Need a new washing machine, any Which subscribers able to help?

Debt_Free_Dreamer

My old washing machine was an INDESIT, the cheapest in the shop as I had only just left home. I bought it in 1994 and it only died this year. So 15 years of service, it was a great buy.

My latest purchase is the LG Steam washing machine. I wanted a large drum as I am washing all the time and wanted to reduce the loads. So far it has been a great machine and washing the clothes really well. Cannot comment on the long term factor as it is only a few months old.

It is a big machine though, which is ok for us as it is in a cupboard. I would consider the following when buying

1) Size of drum - especially if you have lots of washing (small kids etc.,)
2) Cycle length (time) - sometimes you want a quick wash
3) Size of machine - will it fit where it needs to go?
4) Water cconsumption - if you are metered
5) Hot / Cold water feed

TiTheRev

Try washer help .co.uk, Ive just had the same thing with my (cheaper) machine giving up, so have been researching machines and reviews to. That website offers impartial advice and answers questions on who makes the 'budget' version of the top manufacturers with more or less all the same materials. AEG, BOSCH, SIEMENS, ZANUSSI, MIELE & TRICITY BENDIX are top performers, see here. It also shows, who to avoid and what versions are not worth the plastic they are made from...

HTH, and here's to finding some quality bargains. My eye is on the Zanussi ZWF14070G1.

Harveycat_2

Miele Prestige Plus 6 here.

My best purchase for years!

Sooooo quiet compared to our old machine. Also 1300rpm spin speed leaves stuff nearly dry.

5 year guarantee was included.

TiTheRev

Just went with the Whirlpool AWOE9759. Free Which? membership and delivery as part of the deal, 9kg drum & 1400 spin with umpteen functions & bells/whistles plus a good review in Which so all round happy just have to wait until next week for delivery!

jibberjabber_4

My machine has just packed up as well - I was only planning on spending around the £300 mark - but everything around this mark seems to get mixed reviews.

I've had 3 different work colleagues sing the praises of Miele - and Which seem to have no end of praise for them but these are all around the £600/£700 mark. Can afford to pay the extra but would rather not if it's not worthwhile.

Can anyone comment on whether they feel these machines are worth the extra?

TiTheRev

Check the link to Washer help I put in one of the previous posts. The guy sings Miele's praises too, and has been a washing machine service engineer for 30years...BUT, they an only be serviced by Miele specialists and they charge the earth too, so it's not a one time payment. Any further work WILL cost big bucks too. All of the other brands he mentions as good quality are more reasonable for service/parts and most are nearer the £300 mark you are aiming at. Also check the Zanussi machine I mentioned earlier. Recommended on a few occassions, by this guy and Which? and found for under £300 with all the features I was looking for...?

Bob_the_Saver

Had a £700 well known German job (with 5 year parts & labour warranty - thank goodness) by the end of 5 years I think everything but the box had gone wrong. It died after 6 years. After that I bought a Beko for about (then) £160. that was around 5 years ago and I have not had a single problem. Bit noisier but seems to wash better. You get a good one or a bad one whatever. But for £700 I could have had 4 cheap ones and many pints in the pub!

TiTheRev

Pays your money takes your [strike]choice[/strike] chance!

On something as useful and valuable as a washing machine, I could never buy 'budget', but granted it sounds like you got an expensive lemon there

shudd1967

Well had a look at the LG and Bosch, actually don't like either of them!

Noticed that the Whirlpool do an aquasteam 6th sense version in Black which looking at pics looks quite nice
http://www.whirlpool.co.uk/app.cnt/whr/en_GB/pageid/pgproddtl001/catid/3/subcatid/11/prodid/31568

Looking at the which report that someone sent through to me a whirlpool one with aquasteam has got a fairly high rating (68). Not priced it up yet but anyone know of anyone who has one? Just searching for reviews but not yet found one so not sure if its really quite a new appliance!

jibberjabber_4

Thanks TiTheRev

Had a look at that site and read up on differences between machines by same companies. I had been mulling over the Miele but realised was just the 'bloke' in me coming out and wanting the top of the range. Agree the Zanussi's sound good - went for lower spec model than the one you mentioned (forgot the model no.) for £260 delivered - I only ever used one setting on previous washer, whats the point in having top of the range!!!

..anyway sure I can put the extra I would have spent to good use in this sunny weather :beer:!!