Washing machines have become a necessity today in our fast-paced lives. Therefore, the number of washing machines available in the market is greater than ever before. With so many options available, choosing the best washing machine for home can get overwhelming. Besides, everyone has different laundry requirements. For instance, big families, small families, or people living alone.
Buying Guide for the Best Washing Machine for Home
To make things easier for you, we bring a detailed guide on how to choose the best washing machine for home. It’s a 3-step process that will help you in deciding the right washing machine for home.
In the first step of the washing machine buying guide, we will be talking about the various types of washing machines available in the market to choose from. The second step will guide you to look at some of the essential things from the user’s point of view. In the third step, we will see what all add-on features are available in the market and what our budget and requirements allow while buying a washing machine for home.
Step-I: Know about the various types of washing machines for home use
1. Semi-automatic or fully automatic washing machine
Both semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines have their advantages and disadvantages. Semi-automatic washing machines require a lot of human intervention, whereas fully automatic washing machines are fully automated and require no human intervention.
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The advantages of semi-automatic washing machines are they require less water and less power, are budget-friendly, easy to operate, and economical for maintenance. Operating Semi-automatic washing machines can be a bit of a hassle as you need to fill the wash tank manually with a bucket or pipe. Also, after the washing process, all the clothes need to be transferred to the dryer section. Semi-automatic washing machines also need more space, and there is no temperature setting available for washing.
The advantages of fully automatic washing machines are that they can be easily operated with minimum human intervention. You need to put the clothes on and set the temperature and time for the wash cycle, and everything will be done automatically. The disadvantages of a fully automatic washing machine are that it needs more water, has high power consumption, and takes more time to wash and dry. So, you can choose the one that best suits your requirements.
2. Top load and front load washing machines
The placement of their doors defines the top load and front load washing machines. The top load has a door at the top, while the front load has a door at the front. The advantages of a top load washing machine are it can be easily loaded and unloaded with little effort. Clothes can be added mid-cycle in a top load washing machine. The wash cycles are faster than front load machines and offer quick washing.
There are a variety of wash cycles for top-load machines. The ergonomic design of the top load design makes it convenient to put the clothes in it. The disadvantages of a top load washing machine are it needs more water and detergent than a front load washing machine.
The agitators in the top load machines can make a lot of noise while operating. Besides, top load washing machines need a lot of space for installation. The advantages of a front load washing machine are any types of clothing, from delicate to heavy, can be washed conveniently. Front-load washing machines can be installed easily and need less space. They need less water and are energy efficient.
The disadvantages of front-load machines are that they require regular cleaning of the doors and gaskets. It is also difficult to stop any front-load machine mid-cycle if you forget your towel. Besides, bending is needed to load and unload, which can be a little inconvenient.
3. Size and capacity
The first thing to consider is the size of the washing machine. According to the space given in your house, you can choose the size. Also, there are dry balconies in some homes specially made to keep the washing machine. Hence it is recommended to read the full dimensions of the machine before deciding to purchase it. The washing machine that fits perfectly on your dry balcony would be the best choice.
Another important thing is the load capacity of the washing machine. For example, washing machines are available from 5 kg to 9kg. For a small family with 1 to 2 members, the tank capacity should be 5 to 6 kg as there will be fewer clothes for washing. For 2 to 5 members, the tank capacity should be 6.5 to 8 kg. Families with more than five members should consider the large capacity of up to 9kg.
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Step II: Key factors to consider in a washing machine for home
1. Energy efficiency
This option lets you save energy, which saves a great amount on electricity bills. The BEE rating on the washing machine represents the machine’s energy efficiency. For example, 5-star ratings save the most energy. At the same time, 4 stars save more energy than 2 stars. A 5-star rating washing machine may be expensive, but it will save a lot of money on electricity bills in the long run.
2. Durability
The durability of a washing machine greatly depends upon the tub’s material. The tub can be made of porcelain enamel, plastic, or stainless steel. Porcelain enamel rusts or chips quickly, while plastic tubs are more durable than enamel. The most durable is the stainless-steel tubs which can endure high speeds of the spin cycle.
3. Budget
Indeed, expensive washing machines have the most features, and they are made to last long. However, today, there are many washing machines available in the market that have reasonable prices and all the great features. Hence, you can choose one according to your budget and preferences.
Step III: Add on factors to consider while buying a washing machine for home use
Some of the other factors to look for are:
1. Innovative features
Nowadays, there are various innovative features available on the washing machine, which are:
2. Quick wash
This is a wash cycle that only takes 15 to 20 minutes to wash clothes. It can wash 1 to 1.5 kg of clothes. It is ideal for daily wash and busy people. It is also beneficial for those in a hurry or going somewhere. The quality of the wash is better than in normal cycles.
3. Delay wash
This feature lets you delay the wash cycle for 23 hours. It is useful for busy couples who are working. Just set the delay wash function, and the washing machine will automatically start with the set time without any manual intervention.
4. Child lock
This feature lets you lock the panel to prevent children from operating it. This is especially helpful as it prevents accidents caused by interrupting the wash cycle by the kids.
5. Pre-soak option
This option is good for highly soiled clothes as it lets you soak your clothes before washing them.
6. Bubble wash
This feature lets you deep clean your clothes as it is based on the technique of converting the detergent particles into bubbles. These bubbles can go deeper into the clothes and clean stubborn stains.
7. Auto-select
The washing machine automatically detects the best wash cycle depending on the load. Moreover, it also perceives the amount of water and detergent needed to run the cycle. Therefore, it is hassle-free and convenient for a busy person.
8. Auto detergent dispenser
This is another good feature if you are confused about the amount of detergent required for a certain wash cycle. Adding more detergent can tear away the fabric in the long run and make clothes lifeless. While adding less detergent can cause unpleasant odors. Hence this feature lets you add optimum detergent.
Best Washing Machine Buying Guide: FAQs
How important is the capacity of the washing machine?
The capacity of the washing machine determines the amount of laundry it can accommodate in a single load. It is essential to choose a capacity that suits your household’s needs. A larger capacity is ideal for bigger families or households with heavier laundry loads, while a smaller capacity may suffice for individuals or smaller families.
What is an energy-efficient washing machine, and why is it important?
An energy-efficient washing machine is designed to consume less electricity and water while delivering optimal cleaning performance. It helps reduce utility bills and minimizes the environmental impact. Look for washing machines with higher BEE star ratings in India or energy-efficient labels in other countries to ensure lower energy consumption.
What additional features should I consider in a washing machine?
Additional features to consider include quick wash cycles, delay start option, child lock, noise reduction technology, inverter motor for quieter operation, steam cleaning for improved stain removal, and smart connectivity for remote control and monitoring. Evaluate these features based on your preferences and specific requirements to enhance your laundry experience.
Are there any specific wash programs I should look for in a washing machine?
When choosing a washing machine, look for models that offer a variety of wash programs to cater to different types of fabrics and laundry needs. Common wash programs include normal, delicate, heavy-duty, quick wash, and wool cycles. Having a range of options ensures that you can effectively clean various garments without causing damage.
How important is the spin speed of a washing machine?
The spin speed (rotation per minute) of a washing machine determines how fast the drum rotates during the spin cycle to extract water from the clothes. A higher spin speed results in better water removal, reducing drying time. It is advisable to choose a washing machine with a higher spin speed for quicker drying, but keep in mind that delicate fabrics may require lower spin speeds to prevent damage.
What role does a digital display or control panel play in a washing machine?
A digital display or control panel provides easy access to various settings and options on a washing machine. It allows you to select wash programs, adjust temperature, set timers, and monitor the progress of the wash cycle. A user-friendly and intuitive control panel enhances convenience and ease of use, making it simpler to operate and customize the machine according to your preferences.
What warranty and after-sales services should I expect with a washing machine?
When buying a washing machine, inquire about the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer. Typically, manufacturers offer a standard warranty period that covers any defects or malfunctions. It is also important to consider the availability of after-sales services such as installation support, customer helplines, and authorized service centers. Research the brand’s reputation for customer service to ensure reliable support throughout the lifespan of the washing machine.
Conclusion
Thus, you can consider the following factors while choosing the best washing machine for your home. Finally, it is recommended to do thorough research online or in stores before purchasing.