Should I buy an Intergrated washing machine?

[tom]

Just over a year ago (you guessed it warranty is up ) we had a new kitchen fitted complete with shiny new intergrated washing machine, kitchen and appliances were from Howdens.

Machine developed faults 3 times in 12 months ,now has started making terrible noise and refusing to spin ,drain water.

I have checked it best I can ie pump,filter etc no blockages.Phoned manufacturer theyare looking for £90 just to visit my house.

Phoned a local company they were polite but not interested .

Given new kitchen I am stuck with buying another intergrated machine can you please recommend and would you recommend a washer /dryer

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello Tommy,

I dislike integrated washing machines, and so do many washing machine repairers. As such they can be more difficult to get repaired because many engineers just won't look at them. The reasons they steer clear of them are -

• They are (er) built in, and can be very hard to get out to repair. Sometimes a real pain. I've been to some that took 20 minutes to successfully get out and were even harder to fit back. Many have floor tiles buttressed up to them and either will not come out full stop - or have to be lifted over but the kitchen worktop prevents lifting the machine high enough to do it easily
• Parts and technical information are harder to obtain for many engineers who aren't agents for the built ins
• You have to be constantly extra cautious about damaging floors and cupboards
• It can be impossible to get the washing machine back exactly as it was before (to the satisfaction of the customer).

You tend to get the majority of washing machine repairers sticking with the free standing washing machines but if you find the right repairer you can get built in washing machines repaired as some repairers do them all the time but often charge a premium price.

From your description, there is a chance that your washing machine may just need a new pump, or there could be a small obstruction jamming the impeller. If you would rather try to get it repaired, you may be able find a reputable repairman using this link. book washing machine repair

If you have no choice but to buy an integrated washing machine, I personally would go for a Zanussi, which most independent washing machine repairer's should be able to fix (as long as they are willing to deal with a built in) I wouldn't go for one of those brands that only do built in washing machines.

I have a section on whether buying a washer dryer is a good idea or not - Washer-dryer, or separate washing machine and dryer - which is the best?

[Guest tommy]

Many thanks for reply and advice if it is any help the model number on the manual reads APM8522

not sure if we just have a poor machine sorry for my ignorance here dont know what you mean by brands that only do built in washing machines ,then again maybe that is what we have got

dont want to put you on the spot but what is areasonable price I should expect to pay for a decent machine such as Zanussi

Cheers

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

There are some brands of washing machine that only appear as built ins. Some are badged up for kitchen manufacturers. Many of them are very hard to get information and parts on. Zanussi (and some other washing machine manufacturers) are well established in the UK, their built in washing machines aren't very much different. So as long as a repairman wants to deal with the extra problems associated with built in washing machines (listed in my last post) they should be able to repair a Zanussi one.

My advice would be to avoid built in washing machines, but if this isn't practical or you really prefer built in appliances then buy a brand who gets good reviews or recommended on Washerhelp. If a manufacturer makes decent free standing washing machines, their built in washing machines should be little different. Likewise, if a company makes rubbish free standing washing machines, they aren't going to make good built in washing machines.

The best way to get an idea of prices is to use a price comparison site like the one built into this site. You can see amazing differences in prices of the exact same washing machine sold by dozens of different companies. I've seen the same washing machine listed as much as £130 cheaper than another supplier.

(Related: Comprehensive free advice to assist your washing machine buying decision. Compare washing machine prices and buy a washing machine online Buying appliances)