Zanussi ZWF16581W

[aeg03]

Hi,

Due to the issue I have with my AEG OKO Lavamat 72640 thumping about every so often. It seems the machine is possibly dangerous and cannot be left unattended. There is some programming issue now which is a shame but after 9 years, I think its provided excellent service.

I have seen a Zanussi ZWF16581W which is at a great price of £359. I like the look of this machine and its silent and has the jet-system which my AEG has. Its had good reviews online.

What are others opinions on this machine and has anyone had any experience with this washer.

Thanks.

 

[aegokocarat]

Take a good look.........

Because i had a nasty experience with zanussi and i was not impressed, i wouls definantly shop about incase you find a better washer
Tom

 

[ronhic]

My experience is the opposite.

We have 2 Zanussi machines.

One is a 'XC' style Jetsystem that is at my folks coast house having been our daily driver and the other is a 'Westinghouse' badged version of the machines John Lewis sell under their own badge.

Both have worked brilliantly and continue to do so.

The Westinghouse we bought in early 2006. This machine has done 20+ loads a week for 3 years before one suspension strut had to be done - that's 9yrs work! It continues to do 10 a week which makes it mechanically about 12 years old.

May I also suggest that you check out some of the Beko machines....their quality has improved markedly over the last 7 years (as I said it would) and they have several Which? 'Best Buy' recommended models at around GBP230....

 

[aeg03]

My experience of Electrolux products has been good. Our AEG has been strong for 9 years and our Zanussi fridge freezer and chest freezer in garage have been trouble free.

It's looking likely that we will for this machine as I really like it a lot. I don't like to change to another brand so will keep Beko out of the search but I did consider Miele, but money is a but tight at the moment. I also saw on YouTube a Beko using such low levels of water for the rinses, the user didn't seem too happy with it. I like the Jetsystem as it uses low amounts of water but jet washes the load and so do the drum paddles lift water and shower the clothes further.

 

[ronhic]

Fair enough and I can't blame you for being loyal after a good run.

 

On the note of low level rinses, we all know that they can be effective, jet-system or not....Which? and Australian Choice tests for rinse effectiveness by measuring the amount of a specific trace element left behind in the water after a high speed extraction of the load...that's about as good as you can get for finding out which ones do a good job.

 

I'd take that as a better indication than anyone (ok, forum members accepted) who has posted on youtube.

 

Interestingly, Miele machines here are only considered 'average' for rinse effectiveness....

 

[lavamat_jon]

I have a soft spot for Beko's... although the one we had that came with the flat wasn't too generous with water - It would top up maybe once and that was it - alright for average loads but meant you had to wash either 1/2 to 3/4 loads of towels, or wash on the Intensive cycle which took 2h45...  I know a couple people with the same machine (WM5120) and they have the same issues with large loads.  Apart from that, it was brilliantly programmed - cycle times didn't take the p**s, option of a long intensive 2h45-3h, standard 2hr, or quick 1h10 cycles.  The only thing I really didn't like on it apart from the water issue was that you couldn't select Quick Wash and Extra Rinse at the same time, but that is just me being picky...

 

However this was with a basic model - from what I've heard the ones with higher capacity and digital displays are quite good value for money and don't suffer from the water issue.  I'd have one of the more high-spec models in a heartbeat if I was shopping in the ~@250 price range, you get a lot more quality and features for your money than other competitor brands.  Landlords seem to swear by them, they are common as muck in rental flats...

 

Saying that, once I installed my old faithful machine in I really noticed the difference in laundry - but then I'd be worried if there wasn't one giving the £400 retail price gap between the Beko and the machine I have now...

 

Jon

 

[aeg03]

So do U guys think I should consider a Beko then? I do like the look of the Beko machines with digital display.

 

[aegokocarat]

yep defenantly look at the beko line!
Tom

 

[ultimafan]

call me a snob but....

Replacing an AEG for a Beko? Something I probably wouldn't consider. I quite like AEG's wash action, and would go for one over a Zanussi.

The AEG lasted 9 years...is that good or bad though?

I'd have gone for a ProTex, they aren't so bad (though I can't stand the design of the door, as it resembles a Haier)

 

[lavamat_jon]

I probably didn't make myself clear...

If you have a limited budget then yes the digital Bekos would be the option I'd go for, although there are better machines but you'll pay more for it.

 

At the end of the day I'd go for what machine you feel comfortable with/suits your needs the best, do a bit of research etc before rushing to replace - brand X will always please person Y but not necessarily person Z.

 

Jon

 

[aeg03]

I think this Zanussi machine has a similar wash action to the AEG I have. The drum has a dual action on the wash cycle. It just appears the Zanussi doesn't do the spin rinses, but it seems the newer AEG don't so this anymore I saw a Protex AEG and didn't like the feel of it, the quality def isn't the same as the AEG I have in my kitchen. The Zanussi in the other hand appears solid for the price.

This machine appears to be Italian made and looking on the Zanussi web site it's discontinued as not shown on the current line up. I'm wondering if all the machines in the website are made in Thailand?

 

[aquarius1984]

is reliability really a key factor in this?

Considering that the AEG in question has seemingly given you nothing but trouble judging by the threads made about this that or the other going wrong with it I am wondering about your loyalty and what its based upon?

9 years is good for a machine these days but what with your suspension issues, blocked pumps, broken pumps, door glass being etched and balancing issues I doubt id want another one from the same manufacturer.

Saying that I have seen some of your favourites on youtube and because you "Favourite" a lot of videos of machines that are broken, breaking or playing up Id say go ahead and get another AEG if thats what your looking for. Whom knows you may get lucky and have one that constantly breaks on you.

I think some good advice has been given here about reliable machines and what is good, good luck in your decision making and I hope you get what you are looking for.

Rob

 

[ultimafan]

Rob I was trying to say that earlier...

I was going to say that it lasted 9 years, which seemed long considering todays market, but didn't want to get slated for saying that!

Although refering to the previous posts, I'm sure I saw a ZWF16581 or similar model spin rinsing on youtube? It's been removed now, but it did act like an AEG. Personally I feel warned off over the repair costs, as many faulty Zanussis of this range have gone on eBay as it is too expensive to repair, not sure about AEG though.

 

[aeg03]

Of course reliability is a factor! Who wants a machine thats always breaking down

I am not sure what relevance there is in me favouriting broken/breaking down machines on Youtube has to do with this post and why it was mentioned!!! I was asking about any user experiences with the Zanussi ZWF16581W machine. It seems that no one is able to provide any user experience on this particular model, so perhaps I should just refer to reviews online.

In todays market with the vast varietes of machines, it makes choosing a machine difficult but will go the one that suit our needs.

 

[aegokocarat]

well, youve had my oppinion of zanussi

 

[aquarius1984]

relevance

Well I was trying to understand why you were asking about Zanussi machines when its clear your not happy with the one you have. I honestly have not seen you post anything other than threads informing us of its issues.

Have also noticed the same pattern in your posting at Vacland regarding your Dyson and its problems.

I would say save your money for now and enjoy the machine you have, unless you save it from the tip and keep it you may not get to enjoy the new one like you have enjoyed this one.

 

[ultimafan]

@aeg03

Reliability is important for any machine, and yeah it's hard trying to get a good reliable model, apart from stating the obvious and going for a Miele.

As I said, there were videos of a ZWF16581 but they've been removed, the wash action is fair, but there were threads in the past about these Zanussis and the question of their reliability.

According to reevoo, it has mostly good reviews scoring overall a 8.9/10, with users rating between 3/10 to 9/10 (with the user rating it the lowest due to noisy spinning, but could be a one off).

http://www.reevoo.com/p/zanussi-zwf16581#reviewSummaryHeader

 

[fl1012]

Zanussi will be fine.

9 years from the AEG is a good run. Admitedly though, several cheaper Zanussis of the same era are still working (the XC range) so i do question in hindsight whether AEG is worth the extra money.

Short of spending a fortune on a Miele, which themselves seem to be getting an increasing number of quality/fault complaints on appliance forums, i'd say the Zanussi is one of the best options. If you were considering one of the recently-launched models i'd be more wary as theyve not proved themselves yet, but that older model should do upto 5 years which is pretty much all you can expect from most machines now.

Beko are a good option on a budget but i still think their higher end stuff seems more problem-prone to the basic stuff & wouldn't go over £250 for one. Zanussi still seems a little bit better, if not by THAT much.

An unusual alternative to the norm would be Gorenje. Theyre only sold through smaller outlets rather than Currys, Comet, etc, but most/all have a minimum 2 year warranty at Zanussi prices and at least match the quality.

You may be very limited in your choice by the desire to have something with a waterjet/jetsystem, though i don't blame you for wanting another machine with that function. Therefore to me, the easiest option without any compromises probably would be the Zanussi.

Liam

 

[aegokocarat]

I know that zanussi's compact washers are proving themselves to be half'n'half
one review said that the water pressure has to be low otherwise they shoot water out of the soap drawer. thats why i orderd my candy aquamatic because all the reviews i read gave the machine good feedback.