@ultimafan: Yes, I too would expect that a BOL machine and some (not all) MOL machines might have a welded drum, that's just to be expected in this day and age (as unfortunate as it is). But for a TOL machine such as an AEG Protex L8xxxx or L9xxxx (see my link in this post for an example) to have a welded drum, that's just horrible. More to the point, I believe it contradicts the common sense dictum that "you get what you pay for", as you just wouldn't (or shouldn't) expect such cost-cutting measures in a TOL product from a reputable manufacturer like AEG (Electrolux) - you would expect to get a quality product with a split drum.
(As it happens, I purchased a TOL AEG washing machine earlier this year, and was a bit disappointed when I found out just a few months later that AEG had launched a new range of very nice looking washing machines, i.e. the Protex range, from which I probably would have chosen a new model instead of the old range model I had already bought. I did try to tell myself that as far as washing machines are concerned these days, newer models doesn't necessarily means better models, and now it seems I was right, as thankfully the non-Protex AEG machine I bought has a split tub.)
I've noticed that the Protex machines have side walls with narrow horizontal lines, unlike the previous AEG range (as well as Electrolux/Zanussi models) which had 3 wide vertical lines, and I've also noticed some Electrolux/Zanussi models with these new side walls. I would assume that these machines are based on a recent Electrolux design, and that Electrolux-based machines other than the AEG Protex ones may also have a welded tub. Is anyone here able to confirm this? If I'm right, then at least Electrolux deserves some credit for providing visual cues on the washing machines that ought to be avoided...
Do any other manufacturers (such as Bosch/Siemens) also have welded drums on their TOL washing machines these days, or is Electrolux the first to do so?
