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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Please help - washer and dryer brands

10 replies

Jelllie · 11/09/2010 03:49

Returning back to UK after a few years abroad, so am not really clued up on the brands anymore or how good they really are. We need to get a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer (we are a family of four). The range is Hotpoint down at the bottom of the range around 300-400 pounds. Bosch at around 500 pounds and Miele at around 1000 pounds.
DH is thinking middle of the range - is Bosch a reliable/ good brand? And for the large amount of extra money - why would miele be worth it? Does it fold the clothes for you Grin
Grateful for any recommendations and opinions, they are much needed.

OP posts:
flaime · 11/09/2010 11:18

We've got a hotpoint aqualtis which is sort of mid range price and I love it. It is so quiet I kept having to check I'd actually turned it on Blush.

It takes a huge load of washing at a time (8K + 6K drying load) but the best bit is that when you find that sock lying on the floor after you have turned the machine on you can pause it and open the door to add it to the load within a couple of seconds however far into the wash you are. Absolute blis Grin.

Original poster
Jelllie · 11/09/2010 17:28

Oooh, nice!
Has anyone here actually splashed out on a miele? Curious to know why it is worth quite so much money!

OP posts:
emsyj · 12/09/2010 18:34

My miele is a bottom of the range one and was about £600. They are expensive because they are designed and built to last 25 years (rather than approx 2 years for a bog standard machine). They often last even longer than that apparently.

My mum has a basic miele machine that she's had for years (over 10 years I think) and it still looks brand new and has never had a repair. I've had one for 6 years in our other house that we rent out and (touch wood....) it's never had any problems. We bought another one for our current house last year.

They wash better, the stuff comes out cleaner (we had a Hotpoint in our rental property in London and the stuff came out just as dirty as when it went in) and it's almost dry - the spin is very efficient.

Having said that, we have a miele tumble drier too and I don't think it's that great. We had a problem with the door becoming warped, which meant the thermostat broke and it was a cascade of repairs... However, because we got a long guarantee (another miele benefit) it was all fixed for free and it's still working (had it 6 years) but I wouldn't buy another miele drier.

Also have miele dishwasher and vacuum cleaner which are both brilliant.
HTH

emsyj · 12/09/2010 18:36

PS You can normally get at least 5 years' guarantee on a miele washer, or 10 years if you buy a fancy one (like a £1k one Shock - although you don't need to spend that amount to get a good miele). We've bought several miele appliances from an online shop called O'Gormans and they usually have good prices and we've found them reliable.

Alouiseg · 12/09/2010 20:41

I've just bought a Maytag Tumble dryer, it's excellent and when I replace the Bosch (a bit ineffectual with a horrid bleep at the end of the cycle) I will buy a Maytag washing machine as I'm so impressed with it.

peachybums · 12/09/2010 21:47

Any german applience is built to last as they are solid machines. Bosch is supposed to be excellent for washers, we have a bosch fridge freezer and its 10 years old, never had one problem with it (touch wood). Miele are supposed to be the best but bosch are a close second and half the price. I also heard john lewis washers are made by the same company as bosch so maybe worht a look too ;)

We couldnt afford a high price for a new washer but saying that ive had 4 in the last 5 years Shock these were indesit and bekos, could of afforded a miele if id of saved the cash haha!

Original poster
Jelllie · 13/09/2010 01:23

Thanks ladies, a few things for me to think about. We used to have a Bosch fridge and freezer, and they ran very well. Maytag is something to think about - we just ordered one of their American style fridge freezers, and didn't think about them making washers and driers.
Thanks for the online link too.
If I can get this sorted, I only need to decide on vacuums now Grin DH is a Dyson fan, and I've hated every single one we've had after the initial honeymoon period of thinking it is great. Thinking of a Henry or Miele - but haven't actually used either. Just can't face struggling with another dyson.

OP posts:
Hazeyjane · 13/09/2010 04:58

If there are any allergies or pets in your house, and you like uprights then Sebo vacuums are very good.

peachybums · 13/09/2010 10:42

Henry for vaccums!! I loooooove mine, my old one was 10 years old i gave him to my brother and bought a new eco one but the old one is still going strong (and thats saying something as my brother is 22 and single and his flats a mess haha).

Also forgot to mention if you buy a miele washer they have different programming to other washers that only a miele engineer can fix (and they know it they charge a fortune) Maybe something to think about ;)

Millie1 · 13/09/2010 13:49

We've had a Bosch washer & dryer for around 9 years now. Unforunately, will have to replace both very soon as they're coming to the end of their lives, but they've done well. The washing machine needed quite a few repairs early on in life, the dryer was bottom of the range and has run like clockwork til now. Now the dryer is scorching clothes and the w/m is leaving clothes with tiny tears in them. Time for a change Sad but would recommend Bosch.

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