Tricity Bendix AW1001 review
Independent washing machine reviews by a repairman with 30 years experience.
Review Summary
I recommended this washing machine for first time buyers on a tight budget, or for anyone with small amounts of washing who wants a very simple washing machine like they used to be able to buy many years ago and is not concerned about the 5 Kg drum, 1000 spin and lack of fancy features. Unfortunately Tricity Bendix have disappeared in the UK so they are no longer avaialble. As these machines were budget Zanussi washing machines I suppose basic Zanussi models will be the nearest equivolent.
You can buy other makes for a similar amount or little more but with more features. However, if reliability is more important to you than features and you can't afford a machine that has both, then the Tricity Bendix range is a good bet. Other budget washing machines have bigger drums and faster spins but the cheap price with tricity bendix is achieved not by lowering quality but by lowering features which leaves a reasonably well made and reliable washing machine.
However, this model is as basic as it gets so it's probably unsuitable for many people - especially families. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets phased out soon as 1000 spin is considered very slow these days. However, as an engineer I can say that 1000 spin is a good speed for longevity, stable operation and quietness, and with most laundry you shouldn't notice any difference.
This is because even 1600 spin washing machines only spin at top speed for cottons. So jeans, towels and thick sheets may appear a little wetter but in my experience it isn't dramatic. (I once exchanged a 1300 spin washing machine for an 1100 spin and my wife never complained. My daughter has just bought this 1000 spin washing machine replacing a 1200 spin washer - she says she hasn't noticed much difference. ( Related - Washing machine spin speeds: Are spin speeds a con? ) Having said all that, if you will be tumble drying most of the time would probably be better to have at least a 1200 spin and possibly 1400.
The main specs:
- 1000 Spin
- 5kg / 11lb Capacity
- 15 Programmes
- Wool Programme
- Quick & Cool wash
- Half Load Option
- A+ Energy; A Wash; C Spin
- H 850mm W 600mm D 600mm
I've already established that the Tricity Bendix AW1001 is one of the cheapest washing machines. It's firmly in the budget price range. As such it is only modestly endowed with "features" but nevertheless, it can be adequate for a single person, or a young or older couple with no kids to wash for - as long as they are happy to compromise features for a little better reliability and cheap cost. Price Range: £191 - £249
Price range:
Budget £200+
Latest info:
This model is discontinued and stocks have probably gone by now. Unfortunately the brand seems to have been discontinued. The main alternative will be a basic Zanussi washing machine as the Tricity Bendix washing machines were simply budget Zanussi's. However, they do cost a bit more so they don't stand out as such great value as the Tricity Bendix range.
Main review
This is the cheapest washing machine I've reviewed so far, and one of the cheapest washing machines you can buy. Anyone who has read Washerhelp will know my opinion on cheap washing machines but there is a time an a place for buying cheap. In this instance my daughter (Michelle) suddenly required a new washing machine. As she's just scraped onto the property ladder and is struggling to build a home (and hopefully soon - a family) she needed something in this price range.
Out of all the budget washing machines, Tricity Bendix is the most reliable ( according to Which? ) so I advised her to buy the AW1001 which we got for £179 with a 2 year guarantee and free delivery from John Lewis (this offer is unfortunately now gone as it appears they were selling it off and have ceased stocking it. In fact Tricity Bendix seems to have been discontinued and the closest thing to it is a Zanussi)
This review looks at what kind of washing machine you get for such little money, and what my daughter thinks of it after using it for a few weeks.
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).
John Lewis appear to have stopped selling Tricity Bendix washing machines but the nearest equivalent are their own brand which are made by the same company and are higher spec (Zanussi) machines - (All John Lewis washing Machines at John Lewis )
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Review continued .. (starts in left column)
Inside it looks pretty well made for the price. There was no tool (spanner) for removing the transit packaging which is down to cost savings. This caused me problems because I'd forgotten my toolbox so we had to borrow a spanner from a neighbour. The instruction book was surprisingly well made and printed out properly unlike some other cheap washers that supply virtually a photocopy.
Manufacturer
Tricity Bendix are part of the Electrolux Group who make washing machines under the following brand names - Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux, Zanussi, (some) John Lewis models and others. The Electrolux Group aren't in the business of churning out millions of cheap washing machines to the masses. They concentrate mostly on the mid to higher quality end but they do have the Tricity Bendix brand that allows them to offer a decent budget product.
The Tricity Bendix washing machine is basically a cut down version of a Zanussi washing machine. What you get is a Zanussi washing machine but with less features, which is why they are so cheap. However, being based on a Zanussi washing machine they are relatively well made and reliable for the money.
Remarkably, Tricity Bendix washing machines are one of the most reliable washing machines according to Which? Tricity Bendix come up at the top of Which? reliability tables beating not only the more expensive Zanussi and AEG, but most of the other well known UK brands too. At first I found it hard to believe, but the fact that these washing machines are Zanussi-based and have fewer features, often with slower spin speeds can make for a reliable (albeit basic) washing machine.
Cold fill washing machine : The Miele washing machine is a cold fill washing machine. There is no hot water valve. Most modern washing machines are now cold fill only. ( explanation of cold fill washing machines )
Repairability & Longevity
Tricity Bendix washing machines do have a reputation for being reliable. Sharing some parts with Zanussi they should be easy to get repaired and spares should be also easily available. Spares seem to be more reasonably priced than some other cheap washing machines but the very cheapness of an AW1001 could render it irreparable if anything major was to fail down the line. All cheap washing machines suffer from the throwaway issue which is plaguing the UK. This is why I normally recommend buying a much more expensive washing machine. However, there are many cases where budget is limited and circumstances favour or dictate a cheap one.
Looks and usability
The washing machine looks like a Zanussi. The control panel is basic but functional with fewer option buttons and no digital display.
Individual parts
Under the lid and behind the back panel
Inside this machine looks uncomplicated. It's budget, but the finish on back panels and the holes for screws is better than some more expensive machines.
Heating element
Accessible at the back, where it should be. As a repairman I used to hate the washing machines with heaters at the front which are inaccessible.
Suspension
Crude, but on a par with the majority of washing machines these days unless buying an expensive quality appliance.
Pump filter
The pump filter is virtually the same as on a Zanussi washing machine. It has a metal cover at the bottom right and there's a draining tube to, which is good. It's too low down to get a decent receptacle underneath to drain into in the event of the washer getting stuck full of water but on a par with most others available these days.
The Drum
Only 5Kg, which may be too small for a family these days. However, in the 70s and 80s we all used 4.5Kg drums and were ignorantly happy with them. In the 90s when the 5Kg drum came out we were happy with them too. It's only recently since 6Kg, 7Kg, 8Kg and higher capacity drums have become available that a 5Kg appears inadequate in comparison.
I would say that 6Kg is a good family size and the perfect drum size would be 7Kg where you can wash king sized duvets etc and if washing for a big family more economical wash loads can be washed.
5Kg should still be OK for a single person, or any couple not washing for children if they are on a budget.
Other features
There is no display panel but progress of the wash is indicated approximately by several lights showing wash, rinse, spin.
Negative things
For what this washing machine costs it's hard to criticise it. I respect the fact that this washing machine is made so cheap by reducing features and not over-reducing quality. This takes some guts because most people buy on price and features and are likely to favour competitors machines with much faster spins, larger drums and more features achieved more by reducing build quality.
The only real criticism I have is the very basic features but it's the basic features that enable it to be sold so cheaply.
My daughter's experience of the AW1001 so far
As mentioned in the main review, my daughter previously had a 1200 spin washing machine. She also has the washing machine fitted in a position where her back door opens across it and it is the tightest fit I've ever seen.
Warning: Modern washing machines often bulge at the front
It reminds me to warn people to take into account the full depth measurement before buying a washing machine if it's to be installed where a door or drawer opens across it - Tricity Bendix AW1001 washing machine pictures
Here are the results of the first 3 weeks of using it -
- I asked how she was getting on with the back door problem: She said that the washing machine has not moved at all during washing or spinning. (I was very pleasantly surprised)
- I asked what she thought of the AW1001: She said it's great, much quieter than her old one (although to be fair it had become noisy through wear)
- I asked if she was happy with only a 1000 rpm spin: She said she hadn't noticed much difference. Towels and sheets were a little less dry but not drastically so
Longer wash times
I had previously warned her that modern washing machines take much longer to wash these days so she wouldn't blame this particular washing machine. Here's why - Wash Times Too Long? Reasons why
Summary: I put my summaries at the beginning of my reviews so people can quickly assess the washing machine before deciding whether to read the review or not..
NOTE: See the summary on left column which advises this make has been discontinued.
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).
The Tricity Bendix Brand is unfortunately discontinued in the UK. The nearest alternative will be basic Zanussi washing machines as the Tricity Bendix brand has recently just been a budget Zanissi washing machnine. However, the Tricity Bendix range had extra value for money because they were so much cheaper.
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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.