Recommendations please – Miele/Siemens/Bosch?

I have read these forums with appreciation and interest for the past year, and thank all that have made it possible, founder, moderators and posters. This is my first post.

I am in a dilemma of sorts. My AEG Lavamat 2005 Turbo washer-dryer was bought in 1983 and for the past two years leaks when initially filling water for a wash. After the cycle has started, the leak stops. Upon inspectoon, the bottom is rusting and I guess the outer drum must have sprung a leak. No complaints. In all these years it has had to be repaired just once, in 1993, for a new pump. It still washes fine, but I have to mop up after every wash so guess I should buy a new energy efficient machine.

If it rains it pours. My 10 year old Bosch dishwasher SMS9022 is playing cat and mouse. After reading the dishwasher forum, I suspect there may be a blockage in the inlet hose. It works but I have to stop/start the float valve trigger every time the side tank fills to enable the machine to fill with water. I debated whether it was worthwhile getting it repaired or moving on and buying a new one.

So here is the dilemma. I have always believed that paying extra for quality generally leads to reliability. The two machines above are testament to that since they have served me well. I expect a machine to last at least ten years, any extra is a bonus. Given that – a £1000 washing machine works out to £100 a year, or less than £10 a month. For that I get quality and reliability and a amchine taht does the work without my chasing down after-sales service departments. Equally, a £500 top end dishwasher works out at less than £50 a year – I spend more for a meal out sometimes.

The biggest mistake I made 24 years ago was to go for a washer-dryer in order to save space. I never used the drying facility because it cost a huge amount in electricity and took forever and ever for half the wash load. The result was a rotary line in the garden and an airer all these years. So this time I am going to get rid of a hostess trolley and make space for a dedicated condenser dryer. People I know who use one wonder how I manage without. I feel the same way about washing machines, dishwasher, TVs, DVD players, cars and iPods, so I know what they must mean, and would like to experience instant dry clothes!

I have budgeted £1,500 to £1,800 for three machines. A washing machine, a condenser dryer and a dishwasher. I know that sounds like a lot, and it is! But these are machines I would use everyday. I don’t believe in getting the top top most model in any range, but not far off. I have shortlisted three manufacturers who have ready parts and service engineers in the UK, Miele, Siemens and Bosch.

So here is the dilemma – Should I go for:

Washing machines – Budget around £700

MIELE 1716 – 1600 spin speed 6kg capacity – around £700
SIEMENS WM16S794GB – 1600 spin speed 7kg capacity – around £700
BOSCH WAS32466GB – 1600 spin speed 8kg capacity – around £500

Condenser Dryers – Budget around £500

SIEMENS WT46S598 – 7kg capacity – around £500
BOSCH WTS86516 – 7kg capacity – around £400

Dishwasher – Budget around £500

SIEMENS SE26T551 – around £500
BOSCH SGS65L28GB – around £400
BOSCH SGS69L18GB – around £400

It is very important to have at least a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty, which only Miele and Siemens currently provide. But Bosch regularly have promotions and I can wait a month or two for this. All the machines do what I want them to do… wash clothes and dishes. So what makes one so much more expensive than the other in this price range? The build quality and features seem identical. Is the Miele a cut above the other washing machines at the same price? Is a £500 dishwasher better than a £300 Siemns/Bosch machine?

I have shopped around and have been offered over £200 discount for an all Siemens package including which I think is an excellent deal- All for £1600 including fitting and disposal of my two old machines:
SIEMENS washing machine WM16S794GB / SIEMENS tumble dryer WT46S598 / SIEMENS dishwasher SE26T551

But a similar Bosch deal works out saving me £400. And am I being foolish not going for a Miele similarly priced package?

I toyed with integrated and semi, but decided after reading the forums that one is paying hard earned money for cosmetics that is better spent on a good machine. The ISE 10 sounds good, but that will not be launched until later in the year and is priced similar to the range I have listed.

Any professional advice would be greatly appreciated.

~~ViShVa~~