Washing machines....

[Bill]

It's dull I know, but after 10 years of service our washing machine is dying. Normally I'd be happy to go with what seems to work but for all I know Samsung machine might be made of cheese these days.

So does anyone have any recommendations?

[Simpo Two]

I read the title and thought '... live longer with Calgon'

There seem to be two schools of thought. The Miele brigade, who are about to crest the hill as I type, will tell you to spend £1,000 and it will last 20 years; the Cheapo brigade, following up closely behind, will tell you to buy a £200 one and throw it away after 4 years.

I have an ex-showhouse Siemens, cost £200 (bought with other appliances) and will hopefully beat the system!

[Bill]

I'm definitely in the cheapo camp but like getting lucky as we seem to have done.

[jeremyc]

All theory will go out of the window when your good lady spots the one "she wants".

[Bill]

I managed to talk her out of an iPhone so white goods should be no bother

However, given the amount of washing we're doing at the moment something industrial grade is tempting...

[chris_w]

We bought one of these recently and are about as happy with it as it's possible to be with a washing machine:

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/wordpress/zanussi-...

[DeputyDawg]

+1 Miele - Will last you years. Top quality. My last one cost about £500 from John Lewis last year so not that expensive.

Edited by DeputyDawg on Monday 26th July 10:13

[Spudler]

I can recomend one to steer clear of...Whirlpool, had ours a year and two days then the drum went. Found out since (repair guy) that its a very common problem with them.

[Accelebrate]

John Lewis branded machines (Zanussi I think) seem to be fairly well regarded. They all come with a 3 year warranty.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Washing+Machi...

[pdV6]

Went the cheapo route but discovered that it cost more in engineer's visits than it would have just to buy a better one in the first place.

When replacing said cheapo unit, discovered that it wasn't even a standard size and unfortunately had assumed it was whilst remodelling the kitchen around it.

Ended up having to buy a Miele one as it was literally the only one I could find that would fit the space available (not enough depth!).

Having said that, the Miele is faultless and washes the clothes far better than the old one anyway (which I didn't actually expect)

[Phooey]

Avoid Bosch, Neff and Siemens appliances. Our Siemens tumble dryer - lasted 4 years. Bosch washing machine - 4 years. Neff fridge, about 5 years old but has started playing up - constantly freezes then defrosts, so always have a puddle of water in the bottom of fridge. Siemens combi microwave built in - turnplate no longer turns. Siemens oven - fan element went within 2 years, also digital display Fed. Neff extractor, had to have replaced within the first year. Neff dishwasher - new pump within 6 months.

Funnily enough, Bosch Neff and Siemens are part of the same group

Last week we replaced the tumble dryer, decided to buy a John Lewis home brand - comes with 3 years warranty. It was a toss up between spending £600 on a Miele, or £300 on John Lewis.

Personally, from experience, i would buy from whichever manufacturer offers the longest warranty for the lowest price



ETA, i have just realised i've wasted my 1000th post, talking about washing machines a petrolheads forum

Edited by Phooey on Monday 26th July 14:06

[furtive]

Conversely, I've never had any problems with my Bosch appliances. And neither have other family members of mine that have them

[Phooey]

furtive said:

Conversely, I've never had any problems with my Bosch appliances. And neither have other family members of mine that have them

I believe you. The original Neff appliances we took out of the kitchen had all been in there for about 20 years before we ripped the kitchen out and replaced for similar brands. My parents have a Bosch fridge/freezer - must be 10-15 years old now.

Just seems like their new stuff isn't built like it was 10/20 years ago. We have had problems with all our modern kit. Within the first year - we saw the same warranty repair guy 4 times!!

[cjs]

Accelebrate said:

John Lewis branded machines (Zanussi I think) seem to be fairly well regarded. They all come with a 3 year warranty.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Washing+Machi...

They are AEG/Whirlpool.

[Simpo Two]

Phooey said:

Just seems like their new stuff isn't built like it was 10/20 years ago.

Sadly it's a genetic failing of all marketing departments that they replace quality and hard-won brand reputation with 'added value' - ie using cheap bits and hoping nobody notices.

[Accelebrate]

cjs said:

Accelebrate said:

John Lewis branded machines (Zanussi I think) seem to be fairly well regarded. They all come with a 3 year warranty.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Washing+Machi...

They are AEG/Whirlpool.

AEG along with Zanussi are both Electrolux. Whirlpool are a different company I think.

[Phooey]

Simpo Two said:

Phooey said:

Just seems like their new stuff isn't built like it was 10/20 years ago.

Sadly it's a genetic failing of all marketing departments that they replace quality and hard-won brand reputation with 'added value' - ie using cheap bits and hoping nobody notices.

A friend of mine splashed £3k on a pair of Miele ovens - within the first month he had to have something replaced on one of them.

As said, just buy the cheapest machine which comes with the longest warranty.

[Bill]

Phooey said:

As said, just buy the cheapest machine which comes with the longest warranty.

Cheers for the input everyone, it looks like I have a plan.

[Phooey]

Bill said:

Phooey said:

As said, just buy the cheapest machine which comes with the longest warranty.

Cheers for the input everyone, it looks like I have a plan.

A recommended place to purchase is John Lewis. They have just delivered us a tumble dryer, unwrapped it, carried it into the utility room, and took away the packaging *and* old appliance. Ordered it online - you can choose the time slots for delivery, and they also call you 30 mins before arriving. Excellent service.

We really need to change our Bosch washing machine - no longer accepts fabric softener and either keeps sticking on 'spin' or doesn't spin, i can't remember which - her indoors doesn't let me in the utility room, i always accidentally <coughs> put the clothes in the wrong door

Anyway, i think i am going to buy her this for Xmas - http://www.johnlewis.com/230604487/Product.aspx

[S6PNJ]

Which? Best buys are currently the Zanussi ZWF16581W at £370, the Beko WME7247 at £270, or the Hotpoint WML560P at £390. Our went nearly tits up the other day and the repair man suggested an LG with an 11Kg load! LG F1443KD at £895!

Terrible photo - sorry, but you can see enough to read the headings etc.

Edited by S6PNJ on Monday 26th July 21:28