Washing Machine Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best One to Bring Home?
Washing machines have made life easier for all of us. You don’t have to worry about dirty clothes any more. All you need to do is put the clothes in a washing machine, and they are clean and tidy in minutes! There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a washing machine, like the features it offers.
You need to check the type of washer, dryer, capacity load, and other functions if you want to buy the best one. Use this Washing Machine buying guide to get the right washing machine as per your expectations and budget.
What to Look for When Buying a Perfect Washing Machine for Your Home?
1. Types of Washing Machines
There are 2 categories of washing machines, semi-automatic and automatic. While semi-automatic washing machines have separate washers and dryers, fully-automatic options have a combination of both. There is 2 more categories under washing machines Top Load Washing Machines and Front Load Washing Machine.
2. Capacity of the Washing Machine
The capacity of the washing machine decides the amount of clothes you can wash in it.
3. Drum Size
The drum size would depend on the volume of clothes. For a smaller family, you can go for a smaller drum size, but for larger families, make sure to go for a high-capacity washing machine with a bigger drum size.
4. RPM/Spin
Depending on what needs to be dried, your clothes will dry better with a higher RPM.
5. Wash Program
You can customize your washing with different wash programs, depending on your specific washing needs.
6. Dryer Option
Fully-automatic washing machines have both washers and dryers, unlike semi-automatic washing machines, where clothes need to be dried separately.
7. Display
Some washing machines have an LCD/LED display. They let you know how much time is left for cycle completion and the stage of washing.
8. Energy Efficiency
Modern washing machines come with an energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the lower your electricity bills.
9. Extra Features
Make sure that your washing machine has features like fuzzy logic, temperature control, time delay, and bubble wash.
Types of Washing Machines
A top-load washing machine is a fully automatic washing machine that has a single tube for both washing and drying. These have fewer wash options compared to a front-load washing machine, but they are easier to operate and are cheaper.
Front-load machines are fully automatic and use advanced technology like timers for starting and stopping, with more than 30 washing programs.
A semi-automatic washing machine has separate washers and dryers, and you’ll have to manually shift the clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Front Load vs. Top Load Washing Machine
Factors |
Front Load Washing Machine |
Top Load Washing Machine |
Ease of use |
Always need to bend over to load and unload drum. |
Save the trouble of bending down & able add clothes in mid-cycle |
Quick Wash |
Without use of agitator, it fails to clean clothes fast than Top load. |
With use of agitator and impeller it cleans faster. |
Washing result |
Front loaders are much gentler with clothes. |
It’s rougher on clothes, especially if the machine is overloaded |
Price |
Front-loading washers are typically more expensive, but justifiably so. |
Top load washing machines are cheaper than front load. |
Less water uses |
Front-loading washing machines use less water and electricity than the other one. |
Top load washing machines use more water to process. |
Installation Flexibility |
Front-loading washing machines have the ability to be stacked with a dryer. |
Stacking is not possible with top load washing machine. |
Spin Speed |
Front-loading washing machines generally spin about 33% faster than typical top loaders. |
Spin speed is less than front load generally due to more load possibility. |
Fully Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic Washing Machine
Factors |
Fully Automatic Washing Machine |
Semi-Automatic Washing Machine |
Price / Cost |
Comparatively expensive than semi-automatic machines. |
Price is lower than a fully automatic machine. |
Use of water |
Requires more water need continue flow of water for washing. |
No need for continuous water flow & requires much less water. |
Automation |
No manual intervention is needed. The entire process in automated. |
You have to do a lot of work manually. Clothes need to be shifted from the wash tub to the rinse tub manually |
Weight and Size |
Bulkier than semi-automatic machines and also weigh more. |
Weighs and size less than a fully automatic washing machine. |
Less water use |
Consume more power. |
Consume less power and it depends on load on washers. |
Washing Performance |
Washing performance is much better. Wash quality is better than Semi-automatic. |
Washing performance is not as good as a fully automatic machine. |
Washing Time |
Saves your time – Doesn’t require manual involvement |
Need More time comparatively fully automatic washing machine. |
Advanced features |
Wash all type of garments, adjust settings as needed. Superior technology. |
Need to check manually for type of clothes for hardness. Always attention required. |
Capacity of the Washing Machine
If you have more members in your family, you need a higher washing machine capacity. The size is measured in kilograms and depends on the clothes’ weight. For better wash quality, the drum load should be filled to one-third capacity. When it comes to drum quality, choose stainless steel tubs.
The frequency of washing also matters, and if you wash clothes regularly, a medium-sized washing machine will do. The easy wash facility washes clothes in 15 to 30 minutes.
Washing machine size is important, and a smaller washing machine will need multiple wash cycles depending on the weight of the load. A large capacity washing machine will complete the same load in one wash.
Drum Size
Drum materials matter and you can get plastic, porcelain-enamel, or stainless-steel drums. As for drum quality, stainless steel tubes are the best as they can endure high-spin speeds and last the longest. The drum size would depend on your washing needs, and large families would need drums sized at 8 to 10 kg. Drum capacities usually range from 3kg up to 12kg.
Spin (RPM)
Faster spin means better cleaning, and a top-of-the-range model can spin up to 1800 RPM, making them noisier. The average spinning speed is 400 to 1400 RPM, and the clothes quality program ensures optimal water removal.
Wash Programme
With technology, you have smart washing machines that let you customize settings with wash program options like touchscreens, touchpads, rotary controls, and water level alternatives. You can use the gentle wash setting for frail clothes or any other favourite setting as required.
Dryer Options
If you’re looking for one machine to do it all, then go for a fully automatic one. You’ll get a washer-dryer in the same machine. While larger washing machines have greater drying capacities, they take up a lot of space. Washing machines that offer both in one are a great solution, so choose a dryer as per your needs.
Display
Washing becomes easy with controls like digital display, touch display, and touchpads. There are buttons like a timer to plan your washing. You can check the water level with the level meter. Use the machine carefully to avoid malfunctions.
Energy Efficiency
Buy washing machines after checking the energy rating to ensure energy efficiency. The ratings depend on the machine’s Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and Integrated Water Factor (IWF). Higher efficiency leads to greater energy savings and lower energy consumption.
With new developments and new improvements, washing machines offer improved performance with more efficiency.
More Features
Fuzzy Logic
The wash cycle, water temperature, spin, and rinse speed are automatically managed with this feature.
Temperature Control
There are three temperature options for washing. Cold for delicate fabrics, warm for everyday wash, and hot for hard stains.
Time Delay
You can customize your washing time with this feature and delay washing for up to 24 hours.
Quick Wash
Use this option for a small load of lightly soiled clothes, and get clean clothes in 30 minutes.
Hand Wash
Delicate fabrics like silk or wool should be washed using this option.
Extra Rinse
You can increase the number of rinses with this option.
Hot Wash
You need to operate the machine at over 60 degrees to use this option, and it helps to remove tough stains and sterilize clothes.
Smart Control
Smart controls let you connect your washing machine to your WiFi and remotely operate it.
Sensor
You can adjust the time and water usage in your washing machine depending on the weight and fabric type in your wash load with sensor technology.
Steam
This function ensures lower odor and creasing, making ironing easier.
Top 10 Best Front Load Washing Machines in UAE
1. LG Front Load Washer 6 kg
2. Samsung AddWash™ Washer Dryer with ecobubble™ 9kg
3. Panasonic NAS128M2L Washer Dryer 12KGWash/8KGDry
4. Whirlpool Front Load Washer 7 Kg
5. Bosch 10Kg Washer Dryer
6. Candy 9 KG Washer & 6 KG Dryer
7. Hoover Free Standing Washer & Dryer 8 kg/ 6 kg
8. Super General Front Load Washer 6kg
9. LG Front Load Washer 7 kg, 6 Motion Direct Drive, Smart Diagnosis™
10. Samsung Front Load Washer 8kg
Top 10 Best Top Load Washing Machines in UAE
1. Nikai Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine 12 Kg
2. LG Top Load Washer Fully Automatic 16Kg TurboWash3D Steam Auto Tub Clean
3. Super General Top Load Fully Automatic Washer 7kg
4. LG Top Load Semi-Automatic Washer 14 kg, Roller Jet, 3 Wash Programs
5. Samsung Top Load Fully Automatic Washer 10.5 Kg
6. Super General Top Load Fully Automatic Washer 6kg
7. Nikai Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine 7 Kg
8. Panasonic Top Load Fully Automatic Washer 13 kg
9. Whirlpool Top Load Fully Automatic Washer 15kg
10. LG Top Load Washer Fully Automatic 18Kg TurboWash3D Steam Auto Tub Clean
Final Thoughts
Shop for the top washing machine brands on SharafDG at the best prices. From discounts to freebies, we make the washing machine of your dreams affordable.
Most Common Questions - Buying Laptop for You
Which is the best washing machine brand in the UAE?
The best washing machine brand in UAE is the LG Front Load Washer since it has a user-friendly interface, good stain removal, and steam function.
Which is the best washing machine for home use?
With simple touch screen controls and anti-stain technology, this Bosch model is the best washing machine for home use.
How much does a washing machine cost in Abu Dhabi?
The price range for washing machines ranges from AED 900 for a 7-kg LG front-load washer-dryer to above AED 2000 for an 18-kg front-load washer-dryer.
Which LG washing machine is the best?
The TwinWash model from LG is the best washing machine.
What is the standard height of a washing machine?
The standard height of a washing machine is 20 inches. Pedestals may add 7 to 16 inches to the washing machine.
How many KG is a standard washing machine?
Machine drum capacities vary from 3 to 12 kg.
Which washing machine is good—front or top?
If you have a large family, go for a top-load washing machine since they have the largest capacity. Front-loaders are more energy-efficient and have a steam sanitation feature.
Which is the best semi or fully-automatic washing machine?
Semi-automatic washing machines are cheaper than fully automatic ones but drying clothes is a hassle since they don’t have in-built dryers. Fully-automatic washing machines are automatic and hassle-free.
Are dryers available in all washing machines?
All fully-automatic washing machines have dryers.
Which washing machine is best for a 6-member family?
A large washing machine with a capacity to wash 8 to 10 kg of clothes is perfect for a family that size.