Indesit washing machine WIL133 review: Overview

Note: this washing machine review is very similar to the Indesit W103 (UK) washing machine review as the machines are so similar.

Indesit washing machines have long been one of the cheapest washing machines available in the UK. Make no mistake, this is the budget end of the washing machines so don't expect top quality. However, you could buy 3 of these washing machines for the same money as one Dyson CR01 washing machine (Dyson's basic model) and still have £100 left over. Or you could buy 2 Indesit WIL133 washing machines for the same money as a basic Miele W864 washing machine with about £50 left over.

So the question is, are you better off just buying a cheap washing machine like the Indesit WIL133 or should you pay two or three times as much for a quality one?

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

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

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.

Alternatives?

Zanussi and Bosch offer a better quality washing machine without costing too much more. Also, Bosch give a full 2 year guarantee. I believe even Tricity Bendix's budget range of washing machines Tricity AW1001 (1000 spin) washing machine (around £200) would be a much better buy as they have a reliability record similar to much more expensive machines.