Fully Automatic Vs Semi Automatic Washing Machines: This is the age of the machines. They have undertaken our lives in one way or the other. But one cannot deny the fact that machines have simplified our lives. A washing machine is one such offering of the machine technology of modern times. A washing machine is the direct ‘effect’ of the industrial revolution that gripped the world during the 1800s. This time around, the population was trying to free themselves from the grip of the monotony of mundane life. Equality was the theme of life where a chance to experience almost everything was for everyone. This way, the machines marched out of the factories and into the common man’s homes to help them with their chores. However, it wasn’t before 1937 that the first domestic washing machine made its presence felt.
WHAT SPINS AROUND, COMES AROUND
How does a washing machine works after all? To start with, we need to thank an inventor by the name of Nathaniel Briggs. He was the first to gain the patent for the washing machine in the year 1797. This original machine was simply called ‘Clothes washing.’ This comprised of a heavy, large box that was filled with rocks. This set up rested upon a series of wooden rollers. The cloth that required to be washed was laid flat on the sheet and was made to rotate around the rollers. It required two people to move the box to and fro over the rollers.
Today, all it takes is the push of a button, and voila! Your clothes are on their way to be cleaned. But, how does a washing machine work after all? The basic principle of a modern washing machine is to rotate the clothes about in a solution of soap and water. This is done enough times and with enough ‘torque’ to separate the dirt from the clothes. The water cycles determine the cleaning ability of the machine.
The mechanism of a basic washing machine comprises an inner drum within the outer drum. This setup is fixed upon a Horizontal axis. The inner drum comprises of ‘holes’ or water-outlets. Also, ‘paddles’ are located around the edges to move the clothes about. A ‘thermostat’ is used to check the temperature of the incoming water. A specific ‘heating element’ is used to warm up the water to the required temperature. An electric pup is used to remove the water after every cycle. A ‘Programmer,’ which is either mechanical or electronic, is used to determine the ‘nature’ of the wash. This is selected by the users as per their needs.
WASHING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
With the raging war of technology giants competing to grab the user’s attention, the machines have entered the ‘smart-age technology.’ Today, with the introduction of the ‘Fully automatic ‘ washing machines, you can simply load your clothes and forget. The machine does the rest. With the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, you can now control your washing machine from the next room. The ‘smart sensors’ allow the machine to ‘adjust’ its program according to the availability of water, power-loss, limited detergent, and more. Also, quick wash options ensure that you can do simple ‘washing of a few items’ in a matter of minutes. With a ‘Timer’ on board, the operating time is also controlled. This has made the machines to go more independent of manual intervention. Thus, the popularity of the ‘Fully automatic washing machines’ was observed. But, what is the difference between a Semi-automatic and a Fully automatic washing machine? Despite its popularity, the semi-automatic washing machine is still a ‘hot deal.’ Let us explore the major difference between the two.
What is Fully Automatic Machine?
As the name suggests, the Fully automatic washing machine is, well, completely automatic. It does not require much manual intervention. The user requires to push the button, and the machine does its job accordingly. In this type, both the washer and the dryer action takes place within the same drum. The machine comprises program selection on a control panel that allows the user to select the wash-type. You need to add the detergent, select the cycle type, select the temperature, and start. Now, the machine takes charge of the remaining washing and drying of the clothes accordingly. Finally, you are left with clean, dry clothes within a few hours.
ADVANTAGES
- Allows complete peace of mind to the user.
- Limited manual intervention
- No physical labour required
- The performance is much better
- Can be fixed within limited spaces.
- Is comparatively lighter in weight
- Available in various models and designs
DISADVANTAGES
- Is pricier
- Requires more electricity
- Generally requires more water
What is a Semi-Automatic Machine?
These require a certain degree of manual intervention. The Semi-automatic washing machine comprises two separate tubs where washing and drying take place separately. However, there are a few latest models where washing and drying are done within the same tub. With the help of holes featured in the inner drum, the water is drained out.
ADVANTAGES
- These are economical in every which way. They save money, electricity and also water
- These are water efficient. You can pour water manually according to the availability of the water quantity.
- You have complete control over the working of the semi-automatic washing machine. If there are power-cuts, the cycle can be interrupted and restarted accordingly. These are also useful when you need to save electricity
- You can add clothes as and when required. This allows you to determine the length of the cycle, water capacity, and also the clothes capacity.
DISADVANTAGES
- The entire wash cycle can take half of your day.
- It is also an elaborate and much energy invested process
- The cleaning results are compromised. This is because Semi-automatic washing machines are generally powered by less efficient motors.
- These do damage the fabrics in the long run. As the washing is more aggressive, the fabrics are rotated in a manner that tangles them up.
- These generally get charged on the outer body and can malfunction. You need to be careful as you transfer the clothes between the tubs.
Difference Between Fully Automatic Washing Machine And Semi-Automatic Washing Machine
So, what are the fundamental differences between a Fully automatic and Semi-automatic washing machine? Let us find out:
FULLY-AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE | SEMI-AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE |
Number of Tubs: 1 | Number of tubs: 2 |
Manual intervention: None | Manual intervention: Yes |
Wash quality: Good | Wash quality: Not as good |
Water supply: Automatic | Water supply: Manual |
Wash programs: Less in comparison | Wash programs: More in comparison |
Continuous water supply: Required | Continuous water supply: Not required |
Additional features: Heater, auto shut-off, timer, child lock | Additional Features: Timer |
Is expensive | Comparatively less expensive |
The Conclusion- Which one is better?
A washing machine is an essential member of our family. So, you need to be careful in your selection as you do so. Washing machine selection requires a lot of considerations before the final ‘go.’ Various aspects such as power supply, water availability, space, and budget need to be taken into consideration. Washing machine models, design ease of use need to be taken into account as you do so. As we are a developing country, a large section of our society is budget-conscious. This requires us to be careful about the total expenses of when a washing machine comes into our lives. So, between the Automatic and the Semi-automatic washing machine, which is better?
ON A BUDGET: Go for a semi-automatic washing machine if you are on a budget. This type is excellent for keeping in mind your overall electricity expenses, water consumed, and the price of the machine itself. However, bear in mind that the Semi-automatic washing machine is also space consuming. So, you better have a nice place to install your machine that allows proper inlet of water supply and a specific outlet place. It can get messy if the machine malfunctions.
WHEN SPACE IS A RESTRICTED COMMODITY: Are you living in a housing condition where space is limited? You do not have a specific place to allow the water to flow out or enough space for the entire setup? Well, go for the fully automatic washing machine in this case. It occupies less space and is not ‘messy’ in its functioning. Despite being more expensive, it is worth the investment. This allows you peace of mind as everything is taken care of. You can go shopping or operate without having to get within the ‘proximity’ of the machine. A fully automatic washing machine is perfect for compact spaces, elderly people, families with small children. With the advancement of technology, the machine is also ‘wi-fi-operated. You can easily operate all the functions after downloading the ‘app.’