What to choose: a plastic tank for a washing machine or stainless steel? Instruction

Surely you have heard such a term as "Polynox". It is often mentioned by sales assistants of washing machines. What is this material? And why do you need Polynox in a washing machine?

We'll figure out.

What is Polynox?

Polynox is not so much a new material as a more harmonious name for polypropylene with special chemical additives. It is used in the manufacture of washing machine tanks. Polynox tanks are quite popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, this material is cheap, which reduces the cost of washing machines. Secondly, it is quite simple to process. Thirdly, polynox tanks have better performance than stainless steel tanks.

On a note! Polynox is cheaper than stainless steel. Washing machines with tanks made of it are cheaper.

Polynox and other plastic options

Polynox is often used in Bosch washing machines. But other manufacturers use analogues of this material. The most popular analogue is polyplex. He is not afraid of rust, strong vibration and other disadvantages of metals. But it is still fragile compared to other plastic counterparts.

Electrolux tanks are made from Carborane, which is a more durable but expensive plastic, which is reflected in their cost. Carboran is a proprietary development of this company.In addition to increasing strength, Electrolux made sure that their plastic did not absorb odors, had better thermal insulation qualities and sound insulation. In addition, Carborane is not afraid of aggressive chemicals.

Kandy prefer to use Silitek, which is essentially a complete analogue of Polynox with a number of minor differences. He is not afraid of acidic and alkaline environments.

Pros and cons of polynox tanks

Manufacturers, in pursuit of lower prices for washing machines, began to produce plastic tanks. On the one hand, buyers are happy with such a price reduction, but on the other hand, they have doubts about the durability and reliability of such tanks. Let's first analyze the obvious advantages of plastic tanks:

1. Plastic tubs are less prone to vibration during washing. This reduces the noise level of the washing machine.
2. Polynox tanks retain heat better inside, that is, the water does not need to be constantly heated. This reduces the energy consumption of the washing machine for heating water.
   
3. Plastic is much lighter than metal, which reduces the weight of the washing machine. This makes it easier to transport.
4. Polynox will not suffer from moisture and will not rust. This increases the period of its use.
5. As mentioned above, Polynox is cheaper than stainless steel. Washing machines with plastic tanks are cheaper than their counterparts with metal ones.

There are many pluses, but there are no minuses either:

1. Plastic is easier to damage. Therefore, if a stainless steel tank survives the impact of solid foreign objects that got into the tank along with your clothes during washing, then Polynox may crack at the next impact at high speeds.

Important! If your washing machine has a plastic tank, check things carefully. Hard and sharp fittings can damage it!

2. In addition, during self-repair or waterfront transportation, plastic tanks can also suffer from impacts.

But manufacturers are aware of this disadvantage and improve the plastic formula. Modern washing machines are increasingly using much more durable plastic than their recent predecessors.

Stainless steel tanks

Well, since we mentioned stainless steel tanks, let's look at their pros and cons. Stainless drums have long been part of our everyday life and have become commonplace.

We know them only from the positive side and do not even think about the minuses (we are so used to them). But first, let's look at the pros:

1. Stainless steel is a very durable material. Rather, the body of the washer will rust than its drum.
2. Steel tanks are very strong and not easy to damage.
3. Tanks made of stainless steel are not afraid of high temperatures and can not be spoiled by aggressive chemicals.
4. Microbes do not grow on metal as much as on plastic. They do not grow fungus or mold.

There are many pros, but also cons:

1. High price. Someone might argue that there are inexpensive washing machines with stainless steel tanks. But here the question is what kind of steel is used. If it is of low quality, then most of the pluses cease to be relevant.
2. The heat transfer from metal is higher. Water cools down faster. She warms her up over and over. Electricity bills are rising and the heating element is wearing out.
3. Strong vibration during washing and spinning. Everyone is well aware of how noisy and mobile such washing machines can be during spinning and rinsing.

On a note! Not all metal tanks are stainless steel. Maybe just a coating that will deteriorate over the years.

4. Over time, enameled tanks appear chipped from solid elements of clothing.The corrosion starts. Next comes rust and leaks.

Summarize. Washing machine tanks made of polynox are a modern version of a material that should not be feared. Every year, manufacturers improve its strength and the minuses become less and less. Not all plastic tanks have the same properties. When buying, specify the specific material, learn about its pros and cons. Many manufacturers predict that it will soon replace stainless steel tanks. But still the choice is yours. We have listed the pros and cons of both options. Polynox or stainless steel? You decide.