Which Quality Washing Machine to buy?

Thanks for the reply

Yea I did read that about AEG in one of your articles, thanks for a great website btw.

It's the 'big step down' bit I don't like though I really *want* to spend more and get a quality machine that will last.

I've emailed a couple of local suppliers (and Currys also) to see what their policy is on 5 or 10 year warranties on a Miele, but from what I have read Miele machines are still far from perfect and the idea of a £1000 machine being BER after just a couple of years does NOT appeal

Thanks 🙂 Yes there is no perfect washing machine yet. The ISE10 is the closest I know because it's much higher quality than most other machines and ISE have a commitment to not profiting from spare parts and freely supplying technical information. Therefore the first time we have a high quality washing machine that is easy and relatively easy and cheap to repair. ( What is the ISE washing machine, and why is it different to other washing machines? )

I'd definitely consider buying one, in fact it would probably be top of my list, but I can't buy one because of where I live

It seems Northern Ireland misses out a lot as it's often excluded from all sorts of things. It's a shame. In the absence of these options though AEG is probably your best bet unless you can find another high quality brand that's adequately looked after over there such as Maytag?

I looked briefly at Maytag due to reading that they are built by the same Swedish company that builds the ISE (but potentially without the backup and lower spares costs?). Then I read that Maytag are owned by Whirlpool which maybe isn't such a good thing?

Some of the AEGs currently have a 5 year warranty, not sure if there are any 'geographical' restriction as for Miele

I read the article 'the great washing machine swindle' and see that the Electrolux group (which includes AEG) use sealed drums on some of their machines, is this something I should be concerned about with AEG?

It's a very outrageous practice by more and more manufacturers these days. It's all part of the throwaway manufacturing. For a list of currently known washing machines with welded or sealed outer drums see this thread

All the new AEG machines have protex drums which are sealed apparently. Ruling them out then.

What about Siemens as a mid range option with 5 year warranty? Do they used sealed drums?

I got some info from Miele Ireland and they say that their 6kg machines come with a 2 year warranty and their 7kg and 8kg machines come with a 5 year warranty.

This covering all of Ireland north & south.

No 10 year warranties this side of the Irish Sea apparently

Obviously Currys haven't heard this as they said Miele machines come with a 12 month ( ) manufacturer warranty but that at time of purchase the sales person in-store would 'offer' an extended warranty

This after they consulted with Miele UK.....

So Miele Ireland apparently telling a different story from Miele UK....

Why the difference in warranties between UK & Ireland that's what I want to know

Even mid range manufacturers offer a 5 year warranty on some of their machines (and they'd be cheaper to repair out of warranty than a Miele).

Also, some other stuff that is bothering me:

- Why are there no Miele washing machines on www.currys.ie? But plenty on www.currys.co.uk?

- Why is the W1914 (lowest priced 7kg machine) not listed on Miele Ireland's site (www.miele.ie)? But is on www.miele.co.uk?

I presume it's because Ireland is a different country and they always vary policies and models in different countries to suit themselves and their perceived different market requirements.

In response to the main part of this thread I would say Siemens, they offer 5 Years parts & Labour in the UK and Ireland. They are easily repaired as they have no sealed tub unit unlike all AEGs these days, and Siemens IQ-500 & IQ-700 machines sometimes have promotions for 10 year Motor Guarantee available in Ireland too.

To be honest, If you look at features, your best to choose something like Miele, Siemens, AEG. ISE only have a few basic programmes, ok they will last long, but at that price, makes me think, I could get a Siemens with better features, and German build.

The AEG and all electrolux machines these days are produced in Italy or much poorer countries, none are made in Germany any more, and all have sealed units.

German Build, and also Swedish build is very good, compared to Italy, Thailand, Poland, China etc.

Hall2012 - Choose the Bosch or LG. Th Beko is cheap and flimsy, but will be easily fixed if something goes wrong.

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Why can't washers be made in Britain like they used to - would be much better!

I have a relevant article here now - which are the best-washing-machines?