buying advice washing machines

20
Jan
2016

7 Quickest Washing Machines

The 7 Quickest Washing Machines

Missing socks. How is that you put two in and only one ever comes out?! Some swear that socks that go missing from your washing machine turn into Tupperware lids. Which, of course, makes perfect sense.

But once we have made peace with the fact that socks will indeed go missing, the question is: Which machine is going to help us get more Tupperware lids the fastest?

We left that question hanging, looked at some of the top brands and then took them for a spin to find out which are the quickest washing machines:

Servis HydroDrive – This machine claims to do a cycle in just 12 minutes. What makes it so fast? It has two jet-nozzles, as opposed to one. Its maximum load is 7.7 lbs or 3.4 kg (approximately the amount of washing four people create in one day) but at full capacity, the cycle takes much longer, clocking in at just under two hours.

Beko WMB91442L – This machine does an impressive 19.8 lbs (9 kg) in just 39 minutes. For smaller loads of about 4.4 lbs (2 kg), it completes its cycle in just 14 minutes.

Electrolux3 cu. ft. – This model offers a quick cycle in 15 minutes. It is water efficient, yet still pushes out squeaky clean clothes. And its normal cycle is a reasonable 40 minutes.

Panasonic NA-140VZ4 – Panasonic uses innovative technology to improve the effectiveness of the spin with a ‘Sazanami’ drum. It has a skin that is made up of smooth, raised diamond shapes. These create more agitation than your standard machine, which increases the efficiency of the spin. This allows for a clean 15-minute quick wash. But at a considerably full load of 22 lbs (10 kg), this time increases to almost two hours.

Miele WMR 560 WPS – At the maximum load of 19.8 lbs (9 kg) on an average wash, the cycle takes about two and a half hours. However, the machine offers an Express 20 which, you guessed it, takes 20 minutes to complete.
Samsung 9110 Series – Samsung uses SuperSpeed technology to give you a faster wash cycle without sacrificing quality. It has a decent capacity of 12 lbs (6 kg) and promises to wash a full load in 30 minutes.

Kenmore Elite 41072 – A Sear’s in-house brand, it has a large 5.2 cu. ft drum. It can put 8 lbs (4 kg) through the wringer in 38 minutes using its specialised Accela-Wash.

But does a faster cycle mean cleaner clothes? Not necessarily. These fast cycles often come with some very pertinent fine print: The cycle cannot be used on a full load and the clothes (in most cases) can only be lightly soiled. Not keeping these caveats in mind may mean you end up airing your dirty laundry.

There are also other pressing matters you may want to take into consideration when deciding if faster is indeed better. Although some may argue that when compared to speed, size doesn’t matter, you may want to consider what size load the machine can take. How energy efficient is the machine? Does it use a lot of water and what effect does that have on the clothing? What is the average temperature it washes at and does that really influence the efficacy of the machine?

In closing, a washing machine can be a considerable expense, so doing your research before buying one should iron out any questions you may have. But always be sure to buy from a reputable company; you don’t want to buy a sub-standard machine and get taken to the cleaners.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
03
Feb
2014

Top Washer Dryers with Child Locks

The Top Washer Dryers with Child Locks

Child locks in dryers have two purposes really – they lock the door of the machine which prevents any child climbing into the drum and accidentally locking themselves in when the machine is out of action. The second purpose is to stop a little one – or anyone else for that matter – changing the dials when the machine is in full flow on a spin cycle.

In terms of a child’s safety then, and the long-term workings of your washing machine, a child lock can be pretty crucial. As a result most washer dryer manufacturers these days are beginning to supply them in machines as standard (certainly, with the likes of Mumsnet having such a huge influence and extended media reach these days, it’s not really surprising).

The only difficulty with child locks in washer dryers it seems is being able to switch them off (if you’ve lost the manual and have nothing to refer to). Also, in some cases the lock jams due to a fault (like electronic windows in cars it can seem as if it’s just something else to go wrong!). Often though, it’s simply a case of holding in the start button for five seconds or so in order to release the lock.

Here is our choice of top washer dryers with child locks.

  1. Bosch WVD24460GB. This has an automatic display that shows when the child lock is active by flashing up a key on the LCD panel.
  2. Samsung WD806U4SAGD 8kg Ecobubble. A child lock is available but optional.
  3. Beko WDA91440W. This instantly locks all the buttons on the machine meaning the programme can’t be altered by enquiring little fingers.
  4. EVO 14104LW Grand’O Evo. This washer dryer from the Candy staple has an effective child lock built in.
  5. Servis HydroDrive. All HydroDrive machines have an incorporated child safety lock as standard.
  6. Electrolux EWW1486HDW. Another washer dryer with child lock built in as standard.
  7. LG F1480RD. Like the above machines, the LG child lock stops children and others altering the current spin cycle of the machine.
  8. Hotpoint WDPG8640G. Another effective child lock, although this is one of the machines where we read individuals had difficulty with switching the lock off.
  9. NEFF  V7446X0GB. A child lock which does exactly what it says on the tin.
  10. Daewoo DWCLD1421. Another impressive function which stops small hands prying.

Admittedly a child lock on a washer dryer is another facet that can go wrong and may need repairing but a child being able to press buttons and change the machine’s programme half way through an on-going cycle would probably lead to far more damage to the machine, not to mention a hefty repair bill. Because of this, we would definitely recommend a child lock facility when you select a washer dryer for your home.

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Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
03
Feb
2014

Most Reliable Washer Dryers

The Most Reliable Washer Dryers

When it comes to the day-to-day functioning of the bigger white goods in your kitchen, your washer dryer is unfortunately the item most likely to stop working, burst a leak or become blocked.

Why is that, we wonder? One of the reasons, we reckon, is because we use our washer dryers so much – machines in a large family home can often be on daily or even both morning and night. So, when you think of the amount of pummeling they’re getting, it’s no wonder our washer dryers start to flag out faster than other white goods.

However, it’s precisely because they’re used so much that it can quite frankly be pandemonium when they go wrong. It’s important therefore when you’re buying a new machine to get one you feel confident won’t do a wobbly on you the night before the weekly washing of the school uniforms. And that’s why we’ve compiled the following list:

Top washer dryers for reliability

  1. Miele WT2780. A quiet machine with an impressive energy efficiency performance, this Miele also boasts excellent cleaning and a drying cycle which won’t shrink clothes. On the negative side it is costly, retailing at more than £1200.
  2. Bosch WVH28421 GB. Great cleaning, energy efficiency and a good looking machine (as you’d expect from Bosch). What wasn’t so impressive was the large water usage. It’s not cheap either, coming in at just under £800.
  3. Zanussi ZKG7165. Easy to use, gets clothes very clean and, like the Bosch, a good-looking machine to sit in your kitchen. Very good price-wise but can be a bit noisy. Expect to pay around £400.
  4. AEG L75480WD. This machine has an impressive cleaning performance and, like the Zanussi above, is very easy to use. It does use up quite a bit of energy though and goes through at quite a rate too. Retails around £600.
  5. Siemens WD14H520GB. Very energy efficient and extremely quiet, also cleans very well. Quite expensive and uses a lot of water. Retails at more than £900.
  6. Samsung WD8704RJD. This machine can dry clothes just as well as it washes them and boats plenty of wash programmes. It can take a while to dry though. Costs around £450.
  7. Hotpoint Aqualtis AQ113D 697S. Can handle big loads and has a powerful spin cycle, also very quite. Like the Samsung though, can take a while to get through a cycle. Retails for around £600.
  8. Indesit IWDC6125. An entry level machine that works well considering its low price. The quick wash only takes a very small load. Prices start from £300.

On the whole, the worst problem householders report regarding their washer dryer is with the machine wobbling. Another big bugbear is blocked filters while on a more serious note water leaks and blockages are also a concern.

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Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
29
Jan
2014

How To Choose The Best Washer Dryer

How To Choose The Best Washer Dryer for you

A washing machine is one of the more expensive and durable appliances you will buy for the house, and given the almost daily requirement of washing clothes, it is crucial that you buy a machine that serves your purpose well.

Washing machine vs. washer dryer

In all likelihood, your decision to buy a washing machine will begin with choosing between buying a washing machine and tumble dryer separately, or buying a washer dryer combined.

Buying a washer dryer is obviously more economical than buying two appliances. In addition, if you have a space or budget constraint, then a washer dryer is definitely the best solution for you. However, you must also consider the following drawbacks of a washer dryer:

  • A washer dryer is more suitable for a household of 1-2 people. Most washer dryers have a 6-7 kg drum and a typical washer dryer cycle lasts 4 hours. In case you have a large family with heavier wash loads, the washer dryer will run several times a day, lead to greater electricity consumption, and increase your overall cost of doing laundry.
  • Because a washer dryer is a dual-function machine, it will not have the same advanced features and performance levels as a separate washing machine and a tumbler dryer. For instance, a standalone tumbler dryer will have a larger drum capacity and will therefore dry clothes a lot faster and with less creases than a washer dryer with a relatively smaller drum.
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Choosing the best washer dryer

Washer dryers are now more technologically advanced and energy efficient than before. If you have decided that a washer dryer is a good fit for your home, then the next step is to select the best model. Compare the various models available within your budget against the following features:

  1. Spin speed: Since the washer dryer has a relatively smaller drum, one way to ensure that the clothes dry faster is by choosing a machine with a higher spin speed (measured as revolutions per minute or rpm). Therefore, a washer dryer with a 1600 rpm will dry your clothes more quickly than one with 1200 rpm.
  2. Guarantee offered: Since a washer dryer works twice as much as a standalone washing machine, there is greater wear and tear on the machine. Compare the various washer dryers for guarantees offered on free of charge replacement of machine parts.
  3. Energy efficiency: Check for the EU energy efficiency ratings displayed on the washer dryer. Most washer dryers are rated between A and F, where A signifies a washer dryer with the most efficient energy consumption. The more efficient the machine, the less it will cost you to run.
  4. Wash programmes: Different washer dryers offer varying number of wash programmes. A model that offers additional features such as quick wash, steam cleaning, and anti-crease wash will cost you more than a basic model that will offer fewer functions.
  5. Additional features: Some washer dryers have an inbuilt sensor drying feature that turns off the machine when the clothes are dry. Another feature is the auto load control that adjusts the water levels to the laundry load.

AEG and Prime are some of the value for money (£450- 550) washer dryer brands. Bosch and HDB have machines in the range of £700- 750, and Miele offers a high-end range in excess of £1000.  Research company Which? has reviewed 88 washer dryers available in the UK. You can access this information by registering with the website.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
15
Jan
2014

Be Amazed at the Quality: Washing Machines Under £200

Washing Machines Under £200

Thinking of buying a new washing machine but can’t exactly afford to splash the cash? Then worry not for these days you’d be amazed at the quality of the technology available in washing machines under £200. And here are our fab four:

Bush A126Q Washing Machine – White (£169.99 Argos)

The Bush A126Q is a simple-to-use washing machine which has a larger drum than is typical for its size. The appliances is fitted with 23 separate programmes including an eco wash and sports cycle, in addition to a rinse, drain and spin option.

In terms of energy efficiency it boasts an A+ rating and the 6kg drum means its large enough for family wash days. There’s a child (or should that be cat) lock on the door. The spin speed is a very respectable 1200rpm which means clothes are only slightly damp when removed.

Beko WMB61431W Washing Machine – White (£199 Next)

With an A+ energy efficiency rating, the Beko WMB61431W has an adjustable temperature and spin speed for all programmes and the 1400rpm spin speed means clothes don’t need much airing to dry afterwards. It has a very useful digital display feature informing users the time left for a programme to run.

A good looking machine with a fair amount of capacity and which won’t wake up the household while its working (in other words it’s fairly quiet), it’s one of our favourite washing machines under £200.

ProAction A105Q Washing Machine – White (£169.99 Argos)

The ProAction A105Q is an A+ energy efficient machine which features a quick wash of just 30 minutes (so perfect for that impromptu party). There is a choice of 15 programmes and a 1200rpm (quiet) spin speed.

There are no complicated operating instructions which mean it’s extremely easy to use. It’s also compact in size so will fit easily into a small kitchen – great for a family with a limited budget.

LOGIK L612WMS13 Washing Machine – Silver (£199.99 Currys)

An attractive machine in contemporary-looking silver, the LOGIK L612WMS13 can take up to 6kg of garments and boasts a spin cycle of 1200rpm. An electronic programme selector means you don’t have to worry about choosing the right one for your fabrics. The screen comes with LED technology making it easy to see in the dark.

There are 16 different wash programmes and a door which opens 180 degrees making it easy to insert and retrieve garments. Handily, the wash programme can be pre-set 24 hours in advance.

Only problem now is – you actually have to choose between one of these fab washing machines under £200.

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Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles