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Original poster

What to look for in a washing machine?

32 replies

babycatcher411 · 01/01/2020 16:33

We’re in dire need of replacing our washing machine, but having always (somehow) been given half decent ones, or only ever been able to afford the absolute cheapest, I’m not really sure what I should be looking for.

I’m after the biggest drum size ideally, a quick wash, it needs a pre wash (we use reusable nappies), but other than that, what are good/useful features to have?

Would you recommend your machine, if so what is it?

OP posts:

KnightandDay · 01/01/2020 16:43

I would always go for the best energy rating and highest spin that I can afford. Less drying time at they're not as wet coming out of machine.

ByAppointmentTo · 01/01/2020 16:45

Highest spin speed, best energy rating, hand wash programme, delay start.

Icanflyhigh · 01/01/2020 16:46

Biggest drum capacity, highest spin and efficiency rating.
Currently have a hoover 13kg drum with 1400 spin and a 14 min wash cycle. Its brilliant.

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 01/01/2020 16:47

Quick wash for emergency, decent spin, biggest weight so less washing and energy rating was what I looked for when we replaced ours recently. I only do laundry one day a week so wanted it to be able to take a decent sized weight. Some friends seem to wash daily and I can’t help but think of the environmental impact re use of energty, detergent, water etc.

Growingboys · 01/01/2020 16:48

What I love about ours is how quiet it is, and the fact it has a 20 minute wash and a 1-hour wash.

I would have liked to be able to add washing in during the wash but the above two things mattered more to me.

Growingboys · 01/01/2020 16:49

Oh yes also delay start. Invaluable for doing loads overnight when I've a lot to get through.

PurpleBee39 · 01/01/2020 16:49

They are very expensive but we have a Miele large capacity drum and we would always opt for this brand again. It’s lasted 14+ years without problems.

PurpleBee39 · 01/01/2020 16:50

I agree a timer / delay start function is really useful.

Sn0tnose · 01/01/2020 16:50

It’s the spin speed for me.

I’ll be buying a new washer dryer in a couple of months and will be avoiding Hotpoint, Indesit & Whirlpool I think.

Teddyreddy · 01/01/2020 16:52

Our Samsung machine came with a 5 year warranty - having had my last one die after 3 years a longer warranty swung the decision between 2 machines at the same price.

Depending on whether you have kids / what age they are a child lock can be invaluable. I thought they all had one until a friend told me that hers doesn't and she has to watch her toddler carefully while it's running.

stripeypillowcase · 01/01/2020 16:52

best spin and best energy rating of the programme you actually use.
my machine's eco cycle takes 3 hours but uses very little energy and water. I don't mind using it, but we are only 4 persons and dc are out of the messy toddler stage.

the quick washes use a lot of water and energy, so check the manuals to see energy/water use in the cycles you use most (most are available online)

Redcrayons · 01/01/2020 16:54

Last time I bought one it was Spin speed and large drum. I also avoided Hotpoint after the dryer recall.

And if I was buying again now, I’d also look for one with a quick wash function. The quickest on mine is 45 minutes with no spinning.

TisTheSeasonForMincePies · 01/01/2020 16:55

I was told the German makes tend to be the best and last longer by the guy that had to look at our Bush one.

DimplesMcGee · 01/01/2020 16:56

We got a Samsung one last January, and it’s very good - high spin speed, loads of different settings, very economical and eco friendly, massive drum, plays a tune when it’s finished because beeps are easy to miss hearing... the only thing is, I wish I’d paid an extra £50 to get the one with the airlock in the door that means you can chuck in extra socks etc that you’ve missed putting in the wash.

Kraai · 01/01/2020 16:57

We got a Miele after hearing so many other nightmares with other brands. My in-laws bought a Samsung at the same time (is been tempted). Ours is great.
Theirs is an absolute nightmare. It rebalances the washing in the drum out. I have no idea what this is called but it's supposed to be more environmentally friendly. What it means in reality is that they have loads that regularly take 5-7 hours to wash! The drum measures the already in load as unbalanced and pauses going back and forth until it gets it balanced. Then starts again. Until the load is lopsided and it pauses, goes back and forth etc.

We also had a home evaluation done for a mortgage extension and the evaluator mentioned that we had a Miele so could be sure we wouldn't have leaks (unless we were unlucky). We hadn't asked, it was just something he mentioned in passing.

lovemenorca · 01/01/2020 16:58

Miele

And buy from John Lewis
And purchase added care

Absolutely superb product and after care

Allmyarseandpeggymartin · 01/01/2020 17:20

Timer!

JustaScratch · 01/01/2020 17:21

Missing socks? Oh, sorry....

Roselilly36 · 01/01/2020 17:21

High spin, large capacity, energy rating & a timer is really helpful too.

Inherdefence · 01/01/2020 17:26

Miele. Quick wash. Extra spin.

TheWashingMachine · 01/01/2020 17:36

Geta £1 trial subscription to Which? online then cancel, they have a special article on washing machines in the latest magazine.

Deedadada · 01/01/2020 17:39

I have a blomberg, really large drum, choose your spin time and shortest wash time is 14 minutes
I've had all the expensive singing and dancing brands but this one was the cheapest & beats the lot

StandardPoodle · 01/01/2020 19:25

Another vote for Miele from John Lewis - mine has 1600 spin, short and longer washes, plus hand wash all supported by a 10 year warranty (I'm not sure that the 10 year warranty is standard - it may have been a promotion. But the machine is brilliant).

Kyriesmum1 · 01/01/2020 19:37

We too had to look for a new washing machine, our Samsung one just won't spin and Samsung have told me I need to call a recommended service centre and have to pay out for the call out. This is despite it having a ten year warranty which once you buy they tell you only applies tor the motor. We shan't be getting another Samsung product ever again!!

We have just purchased a Miele washing machine as as another person suggested already we brought it from John Lewis and it currently has an offer for a free 8 year extension on a couple of their machines! They aren't cheap but they also score very well in the which reviews, the cons were spin efficiency and cost. We already had one of their tumble dryers and it lasted ten years before we replaced it with their more up to date version.

mencken · 01/01/2020 20:03

just don't buy one that doesn't have a square footprint. I bought a lower capacity one as that is all we need, but it is rectangular and this crap design means it dances across the kitchen unless wedged in place as it is now.

They are all, regardless of price, designed for short life now so buy cheap, you'll buy twice anyway. Which etc don't test for longevity and all machines now have sealed drums so the bearings can't be replaced. Miele are a possible exception but check carefully as this may have changed, and they cost a fortune.

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