The Story of Washing Machines
I still remember the first washing machine my family ever bought a front loader back when I was in my 11th standard 🎒. We’d been talking about getting one for months, and I had my heart set on the Samsung Eco bubble 7 kg model. Honestly, my biggest motivation wasn’t just the washing technology. It was because Samsung was running a promo where you’d get a Samsung Galaxy A10 phone as a gift with the purchase 🤑.
My father, on the other hand, was firmly in favor of IFB. Everyone around us from neighbors to technicians — said IFB’s machines were reliable and their service network in India was excellent, being an Indian company. But after my endless persuasion (and a little bit of crying), we finally bought the Samsung. That was the moment my personal journey with washing machines truly began.
From that day, my curiosity grew not just about using them, but about how they work, their history, the different types, the hidden costs, and why, over the years, I’ve slowly come to see why my dad was rooting for IFB all along.
The Story of Washing Machines
Back then, I didn’t know about Washing Machine’s history, but today I do and it’s fascinating 🤠. The earliest mechanical efforts date to 1767, when Jacob Christian Schaffer designed a hand-powered device. The first patented washing machine appeared in 1851 by James King introducing the drum based washer, a huge leap from the simple wooden washboards that demanded hours of scrubbing. In 1908, Alva J. Fisher introduced the first electric washer, changing household chores forever. Over time, top loaders became popular for speed, front loaders for water efficiency, and WDR (Wash-Dry-Refresh) models for all in one convenience.
How I See a Washing Machine (Through an Engineer’s Eyes 👀)
The first time I took apart Washing Machine’s at IFB’S workshop. Inside, it was like the perfect marriage of electrical engineering and mechanics. Inside it has,
- A motor converting electricity into the drum’s motion. (Can be BLDC or Induction motors)
- A PCB brain controlling every wash mode.
- A heating element ready to warm water for tougher stains (some washing machine comes with heater and some without heater)
- Pumps quietly managing water in and out.
- PCB controls over Program selection, sensors to monitor load, water, and temperature.
A front loader spins horizontally, tossing clothes through shallow water—perfect for fabric care. Top loaders typically use more water and a vertical drum, agitating clothes for a deep clean. WDR machines add in drying and steam functions for convenience and fabric refreshment.
The Types I’ve Used — And What I Learned
Front Load
My first encounter with a Samsung 7kg front loader. It felt fancy, less water consumption, better cleaning, but long cycles. I could put in 7 shirts and get them back almost ready to iron.
Water Used: 50–60 liters per wash.
Electricity Used: Not sure 😅
Top Load
This is the washing machine my relatives have. It is Fast, easy to use and cheaper than Front Loader, but water hungry.
Water Used: ~100–120 liters per wash.
Electricity Used: Slightly less than front loaders.
WDR (Wash-Dry-Refresh)
To be honest, I never knew of WDM machines until the visit of workshop. Seeing the machine’s that can dry our clothes that it after washes. So we don’t want to wait for sunlight or buying separate cloths dryer.
In one word it is “Convenience“. Clothes in, clean and dry clothes out. But the electricity bill is Not so convenient.
Water Used: ~80 liters + drying power.
Electricity Used: 2–3 kWh for wash & dry.
My Top Brands (From My Experience in India)
After years of using and helping friends pick machines, here’s my ranking:
- IFB – My personal favorite for front loaders because of their best in quality, service and presenting innovative machines.
- Samsung – They provides smart features, sleek design and reason being my 1st washing machine
