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)

Buy washing machines online

There are lots of places to buy a washing machine or washer dryer online and Washerhelp is a good place do it from.

Affiliate links help keep Washerhelp going without adding any cost to you the user. In fact there are often special offers only displayed by affiliates such as Washerhelp. If you are looking to buy, please help Washerhelp by using a Washerhelp link.

Best Retailer

John Lewis are a great place to buy a washing machine from. They give at least 2 years guarantee on all washing machines and other appliances - and even 3 years on their own brand (plus 5 year guarantees on TV's).

Free standard delivery on all orders over £30

They've also been voted top of the customer satisfaction polls by Which? consumer association. John Lewis - the best? (external link to my Blog)

Buy Washing machines and white goods appliances online

• John Lewis (Minimum of 2 year guarantees on washing machines and white goods. Consistently voted best retailer for customer satisfaction)
• Comet Web deals on white goods
• Appliances Online
• Appliance City
• Dixons
• Boots Kitchen Appliances
• Sainsburys Kitchen Appliances
• Tesco Direct appliances
• Currys Web offers on white goods
• Tribal UK white goods
• Pixmania washing machines and dryers

Alternatively you can try comparing prices and finding out much more about Washerhelp's affiliates using my Buy washing machines page (Full page of retailers and online stores)

Special offers and discounts on washing machines

As an affiliate, many retailers regularly notify me of special offers, discount codes and money off vouchers for washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, fridges, fridge freezers and cookers. This section is where I post these offers - Special offers on washing machines and other white goods (goes to my Whitegoodshelp Blog)

See lots of retailers all on one convenient page

Alternatively you can try comparing prices and finding out much more about Washerhelp's affiliates using my Buy washing machines page (Full page of retailers and online stores plus reviews and information about them)