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7 Best Washing Machines
A washing machine has become more of a necessity than a luxury in Indian homes.
With more people working to earn a living, the time has become a scarce commodity. When you have the power of affordable technology to make things easy for you, one should embrace it wholeheartedly.
Yes, the washing machine has made things easy for the Indian homemaker. Besides saving time, washing machines do a fantastic job.
With these devices becoming available for prices under Rs 15,000, it is proper that every house has one.
This appliance can reduce the overall domestic workload of a homemaker considerably.
Best Washing Machine Under 15000
1. LG 6.5Kg 5-Star Inverter Fully Automatic Top-Loading Washing Machine – T65SKSF4Z
LG washing machines are available in all budget ranges. This 6.5Kg top-loading fully automatic washing machine is one of the best products in the Rs 15K pricing range. This 5-star rated appliance comes with excellent features.
Highlights
- Fully-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 5Kg capacity, suitable for bachelors, couples, and small families up to three persons
- Spin speeds of 780 rpm
- Smart Inverter Technology
- Warranty up to ten years on the motor
LG washing machines come with a robust inverter motor to deliver an excellent washing experience with the least noise and vibrations. The advantage of the smart inverter motor is that it adjusts the energy consumption, depending on the load.
This motor comes equipped with BMC Motor Protection, whereby it is safe and protected from dust, humidity, and insects. The product also comes equipped with a rat cover to prevent rodents from accessing the crucial components of the machine.
The Turbo drum enables a powerful wash by removing the most stubborn dirt, aided by a strong water stream of rotating drum and pulsator in opposite directions.
Another highlight of this washing machine is the Tub Clean feature that ensures sterilisation of both the inner and outer tubs at regular intervals.
The Smart Diagnosis feature allows you to connect the appliance to a smart app, Smart ThinQ, using which you can diagnose various errors to help in resolving problems quickly.
This washing machine allows you to disable the control panel with a child lock feature, thereby protecting its settings.
One of the critical aspects of this washing machine is the Auto Restart facility that allows you to restart the device from where it stopped during the power cut.
- Robust inverter motor with a noiseless performance
- Excellent diagnostic features
- Auto Restart facility
- Does not have an inbuilt heater facility
2. Samsung 6.2Kg Fully Automatic Top-Load washing machine – WA62M4100HY/TL
If LG offers a model, you can expect a Samsung equivalent almost immediately. This fierce rivalry works out to the customer’s benefit as they get the best products at the most affordable and attractive prices. This 6.2Kg fully automatic washing machine is one of the best available under Rs 15K.
Highlights
- Fully-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 6.2Kg capacity, ideal for bachelors and couples
- Diamond drum with pulsator
- Four-year warranty on the motor
Samsung washing machines come with excellent features like Centre Jet Technology and diamond drum. The Centre Jet technology throws up jets of water from the centre of the device to prevent the laundry from tangling.
The highlight of this machine is the diamond drum. The unique design with the smooth diamond-shaped ridges is gentle on the clothes and tough on the dirt.
This washing machine features a magic filter to gather the lint and fluff to keep your laundry clean. At the same time, this filter prevents the debris from clogging the drainpipes.
The Eco Tub Clean feature keeps the top-load washer clean without using harsh chemicals. It also notifies the user when the cleaning is due.
The Quick wash feature is the best one to have when time is at a premium. Set up this option to clean your clothes as quickly as possible. The machine is designed to use HE detergents and the minimum water to ensure a high degree of efficiency.
Other features include the Delay End that allows you to delay the end of any cycle for up to 24 hours. The Child lock protects the appliance from unnecessary tampering, thereby keeping your settings safe.
- Impressive washing quality
- Powerful motor
- One of the best performances
- Some options take more time for completion
- No hot water wash feature.
3. Bosch 6.5Kg Fully Automatic Top-loading washing machine – WOE654W0IN
Bosch is a reputed international brand that brings the best of German engineering to washing machines in India. Generally renowned for manufacturing front-loading machines, Bosch has a couple of top-loading washing machines available in your budget of Rs 15K.
Highlights
- Fully-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 5Kg capacity, ideal for small families
- One-touch start and soft closing lid
- The spin speed of 680 rpm
- Ten tears warranty on the motor
Bosch is Europe’s top washing machine brand. However, the needs of Europeans are different from Indians. This machine caters to Indian requirements.
The PowerWave Wash system, along with the intelligent Wave Drum movement and Dynamic Water flow system ensures a high-quality washing experience.
The highlight of this washing machine is its lid that closes gently to prevent any noise and unnecessary injuries. The cover comes fitted with a toughened glass capable of withstanding heavy weights.
This machine comes with six colour options to match with your interior decorations. The one-touch start makes it one of the most cherished devices in its niche.
The machine automatically senses the type of wash required, depending on the load and the quality of garments. All the user does is to press the button for starting the machine.
This washing machine offers a unique detergent dispensing facility with separate compartments for powder and liquid detergents.
The magic filter feature gathers the lint and fluff from your garments to ensure a cleaner laundry. It can also work in areas where there is low water pressure.
Another exciting feature is the Power-Off memory function. It enables the machine to remember the point in the cycle when the power was switched off. It resumes from the same point on the restoration of power.
- Excellent features to guarantee a superb performance
- One-touch start options
- Amazing wash options
- No inbuilt hot water wash option
- Drying is at the primary level.
4. Whirlpool 7.5Kg 5-star Royal Plus Fully Automatic Top-Loading washing machine
Whirlpool offers some of the best user-friendly washing machines under Rs 15,000. This model comes with intelligent features to ensure a fantastic washing experience.
Highlights
- Fully-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 5-star energy rating
- Hard water wash technology
- 12 wash programs
- LED Digital Display
Whirlpool offers 6th sense technology that senses the laundry weight and recommends the ideal detergent. This machine comes with a powerful scrub technology to remove the most stubborn dirt.
The 5-star rated washing machine features a hard water wash functionality that adapts the wash cycle accordingly to deliver up to 20% better cleaning. The Spiro wash action uses a unique circular motion to give a thorough washing experience.
The Zero Pressure Fill Technology ensures that the water gets filled 50% faster even if the pressure is around 17mpa. This machine features 12 wash programs to take care of all types of garments from the gentle ones to the most challenging clothes.
This washing machine features easy-to-use options where the user has to tap the 1-2-3 button for the device to take care of the rest.
The Express wash feature reduces your washing cycle by 30% to 40%, thereby saving crucial time. At the same time, the Delay Wash function enables you to delay any wash cycle by three to 24 hours, depending on your preference.
The Magic Lint Filter is invisible to the naked eye. However, it collects the lint and other debris from the garments with the help of centrifugal force. Thus, it reduces manual intervention in this matter.
The control panel is situated at the back end of the machine to prevent water spillages from causing any malfunctioning of the panel.
This washing machine is the most ideal for places having water shortage because the Aqua Store feature allows you to store water for the next wash, thereby taking care of uncertainty in the water supply.
- Outstanding wash options to deliver excellent results
- Hard water compatibility
- Incredible washing cycles
- No hot water washing feature
5. LG 6.2Kg Inverter Fully Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine – T7288NDDLG.ASFPEIL
LG washing machines can be slightly expensive compared to Samsung and Whirlpool models, but they come with excellent features like inverter motor to conserve energy. Some of the highlights are as follows.
Highlights
- Fully-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 2Kg capacity, ideal for small families
- High spin speeds of 780 rpm
- Excellent wash options
- Smart Inverter Technology to save energy
This LG washing machine seems similar to one discussed earlier, except for the capacity.
The smart inverter technology ensures less noise and vibrations while delivering a better washing experience. It is also one of the safest washing machines around.
One of the highlighting features is that the inverter motor comes with corrosion-resistant qualities. The motor comes with BMC motor protection to prevent damage from dust, insects, and humidity.
The advantage of the smart inverter motor is that it adjusts the energy consumption, depending on the load. Thus, it saves energy.
This washing machine features Smart Diagnosis by connecting with the Smart ThinQ app to identify any problem with your device.
This washing machine comes with Turbo Drum to remove the toughest dirt, as the drum and pulsator rotate in different directions.
It also features Punch+ 3 functionality to mix the laundry up and down to ensure a uniform washing experience.
The stainless-steel drum is reputed for being long-lasting because it does not rust. The stainless-steel drum also discourages the accumulation of bacteria.
The Tub Clean technology sterilises the inner and outer tub to eliminate the unpleasant odour. The Auto-Restart feature ensures to start the machine from where it left off during the power cut.
- Smart inverter technology to save energy
- Smart diagnosis feature using a mobile app
- Stainless-steel drum makes this machine a robust one.
- Some users have complained of unsatisfactory after-sales service
- No hot water washing feature
6. LG 8Kg 5-Star Semi-Automatic top-loading washing machine – P8035SPMZ
Along with the fully automatic washing machines, LG manufactures some of the best semi-automatic washing appliances to satisfy the requirements of large families within the budget of Rs 15K.
Highlights
- Semi-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 5-star rating
- 8Kg capacity, to cater to medium-sized Indian families
- The high spin speed of 1350 rpm to help in quicker drying
- Five-year warranty on the motor
Semi-automatic washing machines are excellent when it comes to water and energy consumption. Besides, the 8kg capacity ensures to cater to the needs of medium-sized Indian families comprising of five to six persons.
This appliance is the ideal washing machine under Rs 15K for such families.
LG believes in taking care of your clothes, as it comes with exquisite options. The roller jet pulsator provides the ideal friction to ensure that your clothes remain safe while eliminating dirt at the same time.
This machine features a soak option where you can soak your dirty garments for a minimum of twenty minutes to get rid of the stubborn dirt.
The Three-wash program offers you the choice between gentle, normal, and strong wash, depending on the quality of garments you wish to wash.
The spin tub has a fantastic speed of 1350 rpm to provide excellent drying. It ensures that the clothes dry 30 to 40% faster than hanging it on the clothesline.
The magic wheels provided with this machine can swivel in all directions. Thus, it is easy to manoeuvre this machine anywhere in the home.
The 3mm plastic cover supplied along with the device comes with rat repellent chemical to prevent rats from entering the device and damaging the circuits.
- Three excellent wash options to take care of all types of clothes
- 5-star energy rating
- Incredible spin tub speed to allow quick and efficient drying
- No lint filter
- The plastic drum is a disadvantage.
7. Whirlpool 10.5Kg 5-star Semi-automatic top-loading washing machine
Whirlpool offers one of the best semi-automatic washing machines in the Rs 15K pricing range. This machine is a massive appliance with a capacity of 10.5Kg and capable of catering to large families.
Highlights
- Semi-automatic top-loading washing machine
- 5Kg capacity to cater to large Indian families
- 5-star energy rating
- 3D Turbo Impeller and Lint filter
- Five wash programs
- High speed of 1400 rpm
Whirlpool offers intelligent solutions to all consumer problems. This washing machine is unique because of the 3D Scrub technology to remove ten different types of stubborn stains.
The 3D Turbo Impeller comes with a rotatory stem to remove dirt with excellent efficiency. The 3D scrub pads provided on the impeller ensure the perfect triple motion to dismiss the most stubborn dirt easily.
This washing machine features a 3D lint filter to collect the lint and fluff from your garments to enable the clothes to emerge sparklingly clean after every wash.
This washing machine is different from the others because of the hard water wash program that removes dirt and stains even in hard water conditions.
The spin tub spins at astonishing speeds of 1400 rpm to extract the maximum water possible and ensure quick drying of your garments.
The large drum can accommodate up to 10.5Kg of clothes. It can handle heavy loads comfortably in a single go.
The waterproof and shockproof features protect the machine control panel from water spillages.
- Incredible stain removing performance
- Large enough to cater to the heaviest of loads
- Fantastic spin speeds to hasten the drying process
- Customers have complained of noise when using the spin tub.
- The drainpipe and water hose length could have been more.
Buying Guide for washing machines under Rs 15,000
From the review, we can understand that both fully automatic and semi-automatic washing machines are available under Rs 15,000.
At the same time, you must also have noticed that there are no front-loading machines on the list.
The simple reason is that these machines are comparatively expensive. Therefore, we shall exclude these machines and their features in our buying guide.
Semi-Automatic Vs Fully Automatic Washing Machines
Before we proceed further in the matter, let us understand the differences between a semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machine.
Semi-Automatic Machines
Semi-automatic washing machines, as the name suggests, require the part of the work to be done manually.
These machines come with necessary features like a washing tub and a drying tub. These tubs are placed adjacent to each other on the device and can work independently.
The machine layout is such that you need to set a timer for washing or soaking your garments.
On finishing this job, the user has to manually transfer the clothes from the washing tub to the drying tub.
Here, the drying tub spins at tremendous speeds to squeeze out the water from the garments and make it semi-dry. You can then take out the clothes and hang them on the clothesline.
Does this not sound simple enough? Such machines do not come with advanced features. Hence, they cost less. At the same time, these appliances consume less power.
However, these machines require manual attention for operating the two tubs and transferring the clothes from one tub to another.
Secondly, these machines require the user to add water manually. They do not have sensors to judge the amount of water necessary for a particular washing cycle.
Fully Automatic Machines
On the other hand, fully automatic machines reduce the manual work component considerably.
You still have to fix the settings, add the detergent, turn on the water connection, and switch on the machine. Subsequently, you can relax, as the machine takes over the job of washing and semi-drying the clothes.
If you have a separate dryer arrangement to ensure complete drying, you should transfer the semi-dried garments from this appliance to the dryer. Otherwise, the entire washing job is automatic.
The fully automatic machines cost more than semi-automatic appliances. They also come with various additional features like detergent dispenser, water level sensors, agitators, and so on.
The endeavour is to make the job as easy as possible for the homemaker.
Both these machines have their merits and demerits. Let us discuss them in brief.
Benefits of a semi-automatic washing machine
- Price-wise, these machines cost less than the fully automatic devices.
- They require less water for washing clothes.
- Both the washing and drying activity can go on simultaneously, thereby saving time.
- The semi-automatic machines consume less power.
- These appliances have a more extended lifespan in comparison to the fully automatic devices.
- You can stop and restart the machine during a specific washing or drying cycle.
Benefits of a fully automatic washing machine
- The machine controls are fully automatic.
- These appliances offer many exciting features to make your job easy.
- They come with automatic draining facilities.
- As these machines feature advanced scrubbing and rinsing controls, they reduce manual intervention.
- Some of the advanced machines come with child-safety features.
- The latest fully automatic machines come with inbuilt heaters to enable a hot-water wash.
Drawbacks of a semi-automatic washing machine
- The semi-automatic washing machines are comparatively larger and hence occupy more space.
- These appliances come with manual draining and refilling options.
- These machines can be distracting, as you need to pay regular attention to the functioning.
- They do not come with inbuilt heaters and child-safety features.
Drawbacks of a fully automatic washing machine
- These fully automatic washing machines consume more water than semi-automatic appliances.
- These devices are comparatively expensive.
- These appliances are difficult to operate for novices.
Tips to Purchase the best washing machine under Rs 15,000
Washing Machine Capacity
The number of household members decides the washing machine capacity. With your limited budget of Rs 15,000, you cannot go beyond 6.5Kg capacity for a fully automatic washing machine.
Such machines are ideal for small families up to three members. However, if you wish to purchase a semi-automatic washing machine, you can go up to 10Kg.
Therefore, if you have a large family with a limited budget, the semi-automatic washing machine should be the best bet.
Washing Machine Brand
Almost all the top Indian washing machine brands offer semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines in your budget range.
Some of the top-selling brands on offer are LG, Samsung, Onida, Whirlpool, Godrej, and BPL, among others.
Each of these models comes with incredible features to make your job easy. Select the ideal brand, depending on the features. At the same time, one should look at aspects like warranty and customer support.
BEE Star Rating
BEE has a mandatory stipulation that all washing machines should display the star rating prominently on the device.
The higher the BEE star rating, the more efficient is the washing machine on the energy-saving front.
However, the machine’s price is directly proportional to the star rating.
Although the 5-star washing machine is expensive when compared to a 3-star appliance, you benefit because of power savings over the lifespan of the appliance.
Washing Drum
Washing drums are available in stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-ceramic.
The stainless-steel drums last longer than the others, whereas the plastic tubs are the least durable of the lot.
They also tend to give out a foul odour if you do not sanitise them regularly. If you opt for a semi-automatic washing machine, it is advisable to opt for a machine with a stainless-steel spin drum.
Spin Speed
Compared to fully automatic washing machines, the semi-automatic spin drums have a higher spin speed.
The higher the speed, the better is the drying experience. The spin drums come with increased spin speeds of more than 1300 rpm.
On the contrary, the fully automatic machines have a spin speed in the range of 700 to 1300 rpm.
Inverter Motor
Fully automatic washing machines come with an inverter motor option. These motors save power and make less noise when compared to conventional engines.
You get a couple of washing machine brands like LG with inverter motor facility. The semi-automatic washing machines do not come with this feature.
Other features to look out for
Agitator/Pulsator
Washing machines are available with additional features like agitators or pulsators that help in the washing process.
These adjustments cause turbulence in the water flow inside the washing tub to ensure proper dissolution of the detergent, and thereby, a better washing experience.
Such arrangements are useful when you have children in the home. The number of abnormally soiled garments will be more under such circumstances.
Facilities for a hand-scrub
Some of the fully automatic washing machines like Samsung come with dedicated areas to give soiled clothes a hand-scrub before placing it in the washing machine.
The semi-automatic machines feature a tray atop the wash drum where you can do the hand scrubbing job to loosen the stubborn dirt.
Wash Programs
Generally, fully-automatic washing machines come with a range of wash programs that include soak, delayed wash, Extra Speed mode, and others.
Some of the semi-automatic washing machines also offer light, medium, and heavy wash cycles with soaking features. It is advisable to check out the various wash programs before purchasing the device.
Detergent dispensers
Semi-automatic washing machines do not come with detergent dispensers, whereas these facilities are available in the fully automatic appliances.
This facility enables you to mix the detergents well with the water to ensure a uniform washing experience.
Child Lock features
Fully automatic washing machines are available with child lock features. This feature enables you to lock the settings once you have finalised them. It does not allow anyone else to tamper with it.
Rat Cover
If you keep the washing machines in open areas, they should come with a rat cover. It is an optional arrangement like a wire mesh fit under the device to prevent rats from entering it and damaging the vital components.
One should also invest in a good-quality machine cover to protect it from external damage. Some of the latest machines come with rat-repelling paints. These features enhance the lifespan of the machine considerably.
Water Softener
Hard water is a perennial issue in India, especially in the smaller towns and villages. The washing machines remain in contact with water for extended periods.
Hence, there can be an accumulation of salt and other solids on the drum or the drainpipes.
Some of the fully automatic washing machines are available with inbuilt water softening arrangements.
Alternatively, you can purchase these devices separately and attach them to the inlet pipe to soften the water before entering the washing machine. Such features are not available in the semi-automatic washing machines.
Warranty
Generally, the washing machines come with a warranty period between one and three years for the non-plastic and non-electrical components.
The motor usually gets a warranty of five to ten years. One can go for extended warranties by paying an additional sum.
It is also advisable to go for AMC after the expiry of the warranty.
A washing machine is one of the most useful home appliances and an asset to the homemaker. One should take adequate care of the device to extend its lifespan.
These machines can work comfortably for six to seven years without any issues. If you take adequate care, you can extend the life span to even ten years or more.
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