption and hence save electricity.
In this article, we will go through what this technology is in detail, what it can do for you, and what are the pros and cons of investing in this machine.
What is inverter technology in washing machine?
In general, how a washing machines work is pretty simple and straightforward – you load the machine, press a button to start the cycle of your choice and the motor runs till the stipulated time period is completed.
So, irrespective of load, or process in the machine – the motor runs at a constant speed throughout. This means that regardless of how many clothes you wash, the electricity consumed is the same.
But imagine this, your washing machine consumes only the amount of power needed for the specific load that you are currently washing – meaning you could save quite a lot of electricity.
This technology that allows the machine to run optimum loads is called inverter technology.
Advantages of inverter technology in washing machine
- Checks the usage and reduces the power wastage during the wash cycle.
- There is a definite result in long-term savings in your household electricity bill
- Reduced overall noise during the operation of the washing machine.
- Since the cycle is chosen to fit the load, there is less vibration during smaller loads.
- There is significantly lower wear and tear over time and usage.
- Since these motors do not have movable parts, they require less maintenance.
- There are often longer warranties on these machines.
Disadvantages of inverter technology in washing machine
- There are no significant short term savings, in terms of money on your electric bill.
- These machines are slightly more expensive as compared to their counterparts.
- Although a longer lifetime is guaranteed, you might never keep the appliances for that long due to upcoming innovative technology.
Smart Inverter Washing Machine Meaning: Fully Explained!
Inverter technology is an eco-friendly technology that has been incorporated across many machines and is designed to allow a better and smarter lifestyle.
Not only limited to washing machines, but the inverter technology also exists in other heavy electrical equipment- like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.
Basically, the inverter technology in the equipment controls the power consumption, depending on the current requirement of the machine.
These inverters can switch and control the power provided to the motor or the compressor and hence also control the speed or efficiency through voltage and frequency. This is akin to the accelerator in our vehicles.
When the speed is revved and the motor requires more power, the power is provided – but when moving at a slow and constant rate, low power is given. This does not mean that the machine is ever switched off or void of power.
In fact, the motor or the compressor is always running and consuming power but after achieving the temperature or speed, will begin to consume lesser power.
Ensuring that the compressor or motor stays on throughout the process also cuts down in the start and stop power usage.
This consumes less electricity and reduces wastage of the power consumed by everyday appliances. This also ensures that there are no voltage peaks, so, the life of the machine is also extended.
If you are in the market for not just a washing machine, but any appliance that offers this feature, it would do you and the environment good to choose this feature.
Although the advantages of this inverter technology are endless, there might be hesitation due to a slight price increase.
But in today’s technology-driven world, as users of these appliances, it is only responsible to invest in the future as early as possible.
How do inverter washing machines work?
The inverter technology in washing machines works by using sensors to detect the load in the washing machine. Depending on the size of the load, it defines the optimum speed at which the machines should operate.
This results in optimized consumption of electricity for each individual cycle. To do this seamlessly, the motor of the inverter washing machine is capable of running at different speeds.
To do so, it requires the use of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motors otherwise known as Brushless motors.
This also adds the advantage of reduced friction because unlike the conventional washing machines which have several moving parts like gears and belts in addition to the motor – the inverter machine does not.
These are actually bulkier and far more efficient. This reduces power consumption further owing to the reduction in friction as well as noise.
Inverter washing machines versus conventional washing machines
From a less technical standpoint, the strikingly obvious difference observed between the two is that the machine with the inverter motor is less noisy as compared to the traditional machine.
We can understand this further by looking into the actual machinery involved in the motor. In conventional machines, the motors are equipped with graphite brushes, and the current passed through these brushes to the armature to create a magnetic field.
This field is responsible for the rotation of the motor armature and is directly proportional to its speed. Unlike this, in inverter washing machines, the inverter motor has a slightly different design.
In this, static magnets are used for the stator and the voltage supply to the stator winding determines and controls the rotation speed of the motor.
Also, the supply of the voltage is first given to the inverter board which is able to determine the speed required by the particular load and is not supplied to the motor directly from the network.
The board converts the voltage and hence control the speed that the motor runs at and the amount of electricity consumed.
Another difference, that is a result of this difference in the motor is that in inverter washing machines, the motor is directly attached to the washing drum.
This reduces the number of extra parts and usually ensures that the warranty period for these motors is longer as compared to the conventional motors that have several wear-and-tear parts.
Where to find these inverter washing machines in India?
Widely available on the market these days, smart inverter washing machines are manufactured by all the top brands. They can be either semi-automatic or fully automatic options allowing you to pick what works for you.
Well-known brands including Samsung, Whirlpool, Bosch, LG among many others manufacture these motors in their machines and are reliable picks given their long term popularity and success.
Below are a few picks that we think are great options if you are looking to buy a washing machine with inverter technology.
These options are subject to change with improving technology and new products made available but are a great starting point if you are just starting your search.
LG 8.0 kg Inverter Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
A popular choice for many across India this machine has a load capacity of 8 kgs. This makes it suitable for families of 4-5 people and is also fully automatic.
It has a variety of features and capabilities that make it smarter than the average machine. It is front loading and has an impressive spin rate coupled with low noise.
The smart diagnostic feature enables you to quickly identify and fix any errors in the appliance. In addition to this, it has a 6-Motion Direct Drive motor, in-built heater, and a stainless steel drum, that work together to provide a thorough wash fit for your clothes.
Pros:
- Fully automatic
- Rustproof body
- Auto restart in case of power loss/cut
- Large range of temperatures for water
Cons
- More expensive than some of its peers
- The installation can be delayed for some
Samsung 6.5 kg Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
A best seller tailored to the slightly smaller families; this machine is a great choice. It has a load capacity of 6.5 kilograms and is fully automatic. The machine sports a stylish design along with an LED control panel.
The wash is also completely automated with several modes including a monsoon mode made specifically for Indians, air turbo, water level selector, power filtration with magic lint filter, tempered glass window.
Pros:
- Fully automatic function
- Powerful motor with impressive rotation speeds.
- Diamond Drum has a unique curl design washes clothes effectively and gently.
- Auto restart in case of power loss/cut
- Enabled with child lock safety.
Cons:
- Requires more water than its counterparts.
- Within the drum, the clothes seem to get tangled more.
- The cycle takes a slightly longer time for the cycles.
Bosch 6 kg 5 Star Inverter Fully Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
With a load capacity of 6 kgs, this washing machine is fully automatic and equipped with inverter technology to make washing clothes simple for small families.
The motor comes with a 10-year warranty and has a SpeedPerfect feature that saves up to 65% time on the cycles.
Pros
- The Anti-Tangle feature minimizes tangles in the laundry by up to 50%
- Anti Vibration side panels reduce the noise and vibrations
- Adjusts water level depending on the load size and fabric
- VarioDrum design provides delicate washes for all the clothes, regardless of the load size
Cons
- Service is slow and repairs are not tended to immediately
- The door is hard to operate and may sometimes get stuck
Also read:
Best Liquid Detergents for Front Load Washing Machine
Front Load vs Top Load washing machines
Best Semi-Automatic Washing Machines in India Under 15000
Best ways to clean your washing machine
Author’s Take
This article is meant to be a guide for you to understand what the smart inverter technology in washing machines is, and why it is useful.
Since like other heavy electrical appliances, washing machines are an investment that will stay with you for a long period of time – it is worth investing in this technology.
Making this commitment towards saving electricity is beneficial for both you and the environment as you continue to use it.
In addition to these benefits, the longevity of inverter washing machines makes them a desirable option as compared to their conventional peers.
So, go ahead and continue your search for a washing machine with this new information in hand! Good luck!
