Hotpoint SMART range

[aeg03]

Hi all,

It's getting closer to the point of me moving into a new property and I was considering a Hoover machine because of the water jet, but I've decided not to get it now. I preferred the Hotpoint feel and quality compared to the Hoover.

I notice the machine I'm interested in, says SMART on the outside and there's an option to select AUTO on the Smart selector. Has Indesit simply added this on and claim Smart technology or do these new machines really 'think' for themselves and adapt the wash cycle according to what is loaded like the Hoover KG Mode? The older models fast, normal and intensive I think.

I'm impressed by the quality of this machine and really look forward to getting it. I love the detergent dispenser, I remember when Indesit advertised this feature in their 90s Ariston brochure. I still have the brochure somewhere.

 

[aeg03]

That detergent dispenser ...

 

[appnut]

Can you download online the use & care guide and read through it?  Might give you some answers. 

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

The dispenser drawer has grown on me, it was my only annoyance with the machine! But now, I like it!

These Smart, are massive improvement in Quality over the previous round door range. I highly recommend on my own experience, and i've notice you keep going back to this - so think its definitely one for you. The photo shows the 9KG Brushless motor 62l washing machine.

The Smart Tech is new - different to the previous generation "Futura">heres now:
Performance + - Is different to previous Intensive: Intensive increases wash water level, temp holds, extends the wash time, and adds an extra rinse.
Whereas Performance +: Normal water level, but once heated, a 30 minute high performance phase (pressumably with Power streams)? with temp holding - removes stains more effectively. I guess it still adds extra rinse.

Auto + - Is similar to previous Normal: Just - A wider range of sensing levels, just like KG Mode on Hoover, Bosch Active water etc. Rinses can go deep, or shallow, load can be washed with fast or medium rhythm, wash level depends by load etc. Bear in Mind though - Normal is pretty good with the sensors too - can sometimes go for deeper rinses, even if the normal programmed rinse is shallow etc etc.

Finally Speed + - Is different to Delicate: Delicate would increase the wash water level, but reduce agitation speed. Only cuts down the wash time by around 15%. Whereas Speed+ will still use the full rhythm, cut time's by up to half (sometimes more) - activate a temp hold, so results aren't reduced too much. rinse and spins are shorter, but deeper.

Hope your new Home goes well!

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

Corrrection

8KG - not 9, as mentioned. Everything is the same mind you

 

[aeg03]

Thanks glenfieldmathk1,

Your response was extreamly helpful and informative. You have helped me to decide that this is the washing machine I am going to purchase. I will be getting the 8kg with inverter, 1400RPM. If I could get a 7kg inverter with 1400rpm I would get that instead, but cannot see it.

I can see that this machine is much better constructed than the Indesit IWD5123 sister model that I got back in 2011. Needless to say, my friend has an Indesit WIB111 that is now 7 or 8 years old and its never let her down.

I can see that the rubber door seal is nice and thick, the drum paddles are nice and secure (no wobbling like I had on the Indesit WMB5123).

All in all, it feels substatial and I love the styling too and Instant Door Release - something the old AEG OKO Lavamat 72640 used to have and I liked having that. The SMART technology certainly sounds beneficial to me too. I cant wait to get it once I move in and will do videos of it. The only dislike I have of this machine, is that it only does 2 rinses as standard, may mean I need to use extra rinse everytime. Ive had AEG, Zanussi and this current machine in the flat share I am living in has 3 rinses as default, but as Ive complained, the Beko doesn't seem to use enough water for the rinses in my opinion, it just gets them wet and thats it.

Thanks again

 

[washboy2005]

I've got the slightly older 7kg 1400 Futura model, the WMFG741P. It too only does two rinses as standards on cottons, synthetics, fast wash etc. I thought I'd need to use extra rinse all of the time, yet I've found very little need for it. Our water is about medium on the hardness scale. Even a full load of towels usually manages with two rinses as the interim spins are great and it'll top up with more water if necessary.

Enjoy your new machine. They're excellent.

Dan

 

[aeg03]

Hi Dan,

It looks great. Thank you for your post and picture. Lovely machine. I'm pretty excited )

 

[Chetlaham]

How many KW is the heater?

 

[djs32]

I bought one of these 9kg Smart machines at the beginning of December when my previous machine broke down and I needed a replacement in a hurry - I'd read a number of mostly good reviews, and the build quality seemed a lot better than the last time I looked at Hotpoints, plus I could pick one up and take it home that day which was what I needed. With four kids under 10 and two mud-loving labradors, a few days in the winter with no washing machine was not what I needed at all.

First impressions were decent, although the wash times were longer than I expected them to be. Not entirely sure what the Smart sensor is supposed to do, but it didn't seem to make any difference to the amount of water it used no matter whether I was doing towels or bedlinen or whatever. Even selecting the extra rinse button, I still sometimes had to do another rinse and spin afterwards as three rinses weren't enough - we do have pretty soft water here though. It cleaned alright, though I can't say I saw any noticeable difference with the extra time taken on the stain cycle. There was no prewash option either, and the promised "oh yes, you'll be able to take your laundry straight out after it's finished" turned out to be a wait between 2 and 5 minutes (it varied, I've no idea why) at the end of a cycle.

The most surprising thing was how quiet it was on the wash, especially compared with how loud it was while spinning. I've seen comments about them being quiet on spin, but given what else happened, I'm wondering if I had a last job on Friday machine.

2 days before Christmas, the 23rd Dec, the machine blew its main control board, flashing up an error and refusing to do anything. Phoned the service number and they couldn't get me anyone out to repair until January. Phoned Currys, and they refused to replace it until Hotpoint had looked at it. They got a hand delivered, lawyer-written letter on Christmas Eve, as I'm lucky enough to have both a husband and sister-in-law who are lawyers, and when they reopened after Christmas they offered to collect the machine and refund me in full. They did offer a replacement, but I refused as I don't want the risk of a machine that will fail on me that quickly.

I replaced the machine with an Electrolux, and that hasn't put a foot wrong in the past few weeks, as well as being more flexible with its programming and better at rinsing. And quieter.

I do hope it was just a Friday machine - the noise and little niggles aside it was a nice machine.

 

[aeg03]

Hi djs32,

Sorry to hear of our poor experience with this machine. I've been pretty lucky with my little experience with Indesit made machines. However, I have always had machines made by Electrolux. A 2002 AEG OKO Lavamat 72640 - It was a great machine but the only niggle is the drum used to bash the glass door sometimes.

We had a Zanussi Flexi Dose ZWG7160p from Currys. Though it was alright at cleaning and rinsing, it was a very poor machine and put me off Electrolux machinesm though I did sell that and went on to buy a Zanussi Jetsystem ZWH7122J from John Lewis, that was back in September 2012, the machine works perfectly. The only gripe I have is it had boring static fills and the machine was incredibly high pitched when spinning, to the point of screetching. It wasn't a pleasent spinning sound. I am currently in a flat share and it has a 5KG Beko WMB5100W, its not a current model. Not a bad machine but its too basic looking and I dont feel it uses enough water for the rinses.

The Hotpoint looks very appealing to me. Its either one of them or the Indesit Innex, but I think I will stick with the Hotpoint I hope I have better luck, I've heard nothing but good comments made about these machines.

Can I ask, which Electrolux model do you have?

 

[djs32]

I guess it is a matter of luck with anything you buy - fingers crossed you get a good one. I got an Electrolux EWF1698HEW - had more features than I strictly needed, but I got such a good deal on it that it worked out a bit cheaper than the next model down or the equivalent AEG, which was what I was going to go for. I'm also intending to fix up my old AEG and keep that plumbed in in the garage... well, if money and practicality allows

DJ

 

[BoschExxcel]

Hi, sorry to put a spanner in the works, but I can't rate my Bosch Classixx 6 high enough.

http://ao.com/product/WAB24262GB-Bosch-Classixx-Washing-Machine-White-30246.aspx

It's an excellent machine, has good waterlevels, is quiet and it's great value! I love all of the programmes and it's built like a tank. As you'd expect from Bosch! Had it two months now and it's excellent.

If you get the Hotpoint, I'll be very interested to hear what you think of it.

Chris

 

[aeg03]

Hi DJ,

That machine certainly looks nice. I kind of feel at home with Electrolux made machines due as have had experience with them since 2002. I guess the Flexi Dose model we got was a bad one. I think the programming has been changed now so the current models are not so sensitive on spin cycles. I don't get the 2-compartment Flexi Dose drawers though.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the link. I had a play with this machine in Currys but I didn't like the styling of it (sounds petty I know).

I've never really considered a Bosch machine. Back in 2002, my parents had the choice of getting an AEG OKO Lavamat 72640 or a Bosch Classix not sure which number. I made them get the AEG. Though the did buy a Bosch dishwasher that despite being on the recall list, still wirks today! I think it was purchased in 2003 or 2014. The Indesit drier was purchased around the same time and it still works. They have been lucky with all their appliances.

 

[hotpointfan]

Aeg03

I agree with what several have said of Bosch making long lasting appliances. I shall share some of my experiences.

We too have a Bosch dishwasher, a full size model from 2001. It has worked brilliantly through the years, and still works today, and apart from one blockage and the delay timer button falling off, there have been no problems, considering it can be used up to twice a day. It's still efficient at removing tough stains, even on an Economy wash.

We also have a Bosch fridge freezer, a very tall 50/50 split model, purchased in 1996/1997, which too, has been working flawlessly since new. However, the freezer is more like an iceberg than a freezer, and so therefore we have removed the draws and only keep things we need or use regularly in there, as we have a tall larder freezer where most of the food is stored. Apart from that, it has been working flawlessly. Previously in the garage we had a small Candy fridge freezer from around 1986 which had a small freezer compartment, and a large fridge compartment. We passed that on to my nan about three years ago when we were given the tall freezer from my other gran.

We also have a Bosch WFO2865GB/01 Washing Machine from 2002, and has been one of the most hard working appliances that has been in this house. It has been washing a family of four's washing for over 12 years now, doing around 5-6 loads a week. It has had to be repaired three times as far as I'm aware, a new door seal, a new motor and a new flap that lowers down to reveal the filter. It does a cottons 60 wash in around 1.30, and although I would prefer it if it used a little extra water sometimes, clothes still come out looking really good, even if we're using an own brand detergent like Sainsbury's Bio or Almat from Aldi, which is a really good buy.

We also have a Bosch Integrated Oven, hob and extractor hood from 2004 when we had a new kitchen fitted. They are excellent, as they really get hammered from time to time, we do a lot of cooking and baking and although they are starting to look a bit worse for wear, they are still brilliant appliances.

Bosch appliances are predominant amongst our lives. Four out of my six uncles have Bosch/Siemens washing machines, my Nan has one, my best friend has one - the one Chris recommended, and so far has been very good, both neighbours of ours on either side have Bosch washing machines, and all have positive things to say about them. Many family member's have Bosch dishwasher's, Bosch fridge freezers & Neff ovens etc. All have been very reliable, even though some are 20+ years old.

I would definately recommend to get Bosch appliances for your new place, not just a Bosch washing machine but take a look at their refridgeration range, and even small appliances they do such as kettles & irons. We have a Bosch iron that we're very pleased with.

It is worth paying a little extra for them. It's worth it in the long term.

 

[BoschExxcel]

Bosch definately are one of the best, especially seeing most are half the price of the Miele equivelent.

I too have had many Bosch appliances in the past 10 years, all but one are still working as they did when new. At my old house (which is now rented), my old Exxcel S Express washing machine is 9 year old and abused by the tenants, and has only ever had to have the door seal replaced. The fridge freezer is the same age and never had a single problem. The dishwasher was 13 years old and was only replaced last month after it was vandalised by the tenants child, so the control panel failed. I tried to get my dad to get it repaired but it was replaced with a Beko! A brilliant dishwasher and would still be going now hadn't it been for the pesky child!

My current house has all Bosch appliances, expect the washing machine which is whirlpool (electric double oven, gas hob, integrated dishwasher and condenser dryer) all are over two years old and, again never had faults with any of them!

My dad has that Classixx washer and dryer that I posted and an older integrated dishwasher and they're all excellent.

And finally, our holiday home in North Cyprus is full of Bosch appliances (except the dishwasher which is Arcelik, and broken) and are all 10 years old without having any problems.

As you can see I am very impressed with Bosch as a whole and will continue to buy them! My dream washer is a Bosch Logixx.

AEG03, I understand about you not liking the look of the Classixx machines, I wasn't keen at first but have really gotten to love them! I know it doesn't have a brushless motor but honestly isn't too loud, and it's quite a bit cheaper...