Choosing a washing machine?

thrifty-gal26

I am moving house at the end of Jan to a bigger place as we have a baby due in June.

I am getting very confused with all the variety for each of the things I need and looking for some advice please!

I am thinking of doing re-usable nappies and I need to buy a washing machine and tumble dryer for when we move. So I want one that is going to be good enough for the amount of washing I will be doing when the baby comes but have a small budget.

What do a look for in a washing machine and tumble dryer?

I found this http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4788799.htm

And this
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4802077.htm

They are both within my budget but are they any good for my needs?

Thanks x

j.e.j.

I've often found the following website to be useful:
http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/buying-washing-machines.html

The better makes are Miele, AEG and Bosch, - you can expect a good few years out of them. You can get a pretty good, basic, Bosch for about £300.

I'm not sure about cheaper brands like Beko, but I've heard people say to avoid Hotpoint like the plague!

ETA re. the tumble dryer, if you get a condenser dryer you can plug it in pretty much anywhere, but if you go for a vented tumble dryer it will need a window or an outlet for the pipe.

gingin_2

I've got a 2-in-1 washer dryer. It means I can put a load on at night and come back to clean, washed clothes in the morning - bliss! It's a John Lewis model that we inherited with our house but is fantastic.

arbrighton

I would also recommend Bosch, the one

we just left as part of our house sale is getting on for 5 years old and was still going strong, and we have just bought another, although not cheap at initial outlay, much more reliable than cheaper makes, especially if you look at the cost spread over its lifetime

Armchair23

Washer dryers tend to be the most likely appliance to go wrong, and most expensive to buy and use.

That said you might not have space for two appliances. Dryers are about the most expensive thing you'll ever use in terms of electricity.

If you've got the time or inclination go into John Lewis for a look and a chat. The washerhelp site as mentioned previously is great with lots of really useful points to help you choose.

Congrats on your forthcoming arrival !

onlyroz

Either go for the most expensive one you can afford, or go for a super-cheap one and buy an extended warranty. It is normal for a washing machine to only last 2-3 years, and they cannot usually be repaired, so it is one if the few things where the warranty is worth the money.

dark^knight

I like Bosch. I have a Bosch washing machine and a Bosch tumble dryer. They will cost more than other makes, but I believe it's worth it.

fsdss

i have a bosch washer and dryer (separate machines) .... had them for about 8 years and no problems at all with them. prior to this i had a zanussi washer (broke 2 weeks post guarantee - beyond economical repair!!) and a hotpoint which lasted 3 years.....and before anyone asks there were only 2 of us then!!

had a white knight too (dryer) and a bosch in the last 10 years - the white knight caught fire and ..well the bosch is still going strong 8yrs on!

so i would recommend that you pay a little more for a machine..and currently Bosch are doing a cashback scheme and also come with a 2 year guarantee

***and boy, have i jinxed it now? ****

derms

I have young children and have had 4 machines in the last eight years - Hoover, Hotpoint, Zanussi and Indesit. I can honestly say they were all rubbish - even the ones that cost £400. Last one broke at weekend. Have already spent £150 on it for "labour" as have need 2 call outs befor this for it. I asked the repairman was I unlucky and he confirmed my suspicions that they are not made to last nowadays. I am going for a Bosch this time as is the one that keeps being recommended along with Miele which are out of my range. HTH

property.advert

I got one of these washer driers a year and a bit ago for around £500 http://www.lg.com/ph/home-appliance/washing-machine/LG-front-loading-drum-WD-1403RD.jsp

Huge 9kg capacity means duvets can go in as well (I think they even do a 10kg or 11kg one now). Masses of programs, delay, fast, medic rinse etc.

It does take some time at about 2.5 hours for a 9kg load but it uses a minimum of water and is as silent as I have ever heard and stable as a rock. It does have 30min and 60min options.

Best use ? fill it with up to 6kg on advance timer for cheap electric (if you have econ 7) and it will wash and dry your stuff, keeping a soft tumble when finished to stop creasing.

They have a newer model now but I cannot recommend this highly enough. Price match with John Lewis and extended guarantee.