Oct 25, 2002 07:19 PM
30513 Views
(Updated Oct 25, 2002 07:23 PM)
I had used both Semi-Automatic as well as fully automatic washing machines. Both have relative advantages and disadvantages.
Generally we have 3-4 stages in any washing operation vs 1. soaking 2. washing 3. rinsing 4 Drying/ spinning
In semi-auto you have two tubs - one for Soaking,washing and rinsing and the second one for drying (by spin action). Hence the clothes have to be manually transferred from one tub to another after the washing/rinsing is over. In fully automatic all are performed in a single tub/drum hence no need for any manual intervention and transfer.
Generally most of the fully automatic washing machines have additional features and flexibility in setting a customized environment for the nature of clothes (wool/ silk/ light clothes/ heavy etc). Also some washing machines come with a facility of heating water to remove stubborn dirt. Also some washing machines have a provision for hot air circulation to make the drying more effective.
Generally the price of the fully automatic washing machine could be higher by 50% to 200% depending upon the model and manufacturer.
Some fully automatic washing machines take very high washing cycle time (1.5 hours to 2 hours) while some other take lesser time (45 minutes). Generally the semi-auto machines have a cycle time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Overall the washing quality is slightly better in fully auto machines. They also come with a provision to add bleach/ starch etc. This may have to be done manually in the semi-auto (depending upon the model).
My personal experience is that the fully automatic machines same quite a lot of time and effort. It is definitely worth spending some additional money to save lot of time and also to avoid mistakes.
If budget is not a constraint, fully automatic washing machines are a boon for time-constrained people - fill it set it, shut it & forget it till the washing is over.
