Buying new washing machine - what features are the best.

[CalicoCathy]

We have decided to replace our ancient washing machine with a new, more energy efficient model that will actually get the stains out of clothes

We only have a limited budget, (ideally below 300 euros)

What features does your machine have that you couldn't live without?

Do you reckon having a bigger capacity is something to go for?

Is a faster spin speed a must? (Current one is useless and clothes come out really wet, so I was saying I want the fastest spin speed possible, but it makes it more expensive).

Are there any brands to avoid, or recommend?

Any little features that your machine has that make your life much easier?

We are a family of 4, with 1 baby in washable nappies. I am SOOO excited at the prospect of a new washing machine , so please help me find a good one.

Mine was a cheap Bosch but I really rate it.

I like the fact that it has a fairly fast spin (1200) and that it has a woollen setting so that I can wash at 30C. Lowest spin setting is 600, I think.

I only paid mine 200 GBP 6 years ago. It has never let me down. Having said that, I do not use it every day and there are only 2 of us (at most) in my household, so it is fine for my usage.

A timer.
So glad MrNC talked me into the second cheapest Bosch rather than the cheapest - can shove washing in last thing at night, tell it to start in 9 hours, and when I get up I can hang up freshly-washed laundry while the kettle boils.

1200 spin seems plenty - I've heard faster spins lead to less life of machine. Current Bosch has lasted 9 years including 1 or 2 in washable nappies, though now is having new motor installed as it snuffed it last week. Not sure of the size of my drum - seems standard and is quite sufficient for a load of whites/darks/nappies at any time.

Ooh, timer sounds brilliant.

I didn't know that about faster spin speeds lessening the life of the machine - was thinking of a 1400 spin speed.

One that tells you how long a cycle will take.

Fast spin, quick 30 min cycle, half load, 7-9 kg load, handwash cycle.

A quick cycle is handy, variable temperature settings likewise. I have a 7kg model, because with two DS's and a dog I seem to be constantly washing.

I really like 1400 spin speed as have limited drying space. Large capacity load is great in summer but for the above reason not great when drying inside.
Separate rinse and spins useful for handwash stuff; I have a rugby player so have to hand rinse muddy stuff before washing.
Agree with chickens a short quick cycle is very useful.

Agree that a short cycle would be great.

I just bought a new WM and am not impressed by it as the cycles are sooooooooooo long. There have been evenings when I have put a wash on when I got in from work and it is still going when I go to bed - I think it is almost three hours on an eco cycle so definitely look at how long the cycle takes

All new machines seem to have longer cycles, which is related to their eco ratings for energy usage (I think they use less power by reaching temp slowly). You can usually override them to shorten the cycles, but if you do this they'll be using more power and not be anywhere near the A ratings they state.

Oh i agree about long long cycles. I got a new machine its efficent but bloody slow!

My old machine counted down to the minuet how long was left i miss that its great to know you have say three mins left.

1400 spin.

A child lock

Check the programmes in detail. I ended up with one that only has two ways to do a 30 degree wash - slightly shorter than normal and handwash.

The longer cycles are so the clothes soak for longer => better results at all temps but especially lower temps.

I love my Zanussi because
it has a timer - great because i set it to come on in the early hours and is ready to be put out to dry when I get up...
large load - think mine is a 5kg drum, but they are bigger now... get loads of stuff in, like duvets etc
1500 spin - comes out nearly dry
quick wash at 30 degrees - this only take about 30 mins and is great for stuff that isn't very dirty

I would like my next one to have a timer that counts down how long the wash has left...

happy washing

forgot to add half load to mine as well...

and a front drainage tap to syphen out water left in the drum and a filter to empty those bra wires and coins

I've got a 6kg machine which suits us (family of 4) just fine. If we had one of the even larger ones I'm not sure where I'd get all the washing dry, we have a large airer and a smaller one covered in laundry almost permanently as it is.

time remaining display is fantastically useful

I'm not convinced a spin faster than 1200 is too important (as everything will comes out more creased)

capacity of 6kg or better can be useful (esp for eg duvets) BUT if you generally end up with more wet stuff than you can fit on drying racks/line or in tumble dryer it's a bit counter-productive

too much electronic wizardry ismore to go wrong

Thanks, this is really helpful :)

We are going to have a look at some today . I've never had a new washing machine before!

I think our wish list now includes fast spin speed (for the nappies, which currently take days to dry), timer, quick wash, big capacity drum, half load setting... I like the idea of a countdown too

I'm in the same position as you Cathy and just saw an offer on a covetable Bosch in John Lewis - £100 off but would still be £450. Whereas the Beko machines that get great reviews in Which are £270-330. The Bosch have the name a longer warranty but is it worth the extra £££. My current machine is a bottom of the range Bosch bought in 2000 and has had no problems at all despite multiple house moves and medium use. I think I may be an idiot for wanting to upgrade but it is a 4.5kg capacity and a 1000spin in a house where things don't dry fast - now we are a family of 4, laundry feels like it takes over my whole life...

So what I REALLY meant to say instead of blethering on is this: is a Bosch (8kg, top range, 1600 spin, 2yr warranty) worth £120 more than a Beko (7kg, 1600 spin, 1 yr warranty)? Or is it extra money just for a name?

"Time-remaining" display
Min 7kg capacity
1200 spin
eco setting
Facility that lets you stop it mid-cycle and add the stray sock you dropped on the stairs

Oh, and my previous Bosch lasted over 14 years. In fact, it was still going strong, but my nerve went and I decided to jump before I was pushed into replacing it. Check out the models in store, and then buy it on the internet. Usually cheaper that way.

Gentleness, Beko actually came 1% above Bosch in the Which reliability table (89%/88%) but that was for only 215 machines, against 1355 Bosch ones

Which tested 26 Beko machines & 10 Bosch ones - only 1 Beko was a Best Buy, but 4 Bosch were. The higher-end Bosches are still made in Germany & are considered better quality

I would get the Bosch (but I am a bit prejudiced )

Right, I think I have chosen one! A bit more expensive than I was going for originally, but I was wowed by all the special features , and it was reduced by 150 euro. It has all the things on my list, even the countdown! And the shortest quick-wash programme is only 14 minutes.

I hadn't heard of the brand before (not in the UK), but I have done a bit of research and they seem well respected. Hope it lives up to my expectations! Although actually getting the clothes clean enough would be an improvement on my current washer.

Gentleness, good luck with making a decision! Personally I think go for the Bosch if you can afford it. :)

I don't care what Which says, my Beko is hopeless, very long cycle, very poor spin despite supposedly being 1400rpms. However I am reluctant to buy a new one until it actually breaks down and sadly it shows no sign of doing so.

Which one are you getting, Calico?