How to Choose the Best Washing Machine? (An Ultimate Buying Guide)

You can’t escape from the regular chore of washing dirty laundry. But cleaning them with your hands is now out of fashion. A reliable washing machine can easily handle the task of washing the laundry in a fast and efficient way and thus eases your load. So, to help you out in choosing the best one for your home, we have covered the complete buying guide and best models of Washing Machines in India.

Washing Machines are now one of the inevitable parts of every Indian home. Like Refrigerators, this one home appliance is not only a luxurious one but also a necessity too. But choosing the best washing machines in India is very difficult as there come lots of brands with different features and price tags.

So, have a look at the below descriptive buying guide to know better how to choose the best washing machine for your home.

What is a Washing Machine and How it Works?

The washing machine, also known as the laundry machine or clothes washer or washer, is a machine that cleans out the dirty laundry without much manual effort. With this machine, you don’t need to rub the dirty clothes with your hands and squeeze out the excess water from them, as it automatically does all simply.

The working mechanisms of washing machines depending on their types. Some need a little manual intervention, and some can do all automatically. But the general working procedure includes:

Washing machines come with a wash tub where you need to fill it with the dirty clothes and water along with the detergent or washing liquid. Then choose the wash mode and set the timer. Once the washing is finished, you can set it to the rinse mode to get the complete washing. Then choose the dryer mode when the washing procedure gets finished.

But the advanced types of washing machines can do all the above procedures automatically. You only need to put the dirty laundry in the machine and select the wash mode. It then automatically takes the desired amount of water and detergent according to the clothes you have loaded in it. It also automatically sets the timer for washing, rinsing, and drying as per the selected mode and the amount of clothes.

Now, let’s know about the different types of washing machines in India.

Types of Washing Machines In India

Semi-Automatic Washing Machines

Like the name, these are not fully automatic, which signifies that the machine needs a little manual interference for clothes washing. The semi-automatic washing machines come with two tubs, one for washing clothes and another for spinning or drying. Here, you need to transfer the clothes manually to the spin tub once the washing procedure gets over.

The semi-automatic washing machines come in capacity ranging from 6-8 Kg. So, you can choose the one depending on your family size and regular cloth washing needs. Plus, these are budget-friendly options too. The price of semi-automatic washing machines in India ranges from Rs 8000-Rs 15000.

Pros and Cons of Semi-Automatic Washing Machine

Pros:

• These are the very affordable types of washing machine
• It doesn’t require a continuous water supply for washing clothes. Thus saves a lot of water over the fully automatic washing machines.
• The washing cycle requires less time in the semi-automatic washing machine.
• Easy to move around

Cons:

• Requires a little much manual intervention
• Needs more space because of the bigger size

Fully Automatic Washing Machines

Like the name, the fully automatic washing machines can do all washing, spinning, and drying of clothes automatically. You just need to set the program, and the machine does the rest.

It comes with only one tub to perform both the washing and drying of clothes. Fully automatic washing Machines in India ranges from Rs 15000 to Rs 1,00000.

Pros and Cons of Fully Automatic Washing Machines

Pros

• Automatic washing of clothes in just one push of a button
• Better energy efficiency over semi-automatic washing machines
• Very powerful in removing tough stains
• Less energy consumption

Cons

• These are expensive over semi-automatic washing machines
• Requires direct water supply
• You can’t add more clothes to the middle of the wash cycle

The fully automatic washing machines are further categorized into Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine and Front Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine.

Top Load Washing Machines

Top load fully automatic washing machines are very popular in India. If you want the best clothes washing experience with only a little manual effort, the top load washing machines are best. These are fully automatic, and you need to load the laundry from the top of the washing machine. The top load washing machines come with only one tub both for washing and drying the clothes.

For washing, you just need to attach the machine with the water inlet tap and load the machine with clothes as per the capacity of it. It then automatically controls the amount of water for washing, wash the clothes, rinse it, and spin it without any of your efforts. These are also very easy to use.

The advanced models of top load washing machines come with extra-large tubs for heavy loads, offer excellent cleaning, and are also very energy efficient.

There come two types of top-loading washing machines-the one with the agitator and the other without agitator.

The washing machine with the agitator creates the motion by shaking and forcing water through the machine. Thus, it results in the vibration of the machine. But in terms of cleaning, these are typically quick and efficient.

On the other hand, the washing machines without agitators are also known as high-efficiency top load washing machines. It can clean the heavy load in one go with the more efficient cleaning results. The best part is that it requires less water over the agitator types, and are also very quiet in operation.

Pros and Cons of Top Load Washing Washing Machines

Pros

• Light in weight
• Faster wash cycle
• Inexpensive over front load washing machines
• Easy to move around

Cons

• Quite rough on clothes
• Consumes a lot of water
• Not all top load fully automatic washing machines come with a built-in heater

Front Load Washing Machines

Front-load washing machines are the most advanced types with a smart and stylish look. The washing tub of these machines sits horizontally. So, you need to load the clothes from the front side.

Although the front load washing machines are the most expensive models, but if you want the best cleaning results, these washing machines are ideal. These are also very energy efficient and use less water and detergent for washing.
These come with so many advanced features like the timer to start and stop the machine, hot water for better cleaning, various wash programs, etc.

Once you load the machine with dirty clothes, the machine adds the required amount of water automatically by sensing the weight and type of load. Then by selecting the timer, it washes the clothes, rinses, and dry it in the same tub. It is very much helpful in tackling heavy loads or bulky items very easily.

Front Load Washing Machines Pros and Cons

Pros

• Good cleaning performance
• No tangling of clothes because of tumble wash technology
• More water-efficient
• Soft on fabrics
• Comes with a built-in heater for hot wash

Cons

• Expensive
• You can’t add clothes in the mid of the wash cycle
• Needs a fixed place for installation as it is not easy to move around

Semi-Automatic Vs. Fully Automatic Washing Machine

Semi Automatic Washing Machine	Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Large in size	Smaller as compared to semi-automatic washing machines
Few wash programs	Comes with a lot of wash programs
It does not need a continuous water supply	It needs a constant water connection
Consumes less water	Consumes more water as compared to semi-automatic washing machines
Manual intervention is required for washing and drying clothes	No manual intervention, the whole wash cycle and drying is automatic in just one push of a button
Less power consumption	Requires more power due to their advanced functionalities
No built-in heater	The top models come with built-in heaters to adjust the temperature
Easy to use	The operation is pretty difficult. You need to understand the instruction manual carefully.

Top Load Vs. Front Load Washing Machine

Loading

The top load washing machine requires loading of clothes into the washing drum from the top While the front load requires loading of clothes into the washing drum from the front.

Ease of Use

Top load washing machines are much convenient to use over front load washing machines. Here, you don’t need to bend over for loading and unloading clothes. And that is a bigger benefit for older age people or people with back pain.
Water Consumption Front-load washing machines use less water as compared to the top load

Cleaning Style

Top-loading washers can be rough on clothes. On the other hand, Front loader washers are much gentler with clothes.

Energy Efficiency

The front-load washing machines run for longer periods at a relatively slow speed. Hence, they are more energy-efficient as compared to the top-loading machines.

Cleaning Efficiency

When it comes to cleaning efficiency, the front load models are proving to be the best over the top load washers. The top-loading washing machines use agitator technique for washing that catches the stray threads and also rip clothes apart. On the other side, the front-loading machines use the tumble wash technique that is proving gentler on the clothes. So, it ensures less wear and tear of the clothes.

Care and Maintenance

The front-load washers require a lot more care and maintenance over the top load washers. It is because of the horizontal drum where mold can build up around the door’s rubber gasket. So, it is recommended to always keep the front load washing machine in an area with good airflow.

On the other hand, top-loading washing machines do not require much cleaning and maintenance. It is because it comes with an easy drain out system and vertical washing drum. Also, it relies on gravity to pull water down, so no water gets trapped in any seals. Therefore, as a result, no more mold and bacteria build-up, and so no more smell at all.

Price

The top load washing machines are cheaper over the front loading washing machines. But, in terms of quality cleaning as well as water and energy efficiency, the front load is always best. Therefore, its expensive price tends to be justifiable.

Different Parts of the Washing Machine

Though different types of washing machines have their own design and features, with the parts varying from machine to machine. But there are a few parts that you will find common among various types of Washing Machines in India. So, let’s have a look at these parts.

Washing Machine Drum

The washing machine drum is the place where you load the clothes for washing. Some come with two tubs (semi-automatic washing machines) for washing and spinning separately. Some come with only one tub to perform washing and drying in the same tub.

Agitator or Paddles

The agitator or paddles are placed inside the washing machine tub to perform the cleaning operation. It actually removes the dirt and soil from the clothes by rotating and rubbing the clothes with each other.

You will find the semi-automatic washing machines come with an agitator that rotates within the machine to perform the cleaning. On the other side, most of the fully automatic washing machines come with paddles in their inner drum that is controlled by a rotating disc.

Washing Machine Motor

It is the most important part of the washing machine that ensures the operation of the appliance. It combines the agitator or the disc to turn out the washing machine’s drum. Thus, it produces a rotator motion for washing clothes.

Water Pump

The water pump in a washing machine circulates the water throughout the machine by rotating in two directions. This pump circulates water during the washing process and also drains out the water while spinning (drying) clothes.

Drain Pipe

The drain pipe expels out the dirty water while washing clothes in the machine.

Heating Element

The heating element is present only in some advanced models of fully automatic washing machines. It heats up the water at the desired temperature to remove the dirt from your clothes.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

It is a very important component of the washing machine that lets you control the various operations of the appliance. The Printed Circuit Board in a washing machine consists of the path or layout, as well as the connections between various electronic components. Thus, you can easily control and automate the operation of the washing machine.

Timer

This function ensures to set the desired time for washing the clothes. In semi-automatic machines, you have to set the timer manually. But in fully automatic washing machines, it can automatically set the desired time as per the laundry load and dirt present in the clothes.

Best Washing Machine Brands In India

LG

With innovative home appliances, LG is making your life easy and straightforward. What makes LG, one of the best washing machine brands in India, is its stylish appeal, excellent features and performance, latest technology, and good warranty and after-sales service. LG comes with a vast range of semi-automatic, fully-automatic, front-loading, and top-loading washing machines. No matter how much you want to spend, LG has a full range, suiting every budget needs.

Some of the innovative features of LG washing machines include hygienic washes, smart inverter technology, turbo drums, waterproof touch panels, 6-motion control technology, various wash cycles, and auto restart, etc.

Samsung

The brand Samsung is yet another giant player of home appliances. It promises quality, reliability, and great performance in all their home appliances. When it comes to Samsung Washing Machines, you will surely get impressed with their looks, features, and outstanding customer support.

Samsung offers a wide range of washing machines to cater to the various needs of different people. Some of the outstanding features of Samsung Washing Machines include soak, eco bubble, air dry turbo function, wobble technology, eco drums, diamond drum, smartphone troubleshooting, gentle fabric care, and energy efficiency.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool is another best brand of innovative and technological home appliances. Thus, proving to be one of the best washing machine brands in India. It not only offers super powerful and stunning semi-automatic washing machines, but also a wide range of fully automatic washing machines (front load and top load) with unique features and latest technologies.

Some innovative technologies of Whirlpool washing machines include water jet wash, gentle tumbling wash, Sixth Sense SoftMove technology, steam care, IntelliSense inverter motor, power scrub technology, and the sensor-based load detection, etc.

IFB

IFB is well known for its fully automatic front load washing machines. Featuring the most latest and innovative technologies, as well as quality and durability, IFB is yet another best washing machine brand in India.

Some of the unique technologies that IFB uses in its fully automatic washing machines are 3D wash system, air bubble wash, crescent moon drum, auto-balance system, and filter treatment to dissolve detergent into the water quickly and efficiently. Thus, offering a very smart and efficient wash every time.

Bosch

Bosch washing machines are designed to make your life easier. The brand comes with smart and appealing washing machines (front-load and top-load) that features reload functions, bigger drum, water filter for hard water, eco silence drive motor, and robust quality.

Videocon

Videocon is the first Indian company that has brought the first fully automatic top load washing machines with direct-drive technology. Thus, Videocon washing machines are very energy efficient with excellent performance. The brand also offers a full range of semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines in India with innovative features and superior functionalities.

Godrej

Godrej is another best and renowned Indian brand that has introduced the stainless steel drums in their washing machines. Some of the smart features of Godrej washing machines are fuzzy logic, digital display, various wash programs, pre-soak functionality, child-clock and allergy protection, etc. Godrej washing machines from semi-automatic to fully automatic, from top-load to front-load, ensures the efficient wash with less vibration and minimal noise.

Panasonic

Panasonic washing machines offer their all ranges from semi-automatic to fully automatic top load and front load at budget-friendly price tags. What we like best in the Panasonic washing machines is their amazing wash quality, water and energy efficiency, and durability. Some of its front-load washing machines come with unique features like pause and add clothes between the wash cycle and natural iron. As Panasonic washing machines deliver reliable washing performance, so an excellent choice for every Indian household.

Features to Consider Before Buying a Washing Machine

1. Capacity

Choosing the right capacity of the washing machine is the first and foremost consideration before you buy any type. In India, the capacity of the washing machine ranges from 5 Kg to 10 Kg. So, which capacity is the right for your family depends upon the number of members in your family.

• For a couple, the washing machine with 5 Kg capacity is pretty enough
• For a small family with 2-5 members, the washing machine with 5-7 Kg is ideal
• And if you have more than 5 members in your family, you can opt for the capacity of 8 Kg or more as per your need

2. Installation space and washer size

It is another most important consideration for placing the washing machine in a proper space or area. The standard side by side washer with dryers with the width of 27 Inches ideally fits most of the laundry areas. If you need something with increased capacity, the washing machine with 29-30 inches width is also good.

But if you need a high capacity washer, make sure that it will easily get fit both in the space provided and through the doorways. So, first measure the width, height, and depth of the area where you are planning to install the washing machine. Then, choose the ideal size according to the space of the area of installation.

3. Wash Programs

Various types of clothes need different wash settings. For instance, fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton require a gentle wash, and fabrics like denims or more require heavy washing to remove tough stains from them.

The washing machines come with a variety of wash programs to choose the desired setting as per the washing of cloth type. The semi-automatic washing machines have fewer wash programs in comparison to fully automatic washing machines.

4. Fuzzy Logic

The hi-tech variants of fully automatic washing machines come with a Fuzzy logic system. This feature ensures the automatic operation of the whole washing process by pressing the one-touch button. So, you don’t need to care about the washing cycle with the machines featuring a fuzzy logic system.

This system takes care of all the process from washing to spinning by automatically detecting the weight of the laundry. It also controls the amount of detergent, water level and washing time.

5. Washing Machine Drum Type

The wash tub or drum in a washing machine is made up of either stainless steel or plastic or porcelain-coated.

Most of the top load washing machines (both semi-automatic and fully automatic) come with the plastic drum. The plastic drums in the washing machine are economical. It is also easy to clean and does not get corroded by harsh hard water.

On the other hand, stainless steel drums look premium, are easy to clean and ensures no damage to your clothes. The porcelain-coated plastic drums are also good, but they can deteriorate if chips.

6. Smart Inverter Technology

The washing machine that features smart inverter technology ensures the operation of the appliance at the optimum speed as per the load. It means the motor that performs the washing operation will go at speed only according to the load. And thus, this feature saves a lot of energy during the operation.

7. Direct Drive Technology

Direct drive technology in a washing machine ensures that the motor does not include belts, chains, or gearboxes. It is directly connected to the washing machine’s drum, to rotate it directly. And so, this technology ensures increased energy efficiency with less noise and vibration.

Also, this technology uses fewer moving parts, thereby ensuring less wear and tear on the appliance. Thus, it results in a longer lifespan of the motor.

8. Automatic Dispensing Solution

It is very difficult to know how much detergent to use as per the laundry load. If you use less detergent, it will affect the cleaning performance. And the use of so much detergent increases the requirement of water. Therefore, using the appropriate amount of detergent in the washing machine is very important.

To overcome this issue, many models of washing machines come with an auto-dispensing solution. This feature automatically determines the right amount of detergent to use based on the load as well as the degree of soiling.

9. Different Soaking Technologies

Different brands of washing machines in India come with different types of soaking technologies to add convenience in effective dirt removal.

Samsung washing machines come with a unique Bubble Soak technology. It helps in effective dirt removal and tough stains by allowing you to soak the dirty clothes in the bubble using only the simple press of a button.

The brand Whirlpool also has an innovative SuperSoak technology in its advanced models of the washing machine. It allows effective stain removal using the soaking and scrubbing mechanism.

10. Drum Sanitization

To remove the musty smell from the washer’s drum, many advanced models of washing machines come with unique drum cleaning technologies. It sanitizes the drum or tub by removing out the molds and bacterias and other allergens from it by just pressing the button.

11. Delay Start Feature

It is one of the beneficial features of a washing machine. The delay start function lets you program the start of the washing cycle at a preset time of a few hours later. It allows you to choose the time from between six to thirty-six hours of putting in the laundry. Then, the machine will automatically start the wash cycle at the time you choose.

So, if you are out of the home for some work or any other job, this feature will finish the wash cycle before you reach home. But keep in mind that the delay start feature is available only in some advanced models of fully automatic washing machines.

12. Compatibility with Hard Water

There are various places in India where we deal with hard water. And for washing clothes, the hard water makes it difficult to dissolve the detergent appropriately in it, which affects the cleaning performance. Also, using the hard water in a washing machine deposits salt around the drum as well as supply and drain pipes. It results in choking them.

Therefore, to deal with this issue, many washing machine brands in India come with the technology to convert the hard water into soft water. Thus, it prevents the critical part of the machine from choking and damage.

13. Warranty

Before buying a washing machine of any type (semi-automatic or fully automatic), make sure to check the warranty terms and conditions as well as the extent of coverage. Most of the reliable manufacturers offer a minimum one year warranty on the appliance. But some also offer an extended warranty. So, it depends on the model you choose as well as the price tag.

Some More Smart Features to Consider

Load sensors- It delivers only that much water needed for a particular load.

Temperature Control Settings- It manages the water temperature automatically based on how dirty the clothes are.

Electronic Display- It allows you to keep an eye on the status of the washing process.

Smart diagnosis- Many models can synchronize with your phone allowing you to know if any issue occurs in the washing machine. Thus, it provides you the troubleshooting guidance.

Smart Control- Some washing machine brands in India offer easy synchronization of the appliance with your phone using a Smart Control App. It lets you control your washing machine using your phone.

Many models are also compatible with the Alexa devices that let you control the operation of the washing machine using your voice command.

Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

• Don’t overload the washing machine because overloading can affect the performance of the washing machine or damage the washer.
• Check the hoses every month to make sure no bulges or cracks in that
• Always use the right type and right amount of detergent
• Clean the wash and spin tub after every wash with a bucket full of water. Also, clean the dispensers on a regular basis.
• Wipe out the wash tub, door, and gasket after every wash to ensure no bacteria or molds build-up, and also to avoid bad odor.
• It is also important to clean the exterior of the washing machine with a liquid cleaner to maintain its finish and shine.
• For monthly cleaning of the inner tub, use a cup of baking soda and some drops of distilled white vinegar in the dispenser. Run the machine on the hottest cycle with an extra rinse.
• Semi-automatic washing machines have a lint filter inside the wash tub. It collects all the lints and other particles from the clothes during the wash process. So, you need to clean that filter every month.
• Never close the washing machine door immediately after using it. Let the machine dried up completely and have in contact with proper airflow. It protects the mechanical parts from damage due to moisture.
• Also, do not leave the wet clothes inside the wash tub for a long period as it causes the musty smell, as well as mold and bacteria, build up.
• To avoid the washing machine from vibration during its operation, make sure to keep it at the exact level of the floor. Also, keep it a few inches away from the walls.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Which washing machine is better semi automatic or fully automatic?

Well, both the washing machines come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Also, the selection is based on how much you can spend. Semi-automatic washing machines are cheaper and come with only a few wash programs. But they are very easy to use. So, if you are tight on budget and want an easy way of washing laundry, you can choose the semi-automatic washing machines. But, if you can spend more, you may definitely go for a fully automatic washing machine because it offers the best cleaning results and fully automatic cleaning operation with more wash programs.

Top load vs front load washing machines: Which is better?

When it comes to the price, the front load washing machines are expensive as compared to the top load washing machines. But their high price is fully justifiable as they offer more savings of water, energy, drying time, and detergent usage. Also, the front load washing machines come with more smart features than the top load washers.

How much detergent to use in a washing machine?

If you are using the semi-automatic washing machine, you can use the detergent depending upon the load and dirt present in the clothes. If there are soap suds present on the clothes, it notifies that you are using more detergent. But some advanced models of fully automatic washers come with an automatic dispenser that automatically takes the right amount of detergent to use based on the load as well as the degree of soiling.

Powder detergent or liquid detergent: Which is better for washing machine?

Liquid detergents are proving to be better to use in a washing machine. It dissolves well and leaves no suds as compared to the powdered detergent.

Which is better washing machine with belt-drive motors or direct drive motors?

Washing machines with direct drive motors are more beneficial than the machines with belt-drive motors. The washer with direct drive motors has less vibration and noise. Plus, these are also very much energy efficient. But these require regular servicing and maintenance. On the other hand, the washing machines with belt-drive motors are cheap, but they produce more noise and vibration.

Conclusion

To conclude, I would like to say that this in-depth buying guide of washing machines in India, will surely let you pick the one as per your requirements. Well, we have covered all the necessary details including all types of washing machines in India, their pros and cons, the best models to choose from and what to consider before buying the washing machine for all your laundry cleaning needs.

Still, if any doubts in your mind regarding how to choose the best washing machine, feel free to ask with us via the below comment section.

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