Which is the best washing machine to buy?

This is too a sweeping question to just pick one. The best quality washing machines are made by Miele [ Miele awarded best domestic appliance brand again - (article on my white goods Blog) ]. To me they are so far above anyone else they are outstanding. However, they aren't necessarily the best washing machine for everyone and there are pros and cons to buying a Miele. Read my overview about them here Miele build quality review.

There's an indication of some of the most reliable washing machines in the section above. However, it's not necessarily as simple as picking the best quality. Another important consideration when buying a new washing machine is how easy it is to get it repaired in the future. Also, how expensive these repairs may be and how easy the spare parts are to buy. Unfortunately, spare parts for the higher quality washing machines such as Miele are a lot more expensive than a Hoover or Hotpoint. To an extent this could be partially because they can get away with higher prices because the washing machine costs so much to replace, but we have to expect that if a washing machine is built to a higher standard of quality, the parts will cost more to make.

Paradoxically the best washing machines cost more to repair and are harder to find a local repairman for, yet virtually all independent washing machine repairers fix the worst washing machines.

Other good washing machines?

One new rival to Miele is the ISE 10 washing machine which I will be reviewing soon.

"Longer lifespan for less environmental damage. This machine is simply outstanding in terms of build quality and performance and is engineered from the outset to maximise the life of the machine. This is done by using higher quality components that are designed to last in excess of 8000 cycles, or over 20 years normal domestic use and by wherever possible, using steel and metal instead of plastic".

In my opinion it's not quite as well made as a Miele but it isn't too far off and the main advantage of the ISE 10 over Miele is the fact that repairs, spares and technical assistance should be more forthcoming and cheaper - ISE 10 washing machine

The ISE 10 washing machine is made by ASKO who have a high reputation for quality washing machines and is commissioned by the same people responsible for the ISE CI555WH which I reviewed here - ISE CI555WH review The ISE 10 is totally different in build quality to the CI555WH but the ethos of making it repairable, and not over charging for spares is the same. There is a lot of background information about the guys behind it in the review.

Too expensive?

The Miele and the ISE 10 are expensive. No surprise there though, as my buying advice shows you can't make this standard of build quality "cheap". If these prices are still too much I would recommend the following makes as the best of the rest -

• AEG-Electrolux
• Bosch
• Siemens
• John Lewis
• ISE (cheaper models)

Budget washing machines: If you are buying in the budget washing machine range I would recommend Tricity Bendix. These washing machines are cheap and relatively basic but made by the same company that makes Zanussi and AEG. They are virtually budget versions of Zanussi washing machines and as such are a reasonable machine for the price. They also have a high reliability record according to Which?