Need a new washer with an easy to open door

Sorry to hear the old Miele has finally given up. Those older Mieles were very good, and the separate door-release button was a real help for anyone with arthritis. Unfortunately, very few modern washing machines now use that arrangement, so it can be awkward to find one with a genuinely light, easy-open door.

A few things worth checking before you buy:

1. Look for “push to open” or “electronic door release” Some higher-end machines have a button-operated release rather than a firm pull on the handle. Miele are still one of the best brands to check first, as they tend to think more about usability.

2. Try premium brands in person if possible Miele, Bosch, Siemens and Asko are worth looking at in a showroom. Door effort varies a lot even between models in the same brand, so it’s better not to rely on photos or brochures.

3. Ask the retailer specifically about door opening force Explain that you need a machine suitable for arthritis. A good independent retailer may let you try the display model and can tell you which ones have the lightest catch.

4. Consider handle design as well as force A large recessed grip or proper handle is often easier than the slim integrated lip used on many modern machines.

5. Avoid buying unseen if door ease is critical Online specs rarely mention this, and “easy open” can mean very different things in practice.

There isn’t really a repair/safety issue here, but as a general reminder, always isolate appliances from the mains before inspecting internal parts, and use a qualified engineer for any mains, gas or sealed refrigeration work.

If you want, I can suggest a few current UK models or brands that are most likely to suit arthritic hands.

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