So many features. But tell me, are the spare parts scarce?
Some brands claim to be powered by a 6th sense technology that adjusts water level, wash timings and detergent doses based on fabric type and load, while some others claim to be equipped with hot-wash technology with an inbuilt heater that not only removes tough stains but also eliminates dangerous bacteria from the clothes and protect you from skin diseases. Other features that are claimed by various brands include digital display, rat mesh, child lock, fuzzy logic, easy-to-use control panel, magic lint filter, automatic tub cleaning, express wash, delay start and auto restart. Fair enough. But there is another side to the picture. It has been observed that when the machine goes out of order, the spare parts of the model are no longer available because a new model has already replaced the earlier one. This is an area that manufacturers should take up as a matter of priority, especially in view of the problems consumers are facing and complaining about. How about designing the washing machines in a way that not only secures the availability of spare parts but also makes the machines easy and cheap to repair?
The semi-automatic type needs to be manually filled with water before the wash begins (and then drained and filled with water again for the rinse cycle). You will also have to transfer your clothes from the wash drum to the spin compartment. In this way, you have more control over the washing process, but it is also more labour-intensive. These machines tend to have fewer special features and cycles than automatic washing machines, which is why they are also more affordable.
Top loading or front loading?
Front-load and top-load washing machines have the same basic job – that of washing your laundry. Beyond that, though, there are quite a few differences between the two types.
If you have continuous water supply, you may prefer going for one of the front-loading models as the wash quality is better and they are relatively more energy- and water-efficient. Although about 10 to 20 per cent costlier, they are worth considering. Avoid going for machines loaded with complex features and selections as these may only end up complicating the washing. For better cleaning of heavily soiled clothes, prefer to use soak mode during prewash.
If you want to conserve water and electricity, you should know that front loaders use less water than traditional top loaders, which have to fill up entirely for the wash and rinse cycles. Opt for an Energy Star model, which reduces electricity and water use by about 20 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively, over non-rated models. The best front loaders clean better and are gentler than the top-loading washing machines while using less water. Front loaders take longer than top loaders but spin faster, extracting more water and trimming dryer time. Energy efficiency and consumption of water are important factors to consider when purchasing a washing machine. For example, fully automatic washing machines consume between 100 and 150 litres of water for full load for ideal one wash + two rinse.