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If you are thinking of purchasing a new washing machine and you want to get a brief idea then our Top Factors to Consider When Buying Washing Machine | Buying Guide March 2024 will assist you to purchase the best washing machine according to your needs.
You can also refer to our top 10 best front-load washing machines in India.
In this article, you will have step by step guide from basic to advance requirements and ideas briefly so please read this article completely and get confident to buy the best washing machine.
Let’s get started.
When you are planning to buy a new washing machine and searching for the best washing machine, there are a few basic things you need to consider.
- What loading capacity of the washing machine do I need?
- What type of operation do you want semi-automatic or fully automatic?
- Which type of washing machine is better? A top-load or a front-load washing machine?
- How much space do you have available to store the washing machine?
- How much laundry do you want regularly?
- What are the basic and advanced features you wish to have? | Budget.
What loading capacity of the washing machine do I need?
The loading capacity of the washing machine relates that how many family members you have and how many pairs or pieces of clothes usually you wash daily. Here is a most precise chart to get better ideas.
| Family Members | The capacity |
|---|---|
| One to three | 5.5 to 6 Kg |
| Four to six | 6.5 to 7.5 Kg |
| Above six or seven | 8 Kg to above |
It is always good to go with one step higher kg capacity according to the number of family members because the price difference of a one-step higher capacity like 5.5 to 6 kg may be around three to five thousand rupees. Please check the price difference before you buy it.
What is the difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic washing machine?
Semi Automatic Washing Machine
It has a manual system completely. You have to operate it manually. Usually, it has two sections. One is the washer and another is the dryer. The washer is to wash the clothes and the dryer is to dry the washed clothes.
In this washing machine, you need to fill the water in the washer manually with a bucket or pipe. Then add detergent to the washer tub and set the washing time and fabric type manually.
After completing the washing time, it sounds or notifies like a buzz to indicate that your clothes are washed then you need to take them out and put them into the dryer section to dry them. It is easy to operate and doesn’t require a huge amount of water. Basic features are available mostly in all brands. Therefore, it comes at a low price.
Fully Automatic Washing Machine
A fully automatic machine works automatically almost without any human interaction. You don’t need to operate it manually. It performs with a single tub for washing and drying purposes. It’s easy to operate, simply put the clothes into the tub, select the wash program and press the start button.
In this type of washing machine, you don’t need to pour the water into the tub as the unit collects the water automatically from the tap connected to it. After washing and drying are completed, you just keep them in the sunlight to dry completely.
The fully automatic washing machine is more power-efficient and convenient. Therefore, it is a hassle-free and smooth operation. It uses less water compared to the semi-automatic washing machine. Thus, the fully automatic is an advanced unit.
Which type of washing machine is better?
A top load or a front-load washing machine?
You will get detailed info in this Buying Guide For The Best Washing Machine 2023.
Do many consumers ask what kind of washing machine is better? The new high-efficiency front-load washing machine or the traditional top-load washing machine? In this article we will walk through many performance factors you should consider when selecting between top-load and front-load washing machines for your needs.
Top Load Washing Machine
The classic top-load washing machine is one that most of us grew up with. Top-loading washing machines are normally more convenient since you don’t have to bend over to load or unload your clothes, making them an ideal height for older buyers and those with joint issues.
Though, when shopping makes sure you reach into the washing machine and pretend you are trying to grab that last sock at the bottom.
The top-load washing machine can be very deep and sometimes have trouble reaching into them. Top-load washing machines have other convenient qualities, such as the ability to add clothes mid-cycle or right after starting the cycle since the door doesn’t lock. They can also collect lint and distribute fabric softeners better than front-load washing machines.
One of the best things about it is they are cheaper compared to the front-load washing machine. This is a technology that has been around for a long time so the price has gone down.
When you lift the lid open it’s a lot easier to pull your clothes out and put them in the dryer also if you are forgetful and you need to add clothes you just lift the lid and add your clothes. It has very basic and simple controls to operate the unit. You have water availability mostly. You can add water manually into the washing machine in case you don’t have water availability.
It is a good standard for everybody to have this product. It is easy to use. So if ease of use is your main concern, we recommend a top-loading washing machine for your home.
Normally, the top-loading washing machine has an agitator in the middle and it is maybe a little harder to wrap up easily or large bulky items inside. Therefore you can not hold more clothes to wash in this compared to the front-load washing machine. Another thing is it uses a lot more water. The drum needs to be filled up before the cycle starts. The spin cycle is not quite as efficient.
You can not even stack the top-load washing machine. The way of spinning takes a little bit longer to dry your clothes compared to the front-load washing machine. When it comes to the top-load washing machine, they’re a lot rougher on your clothes.
Especially when you overload the washing machine Because of the position of the motor or the agitator in the washing machine your clothes can’t be fully immersed in the water.
Front Load Washing Machine
Front-load washing machines tend to be a little more expensive but they clean better and gentler than the best high-efficiency top-load washing machines. The front-load washing machines take longer to clean loads but spin faster extracting more water and trimming down your dryer time.
The high spin speed can cause some washing machines to vibrate so make sure you look for a unit with anti-vibration technology that reduces vibration.
Also, note that some of the front-load washing machines collect the water around the rubber door gaskets and that can develop a mold to prevent this from happening, clean the gasket weekly and simply leave the door open a crack when you are done using it.
Front-load washing machines are known to have much better cleaning quality. And there are a few reasons why. The first is that front-load washing machines are a lot gentler on your clothes because of the position where the motor is placed and the movement of the drum itself.
Secondly, your entire clothes are submerged in the washing machine. As opposed to a top-load washing machine where if you’re putting large clothes like pillows and blankets, they don’t get submerged completely, and hence, the washing quality on the top-load washing machine is a lot lower A front-load washing machine also simulates hand motion to a certain extent.
Because of this, they’re a lot gentler and the cleaning quality is a lot better as well. It gives your clothes a smoother wash cycle that evenly distributes detergent and softeners. One of the main advantages of the front-load washing machine is it is stackable so it is going to take up half of the space in your home or apartment if you have small space.
They are more energy-efficient and they spin faster than the top-loading washing machine. This makes front-loading washing machines the best option with the cleanest result.
How much space do you have available to store the washing machine?
Generally, washing machines are 20 to 25 inches wide but an increase in capacity means your washing machine can be 2 or 3 inches wider than that. You must measure the space you have available. If you are planning to enclose your laundry pair in the closet keep in mind you will need 6 inches behind the washing machine for hookups and venting.
How much laundry do you want regularly?
The amount of laundry you do on average sizes up your laundry basket, not everybody needs a washer and dryer that will hold up to 24 full-sized bath towels but if you do plan on washing lots of big bulky items then look for the washing machine that will hold that.
If you only need space for around eight to twelve full-sized towels or if there is only a couple of people in the household look for a washing machine with smaller capacities.
Which features do you looking for in the washing machine?
It is always good to have the best features in the washing machine but keep in mind the more features the higher the price. The key is to choose a high-performance washing machine just under your budget and then upgrade to include the features you are looking for.
What is Direct Drive vs Belt Drive?
Belt Drive
The belt drive has a conventional motor system that’s connected to the pulley through a belt. The maintenance of the belt drive is a little bit cheaper. It has more moving parts therefore it causes more noise and vibration in heavy loads while spinning compared to the direct drive washing machine.
Direct Drive
The direct drive is an all-new compact form. For that, this technology has removed the brushes from the motor and set the permanent magnet system inside the motor.
The conventional belt and motor system have been replaced with a new direct drive technology washing machine. It gives a larger capacity than a standard-sized washing machine because the direct drive system can enlarge the size of the drum and spinning capacity when compared to the conventional washing machine.
It makes less noise and less vibration. The direct-drive motor is more reliable due to the technologies used and there are fewer components. It can cut your electricity bills.
You can operate your washing machine at any place in your home at your convenience. The semi-permanent motor is installed in this type of washing machine and has a much simpler structure than the conventional motor.
Therefore the durability of the washing machine is exceedingly higher than other washing machines.
With this technology, you can wash larger loads. It can reduce the damage and the creases that result from the narrowness of a conventional washing drum. The direct drive washing machine has a water circulation system, water is continuously recirculated using a shower nozzle at the top of the drum. Therefore you need less water for washing.
The shower spray function can lessen the allergy to detergents since the water shower can dissolve the detergent perfectly.
This technology also detects the weight of your clothes when you start the washing process and select the optimum washing time and the amount of water for your laundry. This way, you can save water and electricity but still obtain the cleanest laundry.
Direct Drive Motor Technology
Things to consider before purchasing the best washing machine.
Material of the drum or tub
Usually, tubs are made of stainless steel, porcelain enamel, or plastic. Plastic tubs last longer and are better than enamel tubs as they can chip or rust.
Stainless steel tubs are the most durable, very long-lasting, and can withstand high spin speeds among all types of tubs in washing machines.
What is RPM? (Spin Cycle)
Spin speed is measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and refers to the speed at which the drum rotates during a spin cycle. These speeds commonly range between 400 and 1800 RPM.
The higher the RPM, the quicker it will rotate to remove water from the clothes. You should look for a model with a high RPM before selecting the washing machine.
During the final spin cycle, the front-load washing machines generally spin about 33% faster than typical top-loading washing machines.
One drawback, however, is that the spin cycle causes many front-load washing machines to vibrate, making noise that many people would rather avoid. Even so, front-loading washing machines are highly recommended for their spin speed. You should look for a model with a high RPM (at least 1000 RPM or above) to get optimum results.
Inbuilt water heater in washing machine
This feature is a very important and helpful feature to wash the clothes of babies and kids. It helps you to convert normal water into hot water automatically according to the temperature of the water needed. you don’t need to supply hot water to the washing machine. This feature reduced allergens, mites, germs, and a clean oiliness.
Smart Inverter Technology in washing machine
This feature provides more by doing less. It gives less noise and less vibration particularly washing and spinning duration. The innovative motor produces maximum power with minimum use of electricity without sacrificing performance.
Therefore it’s more energy-efficient. The major advantage of using this technology is to run the machine continuously without power loss.
Further, this technology allows the motor to operate at low or high speeds. It uses a permanent magnet motor with a brushless DC (BLDC) motor to reduce motor friction and it has less wear and tear on parts.
It works at a variable speed according to the requirement. The brushless DC motor can be connected directly to the drum or by pulley in the case of a washing machine. But, it is always good to have a BLDC motor connected directly to the drum.
Warranty
There should be at least 3 to 5 years of overall warranty and around 10 years of motor warranty provided by the brand. We should avoid that machine which doesn’t have a warranty on the motor as they are more expensive.
Noise Level in washing machine
Normally, when the washing machine runs at the highest speed to dry the laundry and that time it produces more noise and vibration. It can be very annoying.
You need to select the quieter or less noise and vibration maker washing machine if you have the main concern. The noise level should be between 40-80 dB for the washing machine. A machine that has under 55 dB noise level is particularly quiet.
Energy-efficient and Water efficient
Front-load washing machines are more energy-efficient and water-efficient than top-load washing machines since they use up to 40% less water and almost 30% less power than the average top-load washing machine. Normally, the 5 stars BEE-rated washing machine saves more electricity and improves overall performance.
BEE rating is computed based on how much annual energy consumes by the washing machine. The higher the star rating numbers to higher the energy savings. Thus, a 5-star rated washing machine saves more energy than 4 or 3-star washing machines.
wash speed
The top-loading washing machines with an agitator tend to wash clothes faster than front-loading washing machines because clothes are constantly immersed in water. Though there is an exception to the rule since there are two main types of top-loading washing machines. One that has an agitator and one that does not.
An agitator is a mechanism within a washer that creates motion by shaking and forcing water through the machine. The top-loading washing machines with agitators typically wash quicker but are rougher on your clothes.
Once without agitators called high-efficiency are gentler on your clothes allowing them the last longer. They also handle larger loads better and use less water. As such, high-efficiency washing machines cost more. So overall, the top-loading washing machines have the advantage of their faster cycle times.
Installation flexibility
The front-loading washing machines can be stacked with a dryer which is a great option if you have limited space or want to maximize storage. Nowadays with its popularity, many washing machines are being built to have stacking capabilities even the largest units.
If you don’t need to stack your front-loading washing machine you also have the flexibility of getting laundry pedestals that raise the unit about 12 to 15 inches and can provide additional storage space.
A front-load washing machine can be stacked one on top of the other. The dryer is on top and the washer is at the bottom. And that is possible only if you’re using a front-load washing machine.
It’s not possible if you’re using a top-load washing machine because then you’ll need to leave additional space between the washer and the dryer. So, if you are considering buying a separate dryer, and you want to stack them one on top of the other, then preferably you should go for a front-load washing machine that is stackable.
Value and pricing
The front-loading washing machines are typically more expensive but justifiably so they give a more quality clean and are more energy and water-efficient than the top-loading washing machines. The front-loading washing machines use up to 40% less water than the average top-loading washing machine.
Aqua energy technology
Aqua energy technology converts hard water into soft water. This amazing technology is equipped with efficient filters that trap salt/bicarbonates and transform them into crystals. And these small-sized crystals flow easily in water and thereby make cleaning easier.
Basic and Smart features in the washing machine
Quick wash
- With this feature, it takes only 15 to 30 minutes to wash 1 to 1.5kg of laundry.
- But this feature may be restricted to small loads.
Delay Wash
- This is a very good feature for those with a busy schedule.
- It allows you to plan your washing ahead of the schedule and allows you to delay the washing function for up to 23 hours.
- It automatically starts the washing cycle on its own if you are out or sleeping. This way, you are not supposed to be there to monitor, the machine will start its operation itself.
Child Lock
- This particular feature is especially useful for those who have kids at home.
- This feature locks down the machine’s program panel so that the kids won’t be able to affect the washing process.
- It protects your predefine wash program from children.
Fuzzy Logic
- This is a very important feature to consider to have in your requirements list.
- Fuzzy logic/auto-select, this smart function selects automatically the best washing program depending on the base of the load quantity of clothes. This means it detects the weight of the clothes inserted and selects the amount of water and the wash program automatically.
Pre Soak
- The pre-soak function helps to soak the clothes before the machine starts washing automatically.
- It gives you the best experience of washing your clothes.
Display Panel
- Modern washing machines come with large size of displays to read easily and know which specific operation is carried out.
- It displays a few important parameters like washing, spinning, drying, timer, type of cloth, and temperature settings.
Bubble Wash
- This function produces bubbles that go deeper into the fabric and give a better wash quality.
- Also, by giving the same wash quality as heaters, it saves on electricity.
Steam Wash
- The washing machine uses steam and heat to remove bad smells, odors, and tough stains from the clothes.
Auto Restart
- The auto-restart option is also known as a memory option in the washing machine. With the help of this option, the washing machine can start from the previous point. If the power is interrupted, this option will keep the backup of the washing cycle and it will restart the washing machine accordingly. This feature saves time and electricity.
Hard water wash
- You should consider this feature if you are getting hard water in your area because the hard water can damage your clothes and other things like a wardrobe. Hard water turns black color clothes into gray color. The dark/deep color clothes lose their color. Many brands provide this feature in their washing machine to keep gentle on your clothes.
- Or additionally, you can also buy a hard water filter for your washing machine.
Conclusion
Prior and basic things before buying the best washing machine are the budget, the space you have available, semi or fully-automatic, the capacity of the washing machine according to your needs, energy-efficient, and the features you want in your washing machine.
We hope you get a brief idea with this Top Factors to Consider When Buying Washing Machine | Buying Guide March 2024.
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