Washing Machine With Heater vs Without: Choosing The Right One For Your Home
Compare washing machines with and without heaters. Discover which suits your home best based on cleaning power, energy use, fabric care, and cost.
Laundry day essentials: choosing the right washing machine for your needs.
When shopping for a washing machine lately, one feature that often stands out is the built-in heater. Many modern models include this function, while others come without it. But what exactly does a heater do in a washing machine, and is it worth the added expense? Can heated water improve cleaning performance, or is it for the winter season when water is chilling cold? To help you make an informed choice, let's explore the key differences between machines with and without heaters, and which one might suit your home better.
Energy-efficient washing machine fits well in a contemporary home setting.
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What Does A Heater In A Washing Machine Do?
A washing machine with a heater can heat the water internally before or during the wash cycle. This means you can wash clothes at higher temperatures, typically ranging from 30°C to 90°C, depending on the fabric and level of dirt. Machines without a heater rely solely on the temperature of the water supplied from your tap, which is usually cold or lukewarm.
Also Read: Why These Washing Machines Under ₹70000, Toshiba To Bosch, Are Flying Off Shelves
This difference might seem minor, but it can have a significant impact on how well your clothes are cleaned, especially when dealing with tough stains, oily residues, or heavily soiled garments.
Key Difference Between Washing Machines With and Without A Heater
1. Cleaning Performance
Hot water is known to be more effective at breaking down grease, oil, and stubborn stains. It also helps in killing bacteria and allergens, which is particularly useful for washing bed linen, towels, and baby clothes. A heater-equipped machine gives you the flexibility to choose a higher temperature wash when needed.
On the other hand, machines without a heater are limited to cold or ambient temperature washes. While modern detergents are designed to work well in cold water, they may not be as effective on certain types of grime or in colder climates.
A washing machine drum filled with hot water can help to clean clothes efficiently.
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2. Energy Consumption And Efficiency
This is where things get interesting. Heating water consumes a fair amount of electricity, so machines with built-in heaters tend to use more power per cycle, especially if you frequently choose hot washes. However, many newer models are designed to be energy-efficient, with smart sensors and eco modes that minimise power usage.
Machines without heaters are generally more energy-efficient simply because they don't need to heat water. If your laundry needs are basic and you're mostly washing lightly soiled clothes, this could be a more economical choice in the long run.
3. Fabric Care And Longevity
Not all fabrics respond well to hot water. Delicates like silk, wool, and certain synthetics can shrink, fade, or lose their shape when exposed to high temperatures. A machine with a heater gives you control over the temperature, allowing you to tailor the wash to the fabric type.
That said, if you're not careful, using hot water indiscriminately can damage clothes over time. Machines without heaters eliminate this risk, as all washes are done in cooler water, which is gentler on most fabrics.
4. Maintenance And Durability
Modern washing machine are built-in with water heater for deep cleaning clothes.
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Washing machines with heaters have more components, which means there's a slightly higher chance of wear and tear over time. The heating element itself may need servicing or replacement after a few years, depending on usage and water quality.
Hard water, which is common in many regions, can lead to limescale build-up around the heating element, affecting performance. Regular descaling or using a water softener can help mitigate this issue.
Machines without heaters are simpler in design and generally require less maintenance. Fewer parts mean fewer things that can go wrong, which can be a plus for households looking for a fuss-free appliance.
5. Cost And Value For Money
There's usually a price difference between the two types. Machines with heaters tend to be more expensive upfront, but they offer added functionality that could justify the cost, especially if you have specific laundry needs like sanitising clothes or dealing with tough stains regularly.
Machines without heaters are more budget-friendly and perfectly adequate for everyday washing. If you're not likely to use hot washes often, the extra cost of a heater might not be worth it.
Who Should Choose What?
| Choose A Washing Machine With Built-In Heater If You | Choose A Washing Machine Without Built-In Heater If You |
|---|---|
| Need to sanitise clothes for babies and the elderly | Mostly wash light soiled clothes |
| Frequently deal with oily or stubborn stains | Prefer a budget-friendly appliance |
| Want control over wash temperature | Want lower electricity bills |
| Live in a cooler region | Want a simpler, low-maintenance machine |
| Wash bed linen, towels, or allergy-prone items | Are concerned about fabric damage from hot water |
The choice between a washing machine with or without a heater ultimately depends on your lifestyle, laundry habits, and budget. While the heater adds versatility and cleaning power, it also comes with higher energy consumption and maintenance needs. On the flip side, a non-heater model is simpler, more economical, and gentler on clothes.
Before making a decision, think about the types of clothes you wash most often, the kind of stains you deal with, and whether sanitisation is a priority. A little thought now and a careful skim through e-commerce platforms like Amazon can save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
Here Are A Few Washing Machine Picks
1. LG 9 Kg, 5 Star, AI Direct Drive Technology, Steam, 6 Motion DD & Wi-Fi Fully-Automatic Front Load Washing Machine
2. LG 11 Kg (Wash) / 7 Kg (Dry), AI Direct Drive Technology, Steam, 6 Motion DD & Wi-Fi Front Load Fully Automatic Washer Dryer
3. Samsung 12 kg, 5star, AI Control, AI Ecobubble, Super Speed, Wi-Fi, Hygiene Steam with Inbuilt Heater, Digital Inverter, Fully-Automatic Front Load Washing Machine
4. Haier 9 Kg 5 Star Powered by AI-DBT with Direct Drive Technology, PuriSteam, 525mm Super Drum Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine
5. LG 9 Kg (Wash) / 5 Kg (Dry), Ai Direct Drive Technology, Steam, TurboWash & Wi-Fi Fully Automatic Front Load Washer Dryer
6. Voltas Beko, A Tata Product 9 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine with Anti-Bacterial wash Technology
7. Bosch 8 kg, 5 Star, AI Active Water+, Anti-Tangle, Steam Anti Bacterial, Anti-Wrinkle Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
8. Haier 8 kg 5 Star Powered by AI-DBT with PuriSteam
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a washing machine with a heater better for removing stains?
Yes, heated water helps break down grease and tough stains more effectively than cold water.
2. Does a washing machine with a heater consume more electricity?
It does use more power due to water heating, but many models offer energy-saving modes.
3. Can hot water damage clothes in a washing machine?
Certain fabrics like wool and silk may shrink or fade in hot water, so temperature control is key.
4. Is it worth paying extra for a washing machine with a heater?
If you need sanitisation or deal with heavy stains often, the added cost may be justified for a washing with a heater.
5. How do I maintain a washing machine with a heater in hard water areas?
To maintain a washing machine with a heater in hard water areas, regular descaling and using water softeners can help prevent limescale build-up around the heating element.
