A washing machine has replaced the old-fashioned manual laundry and is an integral part of our lives. The consumer market has numerous options available as far as a washing machine is concerned; this puts one into a dilemma about what product to purchase. Fortunately, various factors distinguish between ‘suitable’ and ‘unsuitable’ when coupled with your needs.
Washing Machine Buying Guide
The following list demonstrates the critical factors during this one-in-a-decade purchase.
- Size and Capacity
- Fully vs Semi-Automatic
- Front vs Top Load
- Wash Features
- Additional Features
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity depend on your needs; the size of the washing machine depends on the room size, whereas the power is measured in kilograms and determines the mass of clothes per wash. A general rule of thumb is that the bigger the family, the greater the size and capacity. The tank capacity may range from 5 to 9 KG, and prices tend to increase as the capacity increases. This factor is crucial, and an individual must plan this one-in-a-decade purchase accordingly.
Fully vs Semi-Automatic
A semi-automatic machine is a labor-intensive way of doing the laundry, adding water via bucket and manually drying via sunlight. Two separate compartments exist, one for washing and another for drying. As for those engrossed in hectic work routines, a fully automatic is favorable. A fully automated is a programmed machine that adds water and moisturizes by itself; all one needs to do is program the machine by appropriate cycle time, the number of spins, etc.
Front vs Top Load
Clarity must exist between a front vs top loading washing machine. The most apparent difference between them is that the former has a front door for loading clothes, whereas the latter boasts a door on the top to load clothes. Unlike front loaders, top loaders have this unique characteristic of putting clothes between the cycles. In addition, the gravitational pull-down allows for an even distribution of detergent powder and softener. However, front loaders go gentle with clothes by less water usage and power consumption, provisioning a delicate wash. Top loaders are less expensive than their counterparts, creating a win-win situation.
Wash Features
Next, we have wash features. The term refers to essential features such as rain adaption, dry, hot, and cotton wash. All of these add to the product’s value and attract the purchase decision; rain adaption refers to the alteration of water by warming, whereas dry wash means spinning a couple of times. These characteristics help vary climatic regions and satiate the end-user.
Additional Features
Lastly, additional options like temperature control, child lock, tub material, auto detergent availability, and inverter technology create a refreshing atmosphere. The temperature control accommodates the water as per the external environment and is a source of removing deep stains. Child lock prevents the usage by small children by sealing the program manual. Besides this, a stainless-steel tub material ensures reliability and withstands deep stains. Other than that, auto detergent availability refers to sensors that track the requirement of the detergent, whereas inverter technology operates the machine in an energy-efficient way. All these features add a cherry on top. They might come at a cost, too, though.
Conclusion
Washing machines have become important family members and add value to our lives. Innovations ought to come in forthcoming years, aiding the individual’s comfortability.