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 61 to 70 of 107 guides
Is a more expensive washing machine a better one?
This is one of the most widely misunderstood aspects of buying a washing machine. The assumption that spending more means getting something better-made is reasonable - but in the appliance market, it is frequently…
8 min read
1,153 views Read guide
How long should a washing machine last?
A generation ago, a washing machine lasting 10 to 20 years was the norm. Today, many fail significantly sooner. Whether this is deliberate design or the inevitable consequence of lower manufacturing costs - or…
6 min read
1,839 views 8 comments Read guide
5 tips for buying a new appliance
Most appliance buying guides focus on features and price. These tips take a different perspective - one informed by years of repairing appliances and dealing with the consequences of buying decisions. The aspects that…
7 min read
329 views Read guide
Which is the best washing machine to buy?
Independent buying advice from Whitegoods Help, written from over 40 years of hands-on appliance engineering experience. This guide covers the most reliable washing machine brands, what to avoid, how to choose the right type…
15 min read
6,504 views Read guide
Do new washing machines use the same hoses and plumbing?
All new washing machines come supplied with fill hoses. The fittings are standardised and should connect to existing taps without adapters. The practical issues are usually around hose length, hose type, and the change…
5 min read
3,030 views 37 comments Read guide
Are Washing Machines All the Same Size? UK Dimensions Explained
If you need a washing machine that is even slightly smaller than average, you will find the choice frustratingly thin. This guide explains what the real measurements are across the market, why they are…
8 min read
3,576 views 59 comments Read guide
Should I buy washing machine extended warranty?
Before buying an extended warranty on a washing machine, it is worth understanding how these products are structured and what they actually cover - particularly in the later years of the policy. The reality…
7 min read
602 views 2 comments Read guide
Is a guarantee transferable when you buy a second hand appliance?
This is a common source of confusion when buying or selling appliances second-hand. The short answer is that manufacturers are generally not obliged to honour a guarantee for anyone other than the original purchaser,…
5 min read
1,164 views 6 comments Read guide
Washing machines with a 95 degree hot wash
The vast majority of washing machines cap their hot wash at 90 degrees. A small number of models from certain brands go higher - to 95 degrees - though this is not a standard…
3 min read
1,049 views 7 comments Read guide
Buying an appliance for a rented property
The suggestion that a manufacturer's guarantee is invalid on an appliance bought for a rented property is incorrect in almost every normal circumstance. This article explains the actual position and what landlords should know…
5 min read
190 views Read guide