New washing machine for slightly uneven floor

[EasyCareEveryTime]

Hi,

I’m looking for advice on what to replace my ailing machine with, for my 3 future tenants (after I move out of my place).

Current machine is about 12 years old – Neff (W5320XOGB) / 6kg max load, 1200 max rpm, integrated. It was in the house when I moved in and over the 7 years I’ve been here (single occupancy) it’s been fine, but over the last couple of years it has become noisier, vibrates more, and on a rare occasion will try to walk out from under the counter (with large unbalanced loads). :zap:

An additional issue is that both the wooden plinth supporting the machine, and the kitchen floor (linoleum on floorboards) are not level (by about 8mm), which may be contributing to the vibrations (machine is leveled at least). I don’t know how much the uneven plinth is contributing to the vibrations, but suspect the age of the machine is the main cause so think replacement will solve the issue (and I also don’t want to go above 1200rpm because of this). If there’s still an issue post purchase, I will get the plinth sorted (and would have needed a new machine anyway).

Having read the buying guide and few other articles and posts here, I’m looking at a simple, durable mid range machine, £400-£600, but wary of buying a tarted up cheap machine (brand-bingo etc). Current frontunners are AEG L61271BI Built-In & Zanussi ZWI71201WA Integrated-> both have 1200 rpm (I don’t want to go higher given floor situation). What do you guys think – are there some better options I’m missing in this price range? Should I care about the RPM anyway? (I like the Bosch Serie 6 WIW28300GB but it has 1400rpm…).

I guess I could remove the plinth to increase options, but worried it may lead to floor damage/vibration, and/or unhappy neighbours downstairs (I’m in a top floor flat).

Also, and possibly a stupid question – do all suppliers typically offer a disposal service? I know John Lewis & AO do, so have only looked at their ranges so far.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[kwatt]

Re: New washing machine for slightly uneven floor

AEG/Zanussi = Electrolux Group

Same thing pretty much, wrapping difference. Not the worst for sure but no better or worse than most else in the same price band.

On a suspended floor, that uneven I suspect that whatever you go for you’re probably going to have issues. Floorboards are a bit hit and miss as it can resonate and get worse depending on the layout.

To get a similar quality to your old Neff now you’d be looking at Miele ( 😥 ) and if it has to be integrated that’s outside the budget you have. To get better and smoother than that you probably won’t want to know if that’s possible now with integrated at all.

The best thing you can do is probably to ditch the integrated idea, chop the plinth and put a freestander in as you’ll get more/better for the same money and you lose a clutch of problems as well.

In any event though, if you put one in and it bounces then the flooring is almost 100{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} sure the issue and nobody will want to know as, it’s not a problem with the machine and probably not covered by warranty as it’s an installation issue.

If it were me, I’d find a good local independent and ask for advice explaining the situation and they will usually do their best to get you the best solution.

AO et all, probably won’t give a monkey’s….

K.

[EasyCareEveryTime]

Re: New washing machine for slightly uneven floor

Hi K,

Thanks for such a quick and thoughtful response!

Stupid question, but by “local independant”, I assume you mean a local independant domestic applicance repair/install company?

I guess their expertise will include uneven floors/plinths etc, and I won’t need to involve a carpenter here.

Thanks again!

[kwatt]

Re: New washing machine for slightly uneven floor

Yes, that’s what I meant, a local appliance retailer would probably be the best bet.

K.

[thekeymurphy]

Re: New washing machine for slightly uneven floor

Agree with the above. Best to seek some independent advice for. Also, as you’re not living there anymore, it probably doesn’t matter if it has to be free-standing right?

However, if it got down to a decision between the two, I’ve had nothing but good experiences with Zanussi – although appreciate they’re both under Electrolux!

[Author]

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