White goods!

getmore4less

forgot quite a few people post what they are finding

http://www.hotukdeals.com/home/deals/hot

lot of machine for your money
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/zanussi-zwf01487wr-lindo-500-10kg-1400-spin-washing-machine-279-now-274-delivered-2743739

if you want to see how prices can yoyo

https://pricespy.co.uk/product.php?pu=3747154

Nobbie1967

I'd just buy one of the cheapest washing machines such as this

http://ao.com/product/ewe91482w-indesit-my-time-washing-machine-white-42109-1.aspx

Never seen a good reason to spend more. The more complex and expensive a machine, the more things to go wrong and the more expensive the repair. Even a cheap machine will last 5 years and if it breaks after that just throw it away and get another.

macman

More expensive machines are not necessarily more complex. They are just built to a standard, and not down to a price using the cheapest components. Some of the cheapo branded models have a design life of barely 500 cycles. If you have a young family and use it daily, then those will barely last you two years. One at twice the price (say a mid-range Bosch) should last up to 10 years. Your approach isn't really money-saving-nor does it make environmental sense.

Cyclamen

Please reconsider looking at Currys.

I had problems with a purchase from them and it took over 8 months of regular emails and phone calls, two trips to the repair shop to get it resolved with a replacement.

Our fridge freezer from them developed quite a major fault a few weeks ago and it was only 4 years old but out of warranty so needed replacing. I don't rate there customer service sadly. A quick google shows there is a good number of customers who feel the same.

I use AO.com now. We get money back through top cashback, the prices are comparable or better with elsewhere. Lots of detail and photos for each item and I like the comparison options for cost of running, noise levels, size etc. The reviews are helpful and you can pay extra for packaging to be taken away, old appliance to be taken away etc..

Zither

Thank you all for your feedback. I didn't get around to looking at this until this morning. I think I've settled on this washing machine.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry/washing-machines/lg-fh4u2vcn2-washing-machine-white-10139011-pdt.html

Found the link on HotUKDeals - seems quite reasonable?

I'd love to go independent or avoid currys if I could but they just seem to offer the best value for money/availability (perhaps not for customer experience tho...)

Fridge freezer choice next!

Clairabella

I'd avoid Currys too. I usually find the best price for an item then ask my local independent to price match. They can usually match or get very near, the small amount extra more than pays for itself in customer service/after sales.

robatwork

Fridges have no real moving parts so any make should last over 10 years - check power consumption and it fits. £300 won't buy you a lifestyle one with water dispenser though.

Washing machine - I am also in the school of thought that you buy cheapish and replace if it goes wrong, or buy expensive if you'll use it daily. Your budget won't get a Miele, so you're in budget territory. Look at the deals, avoid currys unless they have a very special offer, and check your independent retailers. I bought a cheapo Beko, been great.

Oakdene

Gosh I paid £100 in total for a fridge freezer, washing machine & tumble drier from a local facebook selling page when I bought my house last year. Were immaulate, even to my mothers standards!

getmore4less

That LG a curry's special, I would check the specs and reviews carefully.

Fridge freezers are simple but many have a moving flap to direct the cold air, still a relatively easy fix along with the other physical components.

the biggest issue with FF is the electronic spares are prohibitive unless you can fined reclaimed parts.

Zither

Fear not All! I popped into my local deptartment store and they had the same washing machine in stock And price matched currys. To be fair to currys tho I popped in earlier and the girl I was speaking to about washing machines offered some excellent advice too - I was genuinely surprised how helpful and honest she was so currys aren't all bad! Just mostly bad.