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Hi everyone this is my first post here. I found this forum when searching reviews for washing machines and fridge freezers. I am moving house a week tomorrow and need to get a new washing machine and a new fridge freezer. My current washing machine will have to be left in the flat or I would have to buy a replacement to leave here if I want to take it with me.
It’s an AEG Lavomat 608. It has served us well since we inhereted it 7 years ago (not sure how old it is exactly but my guess is at least 20) over the past year or so it has been cleaning less efficiently and developed a mouldy smell. I’m thinking it really needs to be replaced /or serviced and repaired now 🙁 I could get it repaired and take it with me suppose but them i would be out of pocket for a new machine (to leave in the current flat) as well as as the repair bill.
But the big issue is that due to moving costs and having to buy a fridge freezer / gas cooker and a washing machine (not to mention kids room furniture and a new sofa as the old one is too big to get through the doors in the new house!) we are a bit tight on budget. I would love to get something in the £600 + catagory but for the moment we simply can not afford to and I can’t do without a washing machine. I have been looking at the cheap washing machines and I’m thinking about getting a Zanussi ZWH7148P. The reviews I have read don’t seem too bad. Now don’t get me wrong – I am under no illusion this will last for many years. I am hoping for 2-3 years and then I will replace with a much better one (once my savings have been replenished). I do believe that you need to spend a decent amount of money for a decent machine.
So yeah my question would be – how awful is this machine really? Will i even get 2 years out of it? Does it offer too much for such a low price (1400 rpm spin and 7kg drum for £230) I don’t mind this price if I get a couple of years from it. Also if not is there anything of similar price that would be better. I know from reading the other posts that you guys always recommend a more expensive brand and model but I simply can not afford it right now. In a couple of years yes but not right now 🙁
Anyway your comments would be much appreciated before I part with cash. Thanks
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
The smell and also the ‘apparent ‘ poor performance is, in the main your fault .
Sort out these problems and take it with you, it will be quite likely to last you a few more years until you can afford something decent.
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
I did read up on smelly washing machines when the smell first started and have always made sure I do a really warm wash at least once a month if not more as i think towels and beddig need a warm wash. I’m not sure but I think the machine isn’t heating the water properly as about 80{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} of my washing is coming out still a bit dirty. If something has a stain it will not come out in the wash so I have to it to the laundrette (I go every once in a while for my duvets anyway). I never had this issue previously.
Not got the first clue about how a washing machine actually works but I’m guessing it has to heat the water inside the machine? We have an old style ‘tank’ boiler so the water in that isn’t always hot. If it takes water from there I suppose that might be an issue too.
I live in a soft water area and have always used powder. I have noticed that clumps of powder are left in the drawer after the wash sometimes too and i always use less than the box recommends due to the soft water. I always leave the door open, the drawer is spotless and gets washed every wednesday evening. I dont use fabric softener ever. the place its stored is very cold but there is nothing i can do to prevent that as the building is draughty with no insulation at all. My machine used to run great but now it’s not, I haven’t done anything different.
If I did take it with us I would need to convince my husband to leave a new machine here and take the old one with us ( not an easy task!) he’s been trying to get rid of the old one for ages as its very heavy on electricity. (About £1 per cycle off our prepay electricity meter!) well I’m assuming this is expensive but I suppose it could be average.
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
Pumpkinette wrote:So yeah my question would be – how awful is this machine really?
On a scale of 1(poor) to 10 (dreadful) on the ‘Wishywashyometer’ it’s reads…..wait one……..err?……….7
This, the latest generation, features a drain pump fixed to the welded tank and access to the filter trap inside the drum. So will quickly fall foul of those users that fail to check pockets for coins. And exciting fun can be had when fluff or those color catchers block the filter leaving it impossible to drain off the water and access the clothes as the door won’t open.
A masterpiece of technology and no mistake. But, that’s just my opinion after all. 😉
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
I did wonder why the filter was inside the drum. It looks a bit odd and now you have pointed out having no access to the filter if full of water I can see the issue. Damn. It was looking to me like the best of a bad bunch. We dont use the colour catcher things but sometimes small toys end up through the wash in this house! The joy if having a toddler- back to the drawing board then. I can see me having to sign up for a rubbish credit deal to get something half decent! And I really need to order something in the next 2 days.
Thanks for the info. 🙂
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
If the machine wasn’t heating it would not progress past that point in the wash.
If stains are not being removed it’s more than likely to be the detergent used and/or the cycle for what’s being washed.
At the age of that machine it will be a proper German AEG no doubt and a good quality machine but if it needs anything parts are liable to be expensive if available at all. Whether it’s worth a lot of effort is a personal choice.
To get the same sort of quality now, start looking very North of £800 for a machine as good. Anything less won’t hold a candle to it IMO.
K.
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
Pumpkinette wrote:I did wonder why the filter was inside the drum.
Yep! Classic 21st century design error. I’m pleased I put you wise to it and no doubt saved you a lot of heartache. 😀
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
So just had a chat with the husband about the washing machine situation. He’s still not keen on taking the old one with us as he thinks its ‘done’ :rolls:
We have however redistributed the budget a bit so have another £100 to the washing machine pot. I have been looking at the LG F1289 as it comes with a 10 year warranty on the motor. It’s a direct drive – whatever that is. And the videos on you tube show it running very quietly. I have been searching through the forums and it does seem like some of the LG washing machines get some faults. I have never had a washing machine with a digital display before – are they bad?
So yeah again on the whishywashometer is this one really awful or just poor?
Sorry to keep asking but I really need to get something sorted ASAP.
Thanks again.
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
Pumpkinette wrote:So yeah again on the whishywashometer is this one really awful or just poor?
Even worse at 8 🙁
10 yr motor warranty a joke as the drum bearings behind the motor fail long before the motor gives any trouble. Lots of problems with vibration and after sales service sparodic in many areas of the UK.
What’s your 3rd choice I wonder?
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
I don’t really have a third choice yet. Maybe a Hotpoint Ultima WMUD962G? Bosch WAE24061GB? Not read too much about these ones yet though.
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
And now to throw a spanner in the works I have just spotted a Miele on my local gumtree for £75. It’s described as in excellent condition but at that price there has to be a catch. I am awaiting an email back to see how old it is. What do you reccon. Too risky buying of gumtree?
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
I’m thinking that my colleagues first advice (iadom) is your best option after all! 😉
Re: Zanussi ZWH7148P – how bad is it really?
I trust that by this time the problem of buying a new washing machine has been sorted out.
I am surprised that nobody has pointed out that AEG (whom you appear to worship as being the be all and end all of washing machine manufacturers) and Zanussi are basically the same company namely Electrolux.
My German friends also have mentioned that AEG in its home country is not a make which is particularly well regarded.
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