Another washing machine thread

[DonkeyTeapot]

Hi all, basically we've decided to get a new one and I don't know what kind to go for - never been in a position to buy a new one before, and the amount of choice has baffled me. I've looked in a few local shops and been looking at reviews, but the more I look at, the less I know. I am hoping someone can recommend a good machine, or at least let me know which brands are good / crap.

Although it still works, it's a very cheap, simple machine with very limited options, ie, no option to do a separate spin or even rinse & spin. Also, it takes well over 2 hours to do a 60 degree wash (DP is a sweaty bastard does a very physical job and his clothes don't get properly clean at 40 degrees.) It has no timer so I can't set it to come on at a useful time.

So, I'm looking for a machine that has reasonably quick cycles, has a start delay timer and a time remaining display, and separate spin function. I've heard that Miele are good but that's out of our price range really. Please tell me why you like / don't like your machine, and help me at least narrow it down to a brand?

Oh, and I've had washer dryers in the past and had no problems, but I know lots of people say don't bother, they are more trouble than they're worth. What do you think? Having separates isn't an option space-wise.

Thanks!

I have never had anything other than a washer dryer and am constantly amazed that peoople still make/buy separate ones!

Ours is AEG. Came 'free' with our kitchen. No start delay timer option I don't think (didn't even realise they existed - have never really felt the need...)

Has handwash woollen, cold and delicates options, and a few nice quick options (20-30 mins). Separate drain and spin. Seems okay. Most cycles have several different length options (mostly 2hours, 1.30 and 50/55 mins), but like I say also a few short ones. Simple controls. I quite like it. Only problem is if you do something quite small but heavy when wet on its own then it gets 'unbalanced' and refuses to spin.

Thanks Serene. The timer would be useful to set a load to start at say 6am, so that it's ready to peg out first thing and make the most of a sunny day, rather than realising it's sunny and putting a wash on, to find the sun's gone by the time it's finished :)

Bump.

I have an Aqualtis washer dryer (think from Hotpoint) - has 8 kg load capacity, delay start, 15 minute cycle and reasonable amount of preprogrammed cycles.

D'oh...reasonable VARIETY of preprogrammed cycles!