Washing machines with a collapsible tank: what is it and what are their features?

A washing machine is a rather complex multifunctional mechanism, consisting of various parts, each of which must work correctly in order to maximize the efficiency of the household unit. But washing machines, like any other device, sometimes fail. Bearing failure is considered the most serious of all existing failures.

Of course, you can fix a broken washing machine. It will be faster and cheaper if it has a collapsible tank. It is about such units that will be discussed in this article.

The presence of a collapsible tank simplifies repairs and makes it possible to replace bearings without problems in case of their failure. The main thing is that after repair, washing machines with such a tank will last for many more years. But a non-separable (one-piece) household washing unit, after replacing the rear, is likely to have to be replaced sooner or later.

The collapsible tank consists of two parts: front and back. These two elements are tightly and reliably connected to each other with special fastening bolts. If necessary, it can be disassembled either independently or with the help of a specialist.

Just during the purchase, do not confuse the tank and drum of the washing machine - these are different elements.

The drum is a non-separable element, which is always made of high quality stainless steel... And the tank is a structure that is located on top of the drum. Here it can be collapsible or monolithic. For the manufacture of a collapsible tank structure, manufacturers in most cases use steel, when it is made of polypropylene as a cast structure.

Mass production of washing machines with a collapsible tank began 10-15 years ago. Today, mostly non-collapsible models come to the consumer market. But there are also manufacturers who produce collapsible tanks in small quantities.

Given the relevance of the issue and the complexity of finding a suitable manufacturer and model, it would be appropriate to name the company, who are engaged in the design and manufacture of washing machines with a tub that can be disassembled.

• Atlant СМА 50У101 and СМА 60С101. This is a Belarusian trade brand that has been producing home appliances for a long time. The big advantage of the company is that it is consumer-oriented. The technique is created so that it can be repaired if necessary. Therefore, it is quite logical that collapsible washing machines can be found under the Atlant trademark.

• LG F2J7HSW8S and F4J6TSW1W. The Korean company is engaged in the manufacture of front-facing washing machines, which are famous for their economy, functionality and modern design.

• AEG L7FEE48S and L8FEC68SR. A German trade brand that has proven itself well and is in demand among the consumer. Today, the range of manufactured products AEG is quite diverse.

• Samsung. The Korean company has been presenting its products to the consumer market for many years. All modern washing machines of this brand are produced with a collapsible tank. Among the large assortment of washing machines, I would like to mention the WW5000J and WW4100R models.

• Electrolux EW8F2R29S and EW6F4R28WU. Swedish brand for the manufacture of large and small household appliances for the home. Washing machines under this sign are available to almost everyone, since the company produces both budget models and expensive ones.

• Gorenje W7513 / S1... Slovenian company, in the range of which there are washing machines with vertical and front loading, as well as with the presence of an additional tank. Thanks to the latter, the unit can work without being connected to the water supply.

• Siemens WM14W740EU and WS12T440BY. The German company presents a variety of variations of both narrow and full-sized washing machines at the choice of the consumer.

• Haier HW70-12829A, HW60-1029A. It is a large Chinese home appliance company. In the production process, the company constantly applies new technologies and innovative solutions. More recently, from the production line of the brand, they began to produce washing machines with a side loading type and two drums.

But such well-known companies as Indesit, Ariston, Beko, Candy, Zanussi, Ardo and Whirpool today are engaged in the development and production of only non-separable washing machines. They may be losing most of their potential customers looking for more repairable washing machine models.

As already mentioned, today, unfortunately, a washing machine with a collapsible tank is a rarity. An increasing number of manufacturers give preference to the manufacture of stamped monolithic containers, for the production of which high-strength polymers are used. Of course, modern washing machines are more durable and save energy, but in the event of a breakdown of those very bearings, equipment repair will be prohibitively expensive.

It is possible to independently determine the type of tank. There are several ways to suggest.

1. Study the information provided by the manufacturer in the technical documentation of the washing machine. In this document, it should be written what material the drum is made of (it must be stainless steel) and the tank. If it is indicated that the tank is made of polypropylene, then it cannot be disassembled. It will be difficult to get close to the bearings.
2. Ask a sales assistant in the store. There is a possibility that he may possess such information, but in most cases people selling household appliances are not familiar with the intricacies of the device. You can try asking the store to remove the front panel from the appliance. Most likely, you will be refused, but you can insist.
3. Check with a service technician before purchasing. A professional can tell you which models and manufacturers to pay attention to.
4. In the store, inspect the appliance carefully. Tilt the washing machine and look under it. In the presence of collapsible parts and parts of the machine, this will be visible to the naked eye.

If you have a friend who understands the design of such household appliances, take him with you. In addition, you can visit one of the service centers for the maintenance and repair of washing machines before going to the store. In this kind of workshops, professionals work who can advise one or another model of the machine.

Review of the washing machine Atlant CMA 50U101 in the video.