Team-BHP - The Home Appliance thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by unk9ja (Post 5856126)

I had this LED blinking issue on a newly purchased fan from Atomberg. I raised a complaint and the Technician visited after couple of days. The issue was traced to a faulty PCB. Replacement took another couple of days. I had got the fan fitted by my regular electrician of 30 years experience. The Technician who visited had the audacity of accusing fan being installed wrongly at first. When the PCB was found faulty, he chewed back his words.
I had purchased 4 fans and 2 of them failed in the first week itself. The second fan started squeaking and created a din at higher speeds which again was traced to a loose screw. This can after 3 years has again started to behave in the same way now. After this experience, I lost the trust on Atomberg brand and cancelled any further purchases.

This is not limited to Atomberg brand. I purchased Orient BLDC remote control fan and it stopped working within a month. Technician had to replace PCB (luckily service was very prompt).

I think the reliability of these products have gone down and focus has shifted to fancy features. I am not expecting these types of fans to last anywhere close to other regular fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vijay_k (Post 5855683)

What are your views on LG washer dryer? I am planning to buy 13/08Kg model.

I stay in an apartment so buying seperate dryer is not an option, but yes we do have space on terrace to dry the clothes.

Is it worth investing the extra amount on these washer dryers or should I go for regular front load washing machine?

Vijay

I bought the 11/7 version of the LG washer/dryer some time in February or March this year.

The washer dryer is a fantastic machine. When you have sunlight use only the wash cycles. When you cannot dry the clothes use the wash & dry cycle. In fact during rains we often spin dry followed by dry for items that just got wet in the rain.

The best thing about our machine is that there are multiple drying options
. Full dry. The clothes are bone dry, but some items may be crinkled.
. Dry to iron. This cycle leaves just enough moisture in the clothes so that they can be ironed without adding steam in the iron.
. 2 hour, 1 hour and 1/2 hour. Use these options to dry clothes for a fixed time.

One good thing is that for some modes the machine will not just switch off by release a bit of steam to maintain the moisture in the clothes. Another option is to use steam cycle for disinfecting clothes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron178 (Post 5856106)

I do remember reading that the heat pump in the LG washer-dryers is quite small (takes long to dry) and the lint filtration isn't very good, which clogs up the condenser over time, and unlike a standalone condenser dryer it is not easy to access for cleaning (you have to take off the top and control panel).

Washer dryers are mostly made for Europe where washing machines are often under the counter in the kitchen and even stacking a dryer is not an option. The general opinion on the internet seems to be: if you have the space, you're better off getting a separate washing machine and dryer.

Is vertical space also a constraint for you? Otherwise you could consider stacking a dryer on a washing machine. BSH have an accessory to stack their dryers on any front loader that's 60cm wide and at least 54.4 cm deep (price was INR 2000 when I got it in 2019). Recently even IFB launched a stacking kit for their dryers.

Here is how I did it at home after our LG front loader's warranty expired (it requires drilling into the particle board so I didn't want to take the risk of voiding the warranty):
https://youtu.be/zxIVGA1rLZg?si=OaJ5bMdWo1xs3VuR

Yes vertical space is a constrain, washing machine is kept in a corner of our kitchen and there is storage space above the washing machine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy (Post 5856515)

So, in general how much can we expect our electricity bill to go up during monsoons per month compared to during summer when dryer is not required?

Quote:

Originally Posted by unk9ja (Post 5856126)

Quote:

=satnan;] I had an issue of inconsistent speed with one of my Atomberg Renesa fans a few months ago. After few hour of operation, it would suddenly slow down, pick up the speed again quickly and this would repeat all on its own. Turning off the switch and turning On would fix this temporarily, but problem would resume after 15 mins to half an hour.

The fan was in warranty and after inspection, motor was replaced by the technician which solved the problem. I think your best bet would be to register a complaint with Atomberg and let them diagnose the problem.

Updates:

I logged a complaint at Atomberg the day before yesterday and got a call from the service engineer yesterday to understand the issue. He came home, investigated the issue, and finally changed the PCB. As a complementary, he also cleaned the fan. :)
Tested the fan full night and it is working fine now.

Total cost => Rs. 950 for PCB and new remote.

Thank you @Satnan, @unk9ja for your support.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy (Post 5856515)

It is wonderful shiny black machine. We felt lucky that old washing machine stopped working and got this new one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron178 (Post 5857350)

Does anyone know of a basic microwave that will run off a 5A socket? I need one at very short notice as a gift. Mechanical controls will do.

You may look at Haier 19 L Solo Microwave Oven that has a capacity of 700W: https://www.flipkart.com/haier-19-l-...hoC5tUQAvD_BwE

Or Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven with 800W capacity: https://www.flipkart.com/panasonic-2...=1728630081581

I'm not sure about using Microwaves on 5A socket, so it's better to go to retail outlets and physically see the current ratings mentioned on MW plugs. For example, our Panasonic Mixer of 550 watts capacity has 6A, 250V written on its plug and we use it on 5A plug. Usually, applicances like that can be used on 5A sockets have smaller plugs compared to bigger ones like ACs, refrigerators, convection ovens, etc that have bigger 15A plugs which won't fit into 5A sockets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vijay_k (Post 5855683)

What are your views on LG washer dryer? I am planning to buy 13/08Kg model.

I stay in an apartment so buying seperate dryer is not an option, but yes we do have space on terrace to dry the clothes.

As others have pointed out, washer-dryers tend to come with compromises but when you're space constrained it might be the only option. I won't repeat what others have said but I will say for anyone with any kind of dryer (be it washer-dryer, condenser, heat pump), try using wool dryer balls for your drying cycles. Something like these:
https://www.amazon.in/Pack-Natural-O...BF/ref=sr_1_15

I've been using them for a while now and they do make a noticeable difference with drying times. Essentially they help spread out the load in the drum and thus help quicken the process whilst also being gentle and of course being a natural material. The other benefit is you could save a fortune on dryer sheets or fabric softener should you use either by essentially applying a few drops of heat resistant essential oils on the wool dryer balls.

(If you can forgive the profane language, there's a Tiktoker called 'JustBored', same name on youtube who has a really helpful laundry tips video if you search 'How to do laundry JustBored' on youtube. I'd not realised you could use essential oils that way until coming across that clip).

The other big thing that's become all the rage in the UK at least, for indoor clothes drying is a combination of heated airers (not that radical right?) with this sort of tented cover on them. Something like this https://www.lakeland.co.uk/25597/dry...d-cover-bundle
A video too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqdTZWWycIM

The other thing people seem to be doing is essentially parking a dehumidifier under the heated airer, better if it's all covered up, and doing without a tumble dryer of any sort entirely. It's meant to be masses cheaper not just in total outlay but running cost too compared to tumble dryers.

I must admit I've not tried either of these but it seems simple enough that coupling a dehumidifier with the tenting will essentially create a closed system to capture the remaining moisture in the clothes.

Could be something you could explore? You'd be able to collapse up the airer and you already get a plethora of air purifier plus dehumidifiers in our market, so that's something that's probably going to be of use anyway. My only concern is being wary about the electrics on heated airers sold in India. The one back home is super rickety and I sometimes worry about it snapping and exposing a wire to wet fabric. Somehow it's lasted a few years in that state..

Quote:

Originally Posted by itwasntme (Post 5857485)

I believe most microwaves now come with a 5A plug itself. It should be fine as long as you aren't cooking for 15+ minutes (like making rice etc.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarNerd (Post 5857550)

Thank you, a retail outlet was not an option but I managed to get a more basic Panasonic online. Turns out there is a 15A socket at the installation site so it is not a problem.

Just FYI, the customer review images of all of the basic models I could find seemed to show a 15A plug (the larger one).

Quote:

Originally Posted by youknowitbetter (Post 5857565)

Shifting to a new rented place. Have to buy fans. Just to check from service standpoint, is it a good idea to buy fans online? I am planning to buy Crompton's BLDC fan. If anyone has feedback, it will be extremely helpful.

It's ok to buy online, just that you need to take care/follow up for installation. If you are getting similar price from a shop then it might be better to get it from there and take service of their in-house electrician. Any issue found during delivery or installation can be better handled with a shop than online.

In long run (for warranty/service), online or offline purchase does not matter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ads11 (Post 5857669)

...............................

...................................

The other big thing that's become all the rage in the UK at least, for indoor clothes drying is a combination of heated airers (not that radical right?) with this sort of tented cover on them. Something like this https://www.lakeland.co.uk/25597/dry...d-cover-bundle
.........
...................................

Around 50 years ago when WM and Dryers were practically non existent in India, we did have a makeshift dryer. It consisted of a drying rack used for clothes with a blower underneath blowing hot air up through the clothes. It did a fantastic job in winters and during rainy season.