Washing machine suggestions

[AAK]

Hi.
I need to purchase a washing machine for a family of 4 which can wash curtains, bedsheet as well.
Please provide suggestions on below points.
1- Should I purchase semi automatic or automatic? Which one is better in terms of cleaning, water consumption etc.
2- If I opt for automatic, which one should I go for ? Top load or front load ? I reasearched online that front load provide cleaner wash. Is there really much difference ?

You are welcome to add additional points .
Budget is less than 20k

 

[Sushubh]

Since no one else has answered yet… I am going to highlight a few points from my experience. I haven’t used a semi automatic in decades so not sure how they differ from automatic top loads.

I have used automatic front loads for a long time but switched to automatic top load earlier this year.

Based on my experience, top load should provide more capacity compared to front loads when it comes to washing curtains and bedsheets. But… I have a 9KG Samsung Top Load and it struggles to wash even a single double bed sheet in my experience. During the rinsing cycle, it really never dips fully in water coz there is always some trapped air that floats a balloon type area outside the top level. I have no idea how it would handle heavier curtains. Maybe others have more experience with this.

In 20K, you are not going to find many front load models especially from proper brands. You should be able to find a decent capacity top load model in this price point.

Top loaders consume a lot more water compared to front loaders. It’s shocking really.

In my opinion, top loaders are just not good for clothing. I think since I switched to it, my t-shirts have all become rougher due to excessive friction of being swirling around in water. Front loaders are definitely nicer on cloths and should provide better cleaning as there is a patkoing action which just does not happen in top loaders.

I mean my cloths do not really get dirty and even if they do, machines are not going to magically clean up dirty spots unless it’s loose dirt or something. You would have to apply stain remover or concentrated soap and scrub the collars and stuff before putting them in the machine. All the ads are basically just bullshitting about the cleaning power of machines. In the end, there is no scrubbing action happening in machines. In front loads, there is some patkoing action where clothes are rotated and dropped on the steel drum while in top loaders they just float around in water and rub against each other.

 

[AAK]

Thanks @Sushubh for your detailed opinion.
I guess cloth cleaning power and treatment ( clothes getting rougher) would be same in semi automatic and top load automatic as motion is same for both of them.

 

[Sushubh]

in theory yes. though it's possible that semi automatics still come with agitators while automatics don't. agitators are supposedly better for wash quality. the automatics i saw while shopping at croma didn't have the agitator.

Agitator vs. Impeller Washer: Which Is Better? | Whirlpool

i do remember that the semi automatics i have seen during the 90s had the rod in center. but i haven't seen that in a long time.

basically just research a bit about agitators and see if this is going to be useful to you and then see if semi or fully do come with them here in indian market.

 

[AAK]

Could you suggest brands/models for front load ?
And what should I look for in front load machine before buying one ?

 

[Sushubh]

i would suggest Bosch probably. bosch are supposedly heavier at the base compared to LG and ifb and hence more stable. i have had stability issues with both ifb and lg. basically they move around during spinning cycle if you cannot get them stabilized properly which is just not done properly by company installation guys. i just decided to not get another front load earlier this year and went for a top load coz of this reason.

 

[smop]

@AAK @Sushubh All Front Loads need floor balancing before ramming them on highest spin speed. A vital step which you should ensure it by yourself or by installation team. If your washer comes with anti rat cover, make sure the technician tightens it well. That's a major sound maker in rinse and spin cycle. Bosch and LG products are engineered to last long, given installation is done right. Stay away from Samsung in this department. IFB used to be good few years back. Presently, their after sales are on downward trajectory.
Between Bosch and LG, if you only require service in tier 1 cities and can afford costlier service + replacement costs then you may choose Bosch. LG has good service upto all tier 3 cities and decent service + replacement charges. For rural areas, better stick to semi automatic machines.

 

[AAK]

What about whirlpool ?
Their semi's seems fine. What about front load ones?

 

[AAK]

I have ordered below machine from LG.
Lets see how it goes

LG 7 kg 5 Star with Steam, Inverter Direct Drive Technology, 6 Motion DD, Touch Panel and 1200 RPM Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine with In-built Heater

 

[Sushubh]

Do any update?