Indesit W103UK washing machine review
Independent washing machine reviews by a repairman with 30 years experience.
Summary
The Indesit WIL133 is extremely cheap. It looks nice enough, and is easy to use. However, as with all the budget washing machines, it's cheapness is a double edged sword which could severely cut short its potential longevity. My experience is that few people are prepared to pay out to repair something like this if it develops a fault after a few years because even a straight forward repair could cost half (or more) what you paid for it, and a more serious repair can cost little less than a new one.
However, if you don't want to (or can't) invest in a quality washing machine, you can still get good value for money from something like an Indesit WIL133 if you are lucky. Even though cheap, the build quality is still sufficient for one to last long enough to give value for money, but only if its owner is lucky, and it doesn't break down in that time (light user) or they are prepared to have it repaired if it does.
Note: this washing machine review is very similar to the Indesit W103 (UK) washing machine review as the machines are so similar.
Latest info:
This model is discontinued but there are still plenty of similar models around - find Indesit washing machines (search Washerhelp's affiliates)
First impressions
The Indesit WIL133 washing machine is a basic no-frills washing machine. If you are interested in the pros and cons of cheap washing machines verses quality washing machines you might want to read Buying a new washing machine advice
Continued on next column ...
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).
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Review continued .. (starts in left column)
Indesit WIL133 Build quality
The build quality of the Indesit WIL133(UK) is pretty cheap, but then it is pretty cheap to buy. It's exactly the same build quality as the Indesit W103 (UK) washing machine
Usability
The controls are nice and simple but not totally intuitive as you need the instruction book to work out how to change or abort a program once started. Instead of a cancel button, you need to turn the machine off, turn control knob round to a dot, switch it back on and wait for the program to cancel and then select the new program. If you didn't have the instruction book you would never work it out.
Controls and options are very basic. There is a delay timer and an extra rinse option. There is a pump filter, but it's hidden behind the front kickplate strip.
Usability of this washing machine
The controls are nice and simple but not totally intuitive as you need the instruction book to work out how to change or abort a program once started. Instead of a cancel button, you need to turn the control knob round to a dot, wait for the program to cancel and then select the new program, which if you didn't have the instruction book you would never work out. There is a manual temperature control selector and just the two option buttons plus an on-off switch and a neon mains indicator light.
Things I don't like about the Indesit WIL133
Basically the same as the W103. The motor is currently listed at £103, so to have one fitted would be over £150 (over 75% of the purchasing cost). Other main parts are equally pricey. Basically, if you buy a budget machine like this, you need to hope it lasts at least 3 years without breaking down or it's likely to get scrapped when it fails. Replacing a motor, drum, drum bearings, tub, or control module are all likely to "uneconomical" repairs.
Things I like
Well I have to like the price. It's simple to use too, although clearly at the expense of reduced versatility and options
Latest 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 offer (NOTE: The Which? reviews and consumer advice is available immediately online).
Remember that the build quality of washing machines tends to be the same throughout their range so you if you are interested you should be able to find a washing machine very similar to the one reviewed here using the links below.
Find other Indesit washing machines
Search for Indesit washing machines (search Washerhelp affiliates)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.