2022 Frugal Living Challenge

Hopefuljoy

@cw18, if you go to your local library they are likely to have the latest Which magazines plus they may even have a free subscription to the online Which if they have public computers. I do what you have and set my budget before looking and then look for reviews within that range. 

I work in the local library and its always worth checking with local libraries as they have masses of databases and resources available for free but really badly advertised! 

Debsnewbudget

 AO are fantastic with customer service, if you live near Bolton or Telford they have outlet stores called ElekDirect where you can sometimes pick up bargains 
I think you can also order online https://www.elekdirect.co.uk/

SuperSecretSquirrel

@cw18 I would definitely be looking to replace not repair at this point. You've had very good service from your current machine!

The free 2 year JL extended guarantee was well worth the extra £10 we paid over alternative tax avoiding online only retailers for the same model when we had a small problem with the door catch 22 months from purchase.

If a smaller capacity is enough for you there's probably not much point spending more on a bigger drum. We went for a very good make, but less ridiculous features (no mid wash door flap, no internal light, no mobile phone connectivity, but excellent washing, and good eco settings). I'd be interested to know what features a 22 year old machine might have that's missing from even the lowest budget modern machine 😄

otb666

we have replaced all appliances in kitchen including built in oven and hob in the run up to retirement With AO They make it very easy.

joedenise

Another here who uses AO.  They have great customer service and their prices are very good.  Delivery is very quick too.

fionaandphil

We've used AO and  found them useful. It's also worth looking at JL and co- op as they're sometime as cheap but also offer free delivery/extra warranty etc

cw18

DawnW said:

@cw18 have you looked at AO.com in your search for a new washing machine?

Always my starting point.   I've used them more than a few times - although my built-in fridge/freezer came from C0-0p at a better price!

cw18

Hopefuljoy said:

@cw18, if you go to your local library they are likely to have the latest Which magazines plus they may even have a free subscription to the online Which if they have public computers.

Shut until April (relocating), and I've no idea where my card is as I've not used it for at least 10 years.   I looked at their on-line offerings after mention in the last couple of days (mine didn't have anything in place at the start of Covid) and they now do books and magazines - but I need a membership number and PIN which I can't get until the library reopens

cw18

SuperSecretSquirrel said:

If a smaller capacity is enough for you there's probably not much point spending more on a bigger drum.

On AO, there are only 7 freestanding machines with a 6kg drum - out of 365 machines !!!   Rather limits which of the functions I'd like to keep, as the small ones I've looked at all seem to be very basic.

florianatwobob

Is it also with considering that a larger drum means you can do fewer washes? Alternatively is a half load function a possibility?

Another vote for AO too.