Realme offers top loaders since a year now. Who knew? They created a new section for appliances known as Tech Life. It's so new they still don't list it on their
website. Looks like an FK exclusive.
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Has the same features as the Panasonic with a heater and goes for less. Over 2k reviews on FK !! Really?
Misleading because each of the
three models on sale 6.5, 7.5 & 8kg with heater ALSO have the same number of reviews
So they lump reviews for all three products together and there seems to be no way to filter reviews for just one product. The only way is to check the 'permalink' of the individual review to figure out which model is being mentioned. It's more work compared to amazon. Does FK not allow uploading videos? I found none here. Think, I've seen videos in reviews on FK before.
Some people must have jumped for the earlier 6.5 & 7.5kg models which would have been closer to 12k only to discover a few months later the 8kg with more features and a little more came out.
The tub is the same size as Panasonic 8kg, the top water level is 55L so the inner tub is just under 45L. Has the same heater settings as the Panasonic too
He shows for which programs the heater can be used, Normal, Favourite, Pre Soak, Strong, Bed Sheets and Aqua Conserve but surprisingly not for the last cycle which is Tub Clean where you DO want the water as hot as you can get.
The kind of video I like where the machine does the talking. The wash action seems ok.
6:30 Carefully ramps up into the spin. Not too loud in operation. This is a light load though of thin clothes. It has an imbalance sensor so no out-of-balance spins should happen. Too many of those will put stress on the shocks and the drum could damage the outer tub if not caught in time.
How will it fare with a heavier load? Two blankets make it
sag The advice is
don't overload It could
break, looks like the bottom bracket
sheared off
The console is in the front which means as you unload or add water from a bucket there is a chance of water coming in contact which might cause problems later. The console at the back of the lid design is better.
This is the top
review. It takes 15 minutes to heat the water to 40. His overhead tank water must be much warmer than mine.
If Realme is going to undercut the competition this much what is missing? After-sales service is going to be a question mark. If ever you have a problem within the warranty period. Are spare parts available after three years?
What is the durability like compared to pricier offerings? The materials used would be thinner to reduce the price. Would it break down more often? This goes back to the previous point.
Those are the risks with this Realme offering. I'm sure it will be fine when it works but it's when it does not that you might be left waiting for a long time compared to the established brands.
Some reviews might be dependent on the reviewer's location wrt service and not applicable in metros
Bad quality
Good
The 7.5kg model's tub is smaller than the equivalent Sammy. Because the tub is small it leads to people overloading which leads to further problems.
Just ok
Vibrates too much
Poor quality
Seen a few of these drum colliding with tub or excessive vibration comments. Or it was fine for the first month then started vibrating more.
What I notice in videos is people almost to a fault overload the machine. They fill it with clothes to the top. It won't clean well. I would not do that even with a good machine. Stick to the mixie rule. Two-thirds and no more.
Requires more detergent
Strange as it may sound but there is no relation between the amount of detergent and the amount of water. You do not add more detergent because there is more water. That is a waste of detergent and it's more work to get out and if not out then clothes get stiff. Detergent dosing is a function of water hardness, soil level and the number of clothes washed. Nothing to do with water quantity. Assuming of course you use a branded detergent that is formulated for a top loader and not some cheap unbranded detergent which isn't pH balanced. To clean ie. remove acidic dirt, the solution needs a minimum pH of 8 which is mild. Liquids hover in the 8-9 range, powders in the 9-10 range. More water or less water won't affect a pH-balanced detergent.
This machine will be fine as a backup or as a second machine but not as a primary. If it's your only machine then you will need an appetite for risk or have alternate means to get the washing done until it returns to service.
@gopal_agrawal would you feel comfortable going with this product? it's in your budget and has features that cost much more to have with other models.
Would you have opted for this model instead of the Samsung?
You said you wanted something that lasts. Don't overload and stick to max two-thirds loading and the machine will last longer and clean better.
@Kaleen Bhaiya I think you should also consider these
8kg models with heater from IFB. The reason is the
bigger tub size with the IFB 8kg compared to Panasonic 8kg. The water volume of 8kg IFB is 68L meaning your inner tub is 50-55L whereas the Panasonic 8kg water volume is 55L and will get you an inner tub of 40-45L
It would be best if you could confirm the IFB inner tub dimensions for the models before buying. I think the Pansonic ones are correct. You will lose wifi with IFB but the UI looks good. Assuming you can get IFB service in your area. And you have to buy direct from IFB's website.