Buying Guide For Washing Machine
This Washing Machine Buying Guide is written by keeping Indian Buyers in mind. Read this buying guide to know the points that a smart buyer should know before buying a washing machine in India.
Why buy a new Washing Machine?
A washing machine is an essential home appliance for every busy household. It can be used to wash all kinds of clothes, bed sheets, sofa covers, pillow covers, carpets, and many more. With the assistance of washing machines, you no longer need to physically strain yourself by rubbing and squeezing clothes which is pretty tiring and time-consuming too. While your clothes are being washed in the washing machine, you relax and carry on with your other tasks.
Unlike the old washing machines that have been used by people, nowadays washing machines come laden with a lot of features and functionalities. Now, washing machines come with features like temperature control, quick wash, child lock, digital display, etc. Technology has evolved, and the newest eras of washing machines are more productive, prompt, and more beneficial at cleaning clothes.
If you use an old washing machine, it is high time you look at a new washing machine model. Now, Let’s learn more about different types of washing machines in this buying guide for washing machines and which is best suited for you.
Types of Washing Machines
There are different types of washing machine available in the market. Let’s see them below in this washing machine buying guide:-
1. Fully Automatic Washing Machine Buying Guide
As the name suggests, fully automatic washing machines complete the laundry process from start to finish at the touch of a button. You don’t need to transfer your laundry into a separate dryer manually, so these machines make washing your clothes much simpler.
Once you’ve filled the drum, added the soap, and chosen your wash cycle, you only need to take your laundry out once it’s cleaned. Fully automatic machines are ideal if you’re generally pushed for time and need to streamline the laundry process.
Pros of Fully Automatic Washing Machine
I. As the entire process is automated, it saves a lot of time and energy.
II. Need a very small amount of space.
III. There is no more need to put effort manually.
IV. Designed, including various and advanced features.
Cons of Fully Automatic Washing Machine
I. A fully automatic washing machine uses more water
II. The entire wash cycle requires a continuous flow of water until its completion.
2. Semi-Automatic Washing Machine Buying Guide
Semi-automatic washing machines require more manual work. These models usually contain two separate tubs; one for washing and one for drying. You’ll need to fill the water, add the soap, drain the dirty water, unload your wet laundry, and put it in the dryer. Although this can be more time-consuming, semi-automatic models are energy efficient.
Pros of Semi – Automatic Washing Machine
I. No more in need of continuous water flow. Consumes less or sufficient water only.
II. Enhances high washing quality.
III. One can handle delicate clothes without causing any damage.
Cons of Semi – Automatic Washing Machine
I. Need manpower for completing the whole operation successfully.
II. Need more space.
3. Front Loading Washing Machine Buying Guide
This type of washing machine features a door on the front of the unit to load and unload clothes. To clean fabrics, front-load washers tumble laundry in a horizontal drum which creates friction between the items. This washer type also generally uses less water per wash cycle compared to top-load washing machines.
Since you access this type of washer from the front, you can use a stacking kit to place a dryer above it for a space-saving stacked setup.
Pros of Front-loading Washing Machine
I. Typically uses less water per load compared to top load washer models
II. Higher spin speeds can help wick away moisture and lead to shorter dry times
III. Often available with greater capacity than other types of washers
IV. Wash action provides a thorough but gentle clean
Cons of Front-loading Washing Machine
I. Sometimes have longer wash cycles than top load washing machines
II. No deepwater soak settings
III. Might need to be cleaned more frequently
IV. May need to bend over lower to access, though pedestals are available for select models
4. All-in-one Washer and Dryer Combo Washing Machine Buying Guide
A combo washer and dryer is a type of washing machine that also dries the laundry in the same drum. This eliminates the need for two separate appliances and provides an excellent space-saving option. All-in-one combos usually feature a front-load design and include more settings and options than stacked laundry centers.
Combo washers/dryers may have similar dimensions to a front load washer, but there are also more space-efficient versions available.
Pros of – in – one Washer and Dryer Combo Washing Machine
I. The space-efficient design combines two appliances into one
II. Compact models available
III. Typically more options and settings than stacked laundry centers
IV. No need to transfer loads from one machine to another
Cons of – in – one Washer and Dryer Combo Washing Machine
I. Generally offers less capacity than some stand-alone options
II. Dry cycle times may be longer
5. Top Loading Washing Machine with 2 in 1 agitator and impeller
Select top load washing machines that let you switch up the washing action with a 2-in-1 agitator and impeller design. These types of washing machines usually feature a removable agitator with a permanent impeller disc. It lets you customize any load to care for your clothes the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. With two ways to wash, it’s twice the washer you have at home.
Pros of Top-loading Washing Machine with 2 in 1 agitator and impeller
I. A removable agitator provides greater flexibility
II. No need to choose between agitator or impeller
III. Can remove agitator to wash bulky items like comforters
IV. Provides all the pros for both impeller and agitator models
Cons of Top-loading Washing Machine with 2 in 1 agitator and impeller
I. Generally uses more water than front-load models
II. Loads can become off-balanced if not loaded carefully
6. Top load Impeller Washing Machine Buying Guide
You’ll load and unload clothes from the top for this washing machine type, just like top load washers with an agitator. The difference is that the washing action is facilitated with an impeller instead of an agitator. An impeller is a low-profile cone or disc that spins to rub clothes against each other to get them clean.
The dimensions for top load impeller washers are generally the same as agitator models. However, impeller washing machines sometimes offer a little more capacity since the impeller takes up less space inside the wash basket than an agitator. This can make them a good choice if you frequently wash large or bulky items.
Pros of Top load impeller washing machine
I. Wash action provides a thorough, gentle clean
II. Generally uses less water than older agitator models
III. Deepwater wash and soak options on select models
IV. More room in the wash basket for bulky articles and easy loading/unloading
V. More large capacity options are usually available
Cons of Top load impeller washing machine
I. Generally uses more water than front-load models, though less than older agitator models
II. Loads can become off-balanced if not loaded carefully
III. Deep fill may not be available on all models
7. Portable or Compact Washing Machine Buying Guide
If space is at a premium, compact and portable washing machines may be the best type of washing machine for you. You can usually find a compact option among different types of washers, including top and front load, stackable, stacked laundry centers, or all-in-one to fit your preference. Portable washing machines are usually the smallest option and are designed to be stored in a closet or other area until needed, though some can be installed permanently.
They typically feature an inlet hose that connects to kitchen or bathroom faucets, along with a drain hose you can set inside a tub or sink. Portable washer sizes vary widely but can come with as little as 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for very tight spaces.
Pros of Portable or Compact Washing Machine
I. Front-load models can be stacked with a dryer
II. Portable washers can be disconnected from hookups and stored away when not in use
III. Saves space in an apartment or small laundry area
Cons of Portable or Compact Washing Machine
I. Offers less washing capacity than other types of washers
II. Cannot wash large loads or bulky items like a comforter
8. Stackable Washing Machine Buying Guide
Stacked laundry centers usually feature a top load washing machine and dryer built into one continuous frame. This is a great option if you prefer a top load washer but only have space for a stacked setup. This combined appliance simplifies installation with no need for a stacking kit since the washer and dryer are already built as one unit.
You can find different types of washing machines in laundry centers, including agitator and impeller styles. These units typically offer smaller capacity ranges than stand-alone units with between roughly 1.5 and 3.5 cu. ft. washer capacity. However, you’ll also usually find smaller outer dimensions, making stacked laundry centers a popular choice for apartments or other small spaces.
Pros of Stackable Washing Machine
I. Fits into smaller spaces and those requiring vertical stacking
II. Offers a stacked option with a top load washing machine
III. No stacking kit needed
Cons of Stackable Washing Machine
I. Typically has fewer options and features than other types of washers
II. Can have a smaller range of capacities than other styles
III. Can’t separate the units for alternate configurations.
Factors to be considered while selecting a Washing Machine
Lets check the factors that one must keep in mind while purchasing a washing machine in this buying guide given below:-
● Spin Speed
The spinning speed of a washing machine ranges from 800 rpm (rotations per minute) to 1600 rpm or more. The faster the spin speed, the more moisture can be extracted, leaving the clothes drier. A faster spin speed is perfect for thicker materials such as jeans and jackets that normally require a lot of time for drying.
● Load capacity
When it comes to washing machines, the load capacity is an easy thing to figure out. It’s denoted in kilograms (kg) – the larger the drum, the more clothes you can wash at a time. The capacity of washing machines ranges from 5kg to 12kg to suit every size of household.
● Price range, brands, and models
All the leading brands manufacture washing machines, including LG, Samsung, IFB, Bosch, Panasonic, Siemens, and Whirlpool. At the Reliance Digital stores, you’ll also find Reconnect washing machines, Reliance’s brand best known for offering value-for-money consumer electronics and home appliances.
● Ease of use
When looking for washing machines, you should also look at the type of controls it has. The semi-automatic ones usually have knobs to set the timer for the washer and rinser. However, the fully automatic ones have push buttons for functions and timer settings. The higher-end front loading washing machines come equipped with push buttons and a small LCD panel, which displays information about the timer, wash mode selected, etc.
● Build quality
Once you’ve selected the type of washing machine, you should look at its build quality too. While the entry-level ones are made from thin plastic, the higher-end ones are made from a strong and sturdy polycarbonate body.
Which type of washing machine is best suited for you?
The best type of washing machine for you depends on your family size, lifestyle, budget, and how much space you have for a washer and dryer. Whether it’s a compact all-in-one option for an apartment or a large capacity top load washer with smart, corresponding features, you have plenty of choices to choose from.
Thank you for reading this Washing Machine Buying Guide. Hope its knowledgeable and helpful for you. If you like to add any point in this buying guide for washing machine then, please do comment below.
