Tips to Consider Before Buying a Washing Machine

The market is full of choices when it comes to home appliances, and washing machines are no different. Making a choice is difficult but when you are armed with some information on the different kinds of washing machines, their capacities and features, choosing becomes just that much easy.

Semi-automatic and fully automatic

There are semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines. Semi-automatic ones are basic models and have two tubs, with one used for washing and the other used for drying. They consume less water than fully automatic washing machines and are also inexpensive. Automatic washing machines have one tub only and all the tasks are performed in the tab, so you don’t have to shift clothes. Also they are more energy-efficient.

Front-loading or top-loading?

There are two types of fully automatic washing machines: the front loaders and top loaders. The front-loading washing machines are those where clothes are loaded from the front. They consume less electricity, water and detergent. A top-loading machine is one where clothes are loaded from the top into a drum that has been mounted vertically and rotates horizontally. One of the most common dilemmas a consumer faces is over which one’s better: a top loader or a front loader.

• In terms of energy efficiency, the top loader is less efficient than a front loader. Front loaders consume less water than top loaders. Front loaders are more expensive than top loaders.
• Top loaders are noisier than front loaders.
• Top loaders don’t need you to bend or kneel down when you have to load clothes, but front loaders need you to sit down and sort out clothes.
• Top loaders are easy to maintain, clean and dry, while front loaders can be difficult to keep dry. The designs of front loaders are sophisticated and sleeker than top loaders which have traditional designs.

Other features to consider:

You would need to consider the pattern of usage when it comes to deciding which washing machine to buy. Ask yourself how many clothes you wash at once, how often you wash and what is your lifestyle. Depending on these aspects, you could choose a machine that suits you. Wash loads vary between three and ten kgs. For a family of three to four people, a washing machine with a wash load of four kg would be ideal.

• You could look for a washing machine with a child lock if you have a curious kid who tends to push buttons and fiddle with the programming.
• Check the number of wash care programs that your machine has. Different fabrics require different cycles, and you could choose one depending on the clothes.
• Auto imbalance system in a washing machine re-distributes the load to balance clothes if they are unevenly dumped into it.
• If you live in an area where the water is hard, you could consider buying a machine that has a built-in filter to treat hard water and boost the life of your washing machine.

If you are looking at buying a washing machine online, it becomes easier to do your research on washing machines available in India and then make an informed choice.