Buying a new machine - need advice (UK/Ireland & Europe)

[MrX]

I'm looking into buying a new washing machine and am not 100% sure which one to go for.

I'm looking at :

Electrolux 1600 RPM 7KG model with inclined drum.
Zanussi (various 1600 RPM machines)
Bosch 8kg model.

My main priority is a high spin speed and a 7kg+ capacity.

I am very wary of both Hotpoint and Hoover (Candy) but don't want to go into the very high end like Miele due to price.

Any suggestions ?

 

[ariston4life]

i think you should go for the electrolux.

 

[panthera]

Depends on service

If you have a really good service centre close to you which can handle Bosch/Siemens/Constructa, I'd go with them. They are just a bit more solidly built, IM-not so-HO.
But if service is not specialized, then Electrolux is a better choice.
Zannusi probably has the nicest looking and easiest to use machines, but their quality ratings (here in Germany at least) have not been as good over the last few years as Bosch or Electrolux.
Have your considered a factory reconditioned Miele? They are competitive in price and definitely better than anything else when you wash a lot...and I seem to recall you mentioning once that you do a fair amount.

 

[MrX]

Any of the major brands has excellent service support here in Ireland. Bosch/Siemens approved service engineers are very easy to find as both brands are pretty popular and have been for a long time. I don't think Constructa has been sold here since it became part of the BSH group. It's just a legacy local brand in Germany nowadays. There were other BSH group brands here like Baley which seem to appear and disappear now and then. From what I gather BSH now basically markets Bosch as the mass-market machine and Siemens at the same market as Miele i.e. at the upper high end. Many retailers don't even stock the mid-priced Siemens machines anymore

Likewise, Zanussi, Electrolux and AEG have plenty of easily available service.

Same for Hotpoint, Hoover/Candy etc.

and Whirlpool.

Miele has fantastic service - branded fleet of trucks etc etc..

To be honest, for any of the major brands there's absolutely no problem getting service / support / parts etc.

I don't think there's anywhere you can buy a reconditioned Miele here in Ireland perhaps it's more common place in Germany, from what I gather it's simply not done here at all. There's no market for second hand machines these days, so sadly almost all of them are just sent to be recycled. It's a bit of a waste, but then again we're living in a disposable society!

 

[MrX]

Electrolux

I have an electrolux EDC 77570W dryer which so far has been a very impressive machine. It seems well constructed and the clothes have been drying very well, it's not over-heating them and it's not taking hours either. Everything comes out nice and fluffy. It also has a very impressive range of drying programmes and a drying rack for shoes etc.. and it's EXTREMELY quiet. We'd a Miele vented dryer at home (parents) and this electrolux is even quieter than that!! The machine also has a HUGE door and a decent 7kg capacity.

This is why I'm thinking about going for the Electrolux Inspire 7KG washer with the 1600 spin. It's a shame that they don't do the 8kg with a 1600rpm spin though. I know Hotpoint and Hoover have one, but I don't trust either manufacturer.

The only problem is that we've a 1000 RPM whirlpool washer-dryer that is pretty low end (supplied by the landlord). I doubt it even manages to get up to the 1000RPM for more than a min or so. It simply doesn't extract enough water to make drying clothes economical.

Also, if you've a small load in the machine it will go completely out of balance and abort the spin which is just stupid. The out of balance detection is way too sensitive.

And to make matters even worse, it seems to be quite a poor rinser too!

The drum has no paddles, rather it has raised bumps where the paddles ought to be. The result is that the clothes kind of bounce up and down in the water rather than being tumbled around. Again, if the drum's full this works fine, but with smaller loads it's a bit of a joke.

The dryer function works by kinda flinging the clothes out to the sides of the drum and then tumbling. A bit like a distribution rinse, but with hot air and it's very ineffective. The clothes come out searing hot and smelling of rubber door seal...

Basically it's a bad washing machine and an absolutely useless dryer.

 

[ariston4life]

HOOVER

hoover used to make good machines but since candy took over have gone downhill.
but i do think you should go for the electrolux.

 

[irishmark]

electrolux

go for the electrolux,iv worked for both the electrolux group,miele, whirlpool and the bsh group,electrolux started to loose sales due to the bad bearings in their machines ie the F1045 ect and have put a lot of re engineering into their new machines,the inspire is great ive tried it out and makes a great focal point when washing with the blue led inside the drum which stays on for the duration of the cycle,sadly the majority of the bosch washing machines are made in spain,u can tell by the small service panell at the rear of the machine held by one screw the german machines have a large square galvanised panel which gives full access to the rear of the washer, the whirlpool washer dryer u have sorry to say is rubbish,same machine as a servis washer dryer,any way hope u get the inspire,ive a 1200 and a 1600 spin miele for sale if anyones interested,mail me,mark

 

[irishmark]

electrolux

go for the electrolux,iv worked for both the electrolux group,miele, whirlpool and the bsh group,electrolux started to loose sales due to the bad bearings in their machines ie the F1045 ect and have put a lot of re engineering into their new machines,the inspire is great ive tried it out and makes a great focal point when washing with the blue led inside the drum which stays on for the duration of the cycle,sadly the majority of the bosch washing machines are made in spain,u can tell by the small service panell at the rear of the machine held by one screw the german machines have a large square galvanised panel which gives full access to the rear of the washer, the whirlpool washer dryer u have sorry to say is rubbish,same machine as a servis washer dryer,any way hope u get the inspire,ive a 1200 and a 1600 spin miele for sale if anyones interested,mail me,mark

 

[panthera]

actually,

Bosch is marketed as the higher quality of these two here in Munich. Which is nonsense, Constructa, Bosch, Siemens and lots of others (including some Miele refrigerators) all roll off the same assembly lines with the same parts and quality control.
It is all about marketing.
So, if you can get B/S/H service then I would take the German made Bosch.
Actually if Mark can give you a price you can afford, the Miele - even at a lower spin speed is such a better machine you won't regret it.
Question, apart from Germany, Austria and the US, does anyone else have reconditioned Mieles on offer? Makes sense that we would here in Munich...
Bummer, major bummer about Hoover. Now that was once a really cool brand.
The Electrolux bearing problem, like the motor board static discharge and the other problems which have come and gone (the dratted door switch which requires switching out the concrete block for example) has been fixed. I really can't think of any other low cost machine which has actually got the bugs all (or nearly all) worked out. If money is really dear, you can't go wrong with a Frigimorelux.

 

[MrX]

drum light

I was just wondering if the EWN16781W also has a LED interior light

 

[aquarius1984]

Drum light?

fun yes, not really needed? In all honesty, Hoover went down the pan. Few members here need to realise this, glad you do. As have Hotpoint gone down too the same sewer level Hoover went to. electrolux is the way forward on a budget thats truth. Nor am I tempted though by ANY induction motor. No wonder repair guys love these, motor goes, new motor gets put in. They can hike up repair prices. I think that Zanni motors with carbons are far more reliable than your average Hoover Hotpoint LG induction. Would you rather have that chance take on having your induction motor last 5 years or 10 years or know your brushes can be replace cheaply everytime it goes wrong far cheaper than a new induction motor? Plus such carbon brush motors are proven reliable anyway. Jetsystem is also a great addition to save water and get excellent rinse performance not to mention great washes. It works, thats why it been on them 20 years. Lux is the way to go! YAY! Rob

 

[carlstock]

Hi, mrx.

Definitely Electrolux products – they are the ones to go far in terms of overall value for money.

I have Mieles, but Electrolux Group are my No. 2 choice.

If you could tolerate a smaller load and slower spin speed – though Mieles tend to score well compared with so-called ‘faster’ machines – then go for Miele’s bottom-of-the-line model. I’m not sure which one that is now, but they’re usually just under £500.

If not, then definitely Electrolux Group. That’s what I’d get if didn’t have Mieles.

Take care.

Regards,

Carl

 

[carlstock]

Just my opinions, I hasten to add.

I must admit to an interest in watching *any* machine whilst running – don’t we all? hehe – but I’d go with what I’ve said above.

Carl

 

[carlstock]

Me again! LOL

I know it’s suggested there’s not much difference between them and Zanussis, but take a look at some AEGs, too, if you’re interested – there can be some interesting models under the AEG badge.

Just thought I’d mention it because the differences in price between, say, AEG dishwashers – admittedly, we’re talking washing machines here – is not that great compared with a Zanussi. Also, you often get some extra features. Worth a careful look, though I guess you’ve already done that and perhaps found little difference between AEGs and Zanussis.

I’ll stop now! hehe

Carl

 

[2drumsallergy]

Drum Light

Hi Mrx,
The Electrolux Insight EWN14991W is a great machine, very quiet, great wash performance but its let down by miserly water usage on the rinses. the 1400RPM spin is excellent as the wide drum means the G force is equal to the 7Kg 1600RPM models so don't worry about the spin performance it is graded A.
Now for the LED Drum light; my machine was supposed to be fitted with a drum light but in fact it was not, Electrolux had to give me a refund as the advertised feature was not on my machine, this was a violation of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
As for Induction Motors you cant go wrong they are used throughout industry for their reliability and efficiency. There are no brushes whining and wearing out, also the Induction Motors are 3 Phase Frequency Inverter controlled, they run cooler, much quieter and have infinitely more torque than a Universal Motor, they are thermally protected and use class H insulation, you will not find class H insulation on Universal Motors they are usually class B (Class A insulation has the least thermal resistant with class H having the best). Why have Cotton when you can have Silk?
I had a look inside my Insight before it was returned and I can confirm that Electrolux have indeed changed their bearings. The outer bearing on my 8Kg Insight was huge, much larger than previous Electrolux Group washers also the Carboran Tub unit is screwed together and not welded which is a definite plus.

I hope you find the right machine.

David

http://www.iprocessmart.com/leeson/leeson_motor_temperature_article.htm

 

[MrX]

Are you sure about the water extraction on 1400RPM 8KG vs 1600RPM 7KG ?

Is the drum really that much bigger?

I'd like to see some stats - drying performance is a big deal to me as I'm in an apartment and we have to either tumble dry or dry on a rack. Lines are not an option.

So, really for energy efficiency and time efficiency >extraction the better!

I'd love to see some % residual water for both machines.

 

[2drumsallergy]

Spin Performance

Hi Mrx,
Seriously the spin performance is A class, yes I know its 200RPM less but the drum is 63 Litres and a lot wider which makes up for the lesser spin speed. I really liked my Insight and the only negative I found was the frugal water usage during rinses, however it does three rinses by default not the usual two of most modern washers my Miele W3985WPS included.

I still have the handbook of the Insight and I had a quick look for you but unfortunately it does not list the residual moisture figure for the machine. The Insight EWN14991W is listed as A+ Energy, A Wash and A Spin, If you call Electrolux they should be able to give you the residual moisture figures for both machines. Seriously though the 1400RPM top speed is held for the majority of the spin cycle 3-4 minutes at least, this coupled with the drum diameter, large surface area and huge number of micro holes makes for good spin performance.

Worth knowing; the Insight has an anti flood float sensor in the cabinet drip tray, Electrolux don't advertise this feature but it was on my machine. I like this on a machine because it can prevent water damage in the event of a leak. If a leak occurs the water entering the drip tray triggers the float sensor which in turn triggers the machines drain pump and closes the water valves. My Dyson's are fitted with this system as is my Miele but I was pleasantly surprised to see it on the Electrolux.

David

 

[2drumsallergy]

Full Graphic Animated Display

Hi Mrx,
The Insight has the coolest display I have seen on a washer.

David

 

[MrX]

I think I'll just order up the 8kg insight then.

It does occupy exactly standard cabinet space right ?

 

[2drumsallergy]

Hi Mrx,
Yes its a standard cabinet size, the door does protrude a little but the cabinet fits flush with your kitchen units.
I'm sure you will love the Insight they are great machines.

David

 

[newwave1]

David,
Have to say the electrolux machines are very nice. Though i'm glad that i didnt buy one to realise it is as stingy on water as my mums AEG (thankfully you can make that do high level rinses!) Rinsing for me is most important. Its my most important factor infact. My clothes are never majorly soiled, so aslong as it washes plausably and rinses brilliantly i'm happy!

Having read and heard from people in the trade, electrolux arent doing to good at the moment, their profits have dipped! surprisingly!

Darren

 

[MrX]

I had a look in a local curry's in Dublin today -

Headed into the local branch of Currys near me in Dublin.

The customer service was shockingly poor - I was ignored for over 30 mins and then walked out without making any purchases. I don't understand any store can operate if their staff are ignoring customers!! I asked for assistance about 4 times.

Curry's are also quite new to the Irish market and this kind of thing is not going to go down well with customers. We have a few home grown retail chains like DID etc that also have wearhouse size stores and generally better prices and much better service. Also, Harvey Norman has a big and increasing presence here and is much better value than Currys and a lot nicer to deal with!!

I won't be shopping there again in a hurry!

What surprised me though was the range of machines on display. It was totally dominated by Hotpoint / Ariston and Indesit i.e. the indesit group ... not really the norm elsewhere here where BSH and electrolux tend to dominate.

 

[newwave1]

So far i've had no issues with my current hotpoint *touches wood* Though i never bought it with reliablity in mind, i change my machines quite often.

It washes rinses and spins brilliantly i'm happy to say! With decent water levels!

Darren

 

[carlstock]

You change your washing machines as often as you change your clothes, don’t you, Darren?

Also, Darren has pretty much all of my dream machines, which makes me intensely jealous!

Carl

 

[panthera]

Inexpensive (relatively speaking) Miele

Was out cruising the new washers with a friend yesterday when we saw a Miele going for between 750-850Euro.

I wish they'd had this in 2000, I bought the LG instead because the Miele honeycomb drum is bad at removing cat and dog hair (to be fair, the LG has been a perfect machine, never broken once).

The drum is the "older" Miele drum with the standard size perforations. Saleslady says Miele has always had one or two unusual machines in their line-up - one priced specifically to compete with the better B/S/H stuff, one aimed at folks who want the quality, but like different design. No idea - but here's the price-leader, Waschvollautomat W 1514 WPS:

According to the salesfolks - and they will tell you whatever they think you want to hear, of course, so get out the grain of salt...Miele didn't cut any corners, just used technology which has already paid for itself, like the drum and the non-soundless drive. I don't know if I'd want a Miele that didn't sound like a Miele...

 

[brisnat81]

W1511

Hi Panthera,

After inflicting a range of 80's second hand FL machines onto my mother, I recently bought her the W1511 as a cheapish good quality machine.

The machine has the new wash profiles of the new 4000 series, but the drum etc that was found in the old W520. The joys of being able to do a simple computer upgrade.

Its the cheapest Miele in Australia at $1499 and $100 cheaper than the W520 that it replaced.

The best thing they've done, is introduced the single line LCD display to the entry level machine, its much more fully featured, than the low end machines ever were.

Mum is as pleased as punch, its pretty quiet, the 1100 spin is on par with the old Miele it replaced.

What amazes me, is how solid the door is, for something that has an entirely plastic frame. It still shuts with a satisfying chunk.

 

[MrX]

Maybe the cheaper brands can introduce a little recording of a Miele door clunk as you shut the door. In the same way as digital cameras give you a 1950s style shutter snap noise

 

[MrX]

Change of plan!

The slot in the kitchen is exactly 600mm wide and the Electrolux is also 600mm wide, it'd be a very tight squeeze and there's a risk that it might vibrate the kitchen cabinets.

So, I had a look around and the least worst option is a 1600RPM Ariston/Hotpoint Aqualtis as it's 595mm wide and fits the space.

Also the electrolux protrudes much further.

 

[2drumsallergy]

Aqualtis AQGD169S

Hi Mrx,
The Aqualtis is an excellent machine, very quiet(Inverter Motor System), great wash performance, outstanding spin performance (43% residual moisture) and good water levels during the rinses. The cycle times can be a bit on the long side @ 2:45 for Cottons 60ºC without options but the results are impressive.
I had the AQGD169S which is the 8Kg model in silver.

David

 

[rolls_rapide]

Panthera / Brisnat81

Nice looking Miele; reminds me of the Titan washer with the removable drum.

I'm glad to hear that the Miele exudes quality in the plastic door department, as I too had my doubts when I first saw it on the internet.