LG12311RD

[nickuk]

I bought this washer-dryer a few weeks ago and thought I would share my initial experiences of it with you.

Good...

A large drum - 8kg.
Surpisingly good and quick at drying.
Quiet motor running
A nice spin sequence - fast accelerations and good sounds.
Very thorough at rinsing - can program up to 4 rinses (all cycles) 5 rinses cottons cycles, all with decent interim spins.

Bad....

Sometimes pathetic at balancing
Stupid jetsystem thing cuts in and out continuously during washing and rinsing - irritating noise....
Never see any water :-( highest water level at rim of door.

Overall, I am more than pleased with this machine as it is a capable, quiet washer-dryer with cycles that I like. I do not think the quality is `up there' with the best, but I think it is an honest use of £395.

Nick

I don't rate the cottons cycle much. Rinse levels inadequate.

I love the synthetics cycle for my `normal' wash. Standard synthetics 40 is 1hr15. This is a 25 min wash, 3 `high' level rinses and a final 1000 spin which lasts for seven minutes. Each of the fills has an adequate 1000 interim spin. I'm sure this won't be approved of by some, but I wash towels on the synthetics program and simply love the results. They are rinsed beautifully and although the spin is only 1000, because it's so long the extraction is good.

Peculiarly (and wrongly IMHO) each cycle even handwash and stuff has interim spins of up to 1000! But on any cycle these can be cancelled by selecting `no spin' and `rinse hold'.....you get the idea.

 

[aquarius1984]

Well ive gotten a bit more used to mums and as ive said before Synthetics is her usual wash for everything but her whites just aint whinte no more even on the 60*c synthetics cycle.
Plus point to this is we can select 1200rpm on this cycle and it does the full 13 min cotton spin.

Ive run a 6kg load of white cottons thru on a 95*c cottons and the wash results were abysmal with Persil NB and even the LG didnt even rinse this detergent out.
I ended up using medic care rinse which is like the usual super rinse but it uses a higher water level on 3 rinses then adds an extra 13 minutes to the final rinse time to make it a 17 minutes before it kicks into final spin at 13 minutes. start of last rinse is 30 minutes remaining with this selected which kinda freaked me out.

Best feature is the Crease Care button which alters the final spin and it does distribute - 800rpm in one go like my old hottie did but......after so long of this it drops back down to distribute for a couple of mins.

then goes from distribute to the full 1200rpm in one go for 5 minutes..... never seen even a vintage machine do that!!!!!

Its amazed me and despite LG being so unrelaible and generally crappy these features do make me smile.

Rob

 

[kirk280980]

Hi Nick,

Great to hear from you again, I hope the move went well and that you're settling nicely into your new home.

Thanks for the update on the LG, this is the machine I've decided to go for too so first-hand user reports are always helpful and very much appreciated. The Zanussi won't advance into the rinse or spin cycles after the wash unless manually reprogrammed, and babysitting it is becoming a chore, so it will be replaced as soon as other unexpected expenses stop rearing their ugly heads! Despite being a pain in the rear, at least it's still kind-of usable in the meantime.

Don't feel bad about using the Synthetics programme for cottons, for years I've been doing this myself for exactly the same reasons. Doesn't matter if it's considered right or wrong, it's all about whatever works best for you and gives the results needed. Cutting back on detergent to improve rinsing on a cottons programme is all well and good, but sometimes I find this leaves fabrics dull and stiff over time due to soil and mineral buildup. In other words, too little detergent hinders the wash for the sake of the rinse. Since switching to the synthetics cycle, using a slightly more generous dose of detergent and having higher water levels to ensure it's all rinsed away thoroughly, this hasn't been a problem and everything comes out bright and soft like it should. Hmmmm, wonder why... nothing to do with the fact that it mimics how machines worked before the water consumption figures went silly I suppose?

And yes, the time savings are an added bonus too; I do understand the reasoning behind long wash cycles, but for everyday laundry they can be overkill. As for spinning, it's always possible to use the Synthetics cycle with Rinse Hold, and then reselect a full-speed cottons spin cycle afterwards if you feel the need - that's how I've always done it. However at 1000 rpm, with the bigger drum, it doesn't surprise me to hear that the extraction is already pretty respectable though.

One question for you, have you tried the Soak option yet, and if so, how does it work? Curious to know if it's just a longer version of the prewash, or if it carries out the soak and goes straight into the main wash without draining, in the same way as a Miele.

Thanks again, and do keep us updated as you get to know the machine more!

Kirk

 

[carlstock]

Hi, Nick.

Welcome back!

That sounds like a fascinating machine!

As Rob as said before and above, he’s coming round to liking his LG washing machine. What I like about his is the temperature read-out – the thermometer, if you will – which I think is very important. Also, there do appear to be lots of options, and the Crease Care spin seems fascinating. By comparison, my Miele will do a maximum of five minutes or so for a cottons spin at 1200rpm; a synthetics spin, excluding the intermittent ones, comes to just under two minutes at 900rpm. The results are very good – far, far better than the Hotpoint WD860 we had for a weeks that that went to 1600rpm. The Hotpoint was a wonderfully quiet machine, though.

As for using a synthetics programme instead of cottons, that’s absolutely fine.

Please keep us to up to date on your new machine when you can. I do like machines like this that are quite different from many others.

Take care.

Regards,

Carl

 

[carlstock]

Sorry – I’m mangling my typing! Mangling… Geddit? ;-)

I meant to say, “Please keep us up to date…”

Carl

 

[nickuk]

Hi all.

THE BROADBAND'S ON ! Only took 4/5 weeks to get it......

Hi all, hope you're doing ok. Carl, hope you're in good health. Didn't get your mobile no but I'm on 07818 652392 for anyone who wants it

Have some more updates - for Kirk especially if you're thinking of buying one of these! Tried the soak option on a 40 degrees cottons cycle. Seems to take in a little more water than usual (still just a puddle though) and extends wash time to 2:35. Did not give a prewash at all. Bizarrely, it didn't do what I would call `soak' at all, it just extended the main wash and did shorter tubles with longer gaps for the first 45 mins. At no point during the `soak' cycle was the drum stationary for more than, say, a minute. I guess this means the `soak' option is just a gimmick? Anyway, there you go. I'm happy to run any more tests for you Kirk!

You're exactly right about the synthetics cycle mirroring the cycles of yesteryear. A low level wash with regular tumbling for a sensible time (25 mins) to remove normal soiling. 3 high level rinses (selectable to up to 5)which only `rinse' for a short time, maybe a minute, before draining. Don't get the point of these 10 minute long rinses. The spins, too, (once faffed and balanced grr) accelerate to 1000, hold it for about 10 seconds then slows. Adequate for an interim spin IMO, though I know there are folk who disagree (fine, we're all different!) The last spin is bizarrely long for synthetics at 1000, spins just like......oh yeah, older machines on cottons!!! One thing I like is that because, once balanced, drum doesn't drop below distribute speed - it just bursts once or twice then goes for it, the laundry is often left stuck to the edges of the tub after the spin despite the slow rotations at the end. I actually find it really satisfying opening the door to big void and peeling allt he laundry of the sides. I think some of the older machines did this too......

Random points about the machine....is hot and cold fill but I don't really know why. Takes a token burst of hot on a 60 cycle, but none on a 40. Don't know about 95, didn't notice. I don't mind this as I prefer a cold fill anyway. Fabric cionditioner department works but is not faultless - leaves some drops / blobs at end. Drum is absolutely huge - I am a small loader by nature but can't believe how much this thing will swallow. Has been useful for washing all baby stuff (11 loads, yey!) It's very gurgly when it drains if you've got a gurgly sink / plumbing arrangement (which I have) as the pump is the pump keeps going on and off causing the associated noises. Strange. Also to do with the pump, once it has emptied the tub of water the controller makes the pump spin eratically three times, to clear it of any debris I can only guess. It does this before advancing to spin. I'm convinced the recirculation pump is the same as the drain pump but spinning the other way - the noise is exactly the same. Please be aware that although the motor is of course quiet, the pump runs off and on throughout pretty much the whole cycle and it's a `typical' pump, ie not quiet.

Hope this has been of some use.....

Nick

 

[carlstock]

Nick

Fantastic, Nick! Great to hear from you.

I’ll stick your number in my mobile so you’ll get mine. -)

I’m not too bad, thanks, and I have had a pretty good week or so (for me!), but it’s all slowing down a little now. I hope you’re doing well and that the house move wasn’t too stressful, Nick, and that you’re all getting nicely settled in.

It’s all been a bit hectic, especially with a long-term neighbour moving away (but keeping in touch) and allsorts going on at home. However, I can safely say that everything appliance-wise is working perfectly, as is the Hotpoint (Indesit) dishwasher! It’s nice to just have everything working day in, day out.

We do occasionally experiment with other detergents, but it’s Persil non-bio tablets and Comfort Pure Pearls for us as our daily drivers – no trouble at all. Well, we do use Persil Silk and Wool or Woolite, along with Comfort Pure liquid, for woollens, silk and other delicates of course.

I’m certainly interested in yours and Rob’s LG machines. I’ll say more later.

Thanks for getting back so quickly, Nick. See you soon!

Take care.

Regards,

Carl

 

[kirk280980]

Hi Nick,

Now your broadband is installed, you still have the best to come... four weeks' worth of posts to read through and catch up on!

Thanks for the info on the Soak option, while the LG user manual does mention it, as you would expect they don't go into too much detail about how it actually works. Your description is pretty much what I was hoping for, i.e. basically an extended wash cycle with somewhat reduced agitation during the soaking period. Seeing as the machine has a separate Prewash option too, with a pump-out before the main wash, it has both bases covered.

Synthetics spin cycles seem to vary from one manufacturer to the next, although I think as long as the load is cold by this point it shouldn't matter too much. Usually I find that any creases from the final spin will come right out in the heat of the dryer. Probably more important is the cooldown step at the end of the wash cycle, which prevents heat-set creases being formed during the first interim spin.

Shorter but deeper rinses sound good, I too never understood the point of a barely wet, sudsy load flapping around in the Zanussi for 10 minutes at a time while the recirculation pump continues to run dry. When that happens the clothes are just being agitated in their own suds, with the remaining foam being whipped up between the tub and drum which makes it even harder to remove. Sometimes a couple more litres of water is all it takes to rinse more effectively in less time, and does not constitute being wasteful when the alternative is running another complete rinse cycle.

As for the pump stopping and starting, I think you're right about this being a way for it to work out any debris that may be caught in the impeller. Fisher & Paykel top loaders do the same thing, according to their user manuals, to prevent strings of lint and foreign objects becoming stuck in the pump. That would make sense I guess, and I couldn't think of any other reason behind this.

Just re-read your first post, and noticed that you mention the LG is surprisingly quick at drying. Normally this is the achilles heel of washer dryers and the one area that tends to generate the most complaints, with people saying that they are slow and have a tendency to crease and tangle clothes. Just out of curiosity, are you finding the drying function to be adequate for your needs, or do you see a separate dryer appearing in the future?

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the machine and still having fun putting it through its paces!

Cheers for now,

Kirk

 

[carlstock]

Hello, Kirk!

Out of politeness, I should really say hello to you, so: "Hello, Kirik!"

You have probably seen me around. I have three Miele appliances (washer, dryer and fridge) and two Hotpoint ones (freezer and a dishwasher). The dishwasher is an Indesit-based one - not our choice as it was an insurance replacement!

The freezer is five years old, and I think it's the last of the decent Hotpoint UK-deisnged stuff. All of the Miele products are just a few months old.

I'll keave leave it there for now.

Take care.

Regards,

Carl

 

[kirk280980]

Hi Carl,

I think we've cross-posted on a few threads, but never been "formally introduced" so to speak LOL. Usually I mainly lurk in the background, only posting occasionally when I have something to add, but I do enjoy reading everyone else's posts.

Three Miele appliances, lucky fellow ). I'm guessing your Hotpoint freezer would be one of the Future models perhaps? Always liked those, really well designed and you could see Hotpoint were intending to give Zanussi and Bosch a run for their money. While the laundry and dishwashing products at the time were viewed with disdain by those in the business, we did like the refrigeration appliances and sold the heck out of them.

Currently have a Zanussi Jetsystem myself, which is just starting to act up after about six years of use. Heavy use at that, so for what it cost I guess it doesn't really owe me anything at this point. Also have a Bosch Classixx condenser dryer (generally good, but has a tendency to tangle large items), Bosch Logixx Automatic dishwasher (excellent) and Bosch Logixx frost-free fridge freezer (also excellent). Guess I really should update my profile with the current list!

Look forward to catching up with you again soon, so take care 'til then ).

Kirk

 

[carlstock]

Hi, Kirk.

Thanks for replying.

The Hotpoint freezer we have was in the Future range, but this particular one was one of the cheaper, Iced Diamond, models. (I’ve never understood why they’re called that! Can anyone enlighten me?! ) It’s a great freezer and sits right between -18°C and -21°C, which is perfect. I know because we have a wireless digital thermostat fitted!

I know this is obvious, but I can’t stress how great it is to just have an appliance like this that didn’t cost much but is nicely made and works perfectly – and it was made exactly 61 miles or so away! LOL (I’m so sad that I looked it up on Google Earth! LOL ) I didn’t have to go to Miele to get something good, although we had to go for a Miele fridge a few months ago because the Hotpoint (Indesit) we got nearly a year ago was a disaster.

I only wish Hotpoint could have carried on with producing these nice products, including decent washing machines, which I know were stating to go downhill somewhat around the turn of the Millennium.

Thanks again for replying. I’ll try to say more later.

Take care.

Regards,

Carl

 

[robm]

Hi Nick (and everyone else)!

This will be quick (been busy with move myself)

Thanks for the review on the LG, it's great to know what's out there. My sister has really used her LG and seems to be very happy with it.

I must call you sometime and give you an update on the Hotpoint 18580, which I love! It's brilliant and works like a treat.

Rob