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Housekeeping

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Original poster

I want a washing machine that isn't a twat

109 replies

Medlady · 20/09/2023 17:42

Current machine is unreliable, chiefly because it is over-engineered: instead of simple clockwork knobs, it has touchscreen buttons, that break. It takes forever to turn on or off, or switch programmes, because it thinks for itself. I wish it didn't - I can think much faster than it can and I just want it to do as it's told without fuss, or trying to contact the wifi, or 'sensing' the load.

I want a simple, no frills, washing machine. Probably only obtainable in the 1990s, or the USA, where they still make indestructible, amber-coloured workhorses.

I'm probably doomed to disappointment, but please hit me with your top recs

If you're short on time, here's a summary of the washing machines Mumsnetters are recommending on this thread:

For a deeper dive into the top washing machines for all budgets, take a look at our round-up of the best washing machines, according to experts and Mumsnet users.

MNHQ Flowers

OP posts:
Runnerduck34 · 20/09/2023 22:51

Our entry level miele is good, lasted about 7 years so far- family of 6 so about 2 loads a day- no issues so far. Previous was a miele too that lasted over 10 years .
Would just check how long a wash lasts thou- ours is cotton wash 3 hours. Eco cotton 3.5 hours!
Can take days and days to clear holiday washing ....
Wish machines washed quicker !

Delphigirl · 20/09/2023 22:55

My Miele is 20 years old, family of six, never had a problem. Amazing.

Findyourneutralspace · 20/09/2023 22:58

I can’t advise I’m afraid. My washing machine (Samsung) sings a twatty little tune to tell me he’s finished, and my dryer (Hoover) sends me a passive aggressive text, saying ‘you can take your laundry out now.’
I’m not being told what to do by a machine. Twat.

weirdoboelady · 20/09/2023 23:02

Abeli · 20/09/2023 18:52

Once when I had a washing machine engineer at the house he said get the bottom of the range of a good make. Knobs rather than digital and the minimum of options.
I also wanted a hot fill machine which I used to have but they were banned by the EU for not being green enough. (It so happens that I have a back boiler and occasionally a surplus of hot water).

My current machine isnt bad and has about 12 options. I use only number 9 which is one hour, and adjust the temperature to 30, 40, or 60C. It's 7 years old so a record for me but probably not made any more.

Watching for the holy grail of washing machines.

Actually no, DON'T do this. I am married to a washing machine engineer (he had his own company until forced to retire through ill health, but he is a bit of a genius and had proper WM training in the days when they used to do that). The reason is that almost all of the companies, if not all, have cheap lines which are not made by themselves, but bought in from inferior companies, nowadays. I can't ask him what you should buy ATM because he's in bed with Covid, but if it's any help we have a Siemens everything.

NeedTheSeaside · 20/09/2023 23:07

LG Direct Drive 2010.

I will cry when he feels he can no longer go on. I'll be getting a younger sibling .

NyanBinaryJohn · 20/09/2023 23:07

We recently got this machine to replace our broken one. One twisty knob and a few touch screen bits, but not too many. So far so good. It's quiet, faff free and doesn't sing a full tune like a twat when finished.

https://www.johnlewis.com/bosch-series-4-wan28250gb-freestanding-washing-machine-8kg-load-1400rpm-spin-white/p110489157

RogueFemale · 20/09/2023 23:09

An old Miele, - I have a 2nd hand one, Prestige Plus 6. Knobs and dials with a very small basic digital display, never any problem and it must be 15 years old by now.

CoffeeBeansGalore · 20/09/2023 23:09

Miele. Paid approx £520. Can use their pods or normal powder/liquid. Had ours nearly 3 years. Best machine I've ever had. Most previous machines lasted 2-3 years.

Some electronic buttons but main dial. Has a 20 min quick wash. Standard is 2 hrs 14 mins but can reduce to 1 hr with the half load button. Quick beep tells you it's finished. Options from a cold wash up to 90 •c.

Worst I had was a Hisense. Leaked, motor & pump went after a year. Avoid at all costs.

PickAChew · 20/09/2023 23:12

All your 15 year old machines will never be replicated, whatever the make. We regularly kill machines with the sheer amount we need them to do for us and each one is slower and more ponderous than the last.

CandyLeBonBon · 20/09/2023 23:14

I have a hot point. 10 years old and absolutely does as it's told. Unlike the rest of the occupants in my house!

MercurialMargot · 20/09/2023 23:15

I love our AEG 7000 series. It has all the clever extras available when you need them but you can still just turn the dial to cotton's and press start without faddling day to day.

MercurialMargot · 20/09/2023 23:16

Oh. And easy to reduce the time when you've been to disorganised to get the uniform clean and need it done quick 😁

Devilsmommy · 20/09/2023 23:17

I've got an indesit from Currys £320. Dials for cycles and temperature and no digital anywhere. Bloody brilliant. Oh and it definitely doesn't play an annoying song when it's done😂

lochmaree · 20/09/2023 23:19

Samsung eco bubble!

stepfordwifey · 20/09/2023 23:25

NyanBinaryJohn · 20/09/2023 23:07

We recently got this machine to replace our broken one. One twisty knob and a few touch screen bits, but not too many. So far so good. It's quiet, faff free and doesn't sing a full tune like a twat when finished.

https://www.johnlewis.com/bosch-series-4-wan28250gb-freestanding-washing-machine-8kg-load-1400rpm-spin-white/p110489157

I have this model too and it's so bloody annoying when I reach up to the shelf above it and accidentally lean against the on/off panel. It's a knob for not having an actual knob. I curse every time.

echt · 21/09/2023 00:34

Miele, and every wash can be set to cold. The Express, which is the fastest has a 20 minute option is the one I use the most.

This is in Australia - I notice the UK ones didn't have a cold setting.

MrsClatterbuck · 21/09/2023 02:02

My AEG has just turned 14 and last AEG lasted 10 years. When it finally gives up the ghost I am thinking of either Bosch or Siemens. My 1st dishwasher was Siemens and when we moved house to a new build which included an integrated dishwasher a candy never again was 19 years old and still going strong. Would have loved to know how much longer it would have lasted.

CymruChris · 21/09/2023 02:16

Got to be a Samsung 🤣 I have the same!!

TheWestIsTheBest · 21/09/2023 03:13

Love my Miele, it has never skipped a beat. It was the top of the range model at the time I won it (five years ago), so does all the fancy shit, but its really easy to operate. I love it like a child. 😀

Tanktanktank · 21/09/2023 03:21

I’ve a basic Bosch but spin speed is only 1200 and some fuller loads need an extra spin. It’s got a great 15 mins at 30 degrees which I find handy.

when it breaks I’m having a Miele, so many of my friends have them and say they’ve had them years, but whatever I have it’s got to have more than a 1200 spin speed.

Beachbodyready · 21/09/2023 03:22

Another vote for Miele, mine’s a basic model 13 years old and like new. I live in a very hard water area. It has a 20 minute wash that is good enough for virtually everything. My old cleaner said it was the simplest machine to operate of anyone she cleaned for.

givemeasunnyday · 21/09/2023 04:09

UncomfortableSofa · 20/09/2023 19:08

I think the problem is that the ones that have lasted people 15 years just aren't the same anymore. All reverse engineered to break in 5 years or so.

Oh what I wouldn't give for a big top loading ancient US one that just works. And a big American fryer that dries but is mild enough to not shrink clothes.

I have a top loader, but it's not ancient or American. I will never get a front loader, and my current washing machine has been going for 15 or more years, with only one minor fix. Top loaders are quite common here (NZ), mine doesn't have dials but I've never had any issues with the digital controls. It just does the job with no faffing around.

AlwaysFreezing · 21/09/2023 05:26

I tried bosch. It beeps when it's finished. I nearly took a hammer to it.

The holiday villa we stayed in had a snasung. That plays a while song when it's finished.

My sister bought a second hand beko. It's the best. You can change the temperature on every cycle. And the spin. And hit the faster button if you want to. So I bought the same but newer one. Best machine I've ever owned.

Well, since all machines became cold fill only.

Tlolljs · 21/09/2023 05:54

Samsung eco bubble here too. It does play a tune when it’s finished I don’t mind that I just go and get the washing out. I think you can turn it off if you don’t like the tune. Only use about 3 of the programs though.

thursdayfeeling · 21/09/2023 06:27

Same with Miele

15.5 years old

Last month it hasn't been spinning and alarm coming on for draining so very nearly bought a new one then thought I'd check on cleaning it

Turns out there is a filter I needed to wash that was gross but now back to working as new

Express options, all temps and easy to use