Washing machine – help with which one and integrated vs free standing

[Robbie Paulson]

Hi, I was looking for some buying advice and found this site.

I moved into a property a year ago and the integrated washing machine (Zanussi zki225) has just failed. Started looking for a replacement and am unsure what model to buy as there are so many people giving advice on best features, most economical and less chance of failing. Any help would be appreciated. Also, I do want to keep it integrated but that’s just down to aesthetics as I presumed the models will be the same, just slightly more expensive. Other than cost is there any other reason not to go for integrated?

How many people are using the machine?
2 Adults

How many loads of washing per day are you doing roughly?
About 3 full loads a week although we tend to do half loads rather than full. So, maybe 1 full and 4 half.

Do you line dry or use a tumble dryer?
Use an inside airer with a dehumidifier. Have owned washer/dryers for at least 10 years and can’t remember ever using a dryer.

Do you have size limits to what you can fit?
There Zanussi fits snug with no space on the side. There is space above and below. I’m presuming a non-integrated would also fit in this space and I just have to mess about with the kickboard.

Have you any special needs?
Suffer from hayfever and allergic to dust so would like to wash a double duvet regularly. Feel like the Zanussi is a bit too small for this as I hate the idea of overloading.

What sort of budget you have.
Happy to pay up to about £700 but any more I would feel its overkill for what I would use.

Thanks
Roberto

[andyjawa]

I wouldn`t pay anymore than 300 quid for any washing machine as there is no golden egg make out there and it certainly won`t be a Zanussi or a J Lewis: Miele perhaps but you`ll pay through the nose when they screw up which they do plus as far as I remember they only have 2 years warranty at somewhere near that price. Now that washing machines go up to £3800 so really if you base the argument on a typical UKwhite goods approach to things, 700 quid is small spons in the scheme of things mind you to spend nearly 4000 on a washing machine should really get you a pink certificate and a doctors report.
What make? To be frank you take pot luck these days even some of the cheaper Chinese made machines can now be very good value for money, e.g. Hisense but your problem might in future years be obsolete premature spares. Built-in definitely shy away from, always buy free standing appliances. I do not recommend any Bosch / Siemens washing machines these days. How about an Indesit 8kg load My Time series for less than 240 quid with a 10 year parts warranty but even that may not be a good idea as their call out charges are around 120 quid so it might not be of much use to man or beast considering the original price of the machine unless 1) the pcb fails, 2) the sealed tank needs replacing, 3) the concrete weight fractures writing off point 2! And yet they are hard to beat on value.
Check your sizes carefully MOST machines are 60cm wide BUT some are slightly wider given machines go up to 10 or 12 kg.
Best of luck, as I cannot hand on my heart say buy X make.

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