What are the types of washing machines and how to choose the best one for you

Face it. Laundry, for the most part, is an extremely tedious job. Even more so, should one have to do it by hand. Naturally then, washing machines have become an inseparable part of homes. However, as with any other appliance today, there are many different kinds of washing machines available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

If you’re confused about which one is the best for you, worry not. We are here to help you understand the different types of washing machines better, so as to help you buy the right one.

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Types of washing machines

Washing machines are generally divided into two main kinds – semi automatic and fully automatic.

Fully automatic washing machines

Fully automatic washing machines consist of a single drum which performs both, washing and drying functions. They require a constant supply of water, and function better with higher water pressure. Users also get the option to choose the wash programme as per the number of clothes, amount of water to be used, the temperature of the water, the fabric of the clothes to be washed, and so on.  These washing machines are further divided into two sub-types – front loading and top loading.

Front loading washing machines

As the name suggests, you load the laundry from the front side. Its advantages include, less use of water, being gentler on the clothes, and more efficient drying.

On the flipside, one cannot open the door to add more clothes in the middle of a cycle, and they also require extra space owing to their design. One must also bear in mind that front loading washing machines are comparatively more expensive to purchase and maintain than top loading and semi-automatic models, owing to their higher power consumption. LG 8 KG 5-star inverter front load washing machine has a built-in heater for quick drying solution on rainy days.

Top loading washing machines

Top loading washing machines have the opening on the top wherein you also add the laundry. These appliances usually take up lesser space and are good for those who live in smaller apartments. Furthermore, they consume extremely low amounts of power and tend to be more affordable as well.

The downside with top-loading washing machines is, that their churning action is tough on clothes, and they risk damage more than front-loading washing machines. Backed with eco-bubble technology along with a diamond drum, Samsung’s 7 KG 5-star top load washing machine is an ideal solution for the season and will help you battle all kinds of stains.

Semi-automatic washing machines

Semi-automatic washing machines work on a combination of both – the features of conventional washing machines to some extent, coupled with human intervention. They are fitted with two drums – one for washing and the other for drying.

ALSO READ: What is the difference between semi and fully automatic washing machines?

Semi-automatic washing machines tend to consume less water, and if required, can be manually filled using a bucket of water. Not to mention, they are far cheaper than automatic models, and therefore more accessible to college students, young professionals just starting out, and so on.

On the flipside though, semi-automatic washing machines require one to shift clothes from the washing to the drying tub after the wash cycle is done with. One also needs to drain them manually using the drain function after each cycle, which is extremely time and energy consuming. There’s also a small possibility of one’s garments getting damaged during a wash cycle. If you’re looking for a semi-automatic washing machine that also helps you save power, Haier’s 10 KG 5-star semi automatic washing machine is ideal for five to eight members and offers all-round cleaning during the monsoon season.

Washer-dryers: How are they different and why should you consider them

A washer-dryer is the most expensive of the lot. It is a single unit which both washes and dries one’s laundry. Washer-dryers include come with two drums – a main washer and a dryer.

ALSO READ: How to use a dryer in a washing machine?

Their biggest USP is the fact that one doesn’t have to transfer wet clothes from the washer to the dryer unit. Furthermore, they offer both functions in a unit which takes up no more space than a conventional automatic washing machine. Additionally, clothes face no exposure to dust or pollution and the fact that they gently iron out creases during washing itself, means that most clothes don’t even require ironing separately after.

The downside is that the one has to wait for a washer-dryer to finish washing and drying before they can start with another load of clothes, should they require to do so. Moreover, they are also expensive to purchase, and also consume high amounts of electricity, making them more expensive to operate and maintain too. Bosch 6 KG inverter washing machine comes with an anti-vibration side panel. Additionally, it also comes with a washer dryer combo to have your monsoon fix in one place.