Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

[Bob Ashdown]

I’m in the market for a combined washer/dryer.
I was hoping to spend £350-£500 although if necessary I could go a bit more.
As we are a family of 5 the washer side of the machine will see a lot of use but the dryer will only see occasional use.
I’m not bothered about multiple programs, special features and digital displays, they won’t get used and I assume they are just more things to go wrong.
Any makes/models to look out for or avoid?
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks
Bob

[Bob Ashdown]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

What about any of these?
http://www.johnlewis.com/Electrical/Was … tType.aspx

[farmboy]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Well, out of that lot, the Miele would be the best but obviously is over your budget (but you get what you pay for), the Zanussi, AEG, Tricity & John Lewis stuff all come from the same factory so apart from some differing features & program options will be pretty much the same so go for the cheapest, otherwise the Bosch would be a good choice.

However with a family of 5, unless lack of space is an issue then I would seriously consider separate washing machine & dryer, they will be far more reliable.

[Bob Ashdown]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Thanks for the prompt reply 😀

Unfortunately I haven’t got the room for a seperate washer and dryer.

I mentioned John Lewis as I rate their customer service and price promise but I’m not tied to them. If I were to shop elsewhere what other makes should I look for?

Would it help if I upped my budget to £600?

Anyone else want to add their opinion?

Thanks
Bob

[Martin]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Bob Ashdown wrote:Anyone else want to add their opinion?

Oh yes Bob but don’t tempt me beyond adding this:-

That if you asked the majority of current owners of any brand of washer/dryer…. “Would you buy another washer/dryer?” the overwhelming reply would be no!

They are innefficient, unreliable and takes a good 3 hours at least to wash and dry half a load of towels (another 90 mins to dry a full load of towels)…. 🙁

I’m stuck to think of any plus points about them to be honest 🙄

Oh yes…at least they are space saving 🙂

Buy one if you really really cannot fit a seperate dryer in the garage that is?

[Bob Ashdown]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Another prompt reply, thanks Martin. 😀
Definately haven’t got room for a tumble dryer 🙁
Our 20 year old Zanussi washer/dryer has finally packed uo (noisy bearings, noisy motor, program switch hard to turn) the dryer function hasn’t worked for the last 8 years 🙁
For the last 8 years we’ve been relying on the outside washing lane and the inside clothes airer 😳
If we got a washer/dryer then the dryer function would only get used as a last resort when we couldn’t use the above two methods. I don’t mind it being a little inefficient.
I suppose we might be able to get by with just a washining machine.

Anyone else, the more the merrier! 😛

[Goatboy]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Bob Ashdown wrote:For the last 8 years we’ve been relying on the outside washing lane and the inside clothes airer 😳

Of course you don’t need a W/D. That method of drying is probably quicker! 😉

I recommend the Bosch/Siemens to my customers. But before that, like most engineers, I say…

Don’t get a washer/dryer!

Bosch – WVT1260
Siemens – WXD1260

Ps. If your having a look at them two, spot the difference.

[don]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

I think you can gather by the comments we do not recommend washer dryers. If it is the only option available to you, then, with a budget of £600 I would go for either the Bosch WVT1260 or the WXD1260 both from the same stable, both come with a two year guarantee, German built and good back up.

HTH

Don

[Goatboy]

Hi Don :wave:

[Bob Ashdown]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

After reading all of your posts we’ve decided to take your advice and avoid a washer/dryer.
We want to buy a washing machine and carry on drying our clothes as we have been doing.
So that leads me to my next question, Can you recommend any washing machine manufacturers and if possible the model numbers please?
We’ve reverted back to our original budget of £350-£500.

[Penguin45]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Hi Bob,
Sensible choices of washers……. Let’s do this one first:

http://www.iseappliances.co.uk

This is our own one, a sensible upper mid-range appliance with an excellent support package.

Others to consider are the Seimens/Bosch machines – the £400 plus range are generally very good.

Another £100 takes you up to the Meile machines, which are the Mercedes Benz of the washer world.

In all honesty, there’s not much else I could recommend.

There are washer/dryers which will dry your clothes – the current Zanussi machines work well within the limitations of being a combination appliance, but there is no way you’ll get 20 years out of one.

It might be an idea to consider a compact dryer for emergency use – they tuck into the odd corners and will do a remarkable amount of work when needed.

HTH,
Regards,
Penguin45.

[don]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

😳

Hi GB :wave:

[Bob Ashdown]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

I think I’m now heading in the right direction but I’d like to ask some more questions if I may. 😀

Bosch/Siemens reliabilty.
Here are some models and some typical prices.
Siemens WXLM148A £399
Siemens WXLM168 £499
Bosch Classixx WFL2067 £299
Bosch Exxcel WFX2468 £369
Bosch Exxcel WFX2868 £449

Should the dearer models be less prone to breakdown or are they just dearer ‘cos they have more functions? Is it possible to put them in order of reliabilty?

I also noticed a Miele W504 @ £499 just within my budget but it might not be suitable as it only has a 5kg load instead of the usual 6Kg.

And lastly the ISE
Where can I find out more about the spec, cost etc?

[don]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Hi Bob

Much of a muchness really. Bosch and Siemens are from the same stable ie BSH, service is covered by the same engineers and the build is about the same.

The Bosch models the WFL is a 1000 spin and 49 litres of water whereas the WFX are 1200 and 1400 spin with a 46 litre usage, with a two year guarantee.

The two Siemens quoted are again 1200 and 1400 but come with a five year guarantee.

Comparing between the two brands I would go with either the Bosch WFX2468 at £369 or the Siemens WXLM148A at £399.

At only £30 between the two I would plum for Siemens with the better guarantee.

Then you have at the top of your`e budget the Miele W500 which is the Rolls Royce of washing machines. Built to a much higher spec, will last and last. Dont be put off by the slightly smaller capacity, Miele believe in quality rather than quantity and with a 5 year guarantee too it would definately be my first choice overall.

HTH

Don

[Goatboy]

Re: Recommendations for a washer/dryer please.

Bob Ashdown wrote:And lastly the ISE
Where can I find out more about the spec, cost etc?

Here! 😀

Bob Ashdown wrote:Siemens WXLM168 £499

The ISE is the equivalent of that Siemens*, except for £499, you get the ISE, delivered and installed. I persume for the £499 you might get the Siemens delivered, but it won’t include installation. 😕

*Both are big drums, triple A rated and have a five year guarantee.

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