No washing machine! I'm in loads of debt! and stuck.

Miss_Poohs

Don't buy a washer/drier they aren't best known for their reliability.

I'd check out gumtree in your area - I sold my parents Bosch washing machine on gumtree, not a thing wrong with it, the new tenants wanted the house unfurnished, so I sold it.

Good luck

quintwins

I had also heard that washer driers aren't as reliable.

I do have a drier but i rarely use it, it's a god send on weeks like this week the kids are sick on every peice of bedding we have (even my bed!!) if it came to it i could cope without a drier but may need to buy extra uniform for the kids and branded jumpers are expensive

The_Boss

quintwins wrote: »

I had also heard that washer driers aren't as reliable.

The big issue is that if the drier goes, I believe you can't use it to wash either. Plus think they have smaller washing capacity.

alyxzandra

How about looking on ebay?

heatherks

The_Boss wrote: »

The OP posted one such example from Argos in their original post.

That was a washer dryer NOT a washing machine there are cheaper ones available

The_Boss

heatherks wrote: »

That was a washer dryer NOT a washing machine there are cheaper ones available

Oops, sorry. At least they were looking in the right place I guess

gettingbackontrack

Well, I have a washer-dryer and wouldn't be without the option to have a dryer when needed (even if only occasionally) but on the other hand washers are cheaper.

If money is REALLY tight, I'd say buy a washer. They are better value in that you can get more for your money.

cheesedoffwithdebt

HI-I am in the same boat, paying off an IVA and my washer has died..
I've done masses of research this weekend, and was going to post a question on myself but I'll join this discussion and see if anyone can add anything?

My own view is that the cheap machines are not energy efficient, most of the reviews talk about 2 hour long wash cycles, so that's lots of electricity and water swooshing around. Many reviews talk about seriously noisy spin cycles as well.

The machine I have was bought pre IVA and with the hope it would last five years, it cost about £200 so in fairness has been cheaper than trips to the launderette.

I do have a small amount saved for household emergencies so can afford £250.

However- this will only replace cheap crap with cheap crap so I am contemplating getting a reconditioned machine, I've spoken to a couple of retailers and can get a Bosch for just over £100 with a one year guarantee.

I could rent but that is. over time, heinously expensive.

I don't want to even try Gumtree or similar because I am not an expert on electricals and might end up with something that seems like a bargain and also does a dying swan act pretty quickly.

So I am seriously thinking about the reconditioned option to tide me over until I have saved more and can afford something around the £500-600 mark which I seem to think is about the price of a reasonable machine these days.

I am hand washing my undies every night (yes I read the Thrifty Mrs blogs!) and once a habit thats an easy thing to do and takes pressure of the washing machine.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone can add anything to this train of thought? sorry if it doesn't help the original poster by the way, I hope it does add food for thought..

FatVonD

I had a washer/drier in a short-term rental once and I'd never, ever buy one. It was rubbish and the drier can only cope with half the amount of the wash load so you always have a pile of damp washing hanging around on the worktop.

We have this tumble drier:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry-dishwashers/tumble-dryers/indesit-is31v-compact-vented-tumble-dryer-white-03351225-pdt.html

It ain't pretty (there was also another 'no name' make a little cheaper than this one) and it has been fantastic, there are no fancy controls and it works better than our old full size one.

JennyJenJen

cheesedoffwithdebt wrote: »

So I am seriously thinking about the reconditioned option to tide me over until I have saved more and can afford something around the £500-600 mark which I seem to think is about the price of a reasonable machine these days.

£500-£600 is REALLY expensive for a washing machine, by the time you get to that price you are paying for the more expensive brand, gadgets etc.

We bought a new one when we moved about 18months ago, I decided to just get whatever I wanted as I love washing I decided that the additional £200-£300 for a miele or dyson etc wasnt really worth it and in the end got a large load size hotpoint one for about £350. I think anything more than that (I might have gone up to £400) is too much.

Also, I specifically chose one with a quick wash option, a 30 degree wash takes 38 mins and im happy with that!