Twin-Tub Washing Machines

wyebird

We got an Admiral top loader about 6 months ago. American, no heater ..washes really well mostly on cold. Seems really sturdy too!

donny-gal

The other options is to consider a household appliance insurance policy, there are one or two around, I have mine with Norwich Union, its costs around £17 a month, but covers everything electrical which is not portable able around the home up to 8 years old. As many TV's as you have, the sky box, cooker, fridge, freezer, microwave, dryer, dishwasher, videos, dvd's, even the new flat tv's. There is a cost but you never get a major breakdown bill, and if it is not repairable, then you get a % towards replacement depending on its age.

Its less than one item on extended warranty that I never take anyway.

If you go through washers like that then it could be a winner?
DG

MATH

In the emids I've had an American sized Whirlpool/Admiral for yonks and they are from far sturdier stock than the feeble front loaders you get here in the uk. It is not uncommon for people to run the same washer for 20 years + in the states.

Over at the coast I would consider a front loader but because my kitchen is so small I've gone for a twin-tub which can slide away in the narrow gap between two units. Yes they are a bit more work but if you live on your own and don't have mountains of washing it is easily possible to do a whole weeks wash in one lot of sudsy water. Start with the water really hot and wash whites/lights & light soil and as the water cools and gets dirtier move to darks and heavier soil, always do denim last cos it always bleeds color.

I dissagree that agitator type machines are hard/rough on clothes. I've used this type of machine for over 15 years and have not noticed any advanced or extra signs of wear compared to a tumbler type. In fact my sister in the states has just changed to a front loader and is complaining that because it uses less water and everything rubs together it is wearing her clothes out and pilling fabrics faster than the top loader did. She also can't understand why a top-loader wash cycle is 25-30mins start to finsishj and a front loader chugs along for nearly 2 hours. LOL

Barnum42

kickstart wrote: »

Thanks looked at all your comments , no big deal using a twin-tub (yes used one before) only me , no large family. Just fed up with washers breaking down on me , its like i am jinxed! Tried different models , various prices ,same result. By comparison my mum has the same washer as my latest one , hers has lasted 4 yrs up to now , mine 14 mths !

What goes wrong with them?

If you are in a hard water area and don't use cold wash, then chuck Calgon (or even better the less expensive generic powder) to protect the heating element.

Also - they can be repaired for a lot less than the cost of a new one. If you last is less than a couple of years old, try phoning some local engineers. There are certain common ailments they will be used to fixing and should be able to give you a fair guess at the cost of repair.

sidwyn

If you are serious about a twin tub, try asking on Freecycle. I got an old Electrolux from Freecycle and it is fantastic - about 15 years old but washes and spins really well. The lady who gave it to me had it and an old twin tub - she said the newer ones weren't as good - and wouldn't ever part with hers.

I would get an American top-loader if I had the money / space - they wash very well in about 1/4 of the time or less. My mom's does a white hot wash in 18 mins start to finish. She has had hers since the 1970's. How I miss that old Maytag...

harris2007

kickstart wrote: »

Does anyone know if its still possible to buy a 'twin-tub' washing machine ? I have found one but its more expensive than a front loader! The reason i am asking is, i seem to only be getting an average of 12-14 months before my washing machine breaks down (always just after the guarantee is up !!) So was thinking maybe a twin-tub would be a better option ? Oh and limited budget.

Hi,
you can buy a harris classic twintub for £199.99 from kitchen addiction, 01939 236733, they also sell on e-bay, just search for the username kitchenaddiction or put twintub into the search. I purchased one a while ago and it is fantastic, I will never go back to an automatic again.
Gemma

harris2007

Justamum wrote: »

I've just googled and found a twin tub for £299 from Mobility Direct.

you can also buy them from kitchen addiction for £199, they sell them on e-bay or you can buy direct on 01939 236733

harris2007

you can buy them from kitchen addiction for £199.
They sell them on ebay and you can also buy them direct on 01939 236733

skim

Where can you buy them again? - I didn't catch it the last 3 times!!!:rotfl:

When I bought my washer 13 years ago - went for the finest cheapest I could find & it's still running & never had a problem.

Make sure it's level as it won't do the washer any good when it goes on spin especially the higher spin speed models. I'd forget calgon personally.

spendaholic

My mom and dad bought me a Hoover in 1985 and it lasted for 15 years. I've had 2 since 2000. They tell me that Candy now own Hoover and they're not built quite the same. I've also been told that, like plasma tvs, some white goods are built to pack up right after the guarantee to encourage people to take out the insurance policies. This time I bought the dearest model in the shop (Argos) that would fit in my narrow space. It's over a year old now and ... I think you'll know I'm loathe to say anything else in case it, well, you know ... Funnily enough, it's a Hoover.

My grandma had a twin tub. I remember the fuss and hassle she had for just her and grandad.