AEG Washing machine review: Lavamat L76669: Overview

This is a well made washing machine (in the middle quality band) with a 6Kg drum and a top spin speed of 1600. It has a Spin Drying Energy Rating of A (the best) and a Wash Energy Rating of A. It looks a little old fashioned, but its design is functional and simple. There's an LED display which gives estimated wash times and it has a large soap dispenser which pulls out easily for cleaning.

The Lavamat L76669 is made by the same company that owns Zanussi (Electrolux) therefore it's quite similar inside. It's very similar in build quality and features although the AEG washing machine is a little step up in quality (not a big step though) and usually a little more expensive than the Zanussi washing machine.

The outer tub is plastic. This is increasingly common these days and only the most expensive washing machines (such as Miele) are likely to have anything different. Plastic tubs are cheaper to produce and can't rust. However, they can be punctured by coins or other metal objects that should never get inside a washing machine in the first place but inevitably often do. Although I haven't seen any AEG washing machines affected, I have written off many cheaper washing machines due to careless washing of clothes with coins in the pockets, so be warned.

Cold fill washing machine

The AEG lavamat L76669 is another cold fill only washing machine. There is no hot water valve. This is now a common trend with the quality washing machines. Eventually, all washing machines may follow suit.

Other parts

The AEG Lavamat L76669 has a large door, the hinges are solid, and the door catch is made of metal. The motor looks large and solid, with hard-wearing carbon brushes. Everything looked reasonably well made.

Criticism

AEG used to have a reputation for being a high quality washing machine, spares were very expensive but they were very well made. Although current AEG washing machines are still relatively well made for the money they cost, they have declined somewhat in quality which is reflected in the price (the cheapest AEG washing machines start at a mere £250. If you are shopping for a washing machine in the AEG price range they are one of the best, but if you want the same quality you had in your 15 - 20 year old AEG you would need to pay more for a Miele.

Summary

The AEG lavamat L76669 is simple to use and reasonably solidly made for the price. It should be reasonably quiet and stable on spin. A good washing machine for the money although cheaper models (see right column) that spin at 1200 instead of 1600 (which is a bit too fast in my opinion) may be a better option for most people. Make sure you measure up though if depth is critical as it looks slightly deep.

Important: Don't forget that the general build quality of any given make of washing machine is usually the same throughout their entire range so if you can't find this particular model, look for one similar within their range. Paying for the top model within a manufacturer's range will not normally get you better quality, it will get you faster spin speeds and extra features. Conversely, buying the basic model within a range, will not normally cause you to lose out in quality - only features. [ If I buy a more expensive washing machine do I actually get a better one? ]

Based on this premise, any other washing machine in the current AEG range should fare as well in an inspection as the L76669 (at least as far as build quality is concerned).

If you want to look for the cheapest place to buy a new washing machine (or anything else for that matter) then the Kelkoo site is a good place to try. Kelkoo are the leading shopping comparison portal in Europe. They show you where the cheapest products are. Prices can be compared easily at places like Comet as well as online stores. You can also check out colours, features and sizes as well as energy efficiency ratings.