Washing Machine Buying Guide 2020

Last Updated on - November 9th, 2020

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Choosing the best washing is not always easy, with the different types of washing machines available in the market. In this article “washing machine buying guide”, we will help you with all aspects of washing machines.

What is a Washing Machine? And why should we use it?

Washing machines are one of the most essential life-changing and time-saving inventions of our time. Washing machines wash your clothes without applying any physical efforts. You don’t have to rub your clothes with hands and squeeze them hard to drain it. All you have to put your laundry into the washing machine and follow the instructions. Based on selected wash mode it will distribute its time among washing, rinsing and drying.

What are the hygine issues in washing by hand?

Most of the laundry detergents and liquids have fragrances like roses or jasmine. But its smell is not natural it is only due to chemicals present in it. These chemicals can cause rashes and skin irritations.
During my childhood, I saw my mother washing clothes by her hand. As of excessive washing, she got skin irritation due to harmful chemicals present in laundry detergent.

It is advisable to use only those detergent which is fragrance and dye-free. You should also, rinse your clothes multiple times to minimize the detergent residue. In this washing machine buying guide, we will discuss best practices for laundry. The best alternative of this is to use a fully automatic washing machine.

Types of washing machines –

Washing machines are broadly classified into two types –

Semi automatic washing machine
Fully automatic washing machine

Further Fully automatic machine is also classified into –

Top Loader Washing Machine
Front Loader Washing machine

You can check some of the Best washing machines here.

In a semi-automatic washing machine, most of the things are manual except the timer and wash selector speed. Semi-automatic washing machines are very useful if there is no facility for running tap water. You can fill them using a bucket, which is not possible in fully-automatic machines.

Although, the fully automatic washing machine costs 5000 to 10000 INR more. Still, we recommend choosing a fully-automatic washing machine. Their features will compensate for its higher price. They are very hassle-free. It automatically controls water flow, performs wash, rinses and drain. The only manual work you need is to load the clothes, supply the detergent, and press the button. Once wash completed you just need to hang them in the sun for some time to completely dry.

Semi-Automatic Vs Fully-Automatic Washing Machine

Semi Automatic Washing Machine	Fully Automatic Washing Machine
More manual work	No manual work, it saves lot of time.
Requires less water (But need to monitor manually) Electricity efficient. But there should be proper earthed electricity connection, otherwise sometime can gives electric shock.	Takes more water (It will controls water flow automatically) Requires more electricity than the semi-automatic washing machine.
Requires more space - Separate tub for washer and dryer.	Requires less space - Single tub to perform wash, rinse and dry.
Maximum 3 wash programs	More wash programs than semi-automatic
Need to manually shift the clothes from washer to dryer.	Performs Wash, Drain and rinse automatically.
Can add/remove wash during the mid wash cycle	Can’t add/remove wash during the mid wash cycle (in Front loader)
No installation Required	It requires technician to install the machine.
No Advance features available.	Advanced features like ( Child Lock, In-built heater, many wash programs, quick wash etc) available.
Costs from 6000 to 15000 INR.	Costs from 14000 to 50000 INR.

Pros –

Entry-level so less expensive. A semi-automatic washing machine can range from 6000 to 13000rs in India.
It doesn’t requires a fixed water connection, you can fill the tub with a bucket.
It consumes less electricity and water. You can control water as per load, because water is added manually here. Also, you can use the rinse water in our next wash.
Can add or remove laundry during the wash cycle.

Cons –

It requires more manual work. If you are suffering from back pain then it is not good for you.
It requires more space as of fully automatic washing machine. Because of two separate tubs.

You can check some of the Best Semi Automatic washing machines here.

How to use Semi-Automatic Washing machine - Video Guide (English & Hindi)

How to choose washing machine buying guide

Fully-Automatic washing machine

In a fully-automatic washing machine, there is only one tub to performs both washing and drying. You need to provide a fixed water connection. You only need to add detergent and clothes, the rest will be taken care of by machine. It will adjust the water levels for wash, rinse and dry. You relax or watch your favourite TV show or can even go for shopping.

Fully-automatic washing machines has latest technologies and advanced features. The only concern is that it is more expensive than a semi-automatic washing machine. And requires a fixed water supply for operation.

Fully-automatic washing machines come into two categories based on the load type.

Top Loader Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Front Loader Fully Automatic Washing Machine

Agitator & Impeller in Top Loader washing machine buying guide

In an agitator washing machine, there is a central pole. It twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes.

It makes direct physical contact with your clothes. And rubs itself against the clothes to make them clean.

Top Loader Washing Machine with Impeller:-

In an Impeller washing machine, there is a low profile cone or disc or plate-like structure. It stirs the water and creates turbulent water currents. The plate/disc spins and rotates to rub clothes against each other to make them clean. The Impellers cleans the clothes without making any physical contact with them. It gently rubs the clothes against each other.

This is the advantage of Impellers in the top loader washing machine. But your clothes will get more tangled by Impeller washing machine.

One more advantage there is more space in the tub for bulky articles and also easy in loading/unloading.

Advantages of top-loading washing machine

Top loader washing machines are cost-effective. They are fully automatic and also the price is lesser than the front loader washing machine. Top loader washing machine in India costs from 15000 to 25000. As compared to semi-automatic machines, top-load machines are 5000-10000 costlier. But they have many advanced features and no manual work required. These features will outweigh the lesser cost of the semi-automatic washing machine.
Loading and unloading are also easy in the top loader washing machine. So if you are suffering from back pain, then it is best for you.
Also, many top loader machines give you 10+ wash programs for different types of fabrics.

From our recommendation, you should choose a top loader washing machine. But you must have a continuous water supply at home for top loader washing machines.

You can check some of the best Top loader washing machines here.

washing machine buying guide front loader

Front loading washing machine

Front loader washing machines, as the name suggests, you can load & unload cloths from the front. Their drum sits horizontally and is bigger than top loader washing machine. They don't have any agitators or impellers like a top loader. Here the drum rotates and picks up your clothes and dropping them into soapy water. It rubs the clothes against each other to give a perfect wash. They are very gentle on your clothes. It has a water jet spray which soaks the clothes. It requires less water than of top loader because the drum doesn't need to be fully submerged.

Pros –

Better washing than a top loader.
Energy and water-efficient.
Very gentle on clothes. Most recommended for delicate clothes
More wash programs and temperature options.

Cons –

Can’t add/remove wash during the mid wash cycle
Expensive than top loader (Costs around 25000 to 50000 Indian rupees)
Heavier (difficult to move around)
Takes more for wash than of others.

Please check some of best Front Load Washing Machines here.

Comparison - Top Loader Vs Front Loader

	Front Loader Washing machine	Top loader Washing Machine
Cost	High Initial Cost	Less Initial Cost
Water & Energy Efficient	More	Less
Cleaning	Better Cleaning	Average Cleaning
Fabric Care	Gentle on Clothes - Less Damage to clothes	Harsher on clothes - More Damage to Cloths
Wash Cycle	Longer Wash Cycle	Shorter Wash Cycle
Cloth Loading	Need to bend to loading and unloading of clothes	No need to bend - Perfect for people suffering from back pain
Features	More Wash Cycle and Features	Less Wash Cycle and Features
Capacity	Larger Capacity, can load more clothes	Less capacity due to agitator and impeller
Maintenance	Requires less maintenance	More - Because agitator is tougher on machine hardware.
Noise and Vibration	Less Vibration and Noise	More Vibration and Noise
User Friendly	More complicated Features	Easier to Use
Installation	Can be installed inside cabinets and its top can be utilized as bench top	Cant be installed inside cabinet as you need to open the lid.
Smell and Mould	Acquire more mould and smell in its door rubber	Less chances of mould and smell
Spin Speed	Runs almost 33% faster spin speed	Normal Spin Speed
Verdict	Initial investment but due to features and efficiency it is best buy	If you are tight on budget then you should consider this

Washing Machine Features -

‣ Quick wash – It gives you the facility to wash your laundry quickly. This feature is present in most of the fully automatic washing machines. Whenever we running out of time and in a hurry, it is very helpful. Depend on machines it can wash and dry your clothes in 15 to 30 minutes.

‣ Fuzzy logic – Fuzzy logic is present in most of the fully automatic washing machines. It uses modern artificial intelligence and has many inbuilt sensors. It controls wash time & cycle, water intake, water temperature, spin and rinse speed. In modern machine fuzzy login senses the load and recommends the detergent based on that. It corrects the load imbalances restart the machine.
Each washing machine manufacturer has its own defined sensors and fuzzy logics. There is not a definite process to activate the fuzzy login on the washing machine. Whenever you load clothes into the washing machine and start the wash program. The fuzzy logic activates & controls the further process based on the wash program.

‣ Delay start –

This feature is very helpful when you want to schedule your wash as per convenience. In India, people like to soak clothes their into the detergent solution for some time. It helps to get rid of tough stains easily. Also sometimes you want to load laundry at night and complete it by morning. Then the delay start will be helpful in these conditions.

‣ Steam Wash – Some of the expensive washing machines are inbuilt with steam wash. Steam wash uses water steam to wash your clothes. It produces heat and humidity inside the drum, and forcibly passes steam into clothes. It helps to remove the toughest stains and keeps your clothes odour free.

‣ Revolution Per Minutes (RPM Speed) – It is capacity by which the washing machine drum can spin in a minute. The higher number means the washing machine is more powerful. A higher number will quickly squeeze water from the clothes and gives you better drying. You can adjust the RPM based on the clothes.

‣ Temperature Control – This feature will enable you with both cold and hot water wash. The cold water wash will save energy while hot water wash will help to remove heavily soiled clothes. Some washing machines are intelligent enough and they control water temperature by own.

‣ Drum Clean – This special feature cleans the drum. It removes traces of detergent, mould and dirt from inside of the drum/tub.

10 important Factors - Washing Machine buying guide

Every washing machine has its unique features but some of the features are commons among all washing machines. In this washing machine guide, we will discuss 10 important factors one by one. Please read this washing machine buying guide before buying any washing machines.

1. Washing machine capacity – It is measured by the amount of laundry it can wash in one cycle. If the drum is not filled up to its capacity then it will waste both electricity and water. Also you should fill the drum space up to 75% for best washing result.
So you should consider numbers of person in your family and also the frequency of your washing. This washing machine buying guide will give you a rough idea with the quantity and type of clothes in one load.

Washing Machine Capacity:

Capacity	Number of Clothes	Ideal Family size
6kg - 6.5kg	1 bed sheet 2 shirts 2 jeans 2 small towels 2 pillowcases	Bachelors and Couple
7kg	3 shirts 3 jeans 1 bed sheet 2 small towels 2 pillowcases	Ideal for 3-4 Members Family
8kg	4 shirts 3 jeans 1 bedsheet 3 small towels 3 pillowcases	Ideal for 4-5 Members Family
10kg and more	3 shirts 3 jeans 2 bedsheet 6 small towels 6 pillowcases	Big Indian family with 5 plus members.

2. Drum/Tub Material – Washing machine drums are used to load and wash your clothes. They are made of either steel or plastic. The stainless-steel drum is best in washing machines. They are long-lasting and gives a higher spin speed than plastic. Although plastic tubs are also durable and rustproof.

3. Wash Cycle. – These are various wash programs by which your washing machine performs its job. You can even customize and save your favorite wash programs.

Some common wash programs are delicate, synthetic, hand wash, cotton and many more.

Common Wash cycles of washing machines -

‣ Regular, normal or cotton – Removes stains and dirt from your daily fabrics. It is for cotton, linens, bedsheets, towels, shirts, jeans underwear, socks etc.
‣ Delicate or hand wash – Gently cleans your delicate items. It is beneficial for Silk, wool or anything that has a gentle wash on the tag.

‣ Fast or Quick wash Cycle – It is for a small amount of lightly soiled garments. The load amount is generally less for this kind wash cycle. It has a faster spin speed, that wash and dries quickly. It is of generally a 30 minutes cycle.
‣ 15’ Quick Wash – It also gives the same feature as Quick wash. Here wash cycle runs for 15 minutes and take up to 2 kg load.

‣ Outdoor or Sport Cycle. – The fabrics like breathable, waterproof or windproof can be washed with this program. It doesn’t damage the fabric. If a washing machine does not have this program, then delicate or hand wash can be used.
‣ Permanent Press / Synthetics Cycle – This is the milder version of cotton or regular wash cycle. It washes on a lower temperature than of normal wash. It washes your cloth gently and makes them wrinkle-free. The same feature is available in the colour wash cycle for some machines.

‣ Wool Cycle -

It is for woollen garments. Generally, for these programs, the load is very less around 2kg. It applies gentle cradle actions and washes on lower water temperature.

‣ Steam modes – Some of the high range washing machines have this feature of steam wash. It removes bad odour and kills the bacteria from clothes.
‣ Rinse and Spin – It is used when you only want to rinse but not wash your clothes.

‣ Baby Care – This wash cycle ensures that no detergent residue left on your clothes. It washes on high temperate and also with extra rinse cycles. It ensures that your baby clothes become odour, bacteria and detergent free.

4. RPM (Revolution Per Minute) – The higher the RPM the faster the drying of clothes.

5. Temperature control – Generally washing machines have three options to select the temperature.

Cold: It uses cold water to wash your clothes. It is for those items which might shrink or leave dye. Also, it is for delicate, dark and bright fabrics.
Warm: This is for jeans, bed sheet, knits, towels, cotton and linens.
Hot: It uses hot water to wash your clothes. It removes detergent residues, odour and bacteria from clothes. Hot wash helps to remove hard stains. But, the extra hot water could shrink, damage or fade some fabrics types.

6. Energy Saving –

you should select the most energy-efficient washing machine. Every electronics appliances have their energy rating. It varies from 1 -5 stars. Along with selecting the star for energy efficiency. You should also follow some basic practices which will help you to reduce the energy cost.

Try to use cold water to wash your load ( It need extra energy to heat the water)
Washing a full load will help to utilities water and energy efficiently.
Try to use the lowest water level as per load.

7. Time delay and pre-soak feature. – Time delay is very helpful when you want to customise your washing time. You can delay your washing up to 0 to 24 hours. While pre-soak soaks your clothes into the detergent solution for some time. It helps to remove the tough stains.

8. Warranty – The washing machines are not cheap appliances. You should always check and go for a better warranty.

9. After-sale services – If the after-sale service is not good, then it will give you pain. Many big brands give free installation and better after-sale service.

10. Other Factors – Along with these budget is also an important factor to consider. Please check out some of the best budget washing machines available in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Front Load Vs Top Load Vs Semi-Automatic washing machine?

All washing machine are equally equipped with modern features. It is recommended to buy a fully automatic washing machine because it will give excellent wash water and energy efficiency. A front-load washing machine is a bit expensive but gives a comfortable wash. While a top load washing machine is perfect for people suffering from back pain.
A Semi-Automatic washing is almost as a manual washing machine. You can only consider this if you are low in budget and also there is no water connection available. You can fill a semi-automatic washing machine with both buckets as well by tap.

2. Factors to consider before buying a washing machine?

There are many factors one should consider before buying a washing machine. The most significant factors are types, capacity, brand and budget. Apart from this, you should also consider wash programs, RPM, energy ratings as well as customer reviews.

3. Why are front load washing machines more expensive than top loader?

A top load washing machine has either an agitator or pulsator system. On the other hand, a front load washing machine has a tumbler washing system. Tumbler washing systems are expensive to manufacture than the pulsator system. You will also get more wash program and features in the front load washing machine.

4. How much detergent should we use for each load?

The detergent quantity depends upon the hardness of water as well as the soils in clothes. Usually, hard water needs more detergent than soft water. It is also advisable not to use much detergent because it will leave soap traces after the wash. You should follow the guideline written on the detergent box for appropriate use.

Final Thoughts -

A washing machine is expensive home appliances and will serve its purpose for at least 10-12 years. It is advisable to take care of the washing machine and also choose your washing machine wisely.

Every washing machine brands have their specific technologies and feature. Like Samsung provides bubble wash and LG gives punch+ 3 with direct drive technologies.
In this washing machine buying guide, we have tried to cover every factor in details. If you need any further detail and like our article then please let us know in below comment section.