Help choosing new integrated washing machine

[admin]

I’m looking for a new fully integrated washing machine and could do with any recomendations.

My own thoughts initially were for a Baumatic BTWM4, mainly due to the 5 year parts manufacturers warranty. Howver it is only a 1000rpm spin model and has mediocre efficiency ratings (assuming that they do offer any useful guide to performance!)

I’ve also spotted a Creda IW160V and SMEG WM16AAA, which are both 1600 rpm machines and triple A rated.

Is the triple A/1600 rpm worth the extra outlay or would a more basic machine with the additional warranty be the better bet.

I’m in the Scottish Borders – TD5 7RD – so would prefer to buy mail order, so any retailer recomendations would also be appreciated.

[kwatt]

Personally, form the choices given, I’d go with the Smeg without doubt.

Be wary of the spin speed thing, there’s an article I wrote about that in the “Articles & Help” section of the site, as spin speeds can be very misleading. Anything above 1000rpm, in my opinion, means little more water extracted but a lot more creases that can make ironing a bit of a chore. 😉

K.

[admin]

Re: Help choosing new integrated washing machine

Thanks for the lead to the article, it certainly opened my eyes!

Is you preference for Smeg due to reliability, ease of servicing or something else? I am drawn to the Baumatic additional warranty but the forums do suggest that their attitude to 3rd party servicing/maintenance is poor.

I’ve not had a brilliant record with washing machines – my last one lasted 3 years before the motor went up in flames, and I’ve been through 5 machines in 12 years. Then again I have been basing my previous choices on price rather than quality! I’m trying my best not to make the same mistake this time 🙂

[kwatt]

The Smeg ones we’ve had the odd issue with, but it is rare and, let’s face it, as service agents we only see the ones that are a problem. 😉

However, based on what I know is out there on some builing sites we service on, the problems are very minimal.

K.

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