Recommend a good washing machine please

[arabella36]

Would like one which makes life easier. Eg it makes clthes easier to iron (primary concern), and it takes reasonably big loads. A hand wash cycle too, otherwise any hand wash clothes would grow mouldy over a period of years at the bottom of my laundry basket!

What other cool/ useful features can you get?

Also, is there a tumble dryer which makes clothes crease- free?

Would be great to have recommendations
TIA

Of course I know I may just be dreaming of a sort if miracle-machine which doesn't exist!

we have a Miele which is great. Have had it for 5 years. It is not the top of the range one but the next one down- cost around £800 and does everything you want. Hand wash, wool washes, a honeycomb drrum which is supposed to stop creasing and fabric tears/holes, everything and you can select any function and any spin speed independently. It has a 10 yr guarantee from J Lewis but they also said we should expect to get 20 years from it.

We had our previous Zanussi for 19 years without any problems but the company was taken over and not the "same" Zanussi as it was when we bought our old machine.

Zanussi are HORRID don't get one. We are on our 4th in 4 years (warranty replacements). Nothing but problems!! This does not include the amount of calls out for 'minor' problems.

We have friends that have a Bosch, they paid £900 but have had it for 9 years and not one break down.

I have a brilliant washer - a Servis which cost me about £150 in 2004 and has never broken down. It does quickwash, handwash, coldwash, delicates, and up to 90 degrees. I don't even OWN an iron - I just shake and hang on the sheila maid. If it gets clogged up it's easy to unblock the trap...

Aaand I've just looked them up and they seem to have gone into liquidation. I'm no help.

Another recommendation for Miele here. I've got one after a Bosch which lasted 7 years and the Miele is MUCH better quality. Like purplepeony, I got a 10 year warranty with mine. Totally worth the money (was a mid-range one) about £900. But I'd go for the most basic Miele over anything else. Fantastic- a real workshorse.

Mmmm, sounds like the Miele is the machine of my dreams! Thanks to all for the input

Hee hee, am laughing at the end of your post dode that was a sad ending to a promising recommendation

I know! Tragic! I'm panicking now. What will I do when this one does pop its clogs? I'll have to grit my teeth and pay for a Miele or a Bosch. Woe!

Never, ever buy a hotpoint. Ours only lasted a year and their customer service is crap. We now have a Bosch and i'd recommend them to anyone.

Another vote for a Miele - mine's fabulous and it has a soak facility on it which means whites get really clean.

dode- my Servis went bang aged 2 years 1 wk. I cited sales of goods act to Argos as no parts available and not fit for purpose and they gave me a new model of my choice.

Had I not been forced to get a replacement from them I would have brought john lewis own brand.

We replaced a Hotpoint with a Bosch machine this year and the clothes come out much cleaner and drier! The Bosch machine is also quicker, quieter and uses less electricity and water.

Did some research and the John Lewis own brand machines are also made by Bosch !

My one year old john lewis tumble dryer is actually a aeg electrolux. I think they change suppliers sometimes.

i have Johne Lewis machine and love it

loads of programmes and it doesnt take forever to do a load. Even a 60 cotton cycle is only just over 1 hour

John lewis machines are made by AEG Zanussi