General Chat

Has anyone purchased one of their "own brand" washing machines ?

My 11 year old machine broke down a couple of days ago so I am looking around to see what is on offer on various websites. Unfortunately the cost will be a big decison as to what machine I purchase.

Also puzzled as to how long the wash cycle is given on some sites as 180 plus minutes - which is twice the time my old machine took.

Some sites do not even give the size of the machine.

Really do not want to use the local launderette as 11 yrs ago it was about £4.50 for one wash and dry so buying a machine is my only option.

Do not need a machine with a big load capacity as I live on my own.

So has anyone purchased a cheap washing machine from Tesco ?

Might your current one be both hot and cold fill? We 'supported' an offspring setting up home earlier this year when the salesman told us that most new models only used cold fill.

Can't comment on Tesco. Comet sent an email this weekend advertising 'massive savings'. They might be worth a look on line. If you remember, they have just gone into Receivership.

This "cold fill only" for what seems to be all machines now is particularly annoying for those with solar panels - presumably a simpler set up inside the machine so an economy for manufacturers but a waste for the green owners!

Yes old machine was hot and cold fill

Still seems a long time for cold fill if it takes 180 minutes to wash.

Do not mind doing hand washes but it is the rinsing that takes the time.

Actually did not mind years ago having the old twin tub and had a separate spinner as well.

All Spanish washing machines are cold fill & it´s a real pain in the bum. I would say 180 minutes is about right for a full cycle at 40c.
I usually set mine going at about 8.30 am & it´s just finishing when I get back around 11 am.
In England I had an Indesit, which was hot & cold fill & it was excellent. Lasted for years.

I never used the hot connection on any of my old machines. And last 2 were cold fill only. I have a Zanussi and it has a varying amount of wash times, although I mainly use the 43 mins. This was purchased over the phone for delivery the next day via an independant shop. I needed a machine urgently and although many websites state 'next day delivery' when contacted it was in fact 1 week or more as they more often than not did not have the machine I wanted in stock.

Local shop delivered next day, installed new machine and took old one away (there is a cost to this) and the 2 lads were great and showed me how to use the new machine. The front panel looks like something from a sci fi movie, but is so simple once you get used to it.

I would suggest you visit a few shops such a Currys etc., and even some independant shops to see what is about and ask questions, you are not obliged to buy just because you have walked through the door.

I would be wary about purchasing anything from Comet at present as they are in administration, so you could buy but there is no guarantee you wil get anything!!!!

When we had a new washer dryer installed with the new kitchen in Sept 2010 I wasnt amused cos the 40 degree cycle is about 180mins. although it has two in leads it is cold fill . I queried it and was told yes all new machines are cold fill only.

You do get used to it.

I have mine on a timer so it washes overnight when its at the cheaper rate electicity

We have used Appliances Online a few times and find them very good. We bought a Beko freezer last year and although it is cheap it has worked fine and was delivered exactly when they said it would be.

Beko do a small (smaller than the normal size) washing machine for £180 which would be ideal for someone on their own. There are different length wash cycles.

Delivery is free but if you want it the next day it is £9.99 for delivery.

Here is a link:-

http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/product/WM5101W-Beko-Washing-Machine-White-22987.aspx

Kath. x

Thanks Kath

Did find a small Beko one but no experience of their products.

I'm sorry I don't know anything about Tesco's own brand w.machines,or know any one who's bought one :(

I have a Hoover Nextra Washer drier ( a drier is a must cos we have so much wet weather and I wash almost every day with 4 adults in the house ).

We bought it locally at an Independant store on a Sat in June 2005, they delivered it on the Monday.! ( I always keep instructions booklets , receipt and guarantee together for any electrical goods) !!
Cost £365, receipt shows Hoover 1300 rpm. 7.5 kg load.

I was very surprised when 180 min cycle was mentioned for a cold fill washer.
The 2 I generally use on mine are at 40 degrees ,one is a 29 min wash the other 43 mins. I sometimes drop the temp down to 30 thus saving on leccy.
There is a 60 min and 90 min programme for cottons used for towels mainly , tho I don't think I've ever used the 90 min one !

The 29 min one is great at any time ,but during the summer I can get 3 or sometimes 3 loads washed and dried outdoors all in a day.

My previous washer was also a cold fill and I'm almost sure, the usual wash programme I usually used was about 45 mins too.

I certainly wouldn't buy a washer with 180 min cycle for normal washing !!!
I definitely have a look around and ask questions as to the time of the cycles.

I'm sure you can get a smaller load washer for under £200, with Indesit , Hoover Beko or Creda.
Good luck :)...I couldn't manage without mine for more than a few days !

we have a hotpoint aqualtis,and usually use 40 deg.........1 hr 10 minutes....
pretty sure that hot n cold fill.........shortest wash 30 deg.....30 minutes

does your area have a white goods recycling centre?
ours does and they re sell reconditioned machines for a fraction of the new cost, mind you only 3 months guarantee??(sp.)


edit regarding warranty..............(comet, etc)

no matter who you buy NEW from, there is always the Manufacturers warranty

We had a Beko Fridge / freezer many yrs ago and had no trouble with it only sold it when we had new kitchen fitted.
I can't vouch for the make now, but it's the same with most things you can get a 'rogue ' one and if you do you'll say I'll never have that make again !

We only changed the last washing machine cos the separate little tumble drier I had broke ( well it didn't break down,one of the children must have left the door open and hubby bumped it and broke the hinge ) I couldn't do without a drier so we gave our Indesit washer to my MIL and bought the Hoover we have now.
The Indesit was a marvellous washer ,MIL had it until she died and we sold it then it was still working perfectly,( hubby had changed the brushes on it once or twice , that's normal maintenance.)

Have a look at Comet as they are closing down might get a cheap machine.

The one in the shopping centre not far from you next door to Aldi.

Edit.If you pay by cash you could always haggle for a lowere price..done this myself..

The problem at present with buying from Comet is whether or not they can actually deliver anything you buy from them.

Personally I would steer clear of them

Also I would never consider a BEKO appliance far too many horror stories in the last few years.

I've had a BEKO washing machine for about 5 years. Never had a problem with it.

I googled Reviews on tesco washing machines, there are several on here:



http://www.reevoo.com/p/tesco-wmv610

Make sure Tesco can deliver a machine. In 2003/4 my machine broke down. Looked at Tesco and phoned for a machine, after they altered the delivery dates several times I phoned and complained, said I was without a machine. The lady then admitted that they had a problem getting machines and it could be several weeks before I would get one.

I couldn't believe they knew and were just giving me dates. It was about 10 am so I got in my car, went to the next village and into the local electical shop. Was washing before lunch. I told them which machine I wanted, and then had to race them back home. They put it in and took out old one and put it behind the garage for no extra charge. Council took it away next week.

It cost ten pound more than well known chains but no delivery or connection charges. The quotes for this ranged from twenty five to thirty pounds for delivery and twenty to thirty pounds for connection fee (all connections in place so all they had to do was screw them on).

Add all the extra costs first. I had already done this when I contacted Tesco. Their price was the best at the time but they had the delivery problem. It may have only been a problem for a short time but please make sure they have it in stock.

Been told cold only fill due to the cold to the 30c cycles. Hot water inlet means water too hot for these cycles. Don't quote me, got that from a salesman.

In my case local was best.

:-)

GlitterBaby - Push the boat out and buy a Bosch washing machine. I've had mine for 9 years and it still runs like a sewing machine. It was recommended to me by a washing machine engineer who worked for a well known company (not Bosch) and it has turned out to be one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is cold fill and you can do a wash on reduced time which I do all the time.
GeordiePride.

Geordie Pride ~~

Bosch have a good reputation and a hefty price to go with it too.
I'm only on my 4th washer in 38 yrs, the first I bought used, from my sis when she emigrated , one we gave to my MIL which went on for a good few yrs afterwards.
Current one only purchased cos I wanted a washer / drier.
( I know some peeps may say they've had a washer for a lot longer ! )

But as Glitter Baby is looking for something suitable for her circumstances ,a possible smaller and cheaper machine would be more appropriate for her.

Hope can get one sorted soon G B :))

Perhaps I had better explain.

I am currently unemployed so do not have the money to buy an expensive machine. Mum has very kindly offered to give me £200 to buy a washing machine. She is 82 years young and I really do not like having to accept her offer but got no alternative.

Difficult to work out which machine is the better option when you take into account the delivery charges and whether the company offers an installation charge.

The problem is that the machine has water in it and not sure if anyone offering the installation service will be happy to remove the old machine in that condition. That type of thing is not mentioned when you look at what the installation charge is for.

Also have got to call out David. the plumber, to take a look at my boiler so will probably ask him if he can remove the old machine and fit the new one. Think he will be cheaper that paying a well know store for doing it.

Unfortunately my decision is based on cost. If the circumstances were different then I would purchase a better washing machine.

Could post a request on Freecycle but without transport I am stuck. Do not like to ask favours of people.

Thanks everyone who has taken the time to reply.

Maureen