It is always a good time to purchase a new washing machine. Whether your old machine has passed its shelf life and now requires constant maintenance, or you have never owned a washing machine, and are planning to buy a new model, owning a washing machine has become requisite in today’s day and age. Considering washing clothes manually takes considerable time and effort, washing machines provide us with the easiest, and most convenient solution to washing our clothes.
However, before purchasing a washing machine, it is important to do your due diligence, and consider various factors. Would you want to go for a fully-automatic washing machine, or a semi-automatic washing machine? Would you prefer a top-loading model, or a front-loading model? These are just some questions you need to ask yourself, and depending on the number of people living in your household and your budget, you can opt for a model that fits the bill.
To make things easy for you, we have listed a few things to consider, that will guide you through the decision-making process.
Washing Machine Loading Type
Depending upon the loading type, washing machines are divided into two types that is front loading washing machine and top-loading washing machine. In front-loading machines, the door is placed to the side, while in a top-loading washing machine, the lid or the door is placed on top, and the clothes are loaded from the top.
Fully-Automatic or Semi-Automatic Washing Machine?
Depending on the function, washing machines are also divided into fully-automatic and semi-automatic washing machines. Fully-automatic washers, as the name suggests, do not require human intervention, and the clothes are washed and dried in the same tub. Once you put the clothes in the washer and start the machine, you do not have to do anything else until the wash cycle ends, after which you take out the fabrics.
Semi-automatic washing machines, however, require human intervention during the wash cycles. These are generally entry-level washing machines, and have two tubs — one for washing, and one for drying. You will have to manually move the clothes from one tub to the other after the wash cycle ends.
Factors to be Considered
Apart from the loading type and the function of the washing machine, you have to consider several factors before you make a decision.
Capacity:
Depending upon the number of people living in your household, you have to choose a washing machine with the right capacity. For instance, for a family with 4-5 members, a washing machine with 8kg capacity would suffice. Otherwise, you will have to perform multiple wash cycles to clean all your clothes, which not only consumes more energy and water but is also more work.
Drum Material:
The drum of a washing machine can be either made of plastic, stainless steel or porcelain enamel. Usually, washers with steel drums are more expensive, but are also more durable, while drums made of porcelain enamel cost less, but aren’t as durable or reliable.
Size:
Choosing a washing machine with the right size is extremely important. Depending on where you want to keep the washing machine, you can find a model with the right dimensions. You wouldn’t want to buy a washing machine that is too big for the space, which would leave you in a predicament.
Star Rating and Efficiency:
Energy-efficient washing machines come with star ratings. For instance, the Samsung 6.0 Kg Fully-Automatic 5 Star Front Loading Washing Machine (WW60R20GLMA/TL, White) is widely considered to be the best front-load washing machine available in the market. This Samsung washing machine comes with a 5-star rating, making it extremely energy-efficient, thereby consuming less energy.
Wash Settings:
Most of the fully-automatic models come with various programs and wash settings, such as a delicate wash or wool wash. These options allow you to customize and save your favorite settings, which can later be adjusted using the touchpad or touch screen.
Spin Cycle and Fuzzy Logic:
Washing machines come with spin cycles, specified as revolutions per minute. Higher the spin cycle, the better the machine dries your clothes. For instance, machines with a spin cycle of 1000 RPM will dry your clothes better than machines with a spin cycle of 500-600 RPM.
Similarly, few washing machines also come with fuzzy logic, which is intuitive, and adjusts the time, water and washing powder depending upon the weight of the load. Fuzzy logic allows the machine to set the optimal washing conditions automatically, making the entire experience hassle-free.