Don’t you just love the smell of clean laundry? I mean, really clean laundry just out of the washing machine. There’s nothing quite like it. In India, we are blessed with beautiful weather and balmy days. It’s great for picnics or just spending time with some friends. Unfortunately, it also means that laundry becomes much more of a chore.
Laundry doesn’t have to be such a grind, though, if you have the right washing machine. Choose the right model, and your clothing will come out spick and span every time. So, how do you choose the right model? Which machines are worth what you’re paying for them? Which brands are worth paying more for? How do you choose a model that’s not going to let you down after a few years?
Sit back and relax; we have you covered. We’ve done exhaustive research to find the very best washing machines currently on the market in India. We rated countless models on:
- Value for money
- Durability
- Useful features
- Suitability for the Indian market and the delicate fabrics that we use
In the end, we narrowed it down to our top five choices – three of which are front loaders, and two of which are top loaders. Want to see which models made the grade? Let’s go.
Quick Overview: Front Load & Top Load Washing Machine
Best Front Load: Bosch Fully-Automatic 7 kg - Model: WAK24168IN
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Front Load Washing Machine - Top 3 Picks
1. Bosch Fully-Automatic 7 kg Front Loading Washing Machine Model: WAK24168IN - Best of the Best
This front-loader is fully automatic and ideal for a small family of three or four people. It combines the high-quality engineering that Bosch is famous for with some handy features.
The machine itself is guaranteed for two years, the motor, on the other hand, is guaranteed for ten years. That’s only possible for a company who is confident in their product.
It revs high at 1,200 RPM which means that the basin will spin faster, reducing the overall wash time and ensuring that the clothes are much drier when they come out. Given this, the company advises not using a trolley with the machine. You need to choose a place for it and leave it there.
The built-in SpeedPerfect function ensures that washing is done as much as 65 percent faster.
The VarioDrum is ideal for delicate saris – it has a wave droplet design, so there’s less chance of the fine fabric getting snagged. The Indian version of the machine also has a Sari setting to ensure that your sari is cleaned correctly without any damage.
The VarioDrum allows the clothes to be thoroughly washed and ensures that the water and detergent are evenly distributed, and the clothes do not have to be soaked for as long before being washed.
The AntiVibration Design allows the machine to remain relatively stable, and also allows it to operate a lot more quietly. So, if you wanted to take a nap while the washing is in, it won’t disturb you.
Another useful feature is the reload feature. If you need to open the machine mid-cycle and add clothes, this feature makes it possible without damaging the machine.
The WaterPlus feature ensures that all detergent is adequately rinsed out while still being economical with water usage. The foam detection function monitors the levels of foam build-up and will implement countermeasures early on.
The VolaCheck feature allows this machine to detect changes in the voltage. It will automatically adjust to the new voltage to prevent damage to the machine.
Also useful in our climate is the Monsoon program. This program ensures that the clothes are as dry as possible to reduce the chances of the clothes stinking because they are damp during the monsoon season.
The machine will also check if the load is balanced and alert you if it’s not.
Pros ( The Good )
- Great warranty – 2 years on product and 10 years on motor
- High spinning speed to get laundry done faster.
- Will detect fluctuations in voltage and adjust where necessary
- Runs very quietly
Cons ( The Bad )
- It’s not the least expensive option
- It would be nice to be able to wheel it out of the way as necessary
Our Final Verdict:
Overall, Bosch Fully-Automatic 7 kg Front Loading Washing Machine is an excellent product and earns our number one spot for front loading machines. It is fast, efficient, and economical with resources. The company has also taken the time to create a model geared towards the Indian market, and that earns it a big tick in our books.
2. Samsung Fully-Automatic 6.5 kg Front Loading Washing Machine Model: WW65M206L0W/TL
This front-loading washing machine is fully automatic. It has a capacity of 6.5 kg making it another good choice for a small family of three or four people. Samsung has also earned a well-deserved reputation for producing high-quality appliances with a range of useful features.
At 1,000 RPM, the drum speed doesn’t quite match the Bosch we chose as our number one option. That said, it’s still more speed than most people will need. It is going to cut your drying time significantly by spinning out a lot of the water from the clothing.
The Samsung is also a pretty good-looking machine – it has an aesthetically pleasing design that takes full advantage of the space available. The machine is nice and compact.
We wouldn’t want to live anywhere but in India, but there are some downsides too. The fluctuations in power can be highly damaging to appliances. That’s why it’s reassuring to know that you’re covered with this device.
It can handle fluctuations of up to 25 percent. It will, therefore, take quite a beating and won’t be damaged easily. As a result of this, you can expect a longer working life from the machine.
We all know that washing your clothes with cold water is more energy efficient, but does it get the clothes as clean? With this machine, you don’t have to worry about that. It has ceramic heaters.
The advantage is that ceramic heats up fast, and so wastes less energy during this process. Also, the ceramics help to reduce calcium build-up in the machine, which helps to improve the lifespan of the machine.
Now, Samsung hasn’t gone as far as creating a special setting for saris, but it does have a delicate wash cycle. The company uses a drum with diamond-shaped depressions with very small holes in them.
This design allows the water to be effectively drained, without the clothing getting caught.
What we like about this machine is that it has Silver Wash technology built into it using silver ions to sanitize the washing and kill mold and bacteria that might be present.
For the busy person who has too much washing and too little time, the Quick Wash option is ideal for clothes that are only lightly soiled. Your laundry will be properly cleaned in a fraction of the usual time
Pros ( The Good )
- This machine has a 3 year warranty. The inverter motor is guaranteed to work for 10 years but certified to be usable for 20 years. This machine will stand the test of time.
- The Quick Wash cycle is ideal for when you’re pressed for time.
- Ceramic heaters mean that heating the water can be done more efficiently.
Cons ( The Bad )
- It’s not the cheapest option.
- Those with a bigger family might find the capacity a little limited.
Our Final Verdict:
Samsung has established itself as a leading player in the world market thanks to its ingenious product features and high quality. This model shows Samsung at its best with real-world features that are going to save you time and money.
3. LG Inverter Fully-Automatic 6 kg Front Loading Washing Machine Model: FH0FANDNL02
This front-loading washing machine is also fully automatic. The reason that it didn’t score higher on our list should not be seen as a reflection on the quality. We marked it down because it has a smaller capacity—at just 6 kg, it is better suited to young couples or bachelors. So, if you’ve got a large family, this machine might prove a little frustrating for you.
What is nice about this machine is that you can choose various temperature settings, and you can opt not to have a spin cycle if you prefer. That’s not to say you should, but the option is there.
Another nice-to-have feature is the self-cleaning tub. Now, while it’s simple enough to clean the inside of the basin, you have to wonder what germs might be lurking in the holes. Thanks to the Tub Clean feature, you don’t have to.
After you’ve finished the washing and taken it out, turn on the Tub Clean setting. It blasts water through at 85° C to make sure that any soapy residue and germs are completely washed out. Because the drum is made of stainless steel, you can be sure that everything is going to be clean and sanitized.
If you have a baby in the house, you’ll love the Baby Care setting. With this setting, baby’s clothes are washed at 40° C for at least fifteen minutes so that they are cleaned properly. Then the temperature is increased to 60° C to make sure any bacteria are destroyed. Your baby’s clothes are then thoroughly rinsed of any residue.
This machine also features a high-speed drum. The drum rotates at 1,000 RPM so that you can make short work of washing. LG didn’t stop there, though.
They also use their patented six Motion Direct Drive technology, which allows the drum to move in different directions, ensuring that the clothes are thoroughly cleaned. All you have to do is to select the right setting for the fabric being washed, and the drive will work out the optimal range of motion.
The machine’s inverter direct drive is powerful and directly attached to the drum to reduce vibration, wear and tear, and noise. Because of this direct connection, there’s also no need for a belt and pulley system, meaning fewer moving parts that could wear out at a later stage.
The touch panel is better than the ones in our first two models. It is sleek and seamless and will not allow any water to get into the panel.
If the electricity in your area is temperamental, you’ve probably had the frustrating experience of having to start up your washing from scratch again. This machine will remember the point in the cycle that the power stopped at and start again from there.
The water can be heated up to 60°C to help remove even the most stubborn stains. It’s also enough to help kill off any allergens.
And, if something does go wrong with the machine, you have the option of connecting with the company’s app. It will help you diagnose up to 86 common errors, so you can figure out what is wrong
Pros ( The Good )
- Warranty – 2 years on the machine and 10 years on the motor
- Various temperature water cycles
- Runs fast and cleans thoroughly
- Special settings for baby clothing
Cons ( The Bad )
- Quite a small drum
Our Final Verdict:
We’d take this model home ourselves if it had a larger capacity drum. In all fairness, 6 kg is not that bad, unless you have a large family as I do. Overall, though, it’s a good machine, so I might even consider buying a second one if necessary
Top Load Washing Machine - Top 2 Picks
1. Samsung Fully-Automatic 6.2 kg Top Load Washing Machine Model: WA62M4100HY/TL
Front-loading machines tend to be more economical, but they’re also a bit tougher on the back. This Samsung top loader offers a brilliant alternative. With a capacity of 6.2 kg, it’s better suited for a smaller family but has some nice features.
You’ll notice the difference from the first time you open the door. Most top-loaders come with a standard hardened plastic door. After all, it’s not all that essential to have something extremely strong here.
Samsung views it differently. They’ve used tempered glass because it lasts longer and will look nice for a long time.
The design of the drum makes it ideal for washing more delicate clothes. This model also features a Diamond Drum design. i.e., Diamond-shaped indentions with smaller holes so that clothes don’t get caught in them.
What we also like about this machine is that it has a highly effective filter that traps all the lint and other fine particles from your clothes and holds it there so that it can be easily discarded.
The Waterfall feature means that the water sprays down strongly from the top of the machine to provide a deeper clean than just the action of the drum moving and rinses the clothes better. It also releases a unique mist of water after the rinse cycle to ensure that every possible trace of detergent is removed.
The machine has an eco-tub clean feature that uses hot water to clean out the machine, and the machine will let you know when this feature should be utilized.
Your standard spin cycle in any good machine is going to get rid of a lot of the water. Samsung decided this wasn’t enough and incorporated their Air Turbo Drying System. They’ve built in vents and have improved the power of the spin cycle.
As a result, your clothes dry a lot faster, with the bonus of the washing machine being dried at the same time.
Pros ( The Good )
- Two-year warranty on the machine
- Has a self-cleaning function
- Drum design makes it less likely that clothes will catch and tear
- Water spray action reduces the possibility of residue on the clothes
Cons ( The Bad )
- The load capacity might be a bit small for some
- It’s not cheap
Our Final Verdict:
Overall, there is something very satisfying about watching that water pour into the machine, but beyond that, this machine offers some impressive features that anyone would enjoy using. We love how well it cleans the clothes, and the extra drying feature is well-worthwhile.
2. Bosch Fully-Automatic 6.5 Kg Top Loading Washing Machine Model: WOE654W0IN
This top-loading machine is also fully automatic and pretty impressive in its own right. It was a close call between this one and the Samsung above. At the end of the day, though, the Samsung won because of how quickly it could dry the clothes.
This Bosch has a load capacity of 6.5 kg and so is suitable for a small family. It does incorporate the high-quality engineering that we’ve come to expect. What sets this machine apart, though, is how easy it is to use. All you need to do is to load it up and then hit “start.” The machine will adjust the water and time according to the size of the load.
In terms of the RPM count, this machine does come in much lower than the others at 680 RPM. It still has plenty of power, but it’s not as fast as the others on our list. It’s also more affordable, so this might be a sacrifice that’s easy to make. It still does spin a lot of the water out of the clothes, so it’s going to make drying easier.
Another thing that counts in its favor is that it can work in areas where there is low water pressure. The innovative Power Wave wash system will make short work of stubborn dirt and grime. This system incorporates clever drum movements, dynamic water flow, and pulsating jets to ensure that your clothes are cleaner than ever before.
The detergent dispenser has two sections – one for powder and one for liquid, making things simpler for you. The lid closes gently, so there’s no worrying about it slamming shut on your fingers. It also has a tempered glass window, so you don’t have to worry if you leave something heavy on top of it.
Finally, the power of memory is something that you’ll find very handy. If the power goes out while the machine is busy, it remembers where it was in the cycle and will resume in the same spot when the power comes back on.
Pros ( The Good )
- There’s a 2 year warranty on the machine and a 10 year warranty on the motor.
- Will work in areas with low water pressure
- Gets clothes very clean thanks to the action of the water
- The lid is sturdy and won't slam shut
Cons ( The Bad )
- The capacity might be small for those with a lot of washing to do
Our Final Verdict:
Overall, this is a good machine. It comes in at a reasonable price and does the job exceptionally well. It’s not capable of the same speeds as the others, but that’s not likely to be much of a problem.
The Bottom Line: India’s Best Washer
As you’ll notice from our list, we have no cheap or knock-off brands here. That’s because a washing machine is an expensive appliance to purchase. Sure, you could save a few Rupees now by choosing a cheap model, but you’ll have to replace it much sooner than you would with our options. It’s better to spend a little more now and save a lot of money in the future.
At the end of the day, though, there really can only be one winner. The Bosch 7 kg comes out in pole position for the front-loading machines. It has the largest capacity and the most powerful motor. It’s also tough to argue with the Bosch quality guarantee. If you want a machine that does an excellent job and that will be reliable for years to come, this could be the right choice.
For the top-loading machines, the Samsung edged out the Bosch. In all honesty, it could have gone either way because both machines are excellent. In the end, though, we decided that the Samsung was the better option.
The waterfall action helps to get the clothes cleaner, but what clinched it for us was how much time it saved in drying the clothes. And, for us at least, we have better things to do than waiting around for the clothes to dry so this was a huge plus.