The Ultimate Washing Machine Guide: All You Need to Know: Part 1

Washing machine is an important commodity in the household. The home appliances market is flooded with different types of washing machines. In this post we will discuss about the various type of washing machines available. We will mainly discuss about the types of washing machines available.

Major Differentiating Factors of a washing machine:

Washing Machine Loading Type: There are basically two types: Top-loading and Front-loading washing machines. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Washing Machine Function Types: Washing machine can be Semi-Automatic and Fully-Automatic. You must buy the machine depending on your needs and budget.

Capacity: There are small and large washing machines which are meant for small, medium and large sized families. The buyer’s choice may vary depending on the size of the family and the frequency of washing.

Types of Washing Machines:

There are basically two types of washing machines available:

1.      Semi-automatic Washing Machines. 

2.      Fully-automatic Washing Machines.

2.1.   Front-load Washing Machine.

2.2.   Top-load Washing Machine.

 

Semi-Automatic Washing Machines:

Semi-automatic washing machines are the simplest type of washing machines available and are the entry-level washing machines.

These are basic washing machines which contain two drums. One drum is reserved for washing and the other drum is reserved for drying the clothes.

These washing machines are the cheapest type of washing machine available, as they require the user to perform many tasks manually. These include filling the tub with water, emptying it later, removing clothes from the washing tub and placing them in the drying tub, etc.

Advantages:

• They consume less power.
•  Lets the user control the amount of water.
•  Allows the user to add or remove clothes in the middle of washing.

     

      Disadvantages:

•    Manual labour is required.
•   Controlling water level is required which can be difficult initially.
•   Constant vigilance is required.

Fully-Automatic Washing Machines:

Fully-automatic washing machines are the most advanced type of washing machine and are more expensive than the semi-automatic type. These washing machines can be further divided into two types: Top-loading, and Front-loading Washing machines.

The fully-automatic washing machines keep human interaction to a bare minimum, which allows the user to sit back and relax while the washing machine does the washing.

    Advantages:

• They consume less power.
• Lets the user control the amount of water.
• Allows the user to add or remove clothes in the middle of washing.
  
  

    Disadvantages:

• More expensive.
• Consumes more power.
• Continuous supply of water is required.

 

Below is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of Semi-automatic and fully-automatic washing machines:

Advantages:

Fully-automatic	Semi-Automatic
ü  Allows the user to add or remove clothes in the middle of washing.	ü  They consume less power.
ü  No need to switch the compartments for washing or drying.	ü  Lets the user control the amount of water.
ü  Manual labour is bare minimum.	ü  Allows the user to add or remove clothes in the middle of washing.

Disadvantages:

Fully-Automatic	Semi-Automatic
û  More expensive.	û  Manual labour is required.
û  Consumes more power.	û  Controlling water level is required which can be difficult initially.
û  Continuous supply of water is required.	û  Allows the user to add or remove clothes in the middle of washing.

 

 Fully Automatic washing machines can be divided into two types:

         I.           Top Load Washing Machines
       II.            Front Load Washing Machines

    I.  Top Load Washing Machines:

As the name suggests, clothes are loaded from the top of the washing machine and the tub sits vertically in it. It has a single tube for both washing and drying functions and there is no need to shift clothes between tubs for different purposes. The top loading washing machines are attached to water inlet taps and the machine controls the flow of water to maintain the water level at the optimum. Top loading washing machines has fewer functions compared to their counterparts the front-loading washing machines but these are comparatively easy to use and are more economical.

       II.   Front Loading Washing Machines:

 As the name suggests, clothes in such type of washing machines are loaded from the front of the washing machine and the drum sits horizontally. The front-loading washing machine is an advanced technology washing machine nowadays. These washing machines are equipped with advanced features like timer (for when to start or stop the washing cycle), soak the clothes, hot water supply, more wash programs and advanced child lock.

 

Top-Loading Washing Machines vs Front-Loading Washing Machines:

Top-Loading Washing Machines	Front-Loading Washing Machine
Ø  Smaller Budget.	Ø  Higher budget.
Ø  Wash quality is almost same as front-loading washing machines.	Ø  Wash quality is almost same as front-loading washing machines.
Ø  Less number of wash programs.	Ø  More number of wash programs.
Ø  Less number of advanced features.	Ø  More number of advanced features.

In this article we have provided a consolidated idea of the aspects to consider before buying a washing machine. However, the final decision is to be taken by the customer. We will post another article explaining some other features which should be kept in mind along with these while purchasing a washing machine. Stay tuned.

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