H Axis Top Loader Purchase Advice

[nickuk]

Hello everybody.

I may be looking to purchase an H Axis Top Loader and matching condensor dryer.

Having done a little research, it seems there are three possibilities in the UK.

Unfortunately all the brands available are `lesser' brands than I would normally choose. Choices are Hoover HNT6414, Hotpoint WTL500 and Whirlpool AWE6517. At least these are the badges here in the UK but I don't know anything about the real origins of the machines - maybe one of them is a beauty in drag.

I was hoping to happen across a Bosch, Electrolux or Miele but couldn't find any for sale in the UK.

Does anyone have any comments or help about any of these three machines? I can honestly say I know NOTHING about any of them. I want one which doesn't make too much racket and can do a reasonable cycle in an hour or under. I don't care about fast spins as I rarely use them. We are strangers to the ironing board ;-)

The reason for all this is that I am moving house to a property with a utility room. Without boring y'all too much with the detail, an H Axis Top Loader would be just the job for the setup in there. Plus I think they're kind of cool.

Now, if anyone happens to have a 1970's Philips Slimstar toploader they want to get rid of I might just bite their arm off

 

[foraloysius]

I noticed there are indeed only a few TL H-axis machines around in the UK. I guess the public there still prefers a fronloader that can be put under a counter in the kitchen.

I would consider a machine with a higher spinspeed if you have thick towels and you're going to dry them mostly in the dryer. That can save you a lot of money.

As for the available brands, I have no preference. Odd though that not even Zanussi is carrying a TL model being a very popular brand in the UK.

 

[davek]

Is the American Staber washer available there?

 

[dj-gabriele]

Staber: nope!

I'd go for the Hoover machine, at the moment my current machine is a Candy CLD125 and I couldn't be more pleased!

Plus it's 1400rpm and 6 kg.

The Hotpoint is 1000 rpm and 5 kg.

I'd stay a mile far from Whirlpool as on my machine the quality was abysmal and wash quality was even worse, plus it didn't rinse at all well! It broke 3 times under warranty, two of witch was bearings that required a complete tub change (welded tub).

Also this machine is too 1000rpm and 5 kg.

 

[dj-gabriele]

Oh, I forgot!

If you want a pair of top loaders, Candy also has a top-loading dryer model "CST W539", with water condenser and "CST 115EX" and "CST 630" expulsion type.

But I don't know if they sell them in the UK

 

[favorit]

Where these toploaders come from

Gabriele you can't compare Candy/Hoover FL vs TL.

most of their fronloaders are made in Milan (Brugherio, It's that factory U can see on the A4 highway just outside of Milan towards Venice)

Candy/Hoover/Zerowatt (and obviously Otsein) toploaders are made in Spain in the ex Otsein factory

The Whirlpool H-axis toploaders are made in Eastern Europe (Poland and Czech Republic)

Indesit/Hotpoint-Ariston toploaders come from the ex Philco Italiana factory in Brembate di Sotto (Bergamo). BUT this plant is about to be dismissed [and many jobs lost :-( ].
Toploaders will be produced in their factory close to Naples (Teverola-Caserta)

 

[nickuk]

Thanks

Thanks for all the input.

Favorit, the information about where the top loaders are made was very interesting as I did not know this.

Do you have any idea as to which brands are the better top loaders? For example, you say that one cannot compare Hoover Top Loaders with front loaders. Which are better, Hoover front loaders or top loaders?

Are H Axis machines more popular in Italy than front loaders?

Thanks

Nick

 

[dj-gabriele]

Favorit: I didn't know that Candy used the Otsein plant

Top and front loaders are both horizontal axis machines, anyway ere in Italy I would say that there is around a 10-15 % share of top loading machines and the rest is traditional front loaders.

Of course I'd go for an Italian made washing machine (but this is only my personal opinion as I'm a very proud of Italian!)

Otherwise, being the choice of only 3 machines, 6kg+1400 rpm would be the way to go (for me!) so that would be the Hoover.

 

[newwave1]

Gasp! Your not getting rid of the Bosch Classix Front loader are you nick!?!

I would beg you to keep your eyes on ebay for a Bosch or Miele top loader. From working in electrical retail for 8years I havent had good reports on the hoover on hotpoint ones. the hotpoint model only has one paddle and a couple of humps in the drum. *think merloni servis*.

Why can't you accomodate the frontloader? Or perhaps a washer/dryer?

Darren

 

[seamusuk]

My opinion.....

Hey Nick

Id go for the Hoover- its far better spec than the other options

As a 2nd option would this be in collection distance for you at all??

Seamus

Pardon our interruption...

 

[hoovermatic]

I have had h-axis TL for 11 years now, firstly a Servis then a Hotpoint and now a Hoover HNT 6414 so have some experience of these machines. They were all good in their own way:

Servis - plus points were good stain removal, good features (rinse hold, extra rinse, half load, temperature selector, basic programmes and decent cycle times. Downsides was noisy, average spin performance

Hotpoint - plus points were rinse hold, reduced rinse for small loads, extra rinse, variable spin speed and temerature. Downsides were ridiculous cycle times (quick wash 90 mins), poor wool cycle (one low profile baffle, ok for all the other programmes but for the wool cycle was useless).

Hoover - plus points are good cycle selection (29/44 minute fast wash - very useful), variable spin speed selector, delayed start, time saver option (reduce cycle times up to 50 mins), extra rinse, pause button, 6kg load, excellent spin performance, Downside for me is no rinse hold, but nothing else!

I really do have limited space and the Bosch and Miele were slightly too wide for the space I had. I can't comment on other machines.

I really recommend the Hoover, despite some initial reservations, it has proven a really good performer all around.

 

[newwave1]

Hey Nick!

Heres a Zanussi TL on ebay in London. XC range from around the same time as your old washer!

Can't go wrong with a zanussi from this time! (Generally) lol.

Darren

Pardon our interruption...

 

[aegokocarat]

i have a tl dryer it is made in france by blomberg (brandt) you can read about it on my thread btw get a whirlpool eu style top loader ive hered good things about whirlpool appliances
tom

 

[newwave1]

Bosch TL in Southampton

Is this to far from you nick?