since like u i wanted the best of the best in build and performance i researched quite a lot.
well go for whirlpool proffesional SUD701 its a front loading 7kg washing machine exact same models u find in U.K and USA ,a similar model in US retails for about $700 to $900,i bought if for 26k should be cheaper now since the cen vat was cut by 4% and the recent 2% excise duty cut. although it doesnt have a SS drum which like u i was looking for(even siemens doesnt have), one of the features IFB boasts off trust me IFB machines are crap even their 28k washing machine is crap,the build quality doesnt even match base whirpool models priced at 15k.
things that are bad in IFB cheap plastic,poor hinges,door doesnt close solid,its like some old matador van door uses a plastic rentention hook,buttons look cheap and in many instances even in showrooms u will find them non functional,IFBs own technician doesnt recommend their new digital series or DX series,lots of electronic problems.except the 7kg IFB model all others use a plastic doom which is prone to scratches,even the door gasket of ifb models u see in showrooms looks like its disforming like when u rub a eraser u get some rubber particles.so stay away from IFB.
LG well lots of unwanted tech and crome paint prone to scratches build quality is better then IFB.
samsung they look decent,some models again are good quality better then IFB and LG.
siemens well most of the premium u are paying is for the customs duty ,only 1 service centre/city and spares aren't cheap,their 5.5 kg models itself cost 25k+.
build quality is good but still looses to whirpool and some high end models of samsung.its made in turkey,they still havent even launched the 2008 models in india still getting rid of the old stock,viveks a very famous dealer network in south india stopped selling them because of its service and support.
please dont go for TOP loading washing machines they consume lots of water,they dont take dirt that well,and are more fragile due to the comples gear box systems used.
i use my whirlpool SUD 701 front loading washing machine every alternate days, 7kg comes quite handy,we are a family of 4 ,if u go for smaller size capacity u tend to squeeze in a lot of laundry which restricts the tumbling action and u dont get a proper wash so bigger, the capicity the better ,every week i put my bed sheets and can put at a time 3 to 4 bedsheets of good thickness + 2 pillow covers.
best part is this washing machine consumes very little water for every KG of load it consumes a total of 8litres of water including the rinse cycle,but depends on how much detergent u use,if u put too much it will consume more water,it senses the amount of load u put and depending upon that it consumes water,also sensed if excessive foam as formed.its has simple user friendly dail to set the programmes ,unlike some other manufacture that requires u to see the LED display this one doesnt require.
the SUD701 is a new model and companys flagship model in india, u want find it in indian website but u can look at the catalogue by ur dealer,most dealers will force u to buy IFB,they have good profit margins in them.
but the same whirpool model in a different name is available in UK
Whirlpool Clean+ 6th Sense washing machine-AWO/D6527-859293515000
trust me that is by far the best u can buy in build quality everthing looks and feels solid and the performance is top notch,doors shut tight with one click,once shut doesnt even move more then a milimetre,compared to IFB which can travels upto 1inch,the whirlpool has very very less vibration and noise.
trust me for the untrained eye all will have the same build quality,so i started looking realy close ,enquiring my neigbours ,their guests,my relatives and who not.
IFB was good some 10 years ago when it was in collabaration with a german company,not anymore quality as degraded badily,its like some one is forcing them to build washing machines with poor fit and finish.i spent lots of time and effort searching for the best washing machine u can buy below 30k.i can guarantee this is the best u can find.
