When buying a white goods appliance you might expect that if you pay more you will get a better quality appliance. So the question is, if you pay an extra £50, or even £100’s more for a more expensive model (from the same brand), will you get a more reliable washing machine? The answer is No.
You might get a bigger drum, a faster spin, and more options, but the build quality will almost certainly be exactly the same, or not substantially different.
Want better quality washing machine? You need a better brand
The important thing to understand is that specific brands of a washing machine (or any appliance) tend to be either budget, middle of the road, or more rarely premium quality. They are built to the standard dictated by the range they are made for (even sharing most parts).
But each brand has models that can be hundreds of pounds apart in price. There’s an entry model which is quite basic, and a top model that is brimming with features. Fundamentally they are all built the same. So if you want a higher quality appliance you have to buy a higher quality brand – and, not the top model of a budget or average quality brand.
Here is a great example. Miele’s entry level washing machine is considerably better quality, could last 2 or 3 times longer, and will be much quieter and more reliable than Hotpoint's top of the range washing machine. And yet they are virtually the same price. The difference is that the Miele is far better built, but the Hotpoint (or other brands in same price range) will have a much bigger drum, faster spin speed etc.
Manufacturers make a specific quality of appliance
So each brand tends to be of a specific build quality. They then create dozens of variations at different prices. Many manufacturers do like to sell appliances of differing build quality, but they usually do so by selling totally different brands.
The same goes for AEG and Zanussi, with AEG being the higher spec and slightly better build quality brand, both owned by Electrolux.
With budget washing machines you could even argue their most basic model is probably better
The worst quality washing machine manufacturer can still produce a souped-up model in the latest fashionable colour. It will spin way too fast for the build quality of the machine and bounce around the kitchen because the suspension is cheap – but the washer could still expensive because of the perceived value of its features.
If you buy a top model from a budget appliance brand, plus an extended warranty, you can end up paying more money for a rubbish washing machine than for a less specified but high quality washing machine, which should last much longer. So decide whether to spend your money on a more basic but well made washing machine, or on a washing machine with a faster spin and bigger drum that's potentially unreliable and noisy.
Compare the basic entry model of each brand of washing machine you are interested in. So if you see a £580 washing machine, but they do a basic model at just £290, you should know that the £580 washing machine is likely to be built to the same build quality as the £290 washing machine. The rest of your money is going on features.
Ideally, if money's no object then a washing machine that combines higher spec and quality is best, but if money is tight then a basic cheap washing machine may have to do. I just think too many people are paying over £600 out for washing machines that are not higher build quality, but just have bigger drums and faster spins, when for the same money they could buy a better quality one with less features.
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Also don't go on looks. The highest quality washing machines are rarely the most "attractive" (often expected to go into wash rooms) and the ones that look the nicest, are often not as well made.
For personal recommendations (so far) see
Miele washing machines | consult Which? reviews who have considerably more resources and many years of data from their members to research – now online and with a 1 month trial offer –
What’s the difference between most modern brands of washing machine?
Build quality wise? Virtually nothing. I’ve stripped down many brand new washing machines recently and laid all the parts side by side. I was astounded at how virtually all parts are the same quality, same design, and clearly made in the same factories. They all look virtually identical inside. You might as well just pick which one is prettiest.
The main significant difference between most brands (except Miele who are still head and shoulders above the rest) is their quality of aftersales service, availability of technical support, availability and price of spare parts, how long they guarantee the product for, and how repairable they are. Most of these significant aspects are never mentioned in reviews .
Buying budget washing machines can often work out more expensive in the long run than buying a much better quality one in the first place – especially if you are talked into buying an extended warranty too, which do not give the kind of cover most people expect – What you need to know about extended warranties.
Unrepairable –
Washing machines designed to sell cheaply, or at a premium price bristling with features are also less repairable by design in many cases. The number one goal is driving production costs down. By making parts unrepairable or only available as complete expensive units they drive down production costs at the expense of repairability and longevity.
Examples of this are motors that can't be stripped down and repaired (some have even been known to have no replaceable carbon brushes available), drum bearings that can't be replaced meaning a far more expensive (uneconomical) tub change instead, and the latest crazy idea is a completely sealed outer tub and drum, which can't be stripped down. These machines are too cheap to invest much money in keeping them going, so, the old adage of "buy cheap – buy often" can be pretty accurate here.
Needs must?
Despite what's been said above, there are various circumstances where a cheap – no frills – washing machine is all that's required. Some might argue that for £250, if you get 2 or 3 years you shouldn't grumble, and this is a common attitude although not shared by me and not environmentally friendly either.
They might seem much cheaper, but buying a new washing machine every several years is very likely to cost more than investing in a quality one in the first place. Plus they can be very noisy and unstable in comparison to the quality machines. They tend to break down more regularly and are comparatively crude in places. They are may also cost more to run, which is something many people leave out of the equation. A poor energy rating for a washing machine can add a few hundred pounds to the running costs over a lifetime.
The third option? The middle range
If you can't afford a Miele but you don't want a "cheap" washing machine then the middle ground is a good place to try. Here you can find a reasonable amount of features and a relatively "decent" washing machine. This section is represented by brands such as Siemens, Neff, Electrolux and cheaper still are brands like AEG, Bosh, and the John Lewis brand washing machines, which come with 3 year warranties.
For more information on the best and worst washing machines see – My buying washing machines articles or check out Which? reviews and Best Buys
