choosing a washing machine

daveyjp

Fastest spin speed you can get for the budget, 15 minute quick wash and the fewer electronics the better!

macman

Spin speeds are just marketing hype. The additional water extracted by a 1500rpm spin vs a 1200 rpm spin is negligible. 
And it just knackers the drum bearings more quickly...

warwick2001

I bought this one (or equivalent older model) a few years back. Its excellent, cleans well, quiet, and more programs that you could shake a stick at....

Haier, washing machine | white | HW80-B1439N_WH | ao.com

(other retailers are available)

victor2

List the specs of the machine you currently have and mark which are essential (like dimensions), which could be improved and those you don't need.
Decide on your budget and use the modified list to narrow the options down. Look at the warranty and reviews of the likely ones then find a supplier offering a good price when installation (if needed) and removal of old machine are considered.
Did that with our 25 year old Bosch machine a few years back and ended up with a Samsung, that we're still very happy with.

cisko65

victor2 said:

List the specs of the machine you currently have and mark which are essential (like dimensions), which could be improved and those you don't need.
Decide on your budget and use the modified list to narrow the options down. Look at the warranty and reviews of the likely ones then find a supplier offering a good price when installation (if needed) and removal of old machine are considered.
Did that with our 25 year old Bosch machine a few years back and ended up with a Samsung, that we're still very happy with.

That is so helpful, you confirm what I think are the first specs to check. Now I have to understand what other specs actually mean and suit my needs.

mark_cycling00

The weight of clothing it can take is really important. If you frequently add close to the maximum then you'll really wear it out quickly. 

As others have said, fancy programmes like "baby care" are just gimmicks to get worried people to buy them 

Be very careful about dimensions if there is any pipework or other things sticking out from the wall. 

When you buy online they will try to offer a monthly support plan for £10 a month.

When they arrange delivery they'll offer it again for £7 a month.

When you are forced to call a number to "register" the warranty, you'll be offered the same thing again for £5 a month.

What rubbish, just say no all the time...

cisko65

mark_cycling00 said:

The weight of clothing it can take is really important. If you frequently add close to the maximum then you'll really wear it out quickly. 

As others have said, fancy programmes like "baby care" are just gimmicks to get worried people to buy them 

Be very careful about dimensions if there is any pipework or other things sticking out from the wall. 

When you buy online they will try to offer a monthly support plan for £10 a month.

When they arrange delivery they'll offer it again for £7 a month.

When you are forced to call a number to "register" the warranty, you'll be offered the same thing again for £5 a month.

What rubbish, just say no all the time...

Thanks.

Will see what programs I don't need (for example fancy programs or too much weight).

Free delivery of the new machine/removal of the old one.

Low priced installation

Reasonable warranty

No monthly support plan

And of course size and price.

cisko65

macman said:

Spin speeds are just marketing hype. The additional water extracted by a 1500rpm spin vs a 1200 rpm spin is negligible. 
And it just knackers the drum bearings more quickly...

I don't see 1200 spin in many models. Will keep looking. Thanks

cisko65

casper_gutman said:

Look around for offer codes etc. Last time I needed a new machine, I found a code to get a new Beko machine from John Lewis for £119 (!!) with a trade-in deal which meant they also took away the old machine for no extra fee.

The machine itself has been great - we've run it most days for six years now, and it hasn't missed a beat.* The Beko dishwasher and fridge-freezer have been fab too, so although they're pretty cheap I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

*Touch wood. Hope I haven't jinxed it now!

Thanks, never found a code for John Lewis.

cisko65

Alderbank said:

Important information you have not shared with us is the size of your household and how much washing you need to do.

If you live on your own your needs are very much different from a family of six.
Also circumstances such as a new baby, very dirty jobs or hobbies (think rugby!) or people with special health needs all matter when choosing the 'best' machine, not just for capacity but for energy efficiency and special programmes.

Thanks.
I am aware of the sizes I need to have. 
I don't do too much washing (small drying tier and space). Items not particularly dirty.
What would be a suitable capacity and speed?