The washing machine is a very useful appliance to have in the modern-day household, where everybody is pressed for time. Not only does it take away the drudgery of washing clothes by hand, but also saves on time, as you do not have to attend to the process of washing. The different models of washing machines that are available in the market, vary in their capacities, features and prices. The cheapest washing machine will have fewer features and a lesser capacity, and may not be of a known brand.

Buying a washing machine all depends on ones requirements and the available budget. You need to first analyze the functions that you would really require in a washing machine as that has a major impact on the price. You can see a major price difference between the semi-automatic and the fully automatic models. A semi-automatic model is a top loading washing machine, which will have two barrels or tubs; one for soaking and rinsing and the other for taking off all the remaining water from the clothes. In this machine you have to manually transfer the clothes from one barrel to the other when the process is completed in the first barrel. This makes it the cheapest washing machine of its kind because of the manual process involved. So if your requirements are very basic and you need a machine for doing the work of washing and rinsing only, this may be the model for you.

Among the fully automatic models, the top loading variety is usually cheaper than the front loading type, if you compare machines with the same features. The top loading model will then be the cheapest washing machine among the fully automatic varieties.

Features also will make a major difference in the price of a washing machine. There are different types of wash cycles and programming capabilities available in washing machines now. More types of wash cycles and the ease of programming, higher will be the price. Availability of temperature control also will raise the price of a model. Another factor affecting the price, will be the capacity of the washing machine, and the capacities range from 3kg to 10kg. Brand of the washing machine also will make a difference in the price and the known brands usually sell at a higher price.

Taking all these factors into consideration the cheapest washing machine in the front loading category would be a machine with less controls, with a smaller capacity and having an unknown brand, most probably from China.

The main factors to consider before buying the cheapest washing machine, is what are your requirements and what functions you are willing to give up for a lower price. Also due consideration should be given to the fact, whether you are okay with an unknown brand which may not last long enough. Taking into account all this you can come to a decision, and choose among the different models for the cheapest washing machine.