Washing machine reviews -help please!!!!

mandragora_2

Our machine has just died, and I reckon we've got about a week's worth of time to replace it (it does need replacing, honest - it's not something simple like the belt having slipped off!), before we run out of essential items, or I have to go to work in a ballgown. So - I've already used my free reviews from Which - does anyone else know where I can get good quality, independent online product reviews from? I had a feeling there was a site run by the Good Housekeeping institute, but all my searches just lead me to a magazine website.


Alternatively, anyone found a real gem of a machine - value matters more than cheapness - I can find the best price once I've narrowed it down to a machine or two. Quality in terms of efficiency & durability matter most - it doesn't have to be especially quiet, as it's away from the kitchen!

penrhyn

Bosch or Siemens.

BTW, Hughes Direct sell Which Best Buy appliances with a little more discount if you use this link

http://ws1.which.hughesdirect.co.uk/home.php

PS Can't comment on Meile washers, but my Cat and Dog vacuum cleaner is very good.

PPS Tom Baker, Elizabeth Sladen, filmed at Portmeirion?

olderthanhelooks

This is the best site I have found for reviews of washing machines which gives good impartial advice from the viewpoint of a washer repair man.

From this the clear winner is Miele but they are also the most expensive. However, he gives good advice about other brands as well.

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/buying-advice-1.html

Chris

Jollygiantswife

Whatever you do, don't buy a Hoover one! Had ours for 3 years and it's always breaking down - I'm having to pay for extended warranty so that when it breaks down I don't have to pay a call out/spare parts charge. I'd never buy one again!

Tolleydog

I think many public libraries stock Which magazine, but you often have to ask for it as they keep it behind the counter.

I went through this process a couple of years ago. The general consensus was that the build quality for most makes was nowhere as good as it was even a few years previously. Many brands have merged and are now made by the same manufacturer. Miele, and I think Siemens, were the most common recommendations for expensive/ quality brands.

I bought a Miele. They are expensive, but the model I bought came with a free 10 year guarantee as a special offer at the time. A 5 year guarantee is also commonly offered. (I think Siemens occasionally offer similar guarantees).

The problem-free period/ life expectancy of many other makes averages only a couple of years. Whilst they are cheaper initially, my logic is it can work out cheaper with the long term guarantee and effectively buy 5/ 10 years worth of washing machine use at the outset if you can afford it.

mandragora_2

Thanks sp much for this, guys -will be able to get going on this tomorrow - and perhaps have a new machine by the time the stuff currently dripping from the line in the back yard has dried!

greenstick

Can't rate the ukwhitegoods forum highly enough

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums

At the bottom end of the market, washer prices are a fraction of what they were 10 years ago. This can only have been achieved by cutting costs...and quality.

I've just splashed out on a NEFF but they'll offer advice for all price ranges.

General feeling is, as usual, you get what you pay for.

Oh, and avoid Indesit/Hotpoint at all costs.

real1314

When I last looked, the best option was a John Lewis model with a 3 yr (or might have been 2?) warranty for about £300.

More expensive than the cheapo jobs, but more reliable. Less expensive than the top end stuff, don't know how long it will last, but apprently it's far more repairable than the cheap jobs. Not had any problems with it over the past 2 yrs.

rosekitten

Miele
you will still be using it 20 years from now and
no signs of repair men calling took me a long
time to realise that some people buy one machine
and never buy another.the ones that do this all
own Miele washers.Four years ago I joined them
All ours ended up in the local tip burnt out from
over use.

dazzer68

miele, cant recommend it enough. does a 30 minute quick wash,eco washes, its brilliant. quiet easy to use and robust. im a convert, now have a dishwasher, coffee machine, and will be changing the tumble dryer when that goes too. excellent build and quality.

imho

Another vote for Miele . More expensive than most other washing machines but the never break down.