A Solenoid Engine or an Electric Motor — Which One Is Better?

Unlike a fuel engine, solenoid engines don’t make smoke or noise. It only needs electricity to run. Solenoid engines are fun for experiments, but their power output is low and efficiency is limited. They are mainly educational tools rather than real power sources.

There are two main types of electric motors:

• DC motors — use direct current and are common in toys, models, and small appliances.

• AC motors — use alternating current and power household appliances and industrial machines.

They convert electricity into motion. But they do it in slightly different ways. To better understand this process, many students and hobbyists build an electric engine model. This small demonstration helps visualize how electromagnetic forces drive continuous motion in real electric motors.

Electric motors are everywhere: fans, refrigerators, EVs, washing machines, conveyor belts, and heavy industrial equipment. They are known for:

• high efficiency

• strong torque

• smooth continuous rotation

• long service life

• very low noise

This makes electric motors far more suitable for real-world use than solenoid engines.

How They Work: Key Differences

i) Type of Motion

A solenoid engine moves in a straight line. So when electricity passes through the solenoid. It pulls the piston forward. When the current is turned off. Then the piston returns. This motion occurs in repeated small jerks.

In an electric motor, it works differently. When electricity flows through the motor. Then it creates a magnetic force that keeps the rotor spinning smoothly. Hence, electric motors are ideal for machines that need to rotate continuously and without stopping.

ii) Energy Efficiency

Electric motors are highly efficient and convert most electrical energy into mechanical power. Solenoid engines waste more energy as heat because each stroke produces only a small amount of useful motion.

When you compare them, the differences are clear. Electric motors run fast, smoothly, and with high torque. On the other hand, solenoid motors are slow and uneven. Because each stroke produces only a small amount of power. It occurs intermittently rather than in a continuous rotation.

Performance Comparison Table

Pros and Cons

Solenoid Engine — Pros

The solenoid engine has many good aspects that make it a great one to learn about. 

• Simple and easy to build

• Great for teaching magnetism and electromagnetics

• Safe for classroom and hobby use

• Affordable and fun to experiment with

A solenoid engine is mainly a learning tool. It’s inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and great for demonstrating how electromagnetism creates linear motion.

Solenoid Engine — Cons

• Low efficiency

• Weak power output

• Jerky motion

• Poor durability for long-term use

• Not suitable for real machines

Because the strokes are intermittent and low-power, solenoid engines aren’t practical for real applications. They excel as educational models but not as functional power units.

Electric Motor — Pros

An electric motor has many strong advantages.

• Very high efficiency

• Strong torque and stable rotation

• Long lifespan

• Quiet operation

• Works in almost every modern appliance

Electric motors offer continuous, stable, and powerful rotational motion, making them the preferred choice for real-world devices and industrial machines.

Electric Motor — Cons

• More complex construction

• Harder to build by hand

• More expensive for high-power models

• Less ideal for demonstrating electromagnetic concepts visibly

Electric motors offer continuous, stable, and powerful rotational motion, making them the preferred choice for real-world devices and industrial machines.

Which One Is Better?

• For learning and hobby projects → Solenoid Engine

It shows electromagnetic concepts clearly and is easy to assemble.

• For real performance and practical use → Electric Motor

It’s stronger, faster, more efficient, and suitable for everything from household appliances to electric vehicles.

Both play an important role in understanding how electricity becomes motion, but they serve different purposes.

Conclusion

In short, solenoid engines and electric motors are important in the world of engineering. The solenoid engine is best for learning. And the electric motor is most effective for practical use. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your project or learning goals.

If you want to explore engine mechanisms hands-on, EngineDIY offers detailed engine models that make learning engineering fun and engaging.

FAQs

1. Can I use a solenoid engine in an RC car or mechanical project?

Not recommended. The power output is too low. Electric motors (DC brush, brushless, or stepper motors) are far better suited for vehicles or robotics.

2. Which one is easier to build at home?

A solenoid engine. It’s simple, visible, and only needs coils, a piston, and a power source. Electric motors are more complex and require precision parts to work smoothly.

3. Do electric cars use solenoid engines or electric motors?

Electric cars use electric motors—usually high-efficiency AC induction or permanent-magnet motors. Because solenoid engines cannot deliver the required power.

4. Why is the solenoid engine not used in cars?

Because it produces very low power and jerky linear motion. Cars need strong, continuous rotational power, which solenoid engines cannot provide.

5. Do solenoids run on AC or DC power?

Most solenoids are DC, but AC solenoids also exist. For solenoid engines and DIY projects, DC is standard.