If I buy a more expensive washing machine, do I get a better washing machine?

If you paid an extra £50 or £100 for a more expensive model, will you get a better washing machine? No. You'll get a faster spin, more options, and maybe a bigger drum, but the build quality of your washing machine will be the same.

All washing machine manufacturers produce a range of washing machines that are built to the standard of quality they have decided to produce. The differences between their basic washing machine, and their top models, are that the basic washing machine will have a slower spin speed, less buttons, less options, smaller drum etc. Even though the price difference could be hundreds of pounds, there is no difference in quality between their basic model and their top model.

If you want a better made washing machine, you need to choose a better brand. The only exception to this rule that I'm aware of is the ISE washing machine range, where UKW source a range of washing machines from different manufacturers resulting in their top model being in a totally different league to their basic one [ ISE CI555WH review ]

Example: Miele's entry level washing machine (cheapest) at around £500, is considerably better quality and will be much quieter and more reliable than Hotpoint's top of the range washing machine but they are around the same price.

The important thing to understand is that a particular make of washing machine is either budget, middle of the road, or top quality, and all washing machines in their range are built the same standards (sharing most parts). If possible, compare the basic model of each make of washing machine you are interested in. So if you see a £450 washing machine, but the basic model is just £250, you know that the £450 washing machine is built to the same build quality as the £250 washing machine, the rest of your money is going on features.

Clearly one could argue that a not very well made washing machine that spins at 1400 rpm and has a 6Kg drum is still a "better" washing machine than the same brand's cheapest model which only spins at 1000 rpm with a 5Kg drum. However, it's important to understand that when I use the phrase, "better washing machine" I am talking about the quality and reliability of the washing machine. If you judge how good a washing machine is by its features then you miss the point, and may end up with a rubbish machine with bells and whistles.

Over the years I've often tried to tactfully explain to customers facing continuous repair costs or the demise of their "not very old" washing machine that they've bought a cheap and poor quality washing machine. I've often been met with, "but it wasn't cheap!". The problem is that many washing machines are expensive, but the money goes on faster spin speeds, bigger drums and more options - not on better quality parts. The worst quality washing machine manufacturer in the UK can still produce a souped-up model in the latest fashionable colour. It may spin way too fast for the build quality of the machine, and bounce around the kitchen because the suspension is cheap - but is still expensive. If you take out an extended warranty too, you can end up paying out more money for a rubbish washing machine than for a less specified but high quality washing machine that could last 15 - 20 years.

Summary

If you could buy a basic BMW car for around the same price as a top spec Lada, which would you think is the best buy? Decide whether to spend your money on a more basic but well made washing machine, or on a washing machine with a faster spin and bigger drum that's potentially unreliable and noisy. Of course you may be able to find something in between these extremes and if that's what you are looking for I would recommend, Bosch, AEG, Zanussi, John Lewis ( see Washerhelp's washing machine reviews ).

Ideally, if money's no object then a washing machine that combines higher spec and quality is best, but if money is tight then a basic cheap washing machine may have to do. I just think too many people are paying £400 - £500 out for washing machines that are not well made at all but just have bigger drums and faster spins, when for the same money they could buy a much better quality one.

Finally: Don't go on looks. The highest quality washing machines are rarely the most "attractive" (often expected to go into wash rooms) and the ones that look the nicest, are often not as well made.

For personal recommendations (so far) see washing machine reviews or consult Which? who have considerably more resources than Washerhelp and many years of data to research - now online and with a 30 day trial offer - Washing machine essential guides - Features Explained