A washing machine can relieve stress on the hands and assist in washing clothes more successfully with less effort in a short amount of time. Nowadays, washing machines are typically available in two variants: semi-automatic and fully automatic.
In this guide, we have described the details of semi-automatic and fully automatic washing machines and their pros and cons. Read about them below, and make a wise purchase decision.
Table of Contents
What is a semi automatic washing machine?
The semi automatic washing machine is a popular choice in India, and it is less expensive than purchasing a fully automatic machine. As the name suggests, it is semi automatic in its operation, which signifies that you will require manual assistance.
A semi automatic washing machine cannot do all jobs automatically, and you must complete some tasks manually.
How does a semi automatic washing machine work?
For a semi-automatic washing machine, you must first fill the tub with water before you can begin washing. Once the washing process is complete, you will need to drain the water.
A semi-automatic washing machine typically comes with two tubs that you can use independently. Each tub has a purpose: one for cleaning and the other for drying. After completing the washing cycle, you will need to move the washed clothing to the drying tub manually.
Advantages of semi automatic washing machine
- It consumes significantly less water for washing purposes. So, there is no wastage of water.
- Considerably less expensive compared to the fully automatic washing machine.
- Lightweight compared to the fully automatic washing machines
- It takes less time for washing the clothes
Disadvantages of semi automatic washing machine
- Requires manual efforts to drain the clothes
- Cannot do everything automatic
- In terms of washing quality, it is not as great as a fully-automated washing machine
- While shifting the clothes from one tub to another, you might get electric shocks
What is a fully automatic washing machine?
As the name says, a fully automatic washing machine can automatically perform most functions. So, in this scenario, you don’t need any manual efforts. There are two types of fully automatic washing machines: front load and top load.
How does a fully automatic washing machine work?
Front-load washing machines sport a variety of wash cycles and programs to fit a wide range of clothing kinds. Most models include different programs for managing cotton and woolen items and a third for handling delicate clothing that requires minimal care and maintenance.
Pre-soak, Soak, Wash, Quick Wash, etc., are some of the phases included in the various mode selections. It is possible to specify the option from where you want the automatic washing machine to begin operating.
Both front loader and top loader fully automatic washing machines have only one compartment used for both washing and drying. The phases of the selected cycle are performed automatically, one by one, to provide you with a perfectly clean wash in the shortest amount of time!
Advantages of fully automatic washing machine
- It needs significantly less space
- No manual intervention is required to wash the clothes
- It sports various washing modes to clean different fabric types
- Washing performance is better compared to the semi-automatic washing machine
Disadvantages of fully automatic washing machine
- There should be a continuous flow of water for completing the washing process
- Complete the entire process takes a long time
- It consumes more power
Fully Automatic vs Semi Automatic Washing Machine
Manual involvement
A fully automatic washing machine does not require any manual intervention for the water supply and drying of the clothes. The wash cycles get adjusted based on the type of fabric and the number of clothes put in the washing machine.
On the other hand, semi-automatic washing machines require manual intervention to add clothes, put a sufficient quantity of water and detergent, and shift the tub to dry the clothes. It requires a lot of manual effort.
Number of tubs
Semi-automatic washing machines come in two different compartments: one for washing and the other for drying. On the other hand, a fully automatic washing machine comes with a small drum capable of both washing and drying clothes.
Water flow requirement
Water must be manually filled in semi-automatic washing machines using a pipe or bucket. The user has to determine when to fill the water and when not to fill the water. The scenario with fully automatic washing, on the other hand, is altogether different. Fully automatic washing machines connect to the water supply, and you should always turn the water faucet on. The washing machine itself draws water when needed and stops when it is not. No human intervention is required to fill the water in a fully automatic washing machine.
Water consumption
The water consumption in semi-automatic washing machines is less than fully automatic. You need to manually measure the amount of water based on the number of clothes you loaded in the semi-automatic washing machine.
On the other hand, fully automatic washing machines come with different wash cycles, and hence, they require a continuous flow of water till the entire process is completed. As a result, it will consume more water in the fully automatic machine than the semi-automatic washing machine.
Power consumption
The washing machine consumes two different sorts of resources: water and electricity. Fully-automatic washing machines consume more power than semi-automatic machines, and this is due to the inclusion of more advanced functions in the former. Moreover, different cycles in the fully automatic washing machine take different timelines to complete the process.
Wash quality
The most beneficial aspect of a fully automatic washing machine is that it produces higher washing quality and requires less time to complete a washing session than a semi-automatic washing machine. It thoroughly scrapes and washes the garments in the washing machine. As a result, there is no chance of having stains on your clothes.
The situation is different with semi-automatic washing machines since they require you to scrub first before you can put all of your items in the washing machine simultaneously. This particular factor contributes to an increase in the time necessary for washing.
Wash time
When you use a semi-automatic washing machine, the washing period is relatively short, but moving clothes from one tub to another for drying purposes can take some time.
In the event of a fully automatic washing machine, you switch it on and forget about it. It will automatically wash the clothes and drain the water before starting the dryer. Everything will be completed in minutes, making it simple and time-efficient.
Size
Since the semi-automatic washing machine comes with two tubs, it occupies more space in your home. On the other hand, a fully automatic washing machine comes with a single drum capable of washing and drying clothes, and hence, it is compact and occupies less space in your house.
Price
The cost of a semi-automatic washing machine is less than a fully automatic washing machine. It is because the fully automatic washing machine comes with many advanced features and settings that aren’t present in the semi-automatic washing machine.
Conclusion
Considering the factors mentioned above, a fully-automatic washing machine looks like the best choice to buy in every aspect. However, semi-automatic must be your first choice if you are short on budget and looking for a washing machine that can get your basic washing done.
