While purchasing a washing machine, we often get confused which one to choose – semi automatic or fully automatic.
In order to choose the right one, you have to know what they are, and what features do these washer models provide.
Without proper information, you may end up purchasing a washing a machine that is not suitable for your needs.
To help you out, in this article, we are going to provide extensive research on semi and fully automatic machines.
Keep reading further to know the differences between them and make an informed decision.
Semi-Automatic Vs. Fully Automatic Washing Machines
Let us get into our discussion with a comparative analysis of the special features found in semi and fully automatic washing machines.
| FEATURES | SEMI-AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE | FULLY AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Top load | Top load & Front load |
| Price | Inexpensive; Starts from Rs. 8,000 | Expensive; Starts from Rs. 15,000 |
| Wash Quality | Average | Good |
| Water Consumption | Less | More |
| Power Consumption | Low | High |
| Manual Intervention | Requires Manual Intervention | Manual Intervention Not Required |
| Human Effort | High | Less |
| Continuous Water Supply | Not required | Required |
| Noise | High | Low |
| Weight | Low | High |
| Installation | Not easy to install | Easy to install |
| Space Required to Install | High | Less |
| Delicate Fabrics | Not Suitable | Best for delicate fabrics |
| Wash Cycle Completion | Takes less time | Takes a lot of time |
Let us talk about each feature in detail.
1. Cleaning Capability
The very first thing we look for in a washing machine is the cleaning capacity. There is a huge difference in the washing capacity of both fully and semi-automatic washing machines. A semi-automatic washing machine requires your manual intervention for soaking the clothes in water and moving the wet clothes from the washing tub to the drying tub. Moreover, you may have to scrub some stains by hand.
Coming to the fully automatic washing machine, it provides thorough cleaning of clothes, especially the front loader. It is the best machine for handling delicate fabrics without damaging them. Comparatively, a fully automatic washing machine delivers better wash quality than a semi-automatic machine.
Winner: Fully automatic washing machine
2. Water Consumption
As mentioned earlier, you have to fill the water in the tubs of the semi-automatic device manually. You can decide how much water you want to use for each load, giving you the control. This further helps in saving a lot of water when washing and is ideal for people living in areas with water scarcity.
Contrary to the above, fully automatic washers consume more water for washing, precisely the top loader. To ensure proper washing, the water in the drum should come to a good level such that all the clothes will get submerged in it. This further allows the clothes to spin freely. If the machine does not have water to an adequate level, it will give you unsatisfactory washing results.
If water is a primary concern, you better opt for a semi-automatic washing machine.
Winner: Semi-automatic washing machine
3. Washing Machine Power Consumption
Semi-automatic washing machines consume very little power.
A fully automatic washing machine comes equipped with more advanced features like greater loading capacity, great functionality, etc. They use a constant water supply to finish the entire process in just one go. This facilitates more power consumption by the appliance.
Winner: Semi-automatic washing machine
4. User Convenience
We all look for how user-friendly the washing machine is. Don’t we! If we talk about a semi-automatic washing appliance, I already mentioned that we need to soak the clothes manually and then move them from the wash tub to the dry tub for spinning. That means it not only requires manual intervention but also more human efforts when using this device.
Unlike the above, a fully automatic washing machine has only one tub that does both washing and drying. It does not need any manual intervention. Just one touch of the button, and the machine takes care of everything. It offers great convenience to the users with very little human effort.
Winner: Fully automatic washing machine
5. Size
We all know that washing machines are available in different sizes and shapes, depending on the model. If we look at the size of a semi-automatic washing machine, it has two tubs – wash tub for washing and dry tub for spinning.
On the other hand, a fully automatic washing machine has only one tub that does all the operations like washing, rinsing, and spinning.
Comparatively, a semi-automatic appliance is larger in size than a fully automatic one. Choose the one that is ideal for your house. If you have a space constraint, go for a fully automatic washer that comes with all advanced features and requires fewer efforts. It may be a little expensive, though, but it is worth those extra bucks.
Winner: Fully automatic washing machine
6. Loading
Washing machines come in two loading types, i.e., the front load and the top load. I am sure all of you are aware of this. In a semi-automatic washing machine, they come in only top-load.
Whereas in fully automatic device, it comes in both front load and top load models. While the latter is more convenient, for the former, you may have to bend often for loading or unloading the clothes.
Winner: Fully automatic washing machine
7. Water Flow to Washing Machine
Semi-automatic washing machine does not require a continuous water supply as opposed to a fully automatic device. Although you will have to fill the wash tub with water manually using a pipe or a bucket, the quantity of water you want to use is all in your hands.
Whereas, in a fully automatic washing machine, you have to facilitate a proper water connection by connecting the inlet hose to a tap. You should leave the tap open throughout the wash cycle to ensure the continuous flow of water. And the best part, it does not require any human intervention.
It can be a matter of concern to those living in an area with a water crisis. The other drawback is that along with continuous water pressure, there should be substantial water pressure.
Winner: Semi-automatic washing machine
8. Price
Semi-automatic appliances are very inexpensive and pocket-friendly. You will not have to shell more rupees on purchasing one. The device will cost you around Rs. 8,000, which is pretty decent for a family with an average income.
There is no doubt that fully automatic machines come equipped with advanced features and the latest technology that a semi-automatic washer does not have. Moreover, these devices make your washing chore easier. They can be expensive than their alternative because of the added benefits they provide.
A top load fully automatic washing machine may charge you around 15,000 rupees and may stretch up to Rs. 40,000, depending on the brand, features, loading capacity, etc. Whereas, a front-load device may range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000.
Winner: Semi-automatic washing machine
What Are The Pros And Cons of Semi-Automatic Washing Machine?
A semi-automatic washing machine has both merits and demerits to it.
Advantages:
- It is inexpensive when compared to a fully automatic washing machine.
- It requires less water for each wash cycle.
- It does not require a continuous water supply.
- It offers full control of the washing cycle to the user.
Disadvantages:
- A semi-automatic washing machine can be louder when operating.
- It requires manual intervention.
- It does not deliver good washing quality as a fully automatic machine.
- It does not offer good washing performance as a fully automatic machine.
- It requires more space for installation.
- When moving the clothes from the wash tub to the dry tub, there are chances of getting an electric shock in case of improper earthing of wire at home.
What Are the Pros And Cons Of A Fully Automatic Washing Machine?
A fully automatic washing machine has both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- It comes equipped with automatic controls.
- It has advanced features like child safety features.
- It offers better cleaning and washing of clothes.
- It does not require any manual intervention.
- It requires less space than a semi-automatic washing machine.
Cons
- A fully automatic washing machine is very expensive than a semi-automatic device.
- Because of the continuous water supply, it consumes more water than the semi-automatic one.
Conclusion
I hope this article gave you intense information on both semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines. Considering the advantages and disadvantages these devices offer, choose the right option based on your needs and budget. We cannot judge which one is best for you, as it is up to the user to evaluate.
Write to us in the comments section below, if you find this article helpful. If you need more information or have any questions on the same, feel free to post them as well. We would answer all your queries at the earliest.
