washing machines

[bessie26]

My washing machine broke yesterday, I've got a man coming to look at it to see if it can be fixed, but it is very old so am not getting my hopes up!

I just had a quick look on the web at new machines, but am overwhelmed by the choice available! Can anyone recommend a make or suggest features that are worth getting to help me cut down the choice I have?!

If I was going to buy one now I would make sure it had a couple of sensible 30 degree washes
Otherwise I am equally overwhelmed

miele are the best, well worth the price. They last forever (well, you can count on at least 10 - 15 years anyway).

There are some washing machines giving out 10 year parts and labour guarantees. Very useful! They tend to be the more expensive ones £700+ but in my view they are worth going for.

I have a Miele with a 10 year guarantee and it is fab although they are one of the most expensive makes on the market. Try the John Lewis website and see what is on offer.

And they do make the washers to last 20 years...

Another vote for Miele- get one of their modelas with a 10 year guarantee if you can as other posters have suggested. But if not, even their basic model, which will still be £££ compared to some brands, such last years.

I have a Miele now but had a Bosch before. The difference in quality is discernible.

I have just ordered a Miele - it will be delivered next week.

Priorities were quick wash cycle, variable temps, A/A+ rating for energy efficiency. I also really wanted a delay start so that I can have it running just before we get up, ready to hang out first thing. This WILL happen.

I have also ended up with a self cleaning detergent drawer which I am secretly pleased about but would never have prioritised.

I didn't pay much attention to spin speeds but I think I will notice the difference - I hope that drying time will be cut down a bit.

I wasn't bothered about drum size. I don't have a problem getting lots of washing done, it's the drying/ironing/putting away that piled up (dh has never grasped this and thinks putting on load after load makes him a domestic god). I think my new one is slightly bigger than my current, but I wouldn't have gone for a super-size family capacity one unless I had an industrial dryer, a much bigger house and less rain!

Thank-you so much for your input, thankfully, the nice man was able to fix my machine & told me that I have a top of the range Bosch (it came with the house when we moved in), which should do me for a few more years yet!

You know I had never ever heard of Miele until I joined MN! - I've heard lots of good things about their vacuum cleaners on here, so will have to look out for them in the future.

Spin speeds - I always just put mine on the highest one possible, is there a reason why I would want to spin something slowly?

bad - my DH is the same with the laundry, I've caught him before with one clean load beside the machine & another one in the machine, he claimed he was waiting for the second load to finish so he could hang it up "all at once"

Spin speeds - I always just put mine on the highest one possible, is there a reason why I would want to spin something slowly?

Yes, definitely, if you don't want it to get too creased. Most man-made fibres should be done on gentle spin. If you have a wool program it ought to have a really low spin and not let you put it high.

For instance, all DDs uniform (skirt, jumper, 'non-iron' shirts) don't need ironing if they are spun slow. If I did the skirt high I think it'd get permanently creased.