Buying Advice
Advice on choosing household appliances: what to look for, the features worth paying for, running costs, what to avoid and which brands last the longest.
Showing 31 to 40 of 107 guides
Exploding Door Glass - Who’s Fault Is It?
When a washing machine door glass shatters, the manufacturer almost always blames the user. But the reality is considerably more complicated - and in many cases, the consumer has a stronger position than they…
11 min read
1,292 views 20 comments Read guide
If I sign a delivery note and appliance turns out damaged can I still complain?
Delivery companies ask you to sign confirming goods were received in good condition. With a large appliance wrapped in protective packaging, that is impossible to verify at the time. Here is what to do…
4 min read
906 views 1 comments Read guide
Smeg WMFABAZ1 Washing Machine Review
The Smeg WMFABAZ1 is a genuinely unusual appliance: a 7kg washing machine disguised as a 1950s-style retro fridge. From the outside, nothing gives it away. It is an undeniably creative design - but whether…
2 min read
365 views 1 comments Read guide
Buying faulty appliances with credit cards protection
Buying an appliance with a credit card provides extra legal protection that many consumers are not aware of. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, the credit card company is jointly liable with…
3 min read
317 views Read guide
Don’t Ignore Running costs of tumble dryers
The running cost of a tumble dryer varies enormously between models and types. Ignoring energy costs when choosing a dryer can turn out to be a very expensive mistake over the lifetime of the…
4 min read
274 views 1 comments Read guide
Are Samsung Ecobubble washing machines any good?
Samsung EcoBubble is a washing machine technology that mixes air bubbles into the water and detergent before the wash begins. Samsung claims this gets detergent into fabric 40% faster, allows lower temperatures to achieve…
3 min read
1,707 views 50 comments Read guide
Difference between energy ratings A and A+
A higher energy rating does not automatically mean lower long-term costs. Before choosing a washing machine based primarily on its energy label, it is worth understanding what the rating does - and does not…
4 min read
420 views 4 comments Read guide
Buy Old Hotpoint Carbon brushes
This page covers two types of carbon brush used in older Hotpoint and Creda washing machines - the white type (part 1600474) and the older black type (part 161460). Both were among the most…
4 min read
240 views 2 comments Read guide
Buy Hotpoint & Creda FHP carbon brushes
Later Hotpoint washing machines were fitted with the FHP motor. The carbon brushes for this motor are different from the older type - larger, thicker, and more hard-wearing. This page covers which models use…
3 min read
190 views Read guide
Genuine washing machine spare parts
Not all spare parts sold for washing machines and other appliances are genuine manufacturer parts. Understanding the difference between genuine and non-genuine parts helps avoid wasting money on inferior copies that can fail early…
4 min read
471 views Read guide