I own a Hotpoint, and can say tegh results are fantastic. OK its not an expensive machine, but for the price its built pretty good, and programming seems to be all there, and the machines certainly seem a massive improvement over the older WT, WF ranges - where wash rhythms were significantly reduced compared to these new machines.
OK they may take a while, but with Timesaver the cycles can be as short as 65minutes for a 60C full load, and a boilwash takes only 1hr30 (1hr20 with Time Saver). Meanwhile you can Venture over to the Whites cycle for extra hygiene, and even better results, or select baby when you've very sensitive skin, as the rinses go half way up the door.
There is also a 60 minute, and 30 minute fast wash on mosts, Ok only for around 3KG, but good if you're in a hurry, and a 15min cycle is available on Many machines, Ultimas, Aqualtis, Futura & Extra models.
The rinses are by far teh best, with Ultima's allowing upto 5 deep rinses (of which with a large load water level can go upto half way up the door).
There are many skeptics of Hotpoint, but they don't actually own one. Those who do own them however, generally say they're very good, and many actually agree their better than their predecessors.
Many 7Kg plus models have super silent (magnetic Brushless) motors too.
Dryer's are British, so you cant go wrong with them, all mine have been fantastic.
(Like haxisfan said, he owns a Hoover, and recommends it through his experience. I own a Hotpoint, and I recommend it through my experience!)
Bosch / Siemens are also fantastic machines. Logixx & IQ500, IQ700 are all made in Germany (UK, IE Market's) and built to quite high German standards, easily repairable too, but not as expensive as Miele's yet some go on for just as long.
Some of the low end Bosch's however do now have sealed tubs.
They also feature wash cycle option such as Speedperfect, which can do a 60C wash in about an hour, and a boilwash in around 1hr20.
All their Exxcel line, and Logixx line (as currently) will feature Eco Silence drive (super silent Brushless) motors this year too.
Dryers not so good, as don't reverse.
LG, I wouldn't recommend these as I still see images in my head of the problem in the America's, and how flimsy they actually looked. But petty quiet if you wanted quiet machine, and generally the motor lasts, but other parts can go pretty quickly, only last week did I see a video on Youtube of one with bearings already gone, less than 1year old.
Candy / Hoover - Improving, but some can be quite restrictive programming wise. and some can have a very loud whining motor.
I think its all down to your personal preferences though, Good Luck choosing, do let us know what you choose.
