I've been looking at machines all week and it's doing my head in, been without one for over a week now so really need to purchase something in the next day or so.
I would really like one that is quiet and that's quite important, so have been looking at LG direct drive, there is one within my price range, ( don't really want to spend more than 400) but the programs aren't great which is also important.
My old machine had the fast washes which I never really used, then the longer cotton and eco, but it also had an in-between 1hr daily wash which I used a lot, specially on a weekend morning when you get up, see the sun's out and want to get a decent wash done quick so you can get it out on the line.
The LG also has a longer warranty, so I would hazard a guess that it would hopefully last longer too, hence paying a bit more.
Now, the engineer advised not to get a hotpoint or hoover as they tend to go wrong more, but they are the machines that have much better programs! Quick washes, daily washes and the ability to reduce the time on certain programs, I've found one that is just under £300 so also a lot cheaper.
They don't look as sleek, but they have all the same features apart from the quieter motor.
They only have the standard warranty.
The engineer said most machines only last 3-5yrs now, and to get a Beko, as it will do what you need, usually cheaper to repair or are cheap enough to replace when they do go wrong, however looking at them, they are not that much cheaper really once you opt for a 8-9kg and 1400 rpm which is what I want, ones I have seen which might suit are always out of stock!
So I can't make a decision
Buy the more expensive LG, which would probably last longer and have the longer warranty, would be quiet, but longer programs, which may or may not suit me, or go for the much cheaper hotpoint which may only last a few years, will be noisier but have more convenient cycles?
It's quite funny as I am typing this I can hear next doors washing machine on its spin cycle, I've never heard it before :-)
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