Best Washing Machine to Buy Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic?
Best Washing Machine to Buy Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic Both types have their strengths. A semi-automatic washing machine is budget-friendly, consumes less electricity, and is suitable for smaller families. On the other hand, a fully automatic washing machine saves time, handles heavy laundry with ease, and offers advanced wash programs with drying features.
In this article, we’ll compare semi-automatic vs fully automatic washing machines in detail, review top models like LG Semi-Automatic 7 Kg, LG Front Load 7 Kg, IFB 7 Kg Front Load, and Samsung 9 Kg AI EcoBubble, share real customer experiences, and answer FAQs to help you make the right choice.
My Opinion: Semi-Automatic vs Fully Automatic
From my personal experience, semi-automatic machines are good if you’re on a lower budget and have 2–3 members in the family. But they can feel bulky, require more manual effort, and usually don’t dry clothes efficiently.
If you have a larger family (4–6 members), then a fully automatic washing machine is a better investment. It handles heavy loads, washes faster, and dries more efficiently, reducing your workload.
Product Reviews
1. LG 7 Kg 5 Star Wind Jet Dry Semi-Automatic Top Load (P7020NGAZ, Dark Gray)
- Price: ₹11,490 (approx.)
- Capacity: 7 Kg
- Type: Semi-Automatic, Top Load
- Special Feature: Rat Away Technology, Wind Jet Dry
Customer Experience:
One buyer shared that although the unit was advertised as “ready to use,” setting up the inlet/outlet pipes and lint filter was tricky. They had to watch YouTube videos to figure it out. Once installed, the wash, rinse, and spin worked smoothly. The buzzer is loud, and the spin dry is useful during rainy seasons. However, the spin tub is smaller than the wash tub, so multiple loads may be needed for drying.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Rat Away feature is useful
- Wash quality is good
- Spin dry works well during monsoon
Cons:
- No wheels, difficult to move
- Spin tub smaller than wash tub
2. LG 7 Kg 5 Star Fully Automatic Front Load (FHB1207Z2W, In-Built Heater)
- Price: ₹30,000–₹35,000 (approx.)
- Capacity: 7 Kg
- Type: Fully Automatic, Front Load
- Special Feature: 6 Motion DD, Steam Wash, Inverter Direct Drive
Customer Experience:
Users praised its quiet operation, excellent wash quality, and low electricity and water usage. Whites came out brighter, and the machine is gentle on fabrics. However, some complained that after a power cut, the cycle resets instead of resuming, which is inconvenient.
Pros:
- Great wash quality, especially for whites
- Low noise & vibration
- Energy efficient
- Multiple wash modes
Cons:
- Resets after power cuts
- Installation delays reported
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3. IFB 7 Kg 5 Star Fully Automatic Front Load (SERENA GXN 7012)
- Price: ₹32,000–₹36,000 (approx.)
- Capacity: 7 Kg
- Type: Fully Automatic, Front Load
- Special Feature: AI-powered wash, 9 Swirl Wash, Steam Refresh
Customer Experience:
Buyers loved the cleaning performance with 2X Power Steam, which removes allergens and stains effectively. The machine is quiet and energy efficient. However, installation technicians often push expensive accessories like stands, covers, and detergents, increasing setup cost.
Pros:
- Excellent stain removal with steam
- Energy efficient (5-star rating)
- Quiet operation
- Smart AI wash
Cons:
- Accessories sold at high prices
- Some units had minor transit damage
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4. Samsung 9 Kg AI EcoBubble Fully Automatic Front Load (WW90DG5U24AXTL)
- Price: ₹27,500 (Amazon Sale)
- Capacity: 9 Kg
- Type: Fully Automatic, Front Load
- Special Feature: EcoBubble, AI Control, Hygiene Steam
Customer Experience:
Buyers loved its sleek design, noiseless operation, and great washing quality. The 15-minute quick wash is useful for daily use. However, power cuts and water supply interruptions reset the cycle. The dryer is decent but doesn’t dry completely in one go.
Pros:
- Large 9 Kg capacity (ideal for families of 5–6)
- Advanced AI features
- Quick wash modes
- Silent operation
Cons:
- Dryer performance average
- Resets after power or water interruptions
Comparison Table: Semi vs Fully Automatic
| Feature | LG Semi-Auto 7 Kg | LG Fully Auto 7 Kg | IFB Fully Auto 7 Kg | Samsung Fully Auto 9 Kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | ₹11,490 | ₹30,000–₹35,000 | ₹32,000–₹36,000 | ₹27,500 |
| Capacity | 7 Kg | 7 Kg | 7 Kg | 9 Kg |
| Wash Quality | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Noise | Medium | Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Drying | Basic Spin | Advanced | Steam Refresh | Hygiene Steam |
| Ease of Use | Manual effort | Fully automatic | Fully automatic | Fully automatic |
| Best For | 2–3 people, low budget | Family of 4 | Family of 4 | Family of 5–6 |
FAQs
Q1. Which is more durable – semi-automatic or fully automatic?
➡ Both last long if maintained, but fully automatic machines are sturdier for daily heavy loads.
Q2. Does a semi-automatic machine save water?
➡ No, it usually requires more water per wash cycle compared to modern fully automatic machines.
Q3. Which is best for a large family (5–6 members)?
➡ A fully automatic front-load machine (Samsung 9 Kg or IFB 7 Kg) is best for large families.
Q4. Can I wash blankets in a semi-automatic machine?
➡ It’s possible, but bulky items may strain the motor. A fully automatic front loader is better.
Final Verdict
So, Which is the best washing machine to buy – semi-automatic or fully automatic?
If you are on a tight budget and have a small family, the LG Semi-Automatic 7 Kg is a good choice.
But if you want ease of use, faster washing, and advanced drying, go for a fully automatic washing machine like LG 7 Kg Front Load, IFB Serena GXN 7012, or the Samsung 9 Kg AI EcoBubble.
My suggestion: Go semi-automatic only if budget is tight. Otherwise, fully automatic machines save time, effort, and give better washing results.
