Washing Machine Buying Guide – How to choose the best?

A semi-automatic washing machine consists of two drums, one for washing and another for drying the clothes. Compared to a fully-automatic washing machine, semi-automatic washing machines consume less water and are much cheaper. This is the reason why you will find them in most Indian houses including that they also consume less electricity.

In addition to performing basic tasks automatically, semi-automatic washing machines also require manual input. Including, filling the tub up with water, emptying it later, removing clothing from the wash tub, placing it into the drying tub, etc.

Fully-automatic washing machines, in contrast to semi-automatic ones, are truly automatic. It only takes a few minutes to put all your clothes in the machine and then remove them after the washing is finished. The machine takes care of everything from filling up the water to washing the clothes and later on drying them out. Fully automatic washing machines have a single tub that can be used for both drying and washing. Adding water or switching compartments is no longer necessary.

There are, however, several disadvantages to fully automatic machines, such as their cost and weight. Along with consuming more electricity, they also require a constant and sufficient supply of water. But looking on the good side, they are easy to use and also result in effective results at the end of each cycle.

Fully automatic washing machines are further classified into two categories, top load washing machines, and front load washing machines.

Top-loading washing machines are fully automated machines for washing clothes that can be loaded from the top. The upward-facing drum allows you to easily put in the clothes for washing and remove it after the wash cycle is completed.

Top-load washing machines are less energy-intensive and lighter in weight. These washing machines use a specific detergent, which can be either in liquid or powder form. The advantage of top-loading washers is that you don’t have to bend over to put your clothes in and you can also add additional clothes in between the wash cycle.

The top load washing machine has a single tub that is used for washing and drying. In comparison to front-load machines, they offer fewer wash programs, making them a cheaper option.

A front-load washing machine offers an extensive range of wash programs along with being strong and heavy. In comparison with other washing machines, they are less noisy and provide better wash quality.

To wash clothes in a front load washing machine, you need to put your clothes from the front. You only need to put the clothes in and add detergent; everything else happens automatically, including supplying water, rinsing after washing, and so on. Washing and drying are handled by a single tub.

When compared with the other two machines on the list, front-loaders provide excellent wash quality. If you are on a tight budget, a front load might not be the perfect washing machine for you. Also, front-load washing machines tend to cost more to repair and maintain.

Having a fuzzy logic or auto-select feature can reduce your effort of figuring out the perfect wash cycle up to a greater extent. With this feature, the machine automatically selects the most appropriate washing program depending on the amount of load. Moreover, it automatically detects the weight, selects the washing cycle time, detergent, and water required, and starts washing within no time.

If you are a working couple with a busy work schedule or do not often have time to monitor the wash cycle, this feature is just for you! With this flexible feature, you can plan your washing ahead of your schedule and also delay your washing cycle for up to 0 to 24 hours.

This advanced feature is very useful while you’re out or asleep. The washing machine will automatically start the washing cycle on its own without any human interaction.

With the temperature control feature, you can clean tough stains even at high temperatures. If your washing machine has an inbuilt heater, you get the flexibility to control the water. This feature becomes very fruitful during winter. The other advantage of using hot water is that it cleans your clothes better as compared to cold water.

Nowadays, washing machines have large displays that can make it easier for the user to read and identify which specific operation is being performed. The display can also feature a few other important parameters, such as washing, spinning, drying, timer, type of clothes, and temperature setting. On the other hand, it is absent in almost every semi-automatic washing machine.

The bubbles produced by this feature penetrate deeper into the fabric and provide better wash results. The key principle here is to convert the detergent particle into a bubble that inflates around the soaked clothes and penetrates the fabric to remove dirt rooted in the fabric.

A unique and advanced feature among all others, you get to enjoy this functionality only with washing machines in the expensive category. You can remove tough stains and keep your clothes smelling fresh with a stream wash. With the help of steam, heat, and humidity, a force is transmitted onto the clothes which leaves them clean and new forever!

Washing machines are chosen based on their load capacity, which is measured in kilograms and relates to the number of family members. To get the best wash quality, it is advisable to only fill the drum one-third full.

Plastic, porcelain enamel, or stainless steel are the most common materials used in washing machine drums. The durability of plastic tubs is greater than that of enamel tubs, which chip and rust easily. Tubs made of stainless steel are the most durable, last longer, and can sustain high spin speeds.

After washing the clothes, spin cycles are used to dry them. In other words, this factor determines the time that a machine will take to dry clothes.

In comparison to machines with lower (RPM) revolutions per minute, those with higher revolutions per minute have better drying capacity and take less time to dry.

This is a great feature when you need to wash clothes quickly before going somewhere. Compared to the usual wash cycle, it takes only 30-36 minutes to wash 2 to 3 kg of clothing. However, the time needed by the wash cycle is dependent entirely on the amount of load.

To wash your clothes automatically, you must soak them for a certain period before starting the cycle. The stains come loose and are easier to remove after presoaking. Put your clothes in the washing machine, bucket, or tub, then add your detergent.

As a consumer, you should look forward to this aspect if you’re not sure what detergent is appropriate for your washing cycle. If you use less detergent, it can lead to discoloration and unpleasant odors, affecting the quality of cleaning. Similarly, if you use more quantity of detergent, you will require more water for rinsing off the detergent and your detergent stock may also drain out sooner.

Therefore, choosing an automatic detergent dispenser washer is a smart choice since it can automatically calculate the required quantity of detergent depending on the load of clothes you need to wash.

Throughout India, hard water is a very common problem, and detergents have a very difficult time dissolving in it. As a result, salt deposits accumulate around the drum and supply pipes, eventually choking and clogging them.

Looking into this problem, many manufacturers have integrated hard water treatment technology into their newer models which can convert hard water into soft water for an enhanced washing experience.