I thought I still had a few more months left in which to decide on which washing machine I would have next - sadly mine has decided to die on me :(

So now, I'm having to concentrate my research into one weekend - so any input from you all out there would be appreciated - and if anyone has comments/experiences with washer/dryers, that would be useful too!

Margot

I used to work for Lever Bros and so was involved with Hotpoint - crap!

The problem wish washer/dryers is that they only dry a small amount at a time so you can't automatically dry your normal full load.  My experience from being in the business is that they are not as reliable as the single units although there are always exceptions.

I love my Bosch. :)

My son (single) has a hotpoint which has very poor reviews but it has certainly served him well.
Maybe if it's for a single person (who washes as little as he can get away with) it's okay but for normal family life no so good.

Karen

After years of really wanting one we've recently got a Miele W1714.  I can't praise it highly enough. 

The things I really use most/like best are:

** the fact that you can do almost any combination of water temperature and spin speed
** the 30 min express wash - on cold, 30 or 40 degrees
** you can shorten most washes
** you can do 'clever' washing where the machine senses the correct amount to water to use
** large (ish) drum capacity
** I'm sure I also use less washing powder and stain removers as the machine seems to get things cleaner

My mum has used this brand for years and I thought she was exaggerating when she raved about how good they are - but I'm now a looney wash convert too :)

John Lewis own make for me this time and 1 year on, so far so good.

I thought Hotpoint was terrible,Zanussi pretty good and Meile excellent but as John Lewis's aftercare is so good, decided to give them a whirl.
I now consider washing machines semi-disposable so cant justify spending twice as much on the premium makes.

Don't go for a washer dryer....my experience of them (from working in purchasing for an electrical retailer...albeit several years ago now) is that they're only really suitable for someone who doesn't do a lot of either.  For normal family use (especially with multiple dogs), better to go for a half decent model of each.

I thought it worth mentioning: prior to getting our Miele earlier this year we'd only owned 2 washing machines in 25 years.  Both were Indesit and both lasted long after we might have expected them to die!  If anyone was looking for a good value, mid price, machine I'd recommend them.  Another thing in their favour is that they are not overly complicated - my OH was always able to make basic repairs if needed.

When our last Indesit needed new drum bearings we decided to replace it and it's now on Freecycle waiting a new owner.  Once repaired I'd expect it to last a few more years yet...

I've just had an Indesit and so far it seems a good machine. My Hotpoint did wash well BUT it could not cope with all the dog hair and the filter was forever getting clogged,lord was it a pain to get at,its right under the drum and so hard to put back on.I've sold it to a non pet owner and they think its brilliant! I did clean the filter out before it went though. I complained to Hotpoint once as to who thought it was a good idea to put the filter in such an inaccessible place and they just replied suggesting I take out insurance on it!

I had a Zanussi Fl1012 for years until the belt broke, and then a budget Bosch that coped with all the dog hair and is still going strong 8 years later at my brothers while I bought a newer one 3 years ago.

No clogging filters despite the hair from five Norwegian Elkhounds and their bedding.

I've got a John Lewis one as well and can't praise it highly enough. It even has a 20 min quick wash which is great for things which don't need a proper wash. I tend to use the 40 min wash most. As far as I know they are made by AEG (might be wrong there though). I've got a JL tumble dryer as well - excellent.
Bought online - free delivery, 3 year guarantee and they took the old one away as well.

I agree sadly washing machines for thats matter all white goods semi to be semi disposable not good for our cardbon footprint ! It seems you either go expensive but good miele for example or get something cheap and expect it to die after the guarantee runs out ! My bosch has just survived major surgery at 5 years fortunately we were put in touch with someone who did repairs cheaply.
I would certainly look at JL next time they have a good reputation but never awasher/dryer with dogs and family !

I bought a Hotpoint 2 years ago when I moved house.  I picked it becasue I wanted a one with a bigger capacity (8kg), bigger door (for big pieces of VEt bed) and fast spin option (1600) it also gives shorter wash options, eco friendly 30 degree washes, and lots of programmes which I have not used yet!   With the amount of washing my canine family produces, mainly vetbeds and towels, it is on twice most days, sometimes more.  It did have to have the motor brushes replaced recently, due to the amount of use I think, but as this only cost £45 it did not seem too bad.   My sister went to get one too, but needed a washer dryer combined, and was talked out of a Hotpoint by sales person in John Lewis, so went for JL own brand, it is under 2 eyars old and is a pain!  HAs had to have service engineer out at least 3 times, has twiced drained all over floor for no reason, and she fervently wishes she had bought a Hotpint like mine!  I would love to ahve an american style big drum top loader, like a Maytag, but not having room for this I can only say I have been very happy with my Hotpiont (and the filter is very easy to clean out and put back in)

washer / dryers :-( dont no how they are these days but i did once buy a £749.00 Ariston one way back when my first son was born and it washed great but didnt dry anything we were told that it was because it was a condenced dryer (whatever that ment) and it would never dry the clothes properley we run up a £700.00 electric bill using it over 3 months then i returned it to Harding and hobbs as i had left a towel drying in it for 8 hours and it was still soaking wet, never again,
i always go for Idesit they had never let me down till my last one i had it 14 months and it packed up on me, idesit ddi fix it but im now paying £15.00 a month and that covers my machine parts and labour and if it cant be repaired they give me a new one,
i thought that was a good deal untill i got another offer the same for £6.99 a month , to late now tho ,

anyway i was told by the Indesit guy that came and repaired it that they are always having alot of trouble with the circit boards in their machines (thats what went on mine)
iv since gone off the brand, maybe they just dont makethings like they used to,

also most new machines are cold fill only now i myself dont like this i think our old indesit with the turn knob (not digital dial) was the best machine we ever had hot and cold fill and it seemed to clean the clothes better even my says the same when she comes to stay in winter,

I have a zanussi that I have had for years.  I had a Z b4 and that done me well also. I like the fact that they have a filter that catches all the dog hair. do you know of any other that has a removable filter?