A washing machine is one of those appliances you can easily call your best friend. It makes the job easy and takes away most of the manual labor when it comes to your laundry.
What can you read in this article?
- Different types of washing machine
- What to look for in a washing machine
- Top 7 washing machines in the Philippines
Depending on the type of washing machine you get, you can just as easily dump the dirty clothes in, walk away, and take them out of the dryer already clean.
But even if your washing machine does not end up doing all the work as can be expected of the higher-end ones, it can still be helpful. The trick is to know what you need, your budget, and the features you can live without.
Different types of washing machine
Before we get ahead of ourselves, we have to clarify that there are various types of washing machines out in the market now. In the past, our parents may have been limited to the twin-tub kind, these days, you have more to choose from.
Consumer Reports shares what these types are along with their pros and cons:
- high-efficiency top-loaders
- pros: relatively quiet, may use less water
- cons: wash times are long--often 60 to 80 minutes using normal wash, higher-capacity levels have deep tubs, which can be difficult to reach
- front-loaders
- pros: uses the least water, can be stacked with a matching dryer to save space
- cons: wash times are long--often 75 to 105 minutes using normal wash, may transmit vibrations to the floor.
- compact front-loaders
- pros: excellent for tight spaces, can be stacked to save space
- cons: tend to vibrate, usually more expensive than other types
In our country, we also have the twin-tub option, which just means a washer and dryer side by side. Aside from that, we have the automatic and semi-automatic kinds as well.
What to look for in a washing machine
When buying any appliance, you should do ample research and ask around. It helps to have your list of must-have and can-live-without features. In general, here's what you should look for:
- type - Is it semi-automatic or automatic? Front-load or top-load? Make sure you decide not just on the looks but consider your space as well. Maybe it will serve you better if you have a front-loader to maximize space and vice versa.
- features - What are its features? This will involve your must-haves like an extra rinse function, auto-dry, self-clean, and more.
- price - The price range for washing machines is wide. You can have something for as low as P4,000 to as much as P50,000 (or more) depending on the brand and model.
Top 7 washing machines in the Philippines
FUJIDENZO 7kg JWT-701 TWIN TUB
Let's start with the most affordable on this list. This is a twin-tub washer from local brand Fujidenzo. For less than P7,000, you'll already get a 7kg washer with dryer. Fujidenzo also boasts numerous authorized service centers and gives out an e-warranty for your peace of mind.
What we like about it
- type - twin-tub washing machine
- features
- 7 kg. Twin Tub Washer
- Eco-Soak Wash Cycle
- Powerful Pulsator with Scrubbers
- Air Dry Spin Cycle
- Dual Inlet Hose
- Durable See-Through Cover
- Rust-Proof Plastic Body
- Rat-Proof Base
- Dimensions : ( h:w:d ) 83 : 76.5 : 42 cm
- price
- P6,698
Samsung WA90T5260BY 9.0kg Digital Inverter, Fully Automatic Washing Machine
This list won't be complete without something from Samsung. This top load model is also an inverter so you save on electricity. It also has an intensive wash for extra-dirty or smelly clothes and an eco tub clean to keep your unit spic and span.
What we like about it
- type
- top-loader
- fully automatic
- features
- 9.0kg Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine
- Digital Inverter Technology
- Wobble Technology
- Intensive Wash
- Deep Softener
- Eco Tub Clean
- Magic Dispenser
- Magic Filter
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 610x1050x675 mm.
- price
- P20,450
PANASONIC NA-FD85X1HRM FULLY AUTO TOP LOAD 8.5KG WASHING MACHINE
Here's something moms will love. Panasonic calls this model "The Stain Master" because it's able to wash off tough stains with its water bazooka that's powered by a TD inverter. Speaking of inverter, if you have an inverter appliance, you'll be able to attest to how energy-saving it is. The same can be said with this washing machine. It's transmission gears 6x more power for greater wash and uses less energy, saving as much as 30% energy.
What we like about it
- type
- fully automatic
- top-load
- features
- powerful wash and rinse
- multi-stain removal
- easy wide opening design
- Powerful Wash with Less Energy
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 554 x 618 x 1,049 mm
- Has digital display
- ActiveFoam System
- Active Wave Pulsator
- Water Bazooka
- StainMaster
- Inverter
- Child Lock (with LED)
- price
- P16,800
SHARP ES-FA90AX-GY 9.0 kg DIRECT DRIVE INVERTER WASHING MACHINE
Sharp gives us a sleek-looking appliance with this washing machine. It has 9kg capacity and a soft-closing lid, among others. According to its customers, it's also easy to use.
What we like about it
- type
- fully automatic
- top load
- features
- 9.0 kg.
- Direct Driver Inverter Motor
- Low Water Pressure Operation
- Variable Speed Wash
- Tub Cleaning
- Soft Closing Lid
- Shower Rinse
- Preset Timer
- Child Lock
- price
- P19,993
LG FV1208D4W 8kg/5kg FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE WITH AI DD TECHNOLOGY
We're now entering the front-load category so the prices will be higher than top-loaders. This one from LG is just a bit shy of P40,000. It comes with a whole lot of features including LG's AI DD technology, which it says "detects not only the weight, but also [the] senses softness of [the] fabric, and it chooses the optimal motions for the fabric by itself."
What we like about it
- type
- front load
- fully automatic
- features
- ThinQ Remote Control With Wifi/ New Cycle Download / Smart Diagnosis
- Steam feature eliminates 99.9% of allergens
- Less Vibration, Less Noise, Advance Vibration System (Vibration Sensor, Friction Damper, Weight Balance)
- Durability & Design Tempered Glass Door,
- Full Stainless Lifter
- Unit Dimension ( W x D X H) : 600 x 475 x 850mm, Color White
- Warranty: 1 year parts and service
- price
- P38,900
WHIRLPOOL WFRB954BHG 9.5kg INVERTER FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE
Here's another front-loader option, this time from Whirlpool. It has 15 wash programs and Whirlpool's 6th Sense technology. It basically detects the water temperature and level, speed, and bubbles from the detergent to optimize washing.
What we like about it
- type
- front-loader
- automatic
- features
- 15 Wash Cycles
- 6th Sense Technology
- InverterPlus Technology
- Detergent Dispenser
- Fabcon Dispenser
- Digital Control Panel
- Hot Water Selection
- Spin Speed Selection
- Delay Wash Function
- Child Lock – Control Panel and Door
- Dimension HxWxD = 85 x 60 x 58 cm
- price
- P31,398
ELECTROLUX EWF1042BEWA 10KG FRONT LOAD INVERTER
The thing with high-tech front-loader washers is they are equipped with nifty technology that makes your life even easier. Take for example this 10KG UltimateCare 900 Washing Machine by LG. It is said to automatically detect dirt and residue to give you the perfect clean. Plus, according to its website, this washer gives 40% less color fading after 52 washes. That's certainly a plus!
What we like about it
- type
- front-loader
- automatic
- features
- Washing Capacity (Kg): 10
- Height: 850mm, Width: 600mm, Depth: 659mm
- Countdown Indicator: Yes
- Control Type: Electronic
- Spin Speed (rpm max): 1400
- Vapour Refresh: Yes
- Tub Clean: Yes
- Spin: Yes
- Rinse+Spin: Yes
- Reduced wrinkles
- VapourCare to remove allergens
- price
- P42,696