Washing machines are essential home appliances that help us in our day-to-day lives. The modern-day machines are packed with lucrative features and functionalities, making it difficult for the buyers to choose the ideal one.

Whether you’re buying cheap washing machines under 200 dollars or above; there are certain things that you need to keep in mind.

Each of the models is packed with different kinds of features like child lock, hot wash, protective rat mesh, temperature control, quick wash, digital display, etc. Depending on the functions, the prices will also vary. Getting to select the right machine will depend on your ability to analyze certain factors.

On your behalf, we have performed the research work and have curated this washing machine buying guide to ease your buying process. Let’s go through each of the factors that you must be conscious of before bringing one home.

Types of washing machine

Depending on the loading types, washing machines are of two kinds – semi-automatic and fully automatic. 

Semi-automatic machines are best for beginners and consist of two separate compartments – one for washing and the other for drying. Power consumption is less and requires manual intervention.

Fully automatic, on the other hand, is user-friendly and as the name suggests, it can do the entire job for you. It means, unlike semi-automatic machines, these washing machines have one tub for both cleaning and drying. So, there’s no need for human intervention. Fully automatic machines are categorized into two types- Top load and front load machines.

If you’re a beginner and have a tight budget, go for a washing machine under 200. High-end models will cost you more and will consist of high functionality levels. Semi-automatic machines are available within this price range.

Once you master the techniques of using a washing machine, you can purchase a pricey model in the long run. 

Material of the tub–

The tub is made up of different materials like plastic, stainless steel, or porcelain enamel.  Without any doubt, stainless steel is the most durable material compared to the other alternatives. These tubs have the capacity to resist high spin speeds and have a longer lifespan.

Washing capacity–

Usually, washing machines have a load capacity ranging between 5 to 10 kg. You are the best person to judge the total laundry load of your house. However, what’s important to understand here is that the power and water consumption will be more if you’re opting for higher load capacities.

The ideal model for bachelors or couples would be the one having a capacity of 6-6.5kg. For big families having more than five members, the best pick would be 10kg capacity or more.

Wash settings–

What kind of wash settings do you need? This is probably the first thing that you should keep in your checklist before purchasing a washing machine.

Some models come with different wash settings, allowing the user to adjust the washing mode through rotary controls or touchpads.   A washing machine under $200 comes with wash settings and is a pocket-friendly option for beginners as well.

 Features/Functionalities of the machine–

  • RPM– The drying of your clothes will be determined by the RPM of the machine. RPM stands for Revolution per Minute. The higher the RPM, the better it will dry your clothes. This mode is helpful during the monsoon seasons.
  • Fuzzy Logic– This feature has the capacity to automatically select the washing temperature, wash cycle, spin, and rinse speed depending on the garment quality. Moreover, the fuzzy logic identifies the load capacity and accordingly decides the amount of water, detergent and, the time required for cleaning.
  • Quick wash– As the name suggests, it can clean and dry the clothes within 15-30 minutes approximately. However, the time might vary depending on the model.
  • Temperature settings- The majority of the washing machines have three temperature settings- warm (for regular wash), hot (to remove dirt and stains), and cold (for supple fabrics). These features are also available in cheap washing machines under 200 US dollars.
  • LCD/LED display– Certain washing machine models, including the affordable ones, are jam-packed with displays that help in showing information like the washing stage and the remaining time left for the washing cycle to complete.
  • Time-delay– This is a remarkable user-friendly feature that helps the user to delay their washing time at their convenience. Depending on the model, the time can be delayed up to 24 hours.

Last but not the least; make sure that the model you’ve selected comes with good after-sales service. Do not forget to check the warranty offered. This covers at-home services by expert technicians for defects and malfunctions. Furthermore, it also adds a sense of security knowing that you don’t have to spend extra bucks even if anything goes wrong!