Chicken bald back

[Chortle Chook]

My dear old washing machine has just given up the ghost and I'm in dire need of your advice on what washing machine to get now. Feeling bamboozled by all the different makes many of which I've never even heard of

 

I only need something small as there is just me and my OH and the odd bit of dog bedding to cope with and my kitchen is a wee galley kitchen. I'll have paid off the mortgage in a couple of years at which point I'm promising myself a kitchen re-fit or a house move (a sort of 'Love it or List it' thing going on between me and my OH) so really I only need something to last me for a few years and at the moment I don't have loads to spend on it. I've heard of Miele but they seem to cost a mini fortune .

 

Do any of you have any recommendations?

[patsylabrador]

We tend to buy John Lewis washing machines now because they are tough, get delivered nicely and have a good service and guarantee.

[merlina]

I would say look on ebay for a 2nd hand miele or other good make (which you'll probably be able to sell for as much as you pay for it). Or try local second hand shops which will often do the delivery and installation for you. I wouldn't pay the 'premium' for a new machine unless I was going to keep it a very long time (and cheap machines are too much of a lottery IME - prone to chewing up clothes)

[Sil-El]

We have a Bosch which is pretty good and not as expensive as a Miele - they are the best but they're really pricey.

 

My previous machine was a Zanussi and that lasted 10 years.

 

Personally I'd steer clear of Hotpoint, Candy, Indesit or Beko - cheap but unreliable.

 

It is all a gamble though isn't it? I guess it depends what you want and how much you are prepared to pay. And how many bells and whistles you want on it

[mollyripkim]

We went for a Bosch but a fairly basic model, just needed a large drum and a few programmes as personally only use a couple anyway.

[Olly]

I've just - this week - taken delivery of a Hotpoint for £219.

 

I bought it through AO as I could use Top Cashback, and the delivery service was fantastic - I could track it through the day with a two hour time slot, gradually reducing to 30 minutes and then they phoned when they were leaving the previous delivery.

 

I declined the option to pay £25 to have the old one removed and another £25 to instal the new one, as I knew I could do that myself. A friend who collects s"Ooops, word censored!" is going to take it away for me but if I left it on the drive it would be taken within 24 hours. That's something to consider though if you want that service.

 

I just wanted a basic machine with a good energy rating. It has about 12 programmes of which I know I'll use three! my old machine lasted twelve years, I'll be lucky if this goes that long.

[soapdragon]

I, too, get bamboozled by the range on offer and go to John Lewis to look at their range. I go for simple controls, small range of progs (but must have fast wash, economy) They deliver and have great customer service. I guess your nearest would be Heelas, Reading or poss JL at High Wycombe?

 

The High Wycombe one is fairly easy to get to, just off M40 HW junction and worth a look round anyway so you could go and visit the dept!

 

Good luck!

[chickencam]

I personally wouldn't buy anything other than Miele. We had a Zanussi for 10years replaced it with another and it was nothing but trouble and bit the dust completely after 18 months. The final repair man who came out to it said buy a Miele because even with our family of 5 he said it would last for 15 years and with a smaller family could last up to 25. We have now had it 15 years and it is still going, makes a few more noises than it used to but otherwise great. If you don't want to pay the price of a new one then maybe a used one would work, there must be people who trade up to fancy new models in that price bracket. my mother has had her Miele for about 13 years.

[Cat tails]

My mom has a Miele for more than 15 year and it is still working. I have an AEG top loader I got for free from someone, but it wrinkles the ... out of all my clothes.

When I go for a new one, I'm not sure if I go for a Miele, but will be looking at a washing drying combo. I have no space for two, so would be great when it's all in one appliance.

[clucker1]

Miele worshipper here! I'm on my first Miele washing machine and love it. Sadly, I do loads of washing...machine now 6 years old and fab. I also have a Miele tumble drier which is 23 years old and still going strong. It's the old story, you get what you pay for.

[Chortle Chook]

Thanks everyone for your advice

I couldn't afford a Miele (my mother though has had her's for 30 years - must be a record ) so OH and I went to the High Wycombe John Lewis and got the smallest Bosch. I had been all for getting an Indesit but the rep called it 'in de sh*t' so I thought better of it So far the wee Bosch is doing brilliantly at getting through the washing backlog and I'm very pleased with it

[The Dogmother]

I used to have Hotpoint, but the chap who repairs my domestic appliances recommended Zanussi as being a brilliant build and very reliable. I bought one about 6 years ago, and it is still brilliant... it gets a lot of use, and I can't fault it.

[Blackrocksrock]

Had an LG for 10 years plus it is direct drive no belt, is quiet and I like it just the right amount of programmes