More expensive appliances

[birdling]

We need a new dishwasher as our packed up a while ago and we've been washing up by hand (which is fine, but I want the option of just pressing a button and letting a machine do it 😄).
In the past, we've always bought the cheapest machines as they were all we could afford but now we are in a position of being able to afford a more expensive one.
However, I wondering what actually makes them better? Are they worth the extra money? Surely they just wash the dishes, same as a cheap one?
I don't know what to buy!

I have Bosch slimline dishwasher, I’ve had it a while and expecting it to last indefinitely. As well as lasting longer I expect it is nicer to use with better trays and more capacity. Easier to repair and replace parts and use less Electricity and water while in use.

I haven’t done a test but it you brought a few already that’s a bad sign. You could definitely compare capacity, power And water use if you need convincing.

I always go for a Bosch mid range. Not the fancy ones with all the settings that you never use, just a mid range standard one. Always done well for me.

We have a top of the range Siemens in our house (came with the house) and it’s shit! We also had to replace an Electrolux under warranty. Mid range Bosch have been the only ones that were any good.

I wouldn’t spend more money for the sake of “getter a better appliance” but if I could spend more I would definitely consider what features/ functions might be available on mid-range/ higher end models. So for a dishwasher, I would only consider models with a cutlery drawer (as opposed) to a basket that sits on the bottom shelf, and the option to run half loaded. Removable drawers (to allow you to fit large bulky items when needed) is also a good feature but not sure whether or not they all do that anyway….

I tend to choose appliances based on whether thay have features I consider useful. For dishwashers I have always had mid-range Bosch. Each one has lasted less time than the previous one. I think I'll look for one with stainless steel baskets next time because the plastic-coated ones have no longevity at all.

I've just bought a Neff double oven because I needed one with good-quality easy to turn knobs and the only other choice didn't fit under a hob. The knobs are great, but I'm not sure the oven is any different to a cheaper brand. Ditto hob.

I tend to stick to Beko (fairly cheap) and have found them excellent quality. I try to find value for money.

The better quality ones like Neff or Bosch do still provide an extensive list of spare parts, so can be mended easily if they break.

I hate our cutlery drawer - it’s far less space efficient as it means the middle drawer isn’t tall enough to take wine glasses, and you can’t fit utensils in the cutlery drawer so they have to take up middle rack space.

The more expensive ones tend to have a cutlery slider at the top rather than a basket at the bottom, so this saves space in the dishwasher.

cheaper electrical products tend to be more at risk of a fire so I always go mid-top range.

I keep replacing mine with a mid range Bosch. I don’t like the cutlery drawer at the top either.

I am a Which subscriber and each time I check it out, I’m back to Bosch for dishwasher.

I have the mid range Neff oven, and a Samsung fridge freezer. I’ll probably go fora Samsung washer dryer next time.

I tend to look at the warranty that comes with the appliance and will always go for two years over one year. Sometimes Samsung have a five year warranty offer.

Always go mid range. The ones at the lowest cost are built down to a price, the most expensive ones have gadgets you never use. I prefer buttons that push or turn to operate rather than touch. Mechanical things fail less than electronics.

Miele always comes top for reliability, but I’ve never been able to afford one.

Many thanks, everyone. Lots to think about 👍

Now utility bills are so expensive I would buy a triple AAA rated machine with a 5/10 Year guarantee.
Check out the Miele AAA machine with a cutlery drawer.
I only ever use 2 programmes so based my decision on electricity and water savings.

I've had my Bosch for 16 years and it's still going strong

I just make sure all food is scrapped off the plates etc.

I make sure the filter is cleaned every so often you take it out and rinse under the tap

I always top up the rinse aid and dishwasher salt

I've used those those square dishwasher cleaners a couple of times

I had to keep replacing my fridge freezers so I ended up buying a cheap Candy one which has actually lasted ages

My ceramic hob is a random generic one from Curry's and that's also lasted 16 years

Also not been so lucky with washing machines but current Bosch is doing fine.

My Neff oven has lasted 16 years but the element has had to be replaced 3 times but that's an easy DIY job so only cost £10 for the generic part and followed YouTube instructions.

My Miele is 17 - we bought the entry level one at the time. Middle rack can be adjusted to take taller glasses and there is a really good programme for glass which we use at Christmas. Cutlery tray is great - only my huge ladle doesn't fit in. Plenty of space on the lower rack for crockery and pans. We use the sensor wash most of the time - it adjusts the time and amount of water based on the load. When it needs replacing I will buy another Miele.

We are on our 3 Bosch dishwasher. They are relatively cheap, but it does peeve me that they only last about 4 years.

We bought NEF oven and microwave - bad decision. Engineers out every cpl of years, broken latch on microwave, but it’s all in built appliances and we got white to match our kitchen. So limited choice. Would never buy NEF ever again.

Seimens washing machine and a dryer. Big family, lots of girls, damn things run constantly. No issues. Would buy again.

I am on my third Bosch dishwasher - they last approx 8 years ime but that's running 10-12 times per week. Regarding the wine glasses, there's a lever on either side of the tip tray. If you depress it, the tray lowers by about 4/5cm allowing room for the glasses and still a large dinner plate at the bottom.

Similarly, the washing machine.

Not a dishwasher, but my washing machine, fridge freezer and oven needed repairing last week. The oven was vibrating, apparently that's because it's flimsy ie cheaply made and nothing to be done about it. The fridge is freezing all my veg. The repair chap refused to even touch it, said they're cheap crap (haier). Only just over 1yr old. 2wks out of warranty 🙄 The washing machine needed replacing, but had a good innings at least. The repair chap basically said stop buying cheap crap that's made in China. Then it can be repaired. I can't say whether the made in China comment is fair!

Have a look at the Sale of Goods act. Regardless of the warranty, a fridge is expected to last longer than a year. Go back to where you purchased it from quoting this. Do not be fobbed off.
We did this for a fridge and a TV. Both were repaired

It's called the Consumer Rights Act now

we have a Miele dishwasher that is now (we think) 25 years old. We bought it from John Lewis a few years before we moved to our current house in 2001. It is still going strong, the only problem I foresee is the lack of spare parts. When my best friend (as I call it) eventually dies I hope to have enough spare cash to invest in another Miele which will I hope outlive me. I know I shall be sad if it doesn't last at least 10 years

After resisting for many years I relented and bought a Bosch dishwasher. Still working on the door panel as it is an integrated one so haven't used it yet. However we replaced the gas hob with a Neff induction one and I love it. The oven also needed replacing about 6 months ago and bought a Neff Slide and hide. Also love that cos it's built in and as I am quite short it makes access easier.
The washing machine is of a lower spec cos I just wanted a simple machine. It's working well. Finally we had to replace the (also integrated) fridge. Last to go will be the integrated freezer but that's still OK even after 11yrs+