Morning gents,

So. it looks like I need to replace our ancient Siemens washing m/c, I'm pretty sure it's the pump, but changed that around 5 or 6 years ago & simply can't be bothered with messing with something that's probably got lots of other knickered bits on it just waiting to give up the ghost

What's new (& worth having!) in the world of washing m/c's, I'm sure there must be improvements in energy efficiency & stuff since I last bought one, but thought it might save me trawling through loads of manufacturer's hype & BS if the great LCB collective could throw their immense knowledge behind this?

Any thoghts. knowledge to share - anything to avoid?

TIA Russ

With 3 kids here you can imagine our washing m/c and tumble dryer do some work!

I've always preferred to repair than just replace, but many white goods seem hard work actually to get inside these days.

When I can get inside to repair there's many sources online for parts.

That said, I've generally taken the approach of buy what's relatively cheap, IN STOCK & and has a minimum 2 year warranty. Many appear to offer longer warrnty if you "register" them, but they'll always try and sting you for a monthly fee.

On the tumble dryer front, the more washing that can be hung out to dry the better. Personally I'm not a fan of tumble dried clothes anyway - they always seem to shrink a bit (my t-shirts seem to go "crop top".

Yeah, this is washing M/c only, not a combined, we barely use our tumble drier & when we do it's overnight on the cheap leccy!

I'm sure I could fix it as defo looks like a pump problem again, but IIRC it's around 15 years or so old now & seen a LOT of service, I can't imagine it'll go on forever - must be about to rust away inside, hence rather than waste hours taking it to bits & chase parts, I'd rather replace & start anew

To clarify, we have separate washer & drier, not combined. Not had a comdined, but friends & family who have have all found them really really poor driers!

A bit radical, but I tend to buy the cheapest machine but pay for a 5yr warranty.
I have taken this approach in my student rentals on the basis it costs £1.20 a week for 5 years, but many machines seem to last way longer. Best was a servis that got to 15 years. Still working, but the front panel started to rust away so the seal was incontinent.

But look for something that has a quick wash with a high spin speed.

(At home we have a miele, wife bought it when she got a bonus at work. 12+ years, but I had to replace the heating element a year ago. I will keep repairing for as long as possible, it is a decent bit of kit)

I like Siemens myself, and the fact that it's lasted 15 years confirms they're decent. I'd just get another - specifically, the cheapest one that has a 5 year warranty. Bosch is the same group.

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Originally posted by JoelP
I like Siemens myself, and the fact that it's lasted 15 years confirms they're decent. I'd just get another - specifically, the cheapest one that has a 5 year warranty. Bosch is the same group.

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Originally posted by cliftyhanger
A bit radical, but I tend to buy the cheapest machine but pay for a 5yr warranty.
I have taken this approach in my student rentals on the basis it costs £1.20 a week for 5 years, but many machines seem to last way longer.

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you don't need a machine with hundreds of 'programmes' you are only going to use 2 or 3 of them.

yes a combined dryer can be useful occasionally; but you still need to air dry (or iron! ) things to get them properly dry.

I think all now just use a cold water feed.

I went for a Haier direct drive washing machine. It takes a 10kg load and runs very smoothly and quietly - no jumping around and so quiet that we can carry on talking, without raising our voices, when standing 6 feet away ... we don't even bother shutting the kitchen door when we are watching TV. It comes with a 5 year parts and labour guarantee and a 10 year guarantee on the drive system.

Another vote here for Haier, not too complicated and made in the UK, I like the 15 min cycle. Ours is 1400 max spin our previous one was 1600 but the clothes coming out of the Haier feel just as damp.

Haier used to be GE
I had a Zanussi it lasted 27 years - it didn't die it just got a bit loud.

I have replaced it with an AEG - it is A rated - so it will save money over the G rated Zanussi
It is 1600 spin so synthetics are almost dry
It has a 20min wash so it is great for a re-fresh of clothes

something like this -
linky

HTH

Don't buy a Samsung, We were almost on first name terms with the repair chap during the 5 year warranty, Even he said "They build good TV's, but as for washing machines.."

We had a Bosch one that only lasted 3 years, their not made in Germany anymore, but in Romania...

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Originally posted by perksy
Don't buy a Samsung, We were almost on first name terms with the repair chap during the 5 year warranty, Even he said "They build good TV's, but as for washing machines.."

We had a Bosch one that only lasted 3 years, their not made in Germany anymore, but in Romania...

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My wife has a washing habit, at least two loads a day.

She used to go through brushes or motors like anything.

Been through Hovers, LGs and Samsung. They didn't seem to like being used a lot.

Have now settled on Bosch. As they just wash without any grief.

The current one is 5+ years old with no problems.

Bosch Serie 6 with the IDS if that's any use.