Washing machine

[lunawolfspirit]

my washing machine has decided to die on me. it was just 4 years old and just past warrantyso now i need to buy a new one...great timing seeing as im due for my first bubs in 11 weeks.

ok so what i need my washing machine to do will be to wash bubs clothing and i will be using Moder Cloth Nappies as well, so something that well wash them items well but gently at the same time.

i have a bad back and neck so front loaders are not the best for me unless i buy a table or stand or something for it to sit on.
so i think i may have to go with a top loader.

iv'e been online and reading reviews about all different types of brands and styles, im still confused.

i would just like to know what the mums on bub hub think i should be looking at when i go and buy a washing machine.

[bAaM]

I have an 8kg LG turbo and i love it.

[lunawolfspirit]

cool thanks i will google it and see what info i can find, what made you pick that machine ?

[lunawolfspirit]

:confused: the lg website is down ...darn thing :rolleyes:

[bAaM]

I got it SH and got it cheap, but i would have payed full price for it.

It is electric and automaticly turns itself off when finished, it has things in the bottom to stop it geting off balance and it doesnt have the big round bit in the middle, i love it.

[Lastcenturymum]

Gee, 4 years is pretty poor isn't it?

I have a Kleenmaid - they aren't cheap, but are often on sale around June. They are guaranteed for 25 years (industrial quality-same make as Speed Queens that are used in laundromats and caravan parks etc) and I've had it for about 12years I think. Solid as a rock. Great for families too, big decent capacity.

[lunawolfspirit]

yeah the machine i got was just a cheap brand as i had just moved out of home and it was all i could afford it was $400 with 4 years warranty so it did me well until now.
i turn it on sometimes and i press the start button and it wont start, then i leave it for a day and i come back to see if it will work and it will, it is so weird.

i want to go top of the line this time.
i like the sound of that guaranteed for 25 years, that is real good eh

i just dont want the sales man to talk me in to a machine that is not right for us and you know they are good at that.

so keep up the advice because mum's do laundry and they know best when it comes to buying stuff like this. mum are just smart like that

[Lastcenturymum]

I agree. Word of mouth is often the best, but sometimes salesmen are good when you want the technical info like motor size, watts and how many plastic parts (a lot of washers used to have metal parts that lasted too long, hence they have been replaced by plastic bits....)

Kleenmaid only sold through their own showrooms BTW

[samsgirls]

Don't buy Fisher & Paykel. They are good washing machines, never had a problem until it broke down, but it costs $110 just for the repairman to come and look (F&P repairman). They are more trouble than they are worth. I am renting a Simpson from Radio Rentals currently, as that is what we want to buy next. It has been great, and isn't as complicated or computerised like Fisher & Paykel, and similar brands. Happy hunting!:)

[lunawolfspirit]

thanks guys

i've read some bad reviews about Fisher & Paykel, the same kind of thing the machine is great until it breaks down then trying to get it fixed is a nightmare, someones laundry room was on fire with a 1 day old Fisher & Paykel, and they wouldn't pay to fix anything :eek: not the machine or any damage, and they had proper people come and inspect the damage and the fault came to the washing machine not the house.

i can fit any size in my laundry room as i have a lot of space so that is no a problem.
ok so in terms of what size should i get?, some one recommended maybe around 8 kgs, because having a family you need to wash kids blankets ect.
some machines have an agitator some dont, what do you guys think is better?

washing machine hunting is hard work lol

what questions do i ask the sales man

[samsgirls]

I agree, 8kg would be a great size. We want to get one that big, it would halve my workload.:laughing:Like i mentioned, I want to get a Simpson, because they have been around for years and seem to be a great brand. And I want one with an agitator (if that is the thing in the centre:o). I guess it comes down to what u want, and usually how many recommendations u get for a certain brand. :)

[bigglet]

LG makes great products but wo behold you if it even breaks down and you need to get it serviced/fixed. They have the worst service - even Choice magazine mentioned their poor service record and when I mentioned it to the sales guy when I was looking for a washing machine about LG he quietly agreed.

European brands are a bit more expensive but they are hardy and are less likely to break down. Brands like Asko, Electrolux, Miele, Kleenmaid etc.

Also when buying ask yourself do you really need all the fancy bells and whistles? I have a fancy washing machine that does stuff like delayed timer and all those extra buttons but to be honest I never use them - I have regular wash or gentle/hand wash and that's the extent of it!

Also ask the sales guy about replacing parts/service should you ever need to fix it. If the factory isn't close by and your washing machine breaks down then you could be up for a wait and/or a costly part.

[lunawolfspirit]

Thanks for the advice, it has really helped me :)