Choosing the right washing machine suitable for the family, from among innumerable models, brands and capacities, is at times a confusing job. Manufacturers and dealers give wide publicity for their products, proclaiming the comparative advantages of the products concerned. A lay person who is not very much conversant with the commercial or technical jargons finds it difficult to perceive the practical impacts of many such technical terms. Such consumers should consult friends or neighbours who use washing machines. They can also visit showrooms to watch the demonstrations and see for themselves the merits and demerits of different categories. It is also better to browse the internet and go through the product reviews in the websites before choosing a particular brand and model.
As far as the washing machines are concerned, spin speed is one factor that is given great importance by the manufacturers. The average shopper understand the term ‘spin speed’ as a vital factor that makes great impact on the performance of the machine. Such attitude or frame of mind is created by the vigorous advertisement campaign of the manufacturers and dealers. But how far the spin speed can make impact on the performance of a washing machine is a matter to be studied carefully. Public is not aware of the results of research or tests that are carried out in this context.
Those who peruse case study reports or browse the internet get some ideas about the concept of spin speed. There are washing machines with spin speeds that vary between 800 rpm to 1800rpm. According to reliable sources there is very little or no difference in the size or horse power of the motors used in different washing machines. Electronic devices are used to regulate the speeds of machines. Speed control modules play important roles to determine the spin speeds. It is also given to understand that irrespective of the notified spin speeds, every machine run at peak spin speed only for a few seconds.
Again, those who have experience of using different washing machines with varying spin speeds have found that there is no remarkable difference in the end result. The time taken to get clothes washed and dried are not very different. If at all there are differences, it is only negligible. But there is another side of the impacts. A faster spin speed will tend to consume more water, create more noise, cause more wear & tear and above all machine with higher spin speeds will cost more. Energy consumption will also be higher in washing machines with faster spin speeds. Experienced users are of the opinion that advantages are not much attractive to persuade a buyer to spend more money on a machine with high spin speed. In the long run spin speeds are not going to contribute towards better performance of the washing machines.
