Russell Hobbs 12 Minute Wash Cycle Machine

Supermarket chain Asda have launched a Russell Hobbs branded washing machine with plans to clean up after launching the world’s fastest washing machine which it is claimed will do a wash load laundry in just 12 minutes.

The appliance costs around £250 and washes, rinses and spins a 7kg load of lightly soiled clothes (which means worn once, not next to skin) in the time it takes to cook a ready-made pizza.

Its makers reckon the device would save the average family six months of washing time over five years.

The machine is two minutes faster than the previous record holder launched by Beko three years ago.

Russell Hobbs says its super-speed wash programme is down to a twin jet system that pumps water and detergent into the clothes through two nozzles instead of one.

Bosses also say it cuts energy use by a third and reduces the water in its cycle by 15% which doesn’t really mean much, 15% of what?

But please, if you are thinking on buying a new washing machine just to get a fast wash cycle time, read our article on wash times in buying advice first before you even go into a store.

But consumer group Which? said: “In our experience, quick programmes tend to use more energy than standard washes because they have to heat the water faster. Quick washes aren’t factored into the energy rating on an appliance.”

Three models are set to go on sale at ASDA who we think actually own the Russell Hobbs brand name. So far as we can gather these are actually cheap machines made in China by Wallmart, Asda’s parent company. Therefore the durability or reliability is unknown but suspect.

The store’s Nicky Cox said: “This incredible range, currently the speediest in the land, will help families save time, energy and money.”

31st March 2011

Update, here’s a review of the machine by the Daily Mail that confirms what we keep telling people about these quick washes. Which is, they are not going to do what people think they will or what they are all too often marketed as being.