Simple, quality, reliable washing machine?

esuhl

I'm looking for a washing machine, but I don't know where to begin!

I want one that is reasonably well-made, but fairly basic. I only ever use the "quick wash", so I don't need digital displays, hundreds of programs or anything fancy (expensive!). The less there is to go wrong, the better!

Is there any reason not to get the cheapest I can find? I've seen Daewoo, Indesit and Beko machines for about £150. Or would that be a false economy when I can afford something better?

The only things I really care about is that it washes clothes and doesn't break down.

It'd be a bonus if it was big enough to wash a winter duvet, or it had a "handwash" cycle. But not if it's going to cost a lot more.

Any tips? (Thanks in advance!)

Tealblue

There's an old saying 'buy cheap, buy twice' - and it seems to apply to washing machines more than any other kitchen appliance I've bought over the years! I bought the lowest-priced model in the Miele range over 10 years ago (like you, I only want standard functions) and it is still going strong, has never broken down or leaked and washes brilliantly.

By all means get the cheapest you can find - just recognise it might not last too long and might not do the best job.

[Deleted User]

I've had a couple of Hotpoint washer driers which lasted 12 and 14 years, and the current Indesit is still ok after 3 years. Which currently have Miele as the most reliable, but they're 3 times the price.

luvchocolate

I had a Beko in a rented flat it was new to me and still working perfect when I left after 8 years.

Brighty

Buy a Miele, if you can't afford one, buy a cheap Beko or similar and treat it as disposable. You can get mid range stuff like Zanussi etc, but i've found they break just as quickly as the cheap Beko stuff. Expect to replace every 2-3 years. This is from experience with my own and 3 rental properties, i seem to be buying a machine every year.
If you want to stand any chance of getting a duvet in, you'll need a 8 or 9 kg drum, even then it will be tight for a thick double. Bigger drums will be more expensive, so probably better to stick with a standard 7kg drum machine and just take the duvet to the launderette when needed.

[Deleted User]

Brighty wrote: »

i seem to be buying a machine every year.

For a £1 temporary Which membership you can read the Consumers Association reliability stats. With even the most unreliable brand (Siemens), 69% of them remain fault free after 10 years.

cajef

Brighty wrote: »

Expect to replace every 2-3 years.

Not my experience with Bosch, first one lasted 16 years and present one is 9 years old and still going strong.

Mr_Singleton

Yup get a Miele.

Murphybear

jack_pott wrote: »

I've had a couple of Hotpoint washer driers which lasted 12 and 14 years, and the current Indesit is still ok after 3 years. Which currently have Miele as the most reliable, but they're 3 times the price.

We bought a Miele washer dryer 21 years ago. It gave perfect service. It washed and dried exceptionally well and we never called the engineer out once. We got it in a sale at the time so wasn't that expensive considering. It had a problem with the thermostat eventually so we got a new one, it should see us out:D. I have friends who had a Miele washing machine in Holland. I believe it's in its 40 th year.