[karatedragon]

I wonder what you get for your money on this:

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_...gory_oid=-30549

[Washerhelp]

It's a very cheap washing machine Beko WMA510S You'll not get much in build quality or even features (it's just 1000 spin). Depending on which way you want to look at things it could be a good buy - but only if you are prepared for the potential of having to replace it after a few years if it developed one of many faults that could cost almost as much to fix than you paid for it.

There's always the chance that it could keep running for several years and therefore give relative value for money but it's down to whether you want to take the gamble. It can be suitable for someone determined to spend as little as possible on a washing machine and who isn't bothered about quietness, stability or refinements. There are circumstances where all that's quite appropriate for some people.

If looking for a really cheap washing machine though, and prepared to accept the limitations and gamble, I would prefer the much better Tricity AW1001 (1000 spin) washing machine only £199 with Free delivery AND a 2 year guarantee at John Lewis. The Tricity Bendix make is owned by the same company that makes AEG and Zanussi, and is virtually a budget Zanussi.

NB: The above links are affiliate links where Washerhelp could make a few bob if anyone used them to buy. I use such affiliate links because it helps keep Washerhelp going and if Washerhelp links to commercial companies who can benefit financially I think it's only fair if Washerhelp gets a bit of benefit too. As usual, no affiliate link adds any cost whatsoever to a user, and I only use them sparingly in proper context to replies to forum users. I would never recommend anything that isn't a 100% sincere recommendation and that I would recommend regardless of whether any affiliation was available or not.

[uumode]

karatedragon, on Dec 26 2006, 12:45 AM, said:

I wonder what you get for your money on this:

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_...gory_oid=-30549

Surely this is more of a 'bargain'
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4794082.htm
faster 1400rpm spin speed, and arguably bigger label.

though agree with the Tricity recommendation above... makes far more sense

[Washerhelp]

Servis are cheap, and nowhere near being a “quality” washing machine. They are at the budget end of washing machines - yet their spares prices are extremely high. A motor for example can cost as much as the complete washing machine. I've also been to a several Servis washing machines that were less than 2 years old and had module faults, they were all scrapped by the customer because the cost of replacing the module was almost as much as they paid for the washing machine itself.

My opinion is (still) that I would not buy any budget washing machine, but if circumstances dictate, or make such a purchase reasonable I would pick the Tricity Bendix above - not because it's a great washing machine, but because as far as I can see it's the best of the really cheap washing machines. It's virtually a budget Zanussi, and Zanussi washing machines are one of the few decent washers outside of the "quality" band. Even so, it’s still a cheap washing machine, and potentially subject to not being worth repairing way before it’s natural lifespan because of economics. The spares for a Tricity Bendix should be a lot more reasonably priced though, and future repairs likely to be more viable. Also, a lot more cheaper non-genuine spares are available, which may be worthwhile considering to keep one going in the future.

[Morgan]

I just want to second what Washerhelp has advised you about budget washing machines. Servis really aren't a brand I'd consider going for. I've owned two in the last 10 years and both lasted just over 18 months before being scraped. The first things to go on them were the control board and the pump. When my second Servis failed (a Millenium 1000 model), I brought a Tricity Bendix 1000. That was five years ago and it's still going strong at my parents house, only ever needing one repair which was for a new door seal (and this was due to neglect). If you're looking for a budget machine, I would definitely go for the Tricity Bendix Washerhelp has advised upon.

Several reviews on Tricity Bendix washing machines can be read here (including 3 on the machines Washerhelp recommends):

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Washing_Machines_526...-tricity_bendix

Reviews on Servis machines can also be read here:

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Washing_Machines_5266422_3-servis

And indeed Beko machines, here:

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Washing_Machines_5266422_3-beko

Hope all this is of help (and that I haven't broken any rules posting the links to the review site?)

J

[Washerhelp]

Thanks for that Morgan.