Washing machine is without doubt one of the most important appliances in the modern home. Within this guide we will find out how to choose the best washing machines of 2020, understanding which parameters to consider and which model to choose based on your needs. There are many types of washing machines on the market, which mainly differ in the type of charge, the number of programs and energy consumption: by learning about these aspects, you will be able to find the washing machine that best suits your budget and needs.
Table of Contents
What it is and what it is used for
A new generation washing machine
When you think about the indispensable elements in the contemporary home, the washing machine is certainly one of the appliances that cannot be missing. Thanks to the washing machine, whose most recent models boast remarkable innovations and an ever deeper personalization of use, it is possible to obtain perfectly clean laundry in a few hours.
Importace of washing machine is even clearer when you have to do without it for a few days or weeks: hand washing is tiring and does not allow the precision and level of sanitation of the washing machine. Although its operation seems rather simple, its evolution over the centuries shows how the mechanism at the base has become increasingly refined and, with the help of special detergents, today it is able to remove dirt from any type of fabric clothes and rinse it off.
How does it work
A smart washing machine made by Samsung
Apparently, understanding how a washing machine works seems easy: throw the clothes in the basket, which is filled with water and detergent and then quickly turns to remove the water and give you back clean clothes. In reality, this is possible thanks to the delicate balance of different elements, which work together.
A washing machine is mechanically composed of two drums, the internal one of which is visible when the door or lid is opened. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, the most common model on the national and European market, the drum is facing forward and rotates around a horizontal axis just like it happens with a car wheel. On the drum there are the holes, whose function is to let the water in and out.
In a top-loading washing machine, typical of the American market but increasingly widespread also in India, the top door opens and clothes are inserted from above. In this case, the drum does not move: the work is done by a central blade, or agitator, which continuously moves the garments. The second drum, the external one, is watertight and its role is to retain water inside the washing machine during all washing cycles.
Other important elements inside the washing machine are the thermostat, which checks the water temperature, which is then brought to the required temperature, and the electric pump , which removes the water from the drum once the washing cycle has ended.
How to choose the best washing machine
Dimensions and charge
The size of the washing machine is one of the main aspects to be evaluated in relation to the space available.
Typically, front-loading washing machines measure 60 × 60 centimeters per side, with a height that does not exceed 90 centimeters. On the contrary, top-loading washing machines differ in width, which in this case is limited to only 40 centimeters and is in fact suitable for all those apartments with little space available. A middle ground, not widespread, is that represented by the front-loading washing machines in the “slim” version.
It is important to note that the external dimensions do not affect the capacity, which in both cases can be between 6 and 9 kilos. Let’s explore in more detail the two types of charge, front or from above.
In the first case, which includes most of the models marketed in Europe, the clothes are inserted by opening the door on the front. The top-loading washing machines, however, widespread in the United States and Asia (including India), are becoming increasingly popular also in the national market as they fit perfectly into urban living contexts or in all those where every inch of space is precious.
In fact, this model is more compact and must not include the “empty” area to allow the door to open. The latter is placed at the top and opens comfortably to allow you to insert clothes inside the washing machine from above.
Traditional and smart functions
The functionality of the washing machine has undergone a remarkable evolution, which has undergone an acceleration process in recent years: therefore, on the market there are both traditional models, however, with excellent features, and smart versions, regulated by real computers and connected with the home automation systems in use.
Some of the more “intelligent” models on the market have automatic load sensing, which measures the weight of the laundry and provides enough water to reduce waste. In the same way, smart washing machines apply the spin speed adjustment, to ensure adequate rotation of the drum in this delicate phase based on the volume and type of laundry.
To obtain simpler items to manage after washing, modern washing machines also have an anti-crease function, which takes advantage of the rotation of the drum so as not to excessively wrinkle the items, and the drying function, mainly linked to the spin cycle. An important indicator to define the qualitative result of cleaning the laundry, both in the case of traditional and smart washing machines, is the number of revolutions per minute (or rpm).
On the market there are models that start from 800 and reach up to 1,600 rpm, which are often excessively expensive in the face of a little perceptible improvement. Furthermore, the higher the number of revolutions per minute, the higher the mechanical stress: therefore 1,200 is an excellent compromise.
Finally, the smart models guarantee connectivity with the home wi-fi network and, remotely, through apps. This feature, increasingly in demand, allows you to better manage your washing machine, setting the delayed start even when you are away from home and monitoring the status of the washing machine at all times.
Washing programs and cycles
A washing machine generally boasts different types of programs, each of which can correspond to distinct washing cycles according to the type of laundry. Even the most economical models of washing machines nowadays have at least eight programs, a number that even duplicates in the case of the most advanced and innovative models.
The choice in this sense should reflect your needs: if your clothing or that of the other inhabitants of the house requires special attention, you may want to focus on a washing machine with many possibilities of different washes. Among the most popular, those that must not be missing, there are the cycles dedicated to cotton, delicate, wool, synthetics and finally to the mixed cycle.
These types of programs allow you to set the washing machine cycle based on the material of which the garments are mainly composed: the general rule follows the principle according to which the more delicate a material, the lower the temperature. However, there are also programs for jeans, specific to maintain their elasticity and color.
A similar reasoning also applies to colors, which must be rigorously managed separately. Modern washing machines have programs dedicated to black and colored garments, to maintain their brilliance. Finally, the programs also influence the time factor: to obtain already semi-dry clothes, you can set the spin cycle with rinse, while if you have limited time, it is better to choose the washing machines that have the quick wash option.
Energy consumption and noise
Nowadays it is essential to pay attention to the energy consumption of a washing machine. To find your way around, it is important to evaluate the following abbreviations: One Star, Two Star, Three Star, Four Star and Five Star. These energy labels indicate the consumption of kilowatts per hour in a year based on standard use.
As the “No.” assigned to Star increase, the efficiency of the appliance will increase. Often this also corresponds to the level of water consumption, an aspect on which great strides have been made over the years. A good consumption for a capacity of 6 kilos is around 50 liters.
Finally, the noise of the washing machines is an aspect to keep in mind, especially if you decide to place the appliance in an area in contact with the walls of the neighbors or with the bedrooms. In general, the top-loading models are slightly quieter, even if the evolutions on all modern washing machines allow washing cycles to be started, often even with a centrifuge, with a very modest noise level.
Maintenance of the washing machine
Properly maintaining your washing machine extends its life and prevents long-term damage associated with normal wear. As far as ordinary maintenance is concerned, attention must be paid to the limestone which often tends to settle on the resistance, on the pump and on the pipes. Choosing detergents with care can also contribute to the proper functioning of the washing machine, but in addition it is possible to install some descaling devices inside the tap and proceed regularly to clean with natural descalers.
Among these, the most effective are vinegar, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. In addition, the detergent drawer should be cleaned with the help of a toothbrush to remove residual dirt. In the same way, the filter and the door must be cleaned constantly (in the case of a front-loading washing machine) to prevent mold from forming.
Best Washing Machine Models in India
Best Washing Machine Models in India under Rs. 10000
1. LG 6.5 kg Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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2) Whirlpool 7 Kg 5 Star Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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3. Samsung 7.2 kg Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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4. Panasonic 6.5 kg Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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5. Intex 6.2 kg Semi-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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Best Washing Machine Models in India between Rs. 10000 to 15000
1. Onida 7.5 kg Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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2. AmazonBasics 6.5 kg Fully-Automatic Top Load Washing Machine
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3. Bosch 6.5 Kg Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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4. Samsung 6.5 kg Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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5. Samsung 6.2 kg Fully-Automatic Top load Washing Machine
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Best Washing Machine Models in India between Rs. 15000 to 20000
1. AmazonBasics 7 kg Fully-Automatic Front Load Washing Machine
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2. IFB 6 kg Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
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3. Bosch 6 kg Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
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4. Haier 6 kg Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
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5. IFB 7 kg Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
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Conclusions and final considerations
A reliable washing machine that gently cleans clothes is an indispensable ally for everyday life. Taking into consideration the aspects seen in this study, you will be able to orient yourself on the model that best suits your needs, using it to the best of its potential and keeping it with care: this will allow you to enjoy a perfect laundry for a long time.
The buying guide for the best washing machine ends here: now do not hesitate to discover the best offers on Amazon!