Hotpoint WMD 960 Pre-wash

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ukbusdude

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Dec 10, 2013
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Does the Hotpoint WMD 960 have a pre-wash function?
I've had this model of washing machine for over 6 years now & have never found an option for pre-wash.

ukbusdude++12-10-2013-10-31-19.jpg
 
My partner is a chef so always brings home dirty uniform to wash so I've always had to put them on a "Super Wash" option to give them a long wash.
So, what did you buy when you sold your 1400 Hotpoint?
 
As I mentioned in another thread, my brother has the same machine - his is 2 years old and it's now on repair 6. It's had a 2 new interlock's, a PCB replacement, a motor replacement and 2 new seals. Thankfully, these were all done under warranty.

I didn't realise it didn't have a pre-wash option. That's pretty shocking for a TOL machine. I've only ever used pre-wash on curtains to get the dust off before the main wash. If you wash at the correct temperature with a decent biological powder, you shouldn't have a problem keeping things white. After all, none of us had a problem keeping things white with 50 minute wash cycles on our old Hoover, Hotpoint and Servis automatics and 8-12 minute washing in twin tubs, did we?
 
WOW thats a lot of repairs in a short space of time.
I'm going to be looking for a new washing machine soon & have no idea what to buy.
But I always like having the option of a pre-wash.
The partners chefs clothes are black but I always seem to get a good wash from the Hotpoint.
So, do you have a big collection of washing machines?
Oh, the other problem I have is trying to keep the soap powder drawer from going black.
This seems to be a problem ever since most washing machines became "COLD FILL ONLY" I think.
 
Hi Andy,

It certainly is a lot of repairs, but bear in mind they do have 3 kids under 6 so they have a LOT of washing to do.

I don't collect washing machines - I don't have the room. I have a Miele W562 washing machine that I absolutely wouldn't part with. My only grumble about it is that it only does 2 rinses as standard and you have to select "Water Plus" to get 3. Other than that, it's near perfect. I have had a fair amount of experience of using both modern and vintage machines over the years though.

In terms of modern machines, you'd be safe with Miele, Bosch/Siemens and AEG. The higher end Beko machines are proving to be very high performing machines, especially the 9kg model with the chrome door (linked). I've heard a lot of good things about the new Hotpoint range with the round doors, but of course, cannot yet comment on reliability. They do feel a lot more solid than the last series though. LG are also a good contender.

Of course, what's right for one user might not be right for someone else. It all depends on what you want in terms of drum capacity, spin speed, cycle length, load options and how much you want to spend etc. But if I had to go out tomorrow and buy a new machine, Miele aside, I'd happilly own the Beko in the link I attached.

The one thing I will say, is avoid Hoover/Candy machines. I've seen nothing but poor reviews on them and it's not uncommon for machines to be written off after 18 months with bearing failure.

 
Thank you for the links.
I like the look of the Beko & the Miele but not a keen fan of the Bosch.
I'm also in two minds about buying another Hotpoint as I really get the hump with the final spin as they all seem to struggle so much with trying to balance out.
But in saying that i'd even consider buying a 2nd hand Hotpoint WT960 as they had really good features & wish I never gave it away to my sister now.
I went off Hoover ever since they tied up with Candy.
 
I like the look of the Beko & the Miele

Beko and Miele are the opposite end of the market, but both are good choices.

Beko seem to be a bit like pre-Indesit Hotpoints in that they're not the absolute best machines on the market, but very unfussy, simple to use, use plenty of water and are VERY easy to repair and cheap on parts should anything go wrong.

My best friend bought a 1200rpm 5kg low end Beko for £190 5 years ago. She has 2 children (5 & 3) and so far, the machine is been fantastic. Washes well and it's not gone wrong *touch wood*. For the price, you really can't go wrong with them.

Miele, on the other hand, are a very premium brand. Their machines feature a stainless steel drum and outer tub, top qulity suspension, wash sensors that adjust according to load size, plenty of cycle options and they're tested to last for 20+ years.
 
Andy, it would be really helpful to know what you look for in a new machine. Everyone has different preferences. Are you looking for a large drum capacity, fast spin, fast wash times, reliability, energy efficiency, noise level?

For me, I would rather have a machine that washes well and is reliable over a machine that has a massive drum or a fast spin. My Miele is a 6kg, 1300rpm spin (which is relatively low by modern standards) but it washes flawlessly every time and it's a very reliable brand.

My Mum, on the other hand, wanted a fast spin, quite machine with quick wash options, so she got a Zanussi Jetsystem 1600. It' a great machine (it's from the last range of Zanussi's - the new range are dreadful!)
 
Although my WMD 960 has almost been fault free i've just not warmed to it in the 6 years. Much prefer the previous model WT 960.
On the Miele front it would be price as they are expensive but you do get what you pay for.
I'm also taking into account how quiet washing machines are especially when spinning & at the top speed, has to be at least 1400rpm plus. Then water levels especially when rinsing. And my other options I find important are half loads, quick wash or time saver & the wool wash. I hate the wool wash cycle on my Hotpoint & never use it.
Another make or makes i'd consider is AEG/Electrolux, any idea how good they might be?

I'll also be looking at some point to replace my Hotpoint Logic Sensor Condenser TCM 65, had that for nearly 10 years & only had 1 repair, the small silver disc inside the drum.
 
AEG/Electrolux, any idea how good they might be?

AEG are now pretty much what Zanussi were about 6 years ago. The quality of both brands has seriously dropped in recent years, but AEG are still pretty good. However, I don't think the machine you get with an AEG really reflects the high price tag. The lower machines can be quite whiney on the spin too. They are good machines though.

The great thing about the Miele is that you can pretty much customise the cycle - water useage, spin speed, cycle length are all variable for all the main cycles. The "water plus" button can be customised to:

- increased water levels in the main wash, rinses and an extra rinse
- just an extra rinse
- increased water levels in the main wash only
- increased water levels in the rinse only

I have mine set to do just an extra rinse as the sensors in the machine increase the water level anyway, if needed, but I like the machine to do all 3 rinses.

I've never used the wool wash on my Miele, but I do use the delicate cycle. It's really good; very deep water levels and lots of agitation, which causes clothes to move through the water rather than around the drum.
 
Ok well was only a thought about AEG & would rather spend that money on a Miele instead.
I'm yet to be convinced about Bosch/Siemans but will give them another look.
So far for me its either a Miele if I can afford it
Or
Top of the range Beko
Or
Mid to Top of the range new Hotpoints
Or
A 2nd hand Hotpoint WT960

ukbusdude++12-11-2013-09-07-54.jpg
 
Sounds like you've got plenty of options there to look into, Andy :).

I'd deffo recommend Bosch/Siemens. I have a Siemens IQ300 dishwasher and it's flawless.

Rob (Aquarius84) or Paul (matchboxpaul) might be able to give you some more info regarding Bosch washers as they have/had one of the current models. I got to see it in action and it was a great machine, but Rob or Paul will be able to give you more info on cycles and programming etc. I'll give one of them a nudge.

Happy shopping!!
 
Ok cheers
And this is my first time joining the forum & very good so far.
I'm having lots of fun & still trying to find lots of pics of washing machines from the 70's 80's & 90's.
 
Glad to hear it - welcome to the site :).

What machines, in particular, are you looking for images of? There's plenty of snaps in the archives, but if you're after anything specific, just shout up. No doubt one of us will have a picture of the machine you're looking for.

There's lots of video's on YouTube of old machines too.
 

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