Review of washing machines with the “Refresh with steam” function

Washing machines equipped with a steam generator appeared 15 years ago, but are only now gaining popularity. Many have not yet realized the benefits of steaming things, mistaking it for just another “extra bells and whistles.” Meanwhile, steam is considered a more gentle, economical and effective alternative to standard washing. We suggest studying the entire list of “advantages” of a steam generator in automatic machines. At the same time, take a look at the top models of LG washing machines with the “Refresh with steam” function.

Benefits of the steam function

The steam function is presented in different ways in washing machines. For some brands, steam treatment is an additional option to standard programs - at the end of the cycle, items are sprayed with hot air to smooth and disinfect. For others, the steam generator is activated in a separate mode, which allows you not only to smooth and refresh your laundry, but also to remove dirt from the fabric.

When the special steam mode is started, the clothes are “washed” without water. Humidified air heated to high temperatures pushes dirt out of the fibers and eliminates bacteria and allergens. Hot steam is absolutely harmless to fabric, which allows you to load delicate materials into the drum: silk, lace, satin and much more.

The “Refresh with steam” function on LG washing machines is a separate mode for complete cleaning of laundry.

A fair question arises: is washing powder needed when using the “Refresh with steam” program? The answer is clear - no. To remove stains, humidified hot air is sufficient.

As a result, this type of processing has several advantages:

• no detergents required;
• fast cycle (the machine does not waste time collecting and heating water);
• dry items without spinning;
• stains are removed without boiling, soaking or aggressive cleaners;
• Delicate cleansing, suitable for all colors and types of fabric.

Using the built-in steam generator is simple: just load the washer and press the appropriate button. It remains to figure out which models from LG are equipped with a steam function. A brief overview follows.

LG F1096MDS0

The cost of washing machines with a steam generator from LG starts at approximately RUB 23,990. This is the price of the cheapest model – LG F1096MDS0. This is a front-facing machine with a maximum drum load of 5.5 kg.

Main characteristics of the equipment:

• intelligent control;
• character display;
• inverter motor;
• maximum spin speed – 1000 rpm;

The body depth of the LG F1096MDS0 is 44 cm, and the machine has a classic design - white. Electricity is consumed economically, according to energy consumption class “A”. There is no Aquastop system, but you can block the dashboard from accidental key presses. There are also sensors that automatically monitor imbalance and foaming.

Steam supply is one of 13 standard programs on LG. Also included are Gentle and Fast, Anti-Wrinkle, Double Rinse, Wool, Baby and Pre. If desired, you can delay the start of the machine for a day and set up an automatic dosage of the powder. For user convenience, a cycle sound is provided to notify you of the start and end of the wash cycle.

LG F12M7WDS1

The LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine costs a little more, in the range of 25-29 thousand. The model is a free-standing machine with horizontal loading and a 6.5 kg drum.There is also a steam generator, with which you can both refresh the fabric and remove difficult stains.

The operational parameters of the model are as follows:

• case depth – 44 cm;
• energy consumption according to class “A”;
• spin – up to 1200 rpm;
• protection from children;
• automatic control of drum balancing and foam level;
• delaying the start of the cycle;
• varying the washing duration;
• hatch diameter 30 cm;
• noise level within 55-74 dB;
• support for “Smart Diagnosis” technology (automatic self-diagnosis system).

“Smart Diagnosis” technology allows you to monitor failures and malfunctions in the washing machine and signal them through the display or indication system.

Using the LG F12M7WDS1 washing machine is easy thanks to 13 built-in modes. In addition to steam treatment, they include gentle, quick and pre-wash, as well as “Children’s”, “Sports”, “Mixed fabrics” and “Easy iron”.

Externally, the washing machine looks standard: a white body with a digital display. The “zest” is added by the presence of a second color, gray, in the design of the hatch door and programmer. The user will also be pleased with the “pumped-up filling” – improved firmware and direct drive with an inverter motor.

LG F-1296HDS0

The LG F-1296HDS0 washing machine, a free-standing front-facing unit, is also equipped with a steam generator. Its drum is designed for simultaneous loading of up to 7 kg of dry laundry, while the body remains narrow, with a depth of 44 cm. As for power and technical “potential”, the model offers the following:

• drum acceleration up to 1200 rpm;
• profitability due to low energy consumption "A";
• presence of a display showing time and cycle settings;
• blocking the panel from accidental pressing;
• control over tank balancing and foam formation;
• support for mobile diagnostics “Smart Diagnosis”.

Due to the absence of a belt drive and an inverter motor, this LG model operates almost silently. When washing, the maximum noise reaches 55 dB, and when spinning - no more than 74 dB. There is a delayed start timer, with which you can start the system remotely within 19 hours.

There are 13 preset programs on the machine. Among them are delicate, children's, sports, accelerated and intensive washing, as well as steam treatment and light ironing. The “Mixed Fabrics” mode present on LG, in which different types of fabric are washed simultaneously, is also considered convenient in everyday life.

LG F1296TDS1

A program with hot air supplied to the drum is also present on the LG F1296TDS1 front-facing washing machine. Here the drum can hold up to 8 kg of laundry, which allows you to steam even bulky items - blankets, pillows and down jackets. In addition to capacity and a steam generator, the model boasts:

• economical consumption of resources (about 0.19 kW/h and 45 liters of water are consumed per cycle);
• engine acceleration up to 1200 rpm;
• the ability to manually lock the “tidy”;
• built-in sensors that monitor balancing, water and foam levels;
• an expanded set of programs (13 items, including steam treatment, quick, mixed and pre-wash);
• silent operation (up to 74 dB at maximum acceleration of the machine).

Otherwise, the washer is not inferior to its “colleagues”. The entire “basic set” from LG is present: intelligent control, character display, delayed start and support for Smart Diagnosis technology. The model is also capable of delaying the start of the cycle and signaling the end of the program with an audible signal.

LG Steam F4M5VS4W

There is a steam function in larger machines as well.A striking example is the LG Steam F4M5VS4W front camera, the drum of which is designed for simultaneous washing of up to 9 kg of laundry. True, such a model cannot be called narrow, since its depth reaches 56 cm.

Despite the large capacity of the drum, the washing machine is quite economical to operate. About 45 liters of water are consumed per cycle, and in terms of electricity consumption it is assigned class “A” - practically the lowest of the existing ones. The remaining characteristics are:

• direct drive;
• spin up to 1400;
• locking the device by pressing special keys;
• protection against imbalance and increased foam formation;
• possibility of additional loading through the main hatch;
• the presence of a special cuvette for liquid detergents;
• metal tank;
• easy-to-use hatch with a diameter of 35 cm;
• noise level within 53-74 dB;
• support for mobile diagnostics “Smart Diagnosis”.

On the LG Steam F4M5VS4W washing machine, you can add things to the drum even after the cycle has started!

The equipment has 14 factory programs installed. Non-standard ones include steam supply and stain removal. The user will also be pleased with the mode for washing children's clothing, sports shoes, dark fabrics, woolen items and items filled with down.

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