Direct drive vs belt drive washing machine
The current-day washing machines have been through many years of transformation. A washing machine packed with several advantages and features that assure excellent performance when it comes to washing clothes to perfection has a history of change on its internal parts.
When you compare direct drive vs belt drive washing machine you must recall the history. The belt drive washing machines were the foremost designs that were made to wash clothes effectively. The advantages of belt drive motors, belt drive systems, and belt drive technology are many. However, the disadvantage of the belt drive washers slowly began to surface with advancements in technology.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of belt drive machines vs the benefits and disadvantages of direct drive washing machines. Let us get started to learn in detail about belt drive systems and direct drive systems.
Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive: What’s the Difference?

With the advancement in mechanical engineering, the direct drive machines and the direct drive motor has undergone several modifications. The simple fact to remember about direct drive motors and the direct drive technology vs belt drive washing machines and the belt drive motors is the belt feature and the moving parts. This is a major difference in design and operation when it comes to direct drive vs belt drive washing machines.
Belt Drive Washing Machine

The belt drive motor and the belt drive system have been in use for many years. It was the first operative design in mechanical engineering to build a washing machine. With the limited knowledge and availability of parts, belt drives were successful and do continue to deliver good results. Belt-driven washing machines come with their own set of positives.
As the name suggests belt drive washers use a belt mechanism and loose attaching moving parts. The mechanical parts are movable inside belt drive washers. In belt drive machines, a belt and pulley system is used to drive the belt drive motor and to spin the drum. Belt drive technology relies entirely on friction and rotational power from the pulley to spin the tub.
Since the belt drive washing machines were the first invented design, the knowledge of mechanical parts and mechanical engineering was limited and to their best efforts, there were more moving parts used. When the pulley and more moving parts are involved in running the machine, there is obviously more noise. Unlike the advanced belt drive counterparts nowadays which are advanced in their features, the older models of belt drive systems were quite simple.
The belt drive technology was so simple in the fewer parts that it used that any trouble with the belt it could be fixed at home. The cost of fixing belt drive washers is less. Understanding the basic operation of the belt and pulley is sufficient to fix an issue with the belt drive system, unlike the present-day belt drive counterparts that have circuit systems in them.
Belt drive motors and belt drive machines have a central motor shaft with a flexible band or belt that transfers power to the direct drive motor to rotate the tub. The mechanical parts and direct drive system are also easy to replace. The presence of an agitator and central motor shaft enables the removal of dirt and debris from the clothes.
Direct Drive Washing Machines
Over the last few years, there has been great advancement in inverter motors, inverter technology, and other features that make washing clothes effortless. The latest washing machines use direct drive technology. Direct drive washing machines have several advantages that give them an upper hand over belt drive washing machines.

The main difference is, that the direct drive system does not have a belt. In direct drive washers, there are fewer parts. When there are fewer mechanical parts there is less noise and less vibration. A direct drive motor can also enable the drum axis to rotate in both directions to aid in the better removal of tough stains. You can rely on direct drive washing machines for both, seamless performance and longevity.
Direct drive washers are high in energy efficiency. There is very little energy loss. Almost every recent direct drive washing machine comes with an Energy Star rating. Since the direct drive motor is directly connected to the drum axis, there is less noise. The brushless motor design makes the function simple, easy, and effective. Being directly connected to the drum, direct drive washing machines make use of electromagnets and circuit boards. This aid the direct drive system to produce a torque that will spin the drum.
Washing machines with Direct Drive: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of Direct Drive Washing Machines
- Direct drive washers are more durable.
- Direct drive machines are energy efficient since there is less energy loss as direct drive motors are directly connected to the drum.
- The minimal power consumption helps to save on utility bills.
- Fewer parts are used and hence there is less noise.
- The fewer vibrations caused ensure low noise operation.
- Tough stains are removed with ease with other features that compensate agitation effect.
- Better than their traditional counterparts in design so you have fully automatic washing machines, inverter motors with inverter technology, etc., using direct drive motors.
Disadvantages of Direct Drive Washing Machines
- Complex features in direct drive motors require only professional assistance for repair.
- Expensive.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Belt-Drive washing machines

Advantages of Belt Drive Washing Machines
- Belt drive washers are cost-effective.
- The belt drive system is easy to repair.
- Belt drive technology uses a simple design to generate rotational power.
Disadvantages of Belt Drive Washing Machines
- Belt drive washers generate more noise.
- There is more power consumption with belt drive technology.
- Belt drive washing machines are not energy efficient.
- Reduced energy efficiency leads to high utility bills.
- More vibrations caused in the belt drive system can lead to frequent repair after a few years of use.
In our opinion, which is better between washing machines with direct drive and washing machines with belt drive?

Although each type comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, direct drive washing machines are the best choice in our opinion.
Among washing machines with direct drive technology, which is the best?
The best washing machine that comes with direct drive technology is the LG 8 kg Energy Star Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine. LG offers several features in this fully automatic washing machine with direct drive technology.
Being an energy-efficient direct drive system, you can be confident of conserving energy. The added advantage of using a direct drive motor is the water efficiency. LG offers a spin speed of 1400 RPM on the drum for this model. Direct drive washers with this spin speed for their drum perform with excellence. The larger circumference of the drum is also built to be sufficient to meet the laundry demands of a large family.
The 8 kg capacity larger circumference of the drum, excellent customer service to assist during any repair, waterproof digital display, brushless motors, ability to restart after a power outage, and less noise during operation since the direct drive motor is directly connected to the drum axis, etc., are few of the many pros that come with the LG 8 kg Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine.
Moreover, LG offers 2 years warranty on the product and 10 years on the motor. Does this LG washing machine meet your requirements for effective washing of clothes? Hurry now to visit Amazon.com to purchase this LG 8 kg washing machine at the best price.
Pros and Cons of LG 8 Kg Front Load Washing Machine.

- One of the best direct drive washing machines that are energy and water efficient.
- Sturdy design and user-friendly digital display.
- Less noise generation.
- Seamless inverter technology.
1. Are all inverter washing machines direct-drive?
An inverter motor is sometimes referred to as a direct drive motor.
2. Are direct drive systems only available on front-loading washers?
Yes, the direct drive system is only available on front-load washing machines. All direct drive machines available in the market are front loaders.
3. How long do direct drive washers last?
Due to the advanced quality of the parts and mechanism used in the direct drive system, they have higher longevity when it comes to direct drive vs belt drive washing machines. Direct drive washing machines can last up to 15 years when properly maintained.
4. What is the noise level of direct drive washing machines?
Direct drive washing machines are known for their low noise operation. Their internal mechanism is incapable of generating more noise. The lowest noise level that the LG direct drive washing machines generate is 54 dB.
5. Do you know how to operate an inverter direct drive washing machine?
Using an inverter direct drive washing machine is simple. They are equipped with features that make operations effortless. However, initial orientation and reference to the owner’s manual can make this possible.
Wrapping Up
That’s a wrap on the article. We trust you are clear on who wins the battle when it comes to direct drive vs belt drive washing machine. Share with us your experiences of using either a belt drive system or direct drive motors, and let us know which one works best for you.
About the Author

Neha Tiwari, Member at Homezilla.in
Neha is the one who is aware of current trends and best practices in our desi community. She also helps and educates people looking for a solution to their problems via online. Her work has been published on countless blogs and notable magazines.