This section continues looking at the quality of modern washing machines and gives more buying advice

Although many modern washing machines are cheap to buy, we all know they are often poorly made and don't last as long as they used to. They certainly aren't cheap to repair. However, not all washing machines are poor quality. If you want to be more informed about the build quality of modern washing machines then this section may be of interest.

Opinions are based on my personal 30 years experience of repairing and selling washing machines, which may help you decide on which new washing machine to buy.

• Do washing machines have built-in obsolescence?
• What's the difference between the basic and the top model of a range of washing machines?
• If I buy a more expensive washing machine, do I get a better washing machine?

 

Do washing machines have built-in obsolescence?

Not intentionally, but ultimately the result is the same as if they did. Many modern washing machines are built to sell as cheap as possible because that's what most customers (naively) demand. The result is washing machines that do not last long at all, and are relatively very expensive to repair. So are they really cheap or are they actually more expensive in the long run? I believe that unless you are lucky, they are ultimately more expensive.

The cheaper washing machines become, the smaller the gap between repair and replacement costs. Many cheap washing machines wont last longer than 3-5 years because the first time they break down, it can cost over half the purchasing costs (or more) to get it repaired. Cheap washing machine manufacturers (ironically) don't tend to provide cheap replacement parts, which increases this gap even more than necessary.

An example of this is a Servis washing machine I attended recently. It was 18 months old and had cost just £180. I diagnosed the fault to be the control module, which due to the silly price of the spare part would have cost £120 to replace. Maybe the customer should have bought an extended warranty? However, with the combined amount for the cheap washing machine and the (expensive) extended warranty she could have bought a much better quality washing machine. The washing machine was scrapped, at 18 months old.

[ Related: Unlike many modern washing machines the ISE washing machine promises to have spare parts priced reasonably so that the washing machine has the prospect of being repairable in the future ]

Buying cheap washing machines these days could well cost much more than investing in a quality washing machine when you look at the big picture. Over a period of say 20 years, you may have to buy several of the cheap washing machines whereas a quality one could still be going strong (even if it may have needed the odd repair). Some people seem happy if they get just 3 or 4 years from a £250 washing machine but these days the environmental implications are also causing people to rethink this strategy.

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What's the difference between the basic and the top model of a range of washing machines?

If you pay an extra £100 for a more expensive model, will you get a better washing machine? (This is possibly the single most important information on Washerhelp regarding choosing a new 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 different brand.

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 at 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. The next question expands on this point

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

If you buy a better quality washing machine brand yes, but if you spend more money buying a more expensive model of the same brand (with extra features and a faster spin) then no: This is more or less the same point as the last question (above) but phrased differently. It's so important to understand this basic concept I've covered it twice. It's also important to understand that when I use the phrase, "better washing machine" I am talking about the quality and reliability of the washing machine. 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. 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, but 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. If you buy the most basic washing machine from a company like Miele, it may not have a super fast spin, it may have reduced options, and a normal sized drum, but it is still far superior than a rubbish one at roughly the same price with loads more "features".

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 ( 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 really 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 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 £1 trial - Washing machine essential guides

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