Washing Machine Plumbing UK Members

[dascot]

Well, that machine doesn't have the super silent logos on it, and nor does Hotpoints website state that it is a super silent one. While those noise levels are quieter than some of the other Hotpoint machines, they are considerably higher than other machines on the market, so if sound level is important to you then you might want to look at others as well as the Hotpoint, particularly considering the spin noise level. My machine has a noise level of 70db when spinning, and I wouldn't really want anything much louder than that, and those Hotpoints are 83db.

However, I can say that one recent Hotpoint I've seen being used is relatively quiet except at high speed. I don't know what the official measurements for that model are, though.

 

[dascot]

One thing to bear in mind with reliability etc. is the electronics. Far more machines break down electronically than mechanically. This is prompted by having just seen my best mate complaining on facebook and twitter this morning that his Hotpoint machine has just had its third replacement main control board. He bought it in February, and is incredibly unimpressed.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

Dascot ... Pictures are for illustrative purposes only

This machine, just like every Hotpoint 8KG+ (and some 7KG like mine), features their brushless motor (they call it super silent), its not super silent, but its certainly quieter than their not brushless motor models. For instance during the spin, there's no high pitch whine or during the wash all you hear is the clothes falling.

Your mate must be very unlucky to have got through 3 boards all ready, mine is still as new 1year 3 months on, with no signs of any faults, touch wood in a years time it'll be still going strong. Generally all the newer ones are improved, as mentioned above. I guess his is an Aqualtis machine?

Remember other than Miele, only Hotpoint offer 10 years on parts.

 

[aquacycle]

Since when did Hotpoint offer 10 years on parts? They're all 5, aren't they? And it's parts only, labour not included.

Personally, I wouldn't touch anything that Indesit-Hotpoint or Candy-Hoover are throwing out but that's just me. On a budget, I'd always go Beko having had great experience with them. They're TOL machines with the chrome doors have induction motors. Failing that, it would be Bosch or Miele all the way.

15 months is nothing to boast about. It's practically still new. Try 15 years, that's more noteworthy

 

[washboy2005]

The higher spec models offered by Hotpoint now come with a 10 year parts warranty I believe. Other models are the standard 5 year parts only.

As stated previously our machines have been stated to have been trouble free so far during ownership. Not neccesarily a statement of overall longevity. Simply sharing our own personal experiences of owning and using modern Hotpoint machines as daily drivers.

I do love Beko machines too and they can't be faulted for the prices! However I'm personally a sucker for anything Hotpoint (always have been).

P.S.
Easiest way to check if its brushless, go to Currys and spin the drum by hand. You'll soon be able to tell if it's brushed or not!

Dan

 

[dascot]

Why would you assume it's an Aqualtis? It is a Futura 1400. And lasting just over a year is no great achievement, I have to say. I would expect nothing less from a machine.

Also, yes pictures are for illustration only, I do understand that. However, it doesn't state it has the super silent motor on the Hotpoint website. That's fine, and it may well have it, but I still think that the sound levels measured are a little on the high side for something that they call silent.

Like AquaCycle, I'm rather confused at your assertion about the 10 year parts warranty. It is a recent development (since 1st October as per link below) and Hotpoint are not the only company that does that, there are other companies that do as well, such as Bosch, LG, etc. on certain parts. We'll see how long they keep it up... Whirlpool used to offer 8 years, and that's been reduced to 5.

http://www.hotpoint.co.uk/10-year-parts-guarantee

 

[superelectronic]

Guarantees on parts

It seems odd to me that Hotpoint are offering 10 year parts guarantees (yes, indeed they are - it surprised me too) yet if you call them out for a repair, the cost is fixed-price including parts. It certainly was when I called them out to fix a 15-year-old machine!

Somehow the guarantee seems meaningless under those circumstances.

Parts may be guaranteed but that doesn't negate the high cost of calling out the manufacturer's service; calling out an independent engineer might mean a lower call-out fee but then you can't avail yourself of the free parts under guarantee!

 

[dascot]

That's the interesting point about these guarantees - the Labour is often the most expensive part, and the parts will often not be given for free unless the work is done by an authorised engineer.

In fact that is the case with Hotpoint. You cannot diagnose it yourself and get free parts, you have to have it done by a Hotpoint engineer.

http://www.hotpoint.co.uk/documents/11101/23810/Hotpoint+Guarantee+Terms+%26+Conditions.pdf/8965bbcb-94e7-469d-8353-d177b4767e61

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

Dascot, You've clearly got it in for Hotpoint. Do you actually own one? didn't think so.

Their online prices are for those who do not have the parts guarantee. those who didn't register. Of course you could book online, and pay those extraordinary rates, though phoning them up, you'll realise its a lot cheaper since you have the parts guarantee. Our machine came up for renewal, and wash only £68 to renew. that's parts & Labour covered for another year. (parts free obviously)

Dascot's link does explain what is included/not included yes, but all manufacturers are the same, they won't just sent free parts out to you in the post. All brands that offer a longer Parts guarantee (Candy, Samsung, LG etc) all state that the repair must be carried out by their engineers.

Talking of call out charges, there average for the manufacturers. All manufacturers rates are expensive compared to local repairers, but then you'll have to pay the local repairers for parts that go in, and then it could be the same, or actually more expensive.

We're not all able to fix our own machines ourselves, some need the support to do it, and Hotpoint 10 year parts, is as mentioned above, the only manufacturer (other than Miele to offer this). Their quality is certainly better, even over the previous round door models of Which the Futura is part of.

The SMART Featured in the link is a great machine, 10 year Parts & Their brushless motor installed. yes its 60.5cm deep, but as you say with pipes behind, it'll come out around 3 cm from you worktop, which is nothing.

Final note - couldn't find on Hotpoints facebook page any note about a machine being repaired 3 times (the same part) within 7 months of ownership. Clearly there is wrong with the machine, take it back to Curry's, and get the to replace it, they have to - its not fit for purpose. They could even replace it with the SMART model instead, and no more flaws, for hopefully touch wood 10 years.

Aqua cycle, you'll be very lucky if Beko goes to 15 years. Did you see the news article about the person that was killed by one of their products? They are to date has the worst record of problems. (even more than Hotpoint).

Anyway. All that aside I hope your new machine & home is great, send us pictures please, let us know how it all goes

 

[aquarius1984]

3 cm is nothing?

It is everything when you have just spent 6k on a new utility room and a protruding machine spoils the look of the units

 

[dascot]

Mat - I don't "have it in" for Hotpoint, and whilst I don't own one now I have owned several in the past, each of which had their problems. I wouldn't buy one now until there's been a fair amount of time with better electronic and mechanical reliability. You, on the other hand, appear to see nothing wrong with them and would defend them against anything. Fair enough, that's your opinion, and I disagree.

My mate is currently in discussion with the retailer they purchased the machine from - Hotpoint have said they won't replace it, so going through retailer to see what they can offer. They're not interested in a replacement Hotpoint though, they don't want the hassle.

Sticking out a little bit from the cabinets / worktop may not be a problem for some, but it could be for others. It may, for instance, stop cabinet doors from opening. We don't know what aeg03's set up is in the kitchen and it's up to him if he minds the machine sticking out.

 

[BoschExxcel]

Tbh I wouldn't want a Hotpooint or any other machine for that matter for 10 years.

My Whirlpool has a 5 year parts warranty. Depending if and when it goes wrong, and what actually breaks, I'll just chuck it and get a Bosch.

 

[dascot]

And therein lies a problem with society these days - chuck it and get a new one instead of repairing or keeping things running.

Sorry, BoschExxcel, that's not meant to get at you - I just get really frustrated with seeing fairly new machines chucked at the tip and the like because they're not made to last.

 

[BoschExxcel]

No I understand. I'm the same, I hate wastage and certainly wouldn't chuck it if there was just a minor problem. I'd probably sell it on eBay for a few pence. Or strip it for parts.

Unfortunately my dads Whirlpool has shot bearings and the machine is 8 years old, so it's time for a new one. He wouldn't let me sell it or keep it! New machine arrives on Friday.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

Quote: "I just get really frustrated with seeing fairly new machines chucked at the tip and the like because they're not made to last."

Exactly the reason why choosing a machine with a 10 year guarantee is going to prevent this risk.

 

[BoschExxcel]

But people aren't going to pay a high fee for an engineer to come out though? I certainly wouldn't one a 4+ year old machine!

 

[dascot]

I think, for the most part, people will begrudge paying high manufacturers call out fees. A five year p&l warranty would suit most folk better than ten year parts only.

 

[aeg03]

It's definately a brushless motor. Let's not have a debate about it.

Sorry to hear your friend was unlucky with his machine. But on a positive note, my friend has 7 year old Indesit that still works fine today. It's a little noisy and shakes a fair bit like Indesits do, but she's not needed a repairman out to it yet. My parents bought an Indesit tumble drier back in 2004 or 2005 and it's working as it did when they first got it. This flatshare has an Indesit condenser which is just over 1 year old so I guess it's too early to say anything about that.

I've definately decided on the Hotpoint. Beko is very good too but I have a Beko in my flatshare and I just want to get away from it and everything in this flat. The Hotpoints just feel better constructed than their Indesit counterparts.

One thing I want to point out is that I saw a couple of new Hotpoints in the shops with their drawers not quite aligned flush with the fascia. I'm aware the slightly 'older' ones had it and wondered if it's been modified or if it's an issue with manufacture that they haven't picked up on. I wish I'd taken a pic of the detergent drawer!

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

Mine fits flush!

The earlier models with the swivel drawer had a few problems, but now they've changed it by adding runners in the drawer so it clicks in place when closed, to make it fit flush.

 

[aeg03]

Hi Glenfieldmathk1,

I noticed when I went into John Lewis Oxford Street after work the other day and Currys Wembley, there was no click when I shut the drawer and there was a bit sticking out at the bottom.

I really must take a pic next time I go to a shop.