Read what MNers have to say about AEG’s new range. Non-tester? Chance to win £300 NOW CLOSED

[PoppyMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 15 Mumsnetters who tried two of AEG’s new washing machines and one of their tumble dryers!

There is also a question for non-testers - see bottom of the post!

Here’s what AEG has to say about each of the products:

PRO STEAM WASHING MACHINE
"Introducing the sharp shirt protector: Maintaining your professional look day to day should be effortless. Our ProSteam® Technology means that your shirts look sharp for longer by enabling you to reduce creases by up to one third. Cutting down on dry-cleaning and ironing means less wear on fibres. Keeping your clothes looking and feeling impeccable, every day.

SOFT WATER WASHING MACHINE
It’s the little black dress guardian: Imagine a washing machine that you can trust to keep your colours as vibrant and blacks as bold as the day you bought them. At last, there is no need to compromise performance for care. Because for the first time ever, you’ll achieve the thorough clean of a 60-degree wash at just 30 degrees. Maintaining the colour, shape and feel of every garment. Wash after wash. It’s more than a washing machine. It’s the guardian of your clothes.

ABSOLUTECARE TUMBLE DRYER
It’s the wool sweater guardian: Now you can tumble dry everything you wash. From the softest wool sweater to an everyday business shirt or ski jacket. Dryers with the AbsoluteCare® System have tailored programming to precisely control the movement and temperature of the drying cycle. Preventing shrinkage. Maintaining shape. Restoring waterproofing. Redefining tumble drying for every fabric in your wardrobe. Comparable with flat drying of wool.”

Testers, please post your answers to the questions below on the feedback thread. Please specify which product you tested when you give your feedback

All testers please answer:

• What were your first impressions of the AEG product you tested?
  
  Testers, please answer specific questions below for the product you tested.
  
  AbsoluteCare dryer: T8DEC946R
  
  
• What are your thoughts on the texture and softness of your clothes from using an AEG machine?
  
• Have you noticed a difference in the drying results, did you experience even drying across the load?
  
• While using the Absolute Care Tumble Dryer, did you dry your woolen or outdoor clothes with the specific programmes? Were you satisfied with the result?
  
• How would you compare your experience with the previous tumble dryer you had?
  
• On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being “very likely”, how likely are you to recommend your AEG appliance to a friend?
  
• Do you find the machine user-friendly? Is it quiet and easy to use?
  
• How would you compare the energy-efficiency of this machine to your previous machine?
  
  ProSteam washer: L7FEE945R
  
  
• Did you use the “steam refresh” programme in your Pro-Steam washing machine? Did you notice a difference in level of creasing?
  
• What benefits do you find in the ProSteam programme?
  
• What did you think about the steamwash programme?
  
• What are your thoughts on the texture and softness of your clothes from using an AEG machine?
  
• Have you noticed a difference in the softness and freshness of your clothes with the SoftPlus option?
  
  Softwater washer: L9FEC946R
  
  
• Did you notice a marked difference in the look and feel of your clothing, after washing with softwater?
  
• Have you noticed a difference in the distribution of softener/ conditioner?
  
• What other options did you use when washing with the SoftWater machine?
  
• Do you feel more confident about washing your wardrobe in an AEG Softwater washer as compared to a washer from another brand?
  
  This is a question for non-testers
  
  Non-testers: what one feature on your washing machine couldn't you deal without?
  
  All non testers who post below will be entered into a prize where one person will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).
  
  Thanks and good luck!
  MNHQ

[vincenta]

Non-Tester
Best feature on my Bosch washing machine is quick 15 minute wash, love it!

[Intotheclouds]

Non-Tester
The one thing I couldn't live without on my washing machine is the 30min quick wash with stain remove technology. With having two boys who are both into football it comes in very handy when I am short of time.

[MummyBtothree]

Non-Tester - I couldn't live without the 20min 'quick wash' cycle on my washing machine. With three boys this comes in very handy!.

[JASWITHUS]

Non-Tester - The 20 Min quick wash and the dry wash are my favourite! AEG has never failed impressing its consumers and always design the products with consumers need in mind! Worth spending little extra to AEG products considering the quality and peace of mind you get after purchase! - We realised it a bit late but never mind, its never too late to do good things and buy good stuffs!!!!!

[Sarah31991]

Non-tester my favourite feature on my washing machine is the 30 min quick wash with 3 kiddies it’s a must

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Non tester
My favourite feature on my machine is the ability to shorten any wash cycle, brilliant!

[SukiPutTheEarlGreyOn]

Non-tester.
The choice of three different quick wash cycles is a lifesaver: 14, 30 & 45 minutes. Very useful when one of the DC teens suddenly realises they have used up all of their school shirts and their mucky uniform has mysteriously not made it's way downstairs but instead remains in their floor wardrobe where they dumped it waiting for the quick cycle to save the day once again. One day they will finally learn to recognise a laundry basket. Until then the quick wash function helps make school-day mornings a little less fraught.

[Angelfaced]

Non tester here!

The best feature for me on my washing machine by far is the quick wash option where it's a 30 minute wash. I have 12 month old who is learning to feed himself so although he wears a bib still manages to get lits of food over his clothes so the daily quick wash in my house is essential

[NerrSnerr]

None tester

I couldn’t live without the easy wash setting. I’m so lazy so I stick everything on the same setting and it all comes out fine.

[vj32]

Ive just got a new washing machine and find the quick wash for an hour setting really helpful. I also really like the display (previous washing machine was really old and didn't have it) to tell me how long it will take to finish.

[BellaVida]

TESTER- AbsoluteCare dryer: T8DEC946R

• What were your first impressions of the AEG product you tested?
  

The dryer looks very sleek and modern in white and brushed chrome. The machine and parts feel solidly built. It has a clearly labelled central dial listing the 10 programmes, including hand wash, sports, outdoor and duvet. The large display panel is clear with recognizable icons, above 4 touch sensitive buttons for the dryness level, quiet mode, anti-crease and refresh. It is possible to set a delayed start and the panel shows the total or remaining drying time. The dimensions are standard, so it fitted into the space of my old dryer. The door handle is comfortably positioned to the top right of the door. The drum is very large, will hold 9kg and lights up when the door is opened- very useful if you want to find one specific item quickly, like I did this morning! The filter slides out from the bottom at the door opening, then has a clip to open it, so it is extremely easy to clean. The large water collection tank is positioned at the top left of the machine, making it very convenient to remove and empty.

• What are your thoughts on the texture and softness of your clothes from using an AEG machine?
  

Having dried a wide variety of clothes, from towels to delicate blouses, I can say that everything comes out soft and significantly less creased than my old condenser dryer. Many items did not need to be ironed at all if removed immediately. The towels actually fluff up, as opposed to having that overdryed slightly 'crunchy' feeling they had before.

• Have you noticed a difference in the drying results, did you experience even drying across the load?
  

All clothes dry evenly, even with mixed loads. It is good to be able to control the level of dryness too, especially for cotton shirts which are easier to iron if they are still slightly damp. If you select the highest setting, you can be guaranteed that all items will come out dry, even collars, cuffs, waistbands and other areas which can typically take longer.

• While using the Absolute Care Tumble Dryer, did you dry your woolen or outdoor clothes with the specific programmes? Were you satisfied with the result?
  

I have dried specialist sportswear and wool jumpers/cardigans with no problems, shrinkage or bobbling. I would have previously hung or flat dried these, so the new dryer will definitely me save time.

• How would you compare your experience with the previous tumble dryer you had?
  

Overall, this dryer works much better than my old dryer. It gives better results, faster and can reliably be left for the sensor technology to do the work, rather than me having to keep checking on the load. My old condenser would make the room very hot, so I had to keep the door ajar, whereas this dryer does not at all. Before, if I paused the dryer and opened the door, the clothes would be wet, scalding hot and the drum full of steam. This dryer seems to consistently draw all of the moisture out of the drum, which results in the clothes not only feeling softer, but smelling so much fresher.

• On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being “very likely”, how likely are you to recommend your AEG appliance to a friend?
  

10- I would definitely recommend this dryer. My old dryer was so noisy, hot and inefficient compared to this one- I just thought that was down to it being a condenser. I now realize that my machine was a very old model and technology has clearly come a long way since then!

• Do you find the machine user-friendly? Is it quiet and easy to use?
  

The dryer is very user-friendly. The buttons and dial are clearly labelled and the display icons are all self-explanatory. The wide door makes it easy to load/unload. The filter and water tank are well positioned and easy to empty. I have been using the dryer for 4 days which included all of the uniform/ games kits/ swimwear & towels for 4 children and have only had to empty the tank once. It is very quiet in normal mode and barely audible with the utility door closed- in fact my dishwasher is much noisier! You have the additional option of quiet mode.

• How would you compare the energy-efficiency of this machine to your previous machine?
  

Based on its A++ rating, the dryer is the most energy efficient home appliance I own. It also comes with a 5 year guarantee. I do not have a smart metre so cannot comment on actual energy usage.

Thank you AEG for this opportunity. I am delighted with my AbsoluteCare Tumble Dryer. It has already revolutionised the way I dry our clothes and I anticipate it will save my family of 6 a significant amount of time and money.

[cheekychicken24]

Non tester.

I couldn't live without crease guard. I know I can programme the machine to come on later so in theory I should be home when it finishes, but I regularly get delayed, & then without creaseguard, the clothes are sitting wet and crumpled, and take three times as long to iron. In fact, I've actually run them through the washer again before now

[ColdCottage]

I have been reading review after review, even joined Which? and I’m still confused.

I don’t have a favourite feature - but I can tell you what I want:

8kg capacity
Quick wash (only usually do 2-3kg this is fine)
Medium wash - 4-5k under 60mins PLEASE
Good spin (low moisture) to save on drying time
Door lock/time left display/anti flood
Under £320

Looking forward to reading the reviews - hoping the might help.

[ColdCottage]

Looking for a new washing machine not just these specific ones.

[Sweetpotatoaddict]

non tester
I couldn't deal without the delay start timer on my machine. I love being able to go to bed and wake up in the morning having a just finished freshly washed load of washing all ready to go on the line is a must for me.

[Luckystar1]

Tester - Softwater washing machine

First impressions: Wow! It looks amazing. Sleek, sophisticated and much more attractive than my previous washing machine! Even my husband was impressed and the man installing it seemed a little jealous! The display is a mixture of touch screen, dial and buttons but everything is clearly labelled and foolproof (thankfully!)

Softwater washer: L9FEC946R

• Did you notice a marked difference in the look and feel of your clothing, after washing with soft water?
  

Yes! We were actually amazed and both my husband and I have remarked on it separately over the weekend. We live in a very, very hard water area. My husband and I are both originally from very soft water areas so we have always noticed the difference in lots of ways.

Our clothes have been so soft since we have used the Softwater. I also wasn't afraid to wash my cashmere and wools like I had been previously. They came out perfectly.

I was particularly excited to get this machine as I try and mostly dress the children in organic cotton. Which is lovely... but the colours which are so bright initially fade so quickly with washing especially with such hard water. I'm pleased to say, first washes of some new clothes have seen no wash fade so I am thrilled.

We also use cloth nappies and these can't be Tumble dried so can end up really hard, but again, this seems to be a thing of the past now! So the baby is happy too!!

• Have you noticed a difference in the distribution of softener/ conditioner?
  

I can't say I have specifically! Although in truth I'm not sure if I would know anyway. The clothes are definitely dramatically softer than they were before!

• What other options did you use when washing with the SoftWater machine?
  

I have used a number of different pre programmed settings. Cotton, wool, delicates and colour pro. I have altered the pre set spin on all though as I don't like a high spin. I always reduce to 800.

I was also relieved that there's a child lock feature!!

• Do you feel more confident about washing your wardrobe in an AEG Softwater washer as compared to a washer from another brand?
  

Yes! I am honestly so delighted that I can wash my lovely cashmere jumpers and wools (and my husband's which, embarrassingly, have been shrunken many times in the past...!) without fear.

It's also a work horse and can deal with all manner of family stains (we have a 15 month old and a just turned 3 year old...), we have a LOT of stained clothes.

My husband is also glad that his shirts are easier to iron! In fact, one came out this week with the perfect creases from the previous iron but completely clean! I might even claim I ironed that one for him... get some brownie points!

Thank you so much AEG, we are beyond thrilled to have been picked and I am extremely delighted with the machine. It is absolutely fantastic!!

[burntup]

Tester - softwater washer!!

My machine only arrived on Friday afternoon so still getting to grips with it. First impressions are great though - it looks really smart and has a fantastic big 9kg drum. Also, aeg's installation partner was really helpful and arrived when they said they would.

I went for the softwater washer as I live it a hard water area but have happily discovered that my machine also has the pro steam function on it.

I put in the supplied salt into the washing machine in the correct compartment (conveniently in the dosing drawer). The manual says when I need to top up dishwasher salt is fine.
I have done several loads now and I would say that my clothes are noticeably softer when using this machine so I think the salt has softened the water. I haven't set it to do the rinse with softened water and I suspect the clothes would be even softer if I did. So far very impressed.

According to the manual the fabric conditioner is premixed with water before being distributed. This is meant to mean that the conditioner is distributed evenly. I haven't really noticed a difference with my old machine for this bit but like the idea that all the fibres get conditioned. It also premixes the washing powder / liquid. I haven't had any sticky washing out though where the liquid hadn't dissolved.

I've done some of the 1 hour quick
Washes and so far perfect washing results. Looking forward to trying out the steam cycle very much.

I really like the idea that the machine has better washing results at lower temperatures. (Due to detergent distribution) but I haven't done enough washes yet to fully test this.

This machine has so many functions it would be really helpful if the manufactures developed an app to help decide what programme you need. Also, it has a big capacity (9kg) but it would be really great if the machine told
You how much your load weighed.

[Maiyakat]

Non tester

I love the timer delay on my washing machine. Fill it up before work, set timer delay and it's all finished just before I get home. No sitting getting musty in the machine all day!

[malisa]

Non tester
I have Beko washing machine and one feature I couldn't deal without is the quick wash option. This is very handy when our clothes are not too soiled and needs to be freshen. A 20 minutes quick wash is great to clean children outfits and it has been my lifesaver. This function allows quickly reduce my pile of dirty washing.

[fourmonthstogo]

Tester - Softwater washer: L9FEC946R

Firstly, thank you so much for picking me. I was beyond thrilled to get the washing machine (which I think is a clear sign that I am now officially middle aged! ).

I have done quite a few loads but want to try a few more different settings, so I'm going to leave my first impressions then post again to answer all the questions.

So first impressions -
It looks great. The drum is ginormous! It has a massive array of functions but the instructions were clear and easy to follow.
I loved the ability to check the hardness of my water and set the machine accordingly - this was easy to do
It's so quiet! We had it on when we had friends over and it didn't interrupt conversation at all. I've had it on at night and again barely heard it. I see it has a quieter setting but I don't think I'll need to use it.
My washing is definitely softer, in particular the sheets and the children's cotton tops. I don't know if that is the Softwater technology or better spreading of the softener of both, but it's noticeably better!
I find that the 40 degree cotton wash takes a long time but this could be due to the massive amount of washing it fits.
I agree with the earlier poster who said they wished it told you the weight. The delicates wash allows 4 kilo, and after being told twice it was over I gave up reducing the load as I had no idea how far over! It's all nice and clean though even though it was over the recommended load.

I'm going to try the pro steam and quick wash functions then report back.

Thank you again!

[fourmonthstogo]

Also not AEG as such but my installers were also great, friendly and quick and kept me updated on delivery times.

[Luckystar1]

Oh yes, I'm a tester for the Softwater, I answered above but I was reminded by another post.

It's sooooooooooooo quiet!!! Absolutely amazing, especially as the baby's room is directly above the utility room.

[UpOnDown]

non-tester: the variety of settings.

[ladygoingGaga]

I’m a lucky recipient of the Tumble Dryer

First impressions
It is a sleek looking machine, not overly fussy, with simple programmes clearly designed to compliment modern family life.
I came home after work to find the kids had already put a load on, without even reading the instructions, so it is obviously teenager proof.

Will try a few more programmes out before posting thorough feedback

[Popcornandbuttons]

Non-tester

I love that my machine calculates the weight of the washing load and figures out how long the cycle needs to be. Clever!