which brand of washer dryer would it be wisest to opt for?

triade

diystarter7 said:

Please do not do "second hand", especially on a combi washer/drier.
Get a decent/quiet washing machien with a 5 year warranty and a I think its table top or smaller drier for some items that you want softer and or that take a long time to dry. The rest can go in the bathroom, yes not nice but can work for certain people or get one of those that can be stuck on top of the washing machine.

something like this or smaller

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08S7LTGC6?tag=track-ect-uk-569431-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=ecSEP1rq2xla8ojteq

wow, I didn't realise that was possible!!! That's really cool! a shame I don't have enough clearance for it though, and smaller than that, might be problematic drying coats and bed linens.

triade

OK, so thanks to the advice and trying to figure stuff out myself.... I bought a hoover because i saw that it has 10 year guarantee on the parts, but having taken delivery of it today, I'm noticing it says the parts are only guaranteed if I use their own repair person and that would cost me over £100 if I ned a call out.

This makes me feel very uncomfortable. I spent £400 which is no small sum for me and I won't be able to afford it again. I can't imagine I'd ever be able to afford the callout fee for repairs if it goes wrong so it feels like a potentially massive loss if it breaks down after just 1 year. I'm now wondering if I should just not use it and arrange for a return.

CJRyder

There are certain products where "Buy cheap, buy twice" is actually a better deal in this age of built in obsolescence. Gone are the days when certain brands meant reliability and quality. Now it's just paying for the bragging rights over a Gucci washing machine vs a Tossco.

Katiehound

The only one that does not seem to have built in obsolescence is a Miele machine if their advertising is to be believed- think it said it would last for 20 years. (I had a Zanussi washing machine that did that and more).
Small problem is that Miele machines are an eye watering price: think 4 figures.......

EssexHebridean

Having lived in flats for years, we’ve always had washer/dryers, and I have always completely ignored any suggestion it’ll only do a half load drying! However, I will say that ours only gets used to dry for bedding and towels - I can’t justify the hit to longevity that clothes take when tumble dried regularly, and these days the cost is massively a factor too of course. We’re fortunate that we do have a balcony which provides some outdoor drying space - so clothes go out there, then onto the airer inside to finish. Bedding/towels get either a half hour dry to take the worst of the dampness out, then outside, or if the weather is grim a full hour drying, then just onto the airer to finish. 

Avoid Indesit like the plague would be my advice - if you’re fortunate to get a decent one it will last reasonably (our first one lasted over 10 years I think, but when they DO go wrong it’s a struggle to find anyone willing to attempt a repair, round here at least. The perception is that it’s not worth it as they can be replaced so cheaply). Current one is a Hotpoint bought around 8 years ago from memory - it’s ok but is showing signs of rust on the body from within - no idea why - and of course we were incredibly fortunate that it wasn’t one of the problematic models with the recall that Hotpoint made such a faff of getting sorted for people! Personally I wouldn’t go for another Hotpoint now either - they’ve just had too many issues in recent years for me to trust them now.

EssexHebridean

diystarter7 said:

Please do not do "second hand", especially on a combi washer/drier.
Get a decent/quiet washing machien with a 5 year warranty and a I think its table top or smaller drier for some items that you want softer and or that take a long time to dry. The rest can go in the bathroom, yes not nice but can work for certain people or get one of those that can be stuck on top of the washing machine.

something like this or smaller

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08S7LTGC6?tag=track-ect-uk-569431-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=ecSEP1rq2xla8ojteq

Once again diystarter7 this is a “check your privilege” post - the OP was clear on the fact that they lived in a flat and didn’t have space for both options. Also the idea that “the rest can go in the bathroom” - if we (also in a flat) tried to put a clothes airer in our bathroom it would rule out accessing the fairly vital things - you know, like the bath, sink, oh, and toilet. Flats generally speaking tend to have smaller  bathrooms than those in houses are often blessed with. Similarly - washing machines usually have to go into the kitchen, and generally under a worktop - very few of us in flats have the luxury of a utility room where we are able to stack appliances! 

OP - I have just had a quick look at the cheaper brands on AO’s website and from those I would personally go for a Beko - they have been around a while now, those who have them seem to really speak highly of them, and they pack a lot of features into a lower priced model. If I were replacing ours right now I would certainly consider one of theirs. 

Katiehound

EssexHebridean said:

 

OP - I have just had a quick look at the cheaper brands on AO’s website and from those I would personally go for a Beko - they have been around a while now, those who have them seem to really speak highly of them, and they pack a lot of features into a lower priced model. If I were replacing ours right now I would certainly consider one of theirs. 

I have a Beko dishwasher- it hasn't lasted 2 years.
Not a brand I would   touch again!

timehastoldme

OP I've never had one so can't recommend, but wanted to just say that if you have assessed and decided the washer dryer is best for your needs, please don't be put off by everyone trying to talk you out of it here. 

This forum is full of useful stuff, but there's a fair bit of rigidity on things like drying washing which is absolutely never a one size fits all thing.

My dad swears by Bosch for everything, my mums current washer is Bosch and is 10 years old, I've had beko products before and they've been pretty good.