Washing Machine Buying Guide India 2020 | An Ultimate One
If you’re not sure of which washing machine is worth the money, our washing machine buying guide will help you to narrow down your options. Buying a new washing machine in India can be more challenging than you think. The market is filled with manufacturers who promise good quality and a long lifespan. However, not all products can meet these expectations so well. When it comes to buying a new one, you should be looking for a product that is bound to last for years to come. You don’t want to end up with a machine that breaks down every two months since the costs of repairs can add up quickly.
So, how do you find the right washing machine for your household? The key is in the ability to spot the red flags before making the purchase. There are several key points to consider when browsing for washing machines, including the material of the drum and water efficiency. Both of these points, along with many others, will be discussed in our washing machine buying guide below. However, before we get into the things, you should keep in mind, let’s first review the different types of washing machines to better understand the differences between the products.
Different Types of Washing Machines
There are two types of washing machines that we’ll briefly explain below:
Semi-automatic washing machine
It is a type of machine that contains one tube for washing and another tube for drying the clothes. Once the washing cycle in the first tube is complete, you have to physically take the clothes out and put them in the drying tube.
This type of machine requires more work around your laundry and it is considered an entry-level solution. However, there are also machine models out there that combine the two-tube system with some automatic features for the best of both worlds.
Automatic washing machine
Coming to the Automatic one it is a more convenient solution because it consists of one tube that gets the entire job done. This makes doing laundry easier and faster, as well keeps the maintenance at a minimum. Fully automatic washing machines are generally easier to use and they provide more automatic features for faster washing cycles.
The automatic washing machines can be either front loading or top loading machines.
- Top loading machines require you to fill the tube from the top of the machine instead of the front opening. Top loading machines usually use larger amounts of water and require detergents designed for such conditions. The top loading detergent should be strong and foamy in order to clean the clothes efficiently in plenty of water.
- Front loading machines are the opposite of top loading ones, since they require you to fill the tube through the front opening. These machines tend to use less water and provide faster washing cycles. With that in mind, front loading machines require specific detergents that don’t produce extensive foam and bubbles, since the machine might not be able to rinse it all out.
Automatic washing machines are by far more popular than the semi-automatic ones. After all, they provide more efficient features and require less work around the laundry, which makes them the winner in this battle.
However, you should choose between front loading and top loading machines more carefully. Keep in mind that these two types of machines can be equally effective, as long as you are using the right type of detergent for both of them. Top loading and front loading detergents should never be mixed because you may either end up with clothes that weren’t fully washed or with excess soap residue on the garments.
Key Points to Consider – Washing Machine Buying Guide
Once you got an idea which washing machine type to purchase Here are some of the most important points to remember after you’re done reading this washing machine buying guide!
Look at the Capacity
It is very important to consider the capacity of the machine before making a purchase. First and foremost, you want to make sure the machine is large enough to handle the amount of laundry that goes around in your household. If your household only has two members, a small to medium washing machine would be sufficient. However, if there are three or more members of a family living together, consider opting for a larger capacity machine that will fit more clothing in one cycle.
Material of Drum
The washing machine drum can either be made of plastic, enamel, or stainless steel. If you’re looking for the most durable option, plastic is likely to last long, even though stainless steel is far more durable. Enamel can rust and chip easily, so it is the least recommended option. Go for stainless steel drums if you want the best quality and the longest lifespan.
Energy ratings/ energy efficiency
Energy efficient washing machines use less electricity during each washing cycle, giving you a chance to save some money on your electricity bill. However, not all washing machines are energy efficient. If you’d like to have this feature, look for machines that are Energy Star certified. Also, look for BEE marks and other verification of energy efficiency that can confirm the machine operates at the lowest cost possible.
Water efficiency
Energy is not the only resource you could be saving with the new washing machine. High quality washing machines are also water efficient, meaning they use less water to complete washing cycles. If you opt for a machine that’s both water and energy efficient, you might double the savings on your next bills.
Spin cycle
The spin cycle feature is used for washing and drying clothes and it is measured in RPMs or revolutions per minute. The number of RPMs tells you how many times the tube is going to rotate the clothes during one wash cycle. Longer spin cycles tend to wash the clothes more thoroughly. However, the number of spin cycles should always depend on the type of clothing you’re washing. Some garments require short cycles of around 300 RPMs, while others might need as much as 1000 RPMs.
Temperature control
Temperature control features can come in handy when you need to adjust the washing cycle to specific types of clothing. Not all clothes can be washed at the same temperature. It is crucial to respect the washing requirements of each garment to keep your clothes looking as fresh as new.
A washing machine with plenty of temperature control features and modes will make the process of doing laundry easier and less stressful. Some of the more advanced machines even feature a steam mode that’s more efficient at removing tough stains.
Time delay
Time delay is a convenient feature that lets you load the machine up before starting it. You can use the time delay feature along with the pre-soak feature to let your clothes sit in water before the washing cycle. This can help remove stubborn stains and make the washing cycle more efficient. However, the time delay feature is only found on the more advanced washing machines, so make sure the one you’re interested in has it!
Fuzzy Logic
If you’re a complete newbie in the laundry world, the Fuzzy Logic feature will become your best friend. This feature allows to automatically selects the best washing conditions for your clothes. This automatic selection is based on the quality of the clothes in the machine.
The Fuzzy Logic feature also takes into consideration the weight of the load to automatically determine the amount of water and detergent that will be needed. With this feature in your washroom, you won’t have to worry about hitting the right settings between each wash.
Child lock
Children are naturally curious, and they are very likely going to find a twirling machine interesting. If your kid loves running all around the house and finding new things to play with, chances are they will come across a washing machine in action. If they open the lid out of curiosity, they can put themselves in danger or cause a flood in the bathroom. Either way, you don’t want them meddling with the washing machine. That’s why it’s best to choose a machine that features a child lock for additional safety.
Noise and vibrations
There’s nothing more annoying than a washing machine that makes loud noises every time you turn it on or while spinning. If you don’t want to be disturbed every time you start a wash cycle, consider choosing a washing machine that performs well on the noise tests. A quiet machine will also help you determine if there are any issues with the wash cycle since you will be able to recognize different sounds and vibrations as they appear.
Dryer
Not all washing machines come with a dryer. However, those that do are significantly more convenient and easier to use. The dryer feature allows you to dry the clothes directly inside the machine, so they’re ready to be folded as soon as you take them out. If you opt for a machine that doesn’t have a dryer, you will have to hang your clothes up which can be a bit difficult to dry in winters.
Heater
Advanced washing machines come with built-in heaters, which allow for more precise temperature controls. Heaters also contribute to faster drying, so your clothes will be ready to fold sooner than you’d expect!
Look for Washing Programs
Some washing machines come with a selection of Washing Programs designed for frail clothing. Garments made of wool, silk, cotton, denim, and other vulnerable materials require more gentle washing conditions. Washing Programs provide different water levels and detergent settings suitable for a variety of fabrics. There is also quick wash and normal wash cycles, which allow you to choose a faster or longer session depending on how much time you have available.
Warranty
You’d be surprised to know how many people don’t pay attention to warranties when buying washing machines or other expensive household appliances. The thing is, warranties are one of the most important parts of the deal.
A good warranty will cover any manufacturing flaws you might discover upon the purchase or during the first few months of using the machine. If you choose a machine without a warranty, you will have to cover initial repair expenses yourself. Keep in mind that the costs can add up quite quickly if you end up with a faulty machine.
Service
Lastly, do some research about the brand behind the machine before you make the investment. It is very important to have a responsive support team available in case something goes wrong or you need some answer about the machine’s features. Either way, customer service will come in handy to help in times of need. Most popular washing machine brands offer a customer support line either via telephone or through online chat.
While there is no such thing as a perfect washing machine, plenty of machines on the market have the majority of these features. Make sure to look for the most important ones when buying a new machine, such as child lock, fuzzy logic feature, and different washing programs.
Other Important Points and Factors to Keep in Mind
Size of the Family
The size of the family is an important factor to consider when choosing a new washing machine. It is directly tied to load capacity since you are going to need a larger machine if you have a family of four or more members.
Even if your household has less than four members, consider how often you have to put the laundry to wash. If you have to start a new load every one or two days, consider getting a machine with a larger capacity so you can wait until the load is full. That way, you will have to complete these chore two or three times a week instead of every day.
Budget
Naturally, your budget is going to have a big impact on your final decision. After all, your buying power depends on how much money you’re ready to spend on the new washing machine. People often opt for cheaper washing machines to save money. However, this can result in a completely different scenario since cheap machines are likely to break down, meaning you will spend extra money on repairs and eventually on another replacement. If you don’t have a decent budget to work with, consider putting the purchase off until you save enough money to buy a high quality machine that will last for years.
Tap connection
Connecting the pipe with the tap is a part of the installation process of a new washing machine. Many people forget about the installation when buying a new machine, which can lead to common issues such as incompatible tap connectors.
Before you make the purchase, check whether the inlet hosing that comes with the machine is compatible with the tap in your home. If you end up with an incompatible tap connector, you will either have to call a plumber to finish the installation process or you can purchase a new connector and do it yourself.
Stable Water supply/pressure
If the washing machine you previously used had issues with rinsing the clothes, chances are the problem is in the water supply pressure. Low water pressure means less water is going to reach the machine during the wash cycle, thus making it less efficient. Poor water pressure can also damage the machine since the residue detergent will pile up inside the tubes. Before you get a new machine, check whether the water supply is optimal and if there are any issues in the piping that could lead to an occasional drop in the water pressure.
Switchboard
If you want to avoid unwanted technical issues, check the switchboard of the new machine. Make sure the switchboard is suitable for the power supply in your home. Bigger washing machines might require high voltage and in this case, it is important to have a high quality switchboard to avoid electrical problems.
Make sure the machine is grounded, as this will help prevent electrical shock in case of any complications with the switch board. You will need a grounding conductor to ensure earthing is properly installed. Consider calling an electrician to make sure there are no electrical problems you should worry about.
Space and ventilation
Placing your new washing machine at the right spot is crucial for maintaining its health and lifespan. It’s very common to find washing machines on balconies or outdoor wash areas in Indian households.
However, these are not the ideal locations where you should be placing a new machine. Exposure to sunlight, open-air, and potential raindrops can severely damage the machine and cause electrical issues with the power board. Make sure to place the machine in an indoor space with proper ventilation, such as a bathroom, or an indoor wash area.
Accessories
Lastly, if you want to take good care of your new washing machine, consider buying accessories that will help you with long-term maintenance. For starters, if you don’t have a suitable environment to put the machine in, consider getting a washing machine stand to lift the machine above the floor in case there’s a lot of moisture in the space.
A machine cover can also help in these situations to protect the machine from water drops and air. Other accessories you can look into include water tap adapters and filters, which you might need to replace after a longer period of use.
These few extra tips can point you in the right direction when you make the final decision. However, make sure to pay more attention to the washing features and actual materials the machine is made of. Keep in mind that a good balance of features and quality is all you need for a long-lasting washing machine.
Let’s Wrap it Up
Now that you’ve reached the very end of our washing machine buying guide, you’re ready to go out there and choose a new machine like a pro! Don’t forget to check the water pressure and earthing before putting the new machine to use. Small details like these can help maintain the machine and allow it to operate longer. Leave us a comment below if you have any questions about washing machines in general!
