ISE CI555WH review
Independent washing machine reviews by a repairman with 30 years experience.
Summary
The way I see it, the most important difference with the ISE washing machine is the way it is being sold and distributed, with both the customer and the seller being supported in a new way.
The ISE is not being stacked high and sold cheap in mass quantities by people who know nothing about what's inside. It's marketed by people who passionately care about the white goods industry and hate the throwaway washing machines. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it for those fed up with poor aftercare service and sick of having to replace their washing machine far too often because it's to expansive to repair.
Latest info:
Unfortunately this model is no longer available. The replacement model is the ISE AW23 Washing Machine (2 year warranty) which also comes with a 5 year warranty - ISE AW23 Washing Machine (5 year warranty) which I hope to review soon. It's the 3rd generation ISE washing machine with AAB rating.
Price range:
Mid price range
Main review
ISE stands for Independent Service Engineering, and is, "a washing machine promoted by experts". This laudable concept promises a much needed antidote for the frustrations associated with buying and maintaining many modern washing machines.
The ISE promotional material asks several questions, which clearly highlight the aims of the ISE project -
I would also add, the lack of knowledge about the washing machine by many high street sales staff, and the extra installation charges. Your local repairmen up and down the country are just as fed up with the current situation because many new washing machines are not lasting very long. UK Whitegoods are trying to change things."What makes you mad about buying and running a washing machine? The long wait for delivery? The sales pressure to buy an expensive extended warranty? The hassle of arranging installation and servicing?"
Cold fill washing machine
The ISE is a cold fill washing machine. There is no hot water valve. Virtually all washing machines are now cold fill only. What's happened to the hot valve in washing machines? - (External link to my white goods Blog article which also includes the topic "I want a washing machine with a hot valve")
(Quoted) Main features & aims -
- Reliability & affordability
- Same or next day delivery and installation wherever possible
- 5 year guarantee
- AAA energy & efficiency rating
- Longevity - because building washing machines that last longer is better for you, and the environment
- One stop service. Your washing machine is ordered, installed, and serviced, all by your local independent engineer
So what's different about this washing machine?
This is a respectably made washing machine, but the main differences are not so much inside, it's in who you buy it from, the standard of service you receive, the standard of aftersales service and it's chances of lasting more than 5 years.
New concept, but not a new washing machine
This isn't a totally new washing machine with no track record. The ISE is built by a normal washing machine manufacturer who have agreed to make certain improvements, and meet certain standards specified by an experienced washing machine repairers group called UK Whitegoods. I've personally been a member of UKW since soon after it began, and I'm convinced they have the interests of independent white goods repairers and the general public at heart.
How useful are these washing machine reviews?
For information about my washing machine reviews and what my aims and intentions are please see the washing machine reviews main section.
Alternative washing machine reviews
Although my reviews are comprehensive and very detailed, they are limited in number and may not feature all the very latest models. Which? have the resources to review many of the latest washing machines and have a specially set up test laboratory. They also have a huge database of savvy members to gain reliability and satisfaction feedback from.
You can easily obtain a 1 month trial from them, which you may find useful as they review and advise on all products, not just washing machines. Which? Washing Machine reviews - 1 month trial (NOTE: The Which? reviews and consumer advice is available immediately online).
Review continued .. (starts in left column)
Build quality
The ISE washing machine's build quality is perfectly respectable, it's as good as, and often better than most other household name washing machines such as Hoover, Hotpoint, Creda, Candy, Whirlpool, Ariston, Indesit, Servis (and more). The main difference is that UK Whitegoods have carefully selected the ISE to personally recommend because it is very easy to work on, parts are easily accessible and reasonably priced, and it has the right specifications to be suitable for most people.
Things I didn't like about this washing machine
- Although this washing machine has a customer accessible pump filter (I would never buy a washing machine without one) it doesn't have a pump filter draining tube. While not essential, it can make it easier to get water out of the machine in a breakdown where water is stuck inside. There are plans to have one fitted on the next version though, and at least it does have a customer accessible filter
- From a repairman's point of view, you can't replace the door seal without having to remove the concrete front weight. It's a pain, but nothing serious
- This washing machine is only available in white. It looks great, and isn't strictly something I don't like, but it's a potential disadvantage that needs mentioning because if you want another colour you'll have to look elsewhere.
Things I do like about this washing machine
- The whole ISE concept
- Its look and style (see ISE CI555WH washing machine full picture)
- Absolutely no extras: Delivery, installation & demonstration all included in the price
- Full 5 year parts and labour guarantee included
- It's only available through your local independent repairman or shop. According to the consumers group Which? independent repairers routinely give better service to customers
- Larger than average 6Kg drum, and more than adequate 1500 (adjustable) spin speed
- AAA top rating awards
- The ISE washing machine will be looked after - even under the guarantee period - by the same local person you bought it from (or another local repairer). This is very desirable. No more ringing where you bought it from only to be told they can't help and you have to deal the manufacturer while under guarantee
- The repairman looking after your ISE throughout its life is supported by UK Whitegoods, who will give him unprecedented technical support, and who want the washing machine to be repairable - for the benefit of all
- Look inside the ISE CI555WH washing machine
How can I buy an ISE washing machine?
Unfortunately this model is no longer available. The replacement model is the ISE - AW23 Washing Machine (2 year warranty) and ISE - AW23 Washing Machine (5 year warranty) which I hope to review soon. It's the second generation ISE washing machine with AAA rating.
ISE forum
If you have any questions about the ISE washing machine you can contact me. There are some comments about it on my washing machine forum ISE washing machine forum. before I closed it to new questions.
Concept and aspirations
What is the ISE washing machine, and why is it different to other washing machines?
Commissioned and influenced by the independent engineers group UK Whitegoods, the ISE is well made, and is as good or better than most other household-name washing machines available. However, the ISE has experienced engineers behind it, working hard to provide a modern washing machine with a future. One that should last a respectable amount of time and not be a throwaway washing machine like many have become. The difference on offer here, is in who you buy it from (not the high street), the standard of service you receive, the quality of the aftercare service, and the ability to buy spares or get it repaired at a reasonable cost when it's several years old.
Read the full ISE ethos and aspirations article
A new ISE10 top quality washing machine with 10 year guarantee is also now available
"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".
This washing machine is in a different league to the rest of the ISE washing machines. This is a much higher quality washing machine aimed at competing with Miele . The main advantage of the ISE10 over Miele is the fact that repairs and technical assistance will be more forthcoming and therefore cheaper. Spare parts should be considerably cheaper too due to the ISE no profit on spares policy - ISE10 washing machine
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)
Disclaimer
Please note that all information on Washerhelp is given freely and without warranty. I can't rule out errors in quoted specifications, features or sizes. Please double check any aspect that is important to you with your supplier before buying any washing machine.