Sealed Tubs

Re: Sealed Tubs

Hotpoint model WF340G/WE and most new Hotpoint production. Sealed drum part number 1605490. list price £132.12 ex vat.

I have been informed of Indesit and Zanussi models using sealed drums as well.

Jim.

Re: Sealed Tubs

I was trying to look out some model numbers, but the info is a bit scratchy at the moment. The pictures on all current production machines show split tubs, but sealed are arriving.

I was in the Factory in Porcia 2 weeks ago, and I can confirm all laundry is now being produced with a sealed tub. That is the new “HEC” range with a removable front, as well as the split cabinet we have seen for the last 16 years. Ironic really, as soon as they produce a removable front so the engineer can be looking at the bolt heads, they do away with them.

We are now finding if we order a tub front, or tub rear on some of the older split cabinet models, we get a sealed tub/drum. Need to replace the rear weight in some cases as they don’t fit the new tub.

So, we get insurers telling us to keep costs down and fit bearings, and now it is a whole tub change. If fixed priced servicing takes off, it will cost repairers a bomb.

We already have had 2 U/G with a bra wire trapped that wont come out.

Seems to be the trend these days, and the waste mountain will get even higher.

Alex

Re: Sealed Tubs

I would love to display a warning on my site about all the washing machines with sealed tubs. If people stopped buying them they’d stop making them. I wouldn’t say don’t buy one, but I think people should at least know the potential consequenses and make an informed decision.

Re: Sealed Tubs

Alex wrote:In an ideal world, but does the customer really care.

That’s why I specifically said I wouldn’t try to tell people not to buy them, if they are happy that it’s a fair price to pay for cheap machines then that’s up to them. But to find out if they care or not they need to at least know.

Most of them are naive and just keep accepting lower and lower prices without questioning how it’s achieved. The current situation is that there are only a few sealed tubs, it’s not a foregone conclusion that all washing machines will go the same way. It’s one of the things the ISE is fighting and if people can see the ISE can be stripped down and bearings knocked out for x amount but a similarly priced washing machine would have to be scrapped they may vote with their feet.

[edited once to remove an errant apostrophe and the second time to add this explanation as it looks a bit dodgy once someone’s replied]

Re: Sealed Tubs

I feel a little let down that Which? and other consumer groups don’t seem to be challenging the situation. They, like much of the public lament the throwaway society we currently have but appear to just accept it as inevitable which it isn’t. They should be championing products that stand up and expose themselves to lower sales figures by channelling more money into reparability or longevity than in superficial benefits with hidden strings attached.

The way I see it there are 3 choices for the public. Accept the much cheaper prices – and the consequences, buy proper washing machines where if they still want bigger drums and faster spins cost £700 – £800 and more, or try the ISE. The ISE isn’t cheap, so they need to be assured it will last a lot longer than all the other normal washing machines. Part of the assurance is that it’s much more repairable by their local repairman just like in the old days with Hoover and Hotpoint washing machines. But another part is that they would get reasonable help to keep one going themselves if they are so inclined and up to the job. If an ISE customer repairs cars or is an electrician etc. he’s as much right to try and fix it himself than all of us have to try and fix our own lawnmower or shower – because we can. No one should have to pay a “professional” if they are capable of fixing something themselves – none of us in the whitegoods trade would, and it’s a bit hypocritical to try to deny others the same.