When it comes to choosing the right washing machine for yourself, you literally have a ton of options to choose from. From the different types of washing machines you can buy, with the multiple brands to choose from, features to look at, budgets to make – washing machines can truly be daunting to purchase.
Like most home appliances, washing machines can last you years on end if you make sure to buy the right one. For that, you need to make sure you ask yourself all the right questions before you go ahead purchasing one. If you are wondering how to choose washing machine, we have listed all things you need to keep in mind to make a worthwhile purchase.
How to Choose Washing Machine – Explained
When it comes to choosing a washing machine, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to decide what type of machine you want. There are both front-loading and top-loading machines available, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Front-loading machines tend to be more energy-efficient, but they can also be more expensive. Top-loading machines are typically less expensive, but they use more water and electricity.
Another important consideration is capacity. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, you’ll need a machine with a large drum. Conversely, if you live alone or have a small family, you can save money by opting for a smaller machine.
Finally, make sure to read reviews before making your purchase. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure to choose a washing machine that meets your needs.
Steps for Choosing the Right Washing Machine
Now, there are different factors that affect your purchase. If you have certain needs, you might realize there is only a specific appliance that can help you out in your requirements. For that, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Keep in mind these steps and move ahead once you have made your mind up with each of these points. This is how to choose washing machine effectively.
- Type of the Washing Machine – Semi-Automatic or Automatic Washing Machine
- Build Details – Front Load Washing Machine or Top Load Washing Machine
- Capacity – Depending on the size of your family, or the amount of people who would use the washing machine.
- Wash Settings – Different wash settings and modes for different types of clothes.
- Extra Features – Multiple extra features for added convenience and potential.
- Brand – For customer support and understanding durability.
Types of Washing Machines
Now, to start with your buying cycle, the first thing to note about a washing machine is to purchase either a fully automatic washing machine, or a semi automatic washing machine. While both types prove effective at cleaning your clothes, either of these types come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Fully automatic washing machines are made for people who spend a limited amount of time washing clothes. If you do not have a lot of time to space, fully automatic washing machines would be perfect for you. You only need to add your clothes to the drum, select the wash and dry cycles, and once its done, you will be notified.
Semi automatic washing machines on the other hand are slightly larger than fully automatic ones since they boast two different tubs, one for cleaning and the other one for drying. Semi automatic washing machines take a bit of manual intervention to function. Once you have washed your clothes in the cleaning tub, you have to move them to the dryer drum and spin that once.
There are other differences between them too. Semi automatic washing machines feature a lot more effective wash cycle since their drum is made for a singular purpose. This does not mean fully automatic washing machines do not clean clothes well, but its just that semi’s do it a lot better. That said, semi automatics also take up more floor space and use a lot more water as well.
Bottom line – If you do not have a lot of time to spare to wash your clothes, an automatic machine would prove much better. If you have time to wash clothes and want really effective cleaning, semi automatic washing machines prove much more helpful there.
| Feature Point | Fully Automatic Washing Machine | Semi Automatic Washing Machine |
| Ease of use | Very easy to use | Easy to use |
| Effective cleaning | Cleans clothes well | Highly effective cleaning |
| Time/effort taken | Takes longer without any effort | Cleans quicker with some manual intervention |
| Floor space | Compact and easy to store | Can be bulky due to the dual drum system |
| Power consumption | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Water consumption | High | Low |
| Price | High, can be expensive | Low, pretty affordable |
Build Details
Now comes the built of the washing machine. Commonly found are two types of washing machines, front loading, and top loading. While either prove effective, front loading washing machines can be really expensive while providing very effective cleaning since its drum is designed to clean clothes as much as possible. Top loading washing machines are a lot more affordable, but are less effective than front loaders.
They are named according to how you add your clothes to the machine. If you add clothes from the top, they are called top loaders. Similarly, front loaders have a chute on the front side of the appliance.
When it comes to convenience, top loaders are better since you do not have to bend over to add clothes over and over again. However, front loaders feature a lot more features and their cleaning is also much better than top loaders. They also tend to be a lot more expensive however.
Capacity
The capacity of your washing machine would depend on the amount of clothes you tend to wash on a daily/weekly basis. If you are living alone, you probably do not have a lot of clothes that require cleaning. For bachelors, a 6-8kg washing machine is enough.
On the other hand, if you live with your family, you would definitely have to get a bigger washing machine at around 9-10kgs, depending on how much load you have to clean.
| Users | Capacity |
| 1-2 Members | 6 to 7 Kg |
| 2-3 Members | 7 to 8 kg |
| 4-5 Members | 8 kg |
| More than 5 Members | 9 kg to 10 kg |
You can always wash more clothes if you just make some batches out of them. This way you can make use of your smaller capacity washing machine. This would obviously take a lot more energy and water to run, so keep that in mind too.
Wash Settings
Washing machines come with different wash settings and modes to choose from. You can choose gentle mode when you are washing delicate clothes, or during the winter season when you are washing your jackets and such.
You can obviously spend more money to get even more wash modes and cycles to make use of. They allow you added convenience since then you would automate the cleaning without having to do check manually.
Extra Features
Washing machines can come with a lot more features than what we think a basic washing machine can do. If you need all the bells and whistles, check out Bosch washing machines, they are some of the most feature rich models in the market.
These extra features can include a thermostat, a heater, fuzzy logic, different spin cycles, and even additional technologies to help clean clothes better.
You would have to shell out quite a bit of money if you wish to purchase a washing machine which is feature rich. LG and Bosch have some of the most effective and feature full appliances in town. Be sure to take a look.
One extra feature could also be smart washing machines. Ones you can remotely control and that come with a wealth of sensors to automatically set water levels, set modes according to the clothes added, and even more.
Brand
While most people tend to overlook this factor, choosing the right brand while in the market for a washing machine is one of the most important aspects. There are plenty of brands in the market, but when it comes to washing machines, LG, Samsung, Bosch, and Whirlpool, are some of the best ones out there.
LG washing machines for example, can be slightly more expensive than the rest, but make up for this hiked initial cost by providing a wealth of feature and customer support in return. Similarly, Bosch is also a great brand to choose, but can be quite expensive, and is generally considered a premium appliance. Samsung washing machines are the best for people who are on a budget and would like an appliance that lasts them for years to come.
Choosing the right brand can make a world of difference to your purchase.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a washing machine. Machine size, capacity, and features are important considerations. Another important consideration is the cost of operating the machine. High-efficiency models can save money on energy and water bills. Finally, it is important to read reviews before making a purchase. By taking the time to do some research, you can find the perfect washing machine for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I look for when buying a washing machine?
If in the market for a washing machine, there are x things you should always keep an eye out on. The capacity of the washing machine, the type and build you need, the features it offers, its brand, and the price point. With these few things set, you can easily start off to buy a brand new washing machine.
2. Which is the best washing machine for home use?
A front loading fully automatic washing machine is best for use for home. Depending on the number of users, you can adjust on the capacity. If you do not mind spending time washing clothes, a semi automatic could also prove really good for a small group of people. They also tend to be a lot cheaper.
3. How do I choose a washing machine size?
That depends on the number of people who would use it. If you are living alone, a 6 kg washing machine would be enough. An 8kg washing machine is enough for 3-4 people, and if the users are more than 5, than you should be looking for a 10kg washing machine at least.
4. Which is better front or top load?
When it comes to washing machines, both front load and top load washing machines are effective at what they do. However, front loading washing machines tend to be more expensive but clean clothes really well. Top loaders are much more convenient for older people and cost a lot less as well, while providing effective cleaning features. So, both types are good and can be used effective by someone who needs them.
