John Lewis JLWM1203 review
Independent washing machine reviews by a repairman with 30 years experience.
Summary
If you want to buy a decent washing machine, with a good spin speed and a large drum, from a reputable company, with free delivery and a full 3 year guarantee for just £299 (prices fluctuate), then you'll find it hard to beat the John Lewis JLWM1203.
Remember, you pay extra for faster spin speeds, so if you are content with the more than reasonable 1200 rpm top spin speed then you get very good value for money. With most washing machines spin speeds faster than 1200 now come at a premium price. This can be seen by comparing the JLWM1203 with the JLWM1402 1400 spin washing machine. This washing machine appears to be exactly the same as the one reviewed here, the only difference I can see is that the next model up spins at 1400 rpm (just 200 rpm extra) and has a few extra programmes but the washing machine costs £50 more. However, if a faster spin is important to you then you'll presumably be prepared to go to the next model up.
SpecificationsHere are some of the more important specifications -
- 6Kg drum
- 1200 spin
- Aqualift wash system
- Delay start
- Dimensions: H85cm x W60cm x D63cm
- Digital Display
- Energy rating: A+ Wash performance: A Spin performance: B
- Energy consumption 1.02kWh/Cycle
- Half load: Automatic load adjustment
- Hand wash programme
- Quick wash
- Variable temperature control: Yes (Not a manual control dial, but options to use particular programs at varying temperatures - eg. cottons wash at 40 degrees or 60 degrees etc)
Full Specs (John Lewis site)
Price: £299 (subject to change)
Main review
John Lewis washing machines come with a free 3 year guarantee, which is great considering their cheap price. Cheap washing machines are nice but if unlucky enough to experience a breakdown out of the normal 12 month guarantee many can be scrapped because of expensive repair costs. To be guaranteed a minimum of 3 years (it's sad to say but true) these days is comforting. (Having said that I don't agree with taking out extended warranties on everything either)
This one is made by the same company that makes AEG and Zanussi. It is a Zanussi washing machine with a few minor differences and extra specifications for John Lewis. So why not just buy a Zanussi washing machine instead? You could, and it is a bit cheaper too, but with this one you get the extra 3 year guarantee and free delivery, plus this version has a few extras.
£299 for a decent washing machine that's guaranteed for 3 years is very good if this is the price range you are buying at.
The JLWM1203 washing machine is rated A+ for energy consumption and has a large 6kg drum (13lb) with a top spin speed of 1200 rpm. These specifications should be adequate for most people including families.
The JLWM1203 also has a delay start option, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak electricity (related: Is it safe to leave the washing machine on while I'm out or in bed? ) and an LED display showing the estimated wash time remaining.
Continued on next column ...
Best Retailer
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John Lewis are clearly the best and only place to buy a John Lewis washing machine from. The John Lewis brand comes with a 3 year parts and labour guarantee.
John Lewis washing machines at John Lewis
Free standard delivery on everything
They have also been voted top of the customer satisfaction polls by Which? consumer association.
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.
Overview continued (from left column) ..
Build quality
The build quality is the same as a Zanussi (ie. reasonably well made, roughly in the middle of the quality chart). The John Lewis brand washing machine's are made by the same company that makes AEG and Zanussi. It's a common practice for large companies like John lewis, Currys and Comet to have a "branded" washing machine made with their own name on. Occasionally they have a few minor changes (mostly in appearance) but are usually virtually the same washing machine as the manufacturer's original branded version. However, the John Lewis versions have more programs, use less energy and have a 3 year guarantee. Zanussi washing machines are also commonly recommended by washing machine engineers as being a decent quality for a reasonable price.
Criticisms
This washing machine is currently only available in white, which may count as a criticism if you wanted another colour.
Buy John Lewis washing machines
John Lewis forum
Although now closed to new members there is some information about John Lewis washing machines to research in the archives - John Lewis washing machine forum
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 30 day trial from them, which you may find useful as they review and advise on all products, not just washing machines. Which? Online 30 trial (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.
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.