Washing Machines Guide

Choosing the right washing machine  can be a mine field with so many variations on the market all seeming to offer something similar. It can be confusing when you see brand names more familiar with car makes such as Daewoo or brands that normal make high end electronics like Panasonic and that says nothing of the variety of specifications and ecological considerations you have to make. (and while we are on the subject, who on earth are Beko and where they they spring from?? they seem to make loads of washing machines, that a fact.)

But don’t worry! our simple guide will take you through some of the things you need to consider  - we also have other home appliance buyers guides on various things:

The Beko WM5120S Washing Machine comes in a modern silver colour.It comes with a desirable and environmentally friendly A energy rating. £201

Introduction to Washing Machines

For some people, buying a washing machine is a new experience and the sort of purchase that is hard to get excited about. You will probably be bambozzled with the wide variety of different models available to you. Some manufacturers design and style  their washing machines that would appeal to a certain demographic of person, others tend to go for good old fashioned versatility (form over fashion). To make matters harder, washing machine manufacturers tend to use strange acronyms and technical jargon such as “spin speeds” to further confuse as there si no set standard so what one means could differ from another.

Here are some of the key questions you should consider:

Will my washing machine fit?

Of course, all kitchens are built with standard spaces for washing machines but everyone has their own needs and preferences. It is always worth considering how easy it is to load and unload washing. You don’t want it next to an oevn where smells from cooking could impregnate the washing that is waiting to go in, you also don’t want it to be in an awkward space so that its hard to get stuff ina nd out.

Some people prefer their machine out in the open so they can easily get to it – useful if they’re doing lots of washing. Other people have designed kitchens and so want their washing machine obscured from view and in a quite location.

Most washing machines range from between 80 – 90cm high x 50 – 60cm wide x 50 – 60cm deep. So the first thing to check is the space – and make sure you account for the pipe work and the fittings that will protrude from the back of the machine, Generally leave an extra 5cms gap to allow for this.

There are generally two types of wachine machine:  freestanding) or built in/ integrated.

Freestanding washing machines are good if you have a nicely designed machine and you want it to be seen  - They generally come in a standard shape and are easy to fit in as they just slot into a gap in your kitchen.

Built in/ integrated Washing Machines are designed not to be seen. They have a flat front and space to attach door hinges so they can be totally hidden behind a door. These require more effort in fitting.

What features should do I want? they all seem the same…

Now this is where we get to the nub of it – after you have answered all the questions listed above and considered the fitting – it really comes down to how many features you want and whether you trust a brand you have never heard of (for me, I have never heard of Beko but they seem pretty good)

Let me share with you some personal experience. For the last five years I have been putting up with a pretty average machine. It is made by a Ariston and it was about £250. I went for a mid range machine with a 6KG load capacity – It had most features you would expect.

This machine has been very reliable but has not been great in many other ways, it often provides a very average wash, this is something that people take from granted but not all drum actions are the same, a friends machine (not sure the make) gives a consistently better wash than mine, we use the same power etc so I can only put this down to the drum action and washing cycles – we both live in a hard water area .

Now the other mistake I made was getting too small a drum, 6KG is just no use for large towels – it cannot cope. My advice is get the biggest drum you can afford. When it comes to features, you do not need to have loads providing there are sufficient thinsg to deal with heavy loads (like load balancing) and also wool + delicates options or you will ruin clothes. Energy rating is a no brainer – get the best you can.

So that leaves you with the last choice…brand. I personally would prefer to spend £70-£120 more for a branded machine that is known as quality rather than buy a no-name brand. You will have teh machine for a long time so do not buy rubbish, it is false economy. Start by looking at the best in the range you like and work back to what is affordable and acceptable. It is only by comparing the stuff at the top of the range can you see what the difference is with the cheaper models.

Lastly – here is a neat piece of advice, the longer the manufactures warranty – the less likely it is to break!… no manufacturer gives a 5 year warranty on a dodgy model and they KNOW full well which models are good and which are a bit ropey…think about it. (its the same with cars)

These are two of  the really good  machines I recommend –  expensive but both are a “proper job”

Samsung Air Refresh WF9904RWE Washing Machine

Freestanding White

£499 2 year Warranty!!

The Samsung WF9904RWE Washing Machine comes in a stylish white colour.It comes with a desirable and environmentally friendly A+ energy rating. This Samsung washing machine has been awarded an A rating for wash performance and A rating for spin performance. The Samsung washing machine is a fantastic kitchen appliance for your home.

This Washing Machine has large 9Kg wash load, which is ideal for the larger household. It also benefits from a 1400rpm spin speed The WF9904RWE has 15 programmes including, economy wash, half load function, quick wash, which are designed to make your life so much easier. To offer peace of mind the Samsung WF9904RWE free standing washing machine also comes with a great 2 years warranty.

Dimensions (cm): (H)84.4 (W)59.8 (D)60

click here to see specification

Siemens IQ-700 WM14S79BUK Washing Machine

Freestanding Black (I know, black! but it looks pretty cool)

£736 5 year Warranty!!!!

The Siemens WM14S79BUK Washing Machine comes in a sleek black colour.It comes with a desirable and environmentally friendly A energy rating. This Siemens washing machine has been awarded an A rating for wash performance and B rating for spin performance. Siemens offer the perfect balance between eye catching design and innovation technology.

This Washing Machine has large 8Kg wash load, which is ideal for the larger household. It also benefits from a 1400rpm spin speed The WM14S79BUK has 15 programmes including, economy wash, half load function, quick wash, which are designed to make your life so much easier. To offer peace of mind the Siemens WM14S79BUK free standing washing machine also comes with a great 2 years warranty.

Dimensions (cm): (H)84.2 (W)60 (D)59

click here to see specification