White goods for the home

[thebullettrain]

As some of you know, I am buying my first flat. I am currently looking at buying a few white goods (well silver really) and I need some help.

Washer/dryer

I am looking for a good washing maching, nothing grand, but sometnig that does the job – does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, how do combo washer/driers work? Do I need to make a hole in the wall for the dryer pipe?

Fridge/Freezer

Ditto as above.

Thanks guys and gals.

[popey]

Can't fault our latest purchase of a Miele washing machine. Bit more expensive on the initial outlay, but it's built like a panzer. The internals and important mechanicals are the same right through the range as well.

[eccles]

before you buy your washer dryer, check the lease on your flat. in my flat you aren't allowed to cut holes in the wall for the dryer pipe, so you have to the condenser type of dryer, which isn't as good as the one with the pipe.

[Zod]

Miele.

[paulie-mafia]

My best advice would be to go to check out some Which reviews, download a few brochures, then shop around on t'internet for the best price. When I bought my place 2 years ago I had to pick up all of the kit and by shopping around online and going for last seasons' models I picked up some nice german brand stuff with stainless steel finishes, all for the price of more basic equipment from a traditional retailer. Look out for Siemens / AEG / Bosch etc.

On the washer / dryer front modern machines condense the steam, meaning it can be expelled through the standard waste pipe, therefore negating the need for a huge hole in the wall. Also look for machines with a cast iron drum case - slightly pricier, but most machines get noisy as they get older because the concrete weight inside shakes itself loose, while these ones keep on going.

P-M

[mybrainhurts]

Washer with a condensing dryer (or standalone condensing dryer) does not need any venting.

Had 'em for years.

[bga]

I've found Bosch to be pretty good, even the cheapest ones seem well put together.

[slapmatt]

I don't know about you, but when I bought my first house I was pretty rinsed for cash.

I went to my local secondhand shop and I bought a washing machine and a fridge/freezer for under £200. The bloke delivered them to my house that evening and even plumbed in the washing machine for me.

Nearly four years on and they are still ticking along nicely.

To be honest, I can think of a million things I'd rather be spending my money on than a bloody washing machine and a fridge!!!!

[FUGatso]

popey said:

Can't fault our latest purchase of a Miele washing machine. Bit more expensive on the initial outlay, but it's built like a panzer. The internals and important mechanicals are the same right through the range as well.

I'll second that, not cheap but absolutely reliable, washer drier 8 years never misses a beat, ex mrs fugatso still using everyday with two kids and all the washing they make! I got the fridge, oversized Miele again Fridge Freezer, not quite as big as the proper yank ones but again really reliable.

Right, that's enough domestication...

[Parrot of Doom]

Driers are expensive devices to run in terms of energy useage - you'd be well advised to just use the radiators in your house and to keep a window ajar

[lockstock2sb]

thebullettrain said:

As some of you know, I am buying my first flat. I am currently looking at buying a few white goods (well silver really) and I need some help. Washer/dryer I am looking for a good washing maching, nothing grand, but sometnig that does the job – does anyone have any suggestions? Also, how do combo washer/driers work? Do I need to make a hole in the wall for the dryer pipe? Fridge/Freezer Ditto as above. Thanks guys and gals.

I've just had an offer accepted on my first flat as well - Useful thread ! Good luck with your new place !

Steve

[B17NNS]

If you have the space go for a seperate washing machine and tumble dryer.

Washer/Dryers suck ass.

[thetruemackie]

Another vote for Bosch here.

[thebullettrain]

Thanks folks, I think I shall go for one of those washer/condenser ones. I am selling my car to pay my fees and I should have a bit left over for things for the flat. If I buy wisely I should be able to get a small weekend away too!

I do have the space for a separate dryer, but I though it would be easier just to have one machine.

Ste – good lucj on your flat and what are we getting ourselves into!

[lockstock2sb]

Lol i still dont think i have grasped the enormity of my purchase/commitment but i'm sure looking forward to gutting the place and doing some DIY as i've been itching to get my own place for ages. And yes i have been watching too many renovation programes on Discovery Home+Leisure !!

Steve

[Coco H]

I buy a washing machine expecting it to last 3 years - they have to cope with a lot of oil and horse hair in our house. My Bosch one is three years old now and just about still going better than the Hoover one I had before. I agree Miele is meant to be very good but ours died after 3 years like the rest so not worth the extra cash for us.

[simpo two]

Only thing to remember with a condensing washer/dryer is that if you cram it the top with washing, it won't dry very well as there's no tumbling room. Hence leave some space, or take half the load out and dry in two parts (mind you I just hang most of mine over the bannisters )

[ehyouwhat]

I'm moving into my first house and so have bought all-new white goods (well, as you say, silver). after looking around I decided on Hotpoint for the washer and the fridge-freezer, as my family recommended the brand as being amongst the best at a reasonable price.

The washer is only a 1000spin, but it does the job fine and should cope well with everything my girlfriend and I throw at it. It cost £220, which seemed ok to me. The fridge-freezer is a frost-free model and also a decent size. Cost was £300 which, again, seemed ok for a decent brand.

I'm not bothering with a dryer as I always seem to shrink clothes when I use one - I'd rather use clothes-lines and radiators TBH. Likewise I'm not bothering with a dish-washer, as I've yet to find one that can make as good a job as me with a washbrush and washing-up liquid.

[a2z]

As said above, if you want something that you can pass onto your kids, get a Miele, but that are a bit pricey (but good value). I got lots of good info from the salesman at John Lewis. I was told the following....avoid Indesit, Hoover, Candy. The cheaper Boshes are not Bosch but rebranded Zanussi but they are pretty good, but don't just pay for the badge. Zanussi are also OK, my parents had one for over 20 years. In the end he recommended a Hotpoint, one of the cheapest they had (£130 for the washer) we have had it a while with no complaint.

[lockstock2sb]

To be fair my parents have got a half size dishwasher that sits up on the counter in the utility area and its excellent. The only thing is it does prefer to be underloaded with dishwasher powder otherwise you are likely to get residue all over the plates etc.. It makes sense though.