If you are confused between a Semi-Automatic vs fully automatic washing machine then this article is for you. Washing machines have become a necessity in today’s time. They make washing clothes easier, faster and more convenient than conventional techniques. Before buying a machine you must look for factors like product description, features, efficiency, performance, durability, design, convenience, pros and cons, etc.
There are many different kinds of washing machines available in the market today. Depending on your requirements, you may select the best type for you.
Types of Washing Machines
There are different types of washing machines available. They are:
- Semi-automatic Washing Machine
- Top-load
- Fully Automatic Washing Machines
- Top Load
- Front Load
Let’s discuss Semi-Automatic vs fully automatic washing machine in detail. What are fully automatic washing machines and Semi-Automatic Washing Machines? Here is a detailed article which will clear your doubts about semi and fully automatic washing machines.
Semi-automatic Washing Machines
Semi-automatic machines are the most basic washing machines. These machines are easy to operate, water-efficient and are budget-friendly. Semi-automatic washing machines use less water. They require manual intervention for operation. You need to add water, clothes, detergent (as per the size of laundry) into the washing drum and set the wash cycle. After the wash cycle is completed, you need to transfer wet clothes manually into the dryer.
Semi-automatic washing machines are generally top-load machines. These washing machines come with twin-tubs, either plastic or steel. The two separate tubs are for washing and drying. The capacity of these washing machines ranges between 3kg to 14kg. The varying capacity allows the user to choose between different sizes according to user’s requirement.
If we compare Semi-automatic vs Fully Automatic washing machines, there are a lot of differences.
Water heater is available in fully automatic washing machine
Advantages of Semi-automatic Washing Machine
- It consumes comparatively less water than fully automatic washing machines (top-load). It does not require a continuous flow of water. You can adjust the water level according to the size of the laundry.
- Wash cycle is comparatively shorter, which saves time.
- They are easy to move, as they do not need a continuous water supply.
- You can add delicate clothes first and then use the same water for the rest of the laundry. It makes the machine even more water-efficient.
- Semi-automatic washing machines are cost-effective.
- You can easily add clothes during the wash cycle.
- Energy-efficient.
Disadvantages of Semi-automatic Washing Machine
- Requires more manual work as compared to fully automatic machines.
- There is a little risk of an electric shock, therefore, you should transfer the clothes carefully. It is better to switch off the washing machine and then move wet clothes to the dryer.
- Clothes might get tangled.
- These machines require more space.
Fully Automatic Washing Machine
Fully automatic machines are more popular because of their advanced technology. These machines do not require much of your efforts. They are easy to use and helpful for people who have busy schedules. These machines are light-weight and energy-efficient. They are categorized into top load and front load. You can choose any model depending on your needs.
They are equipped with many advanced features. Like, built-in-heater option and many different wash modes depending on the model you select. Fully Automatic washing machines are very easy to operate. Add your dirty clothes into the washer, add the required amount of detergent & fabric softener and then the wash cycle. You will get cleaned and dried clothes after the completion of the wash cycle. Fully automatic machine gives you the time to relax or carry on with your work while it takes care of your laundry.
Fully Automatic washing machines are of two kinds-Top Load and Front Load. Let us understand the difference between the two.
Top Load Washing Machine
Top load washing machines have a door on the top and are loaded from the top. They are more convenient as it minimizes your bending during loading the machine. However, you have to bend for unloading the clothes. You can also increase its height by adding a stand under it for more convenience. These washing machines allows you to add clothes during the wash cycle. These washing machines are easy to clean and require less maintenance. The duration of the wash cycle is of a short, so takes less time.
Top load washing machines are of two types:
- With agitator
- Without an agitator
Front Load Washing Machine
Front-loading machines come with many advanced features. They are efficient and gentler on clothes. In these machines the door (lid) is at the front. Therefore, you need to bend while loading and unloading the clothes. These machines are durable, use less water & detergent and are energy-efficient. Front-load machines are compact hence require less space. Therefore, they are a bit pricy but worth the cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fully-Automatic Washing Machine
Advantages
- As the name suggests, they do all the work automatically.
- Manual intervention is not required.
- They come with many advanced features.
- The performance of fully automatic washing machines are highly-efficient and convenient to use.
- Compact, requires less space.
- Designed elegantly
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Water consumption is more because it needs a continuous flow of water.
- Power consumption is high.
- Require maintenance and service.
Semi-Automatic vs Fully Automatic Washing Machine
| Semi-Automatic | Fully Automatic |
|---|---|
| Constant attention is required. | Do not require constant monitoring. |
| They are reasonably priced as compared to fully automatic washing machines. | Expensive |
| Do not need a continuous water supply. Needs no direct water connection. | Continuous water supply is required. It needs a direct water connection. A dedicated tap for washing machine. |
| Water-efficient. It saves water. | High water consumption. |
| The wash cycle takes lesser time. But additional time is required to transfer the clothes which increases its overall wash time. | Wash time is more, but it finishes washing prior as compared to a semi-automatic washing machine. |
| Manual intervention is much more. | Runs automatically and requires less manual efforts. |
| It needs more space. | Compact, do not require much space. |
| Equipped with basic functions. | Equipped with latest features. |
| Heavy in weight. | Lighter in weight. |
| Not much models and features available. | Wide range of models and features available. |
| Wash quality is not good. It may lead to rougher fabric or tangled clothes. | Wash quality is better than the semi-automatic machines. |
| Top-load variant. | Available in top-load and front-load variant. |
| Clothes can be added during the wash process. | You cannot add clothes once the wash cycle starts. |
| Easy to move. | Cannot be moved easily. |
| Consumes less power. | Power consumption is more. |
FAQ
How much water is consumed by fully automatic washing machine and semi-automatic washing machine per wash?
It varies according to the type of washing machine, whether semi-automatic or fully automatic or top load or front load. It also depends on the size of the laundry. The water consumption per wash for the semi-automatic washing machine is around 120 litres. For fully automatic top-load around 140 litres and fully automatic front load around 60 litres.
How much energy does my washing machine consume?
A common household washing machine uses 400 to 1300 watts. Around 80% to 90% energy is consumed in heating the water. Morden washing machines come with 5-star energy rating (BEE rating).
Let’s understand it better by example:
Suppose a 7 kg washing machine of 1000 kW is used for 1 hour.
Then it will consume 1kW X 1 hour = 1 kWh.
The average rate of electricity in India is ₹5. Now multiply the rate of electricity to the power it consumes per day.
Therefore, 1 X 5 = ₹5
This is the price you need to pay if your washing machine works for 1 hour per day.
Therefore, the monthly cost will be: 5 X 30 = ₹150
What is the best top-loaded, fully automatic washing machine brand in India?
As per our recommendations Samsung, LG and Whirlpool are the best brands for top-load fully automatic washing machines in India.
How to use fully automatic washing machine?
Fully automatic washing machines are easy to operate. Add dirty clothes to the drum. Then add detergent and fabric softener in the dispenser. Do not overload the washing machine. Select the option such as temperature, wash cycle, spin cycle depending on the fabric of clothes and load. Unload the laundry immediately after the wash cycle gets completed to keep its freshness.
How do I choose a washing machine?
There are many factors which you should consider before investing in a washing machine. You must consider following points:
- Type of washing machine
- Requirement of the user
- Budget
- Space
- Power
- BEE Rating
- Features
- Warranty
- Brand
Which is the best washing machine powder?
Some of the best washing machine powder or liquid detergent are Vanish, Ariel, Surf Excel, Tide. For woollen clothes, you may use Ezee. Fabric softeners are also available like Comfort.
Why should a washing machine be cleaned?
The washing machine should be cleaned to maintain its life. Lint get collected on the walls of the machine, so it is necessary to clean. Also, uncleaned machines are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. It may emit bad odour and machine may not function efficiently.
Do washing machines really give clean clothes?
Yes, and even better than hand washing. It is a convenient way of washing clothes than traditional methods. It soaks, scrubs and cleans the clothes efficiently and effectively.
