DIY repairs

Machine broken? Go to www.which.co.uk/ washerrepairs to see whether you need to call an engineer you could save up to 80 on labour by doing a simple job yourself.

Best laundry detergents

A good detergent will help you get the best results from your washing machine. We reveal the latest test results and name Best Buy powders and tablets on p34.

Which brands are best?

Our tests have built up a picture of different washing machine brands. To get an idea of their strengths and weaknesses, take a look at www.which.co.uk/washingmachinebrands

freestanding

built in

test lab

longer lasting
Its pointless spending hundreds of pounds on a washing machine from a brand with only a mediocre record for reliability, such as Hoover. If your machine does break down, calling in an engineer can cost as much as 100 even before theyve taken a look at the problem. Weve found that a long-lasting washing machine neednt cost a fortune. Here, we pick the cheapest Best Buys from the six most reliable brands and offer tips on how to keep your washing machine running smoothly.

Bosch WAS24460GB 465

Which? test score 74% Which? reliability rating Pros Extra rinsing and reduced ironing are two of the options on this feature-packed machine. For each wash, you can pick whether energy or speed is most important. Cleaning results are excellent for easy-care clothes and very good for cottons. The 8kg-capacity drum is great for large family loads. CONS Water use and energy efficiency are only average on the easy-care program. Which.co.uk target price 434 Cheapest high street store The Co-operative Also available Comet, Currys, Dixons

Miele W1613 679

Which? test score 74% Which? reliability rating Pros Miele is the only washing machine brand to score five stars for reliability, and this is the only freestanding Best Buy to get five stars for rinsing. It gives superb cleaning results on the cotton wash, and the easy-care wash is very good. Both programs are fast. Energy use is low with a full load of cottons. CONS The easy-care wash gets only average results for energy efficiency and water use. Which.co.uk target price 648 Cheapest high street store The Co-operative Also available Comet, John Lewis, M&S

Zanussi ZWI2125 567

Which? test score 74% Which? reliability rating Pros One of the cheapest and fastest built-in Best Buys, this 6kg-capacity Zanussi gets five stars in our tests for its easy-care and cotton programs. The rinse is also good and there are lots of program options, including pre-wash and extra rinse. CONS Energy use with smaller loads is only average, and its not very quiet. Laundry isnt very dry after the spin, either. Which.co.uk target price 517 Cheapest high street store Boots Also available Comet, M&S, Next

washing machines

Calgon in every wash and at all temperatures. But do washing machines really live longer with Calgon? We wanted to put its claim to the test, so we simulated three years of washing in hard water with and without Calgon and asked an expert with 17 years of repairs experience to inspect the machines for damage. While the element in the machine without Calgon had a thicker coating of limescale, it wasnt enough to affect the machines performance or suggest future failure. Our expert said: Ive never met any circumstances where Calgon wouldve been a good investment. It takes six to eight years in hard water for a machine to require attention due to calcium build-up. In this time the consumer could have spent 295 on Calgon [washing three times a week]. For me to unblock and service a machine of this age, it would be 49.20 plus any parts required.
Washing machines from the most reliable brands and tips on extending the life of your machine
detergent does the same job
Washing detergents also contain water softeners, so using the recommended dose should reduce limescale build-up unless your waters very hard. In that case, fitting a softener to the mains to treat the whole water supply might be worthwhile, as other appliances will also be affected. Washing your laundry at lower temperatures will also reduce limescale deposits in your machine. Calgon ads show the effects of washing at 60C, but the most commonly used temperature, and the one used in all our washing machine tests, is 40C. As well as using the right amount of detergent to reduce limescale, running a 90C wash once a month with biological powder will help prevent the door seals on your washing machine from going black. Wiping round the drum and regularly checking the filter (if your machine has one) will also improve its performance. Of the six most reliable washing MONEY machine brands on Which.co.uk, SAVER Zanussi washing machines are the cheapest, with online target prices between 250 and 517.

www.which.co.uk

Bosch WIS24140GB 592
Which? test score 73% Which? reliability rating Pros Cottons and delicates get a superb rinse in this Bosch and it has the fastest easycare wash of all the built-in Best Buys (95 minutes). Its quiet and has an effective spin. CONS The time remaining isnt displayed. The easy-care program didnt leave clothes as clean as the cottons wash. You may need to buy a separate plinth if you need to boost the machines height. Which.co.uk target price 553 Cheapest high street store Dixons Also available Boots, Comet, M&S, Next

John Lewis JLWM1604 499

Which? test score 71% Which? reliability rating Pros This machine could save you money if youre on a water meter we found it to be extremely water efficient with full and smaller loads of cottons. It has 21 programs, including stain and intensive options, and the 1,600 rpm spin gets most of the water out of laundry. CONS It has a noisy spin. Rinsing is average, so you may find that not all the detergent is removed from your clothes. Which.co.uk target price 499 Cheapest high street store John Lewis Also available www.johnlewis.com

LG F1480FD 500

Which? test score 71% Which? reliability rating Pros This LG has a large 9kg drum. Cleaning results are great especially on the easy-care program. Laundry gets a good rinse, and the 1,400rpm spin removes plenty of water. There are lots of settings, including a duvet option and a medic rinse to remove any detergent left at the end of the wash. CONS Program times are long a full cotton load takes nearly four hours. Which.co.uk target price 462 Cheapest high street store Sainsburys Also available Currys, John Lewis, Next

June 2011 | 37

Is Calgon worth it?
Calgon claims that, on average, one machine stops working in the UK every three minutes because of limescale. It promises to extend your machines life for less than 30p a wash, claiming you should use
photographY by: getty images

more for you

We have full test results for more than 200 washing machines online, along with their cheapest online prices. Find the reviews and information on brand reliability at www.which.co.uk/ washingmachines. Or if youd prefer to speak to someone, call our helpline on 01992 822800.

36 | June 2011

washing Machines

built in built in

Dont Buy dryers

A good tumble dryer dries quickly and evenly, but we recommend you avoid the Indesit IS70C and Creda TCR2. Find out why at www.which.co.uk/tumbledryers

Save energy

Tumble dryers guzzle energy, but you can save money by using them more efficiently. Have a look at our video guide at www. which.co.uk/energysavingtumbledry

Candy fault investigated

Our picture gallery at www.which.co.uk/ explodingwashers shows the effects of a rare fault on Candy machines. Email homeeditor@ which.co.uk if youve had a similar experience.
the most reliable best buys plus the most energy-efficient machines on the market
more energy-saving washing machines
The Which? Energy Saver logo identifies Best Buy appliances that are extremely energy efficient. Most washing machines today are A-rated for energy, so EU energy labels are changing from A to G to A+++ to D, to help shoppers identify the most efficient. Our tests differ from those used for EU labels. We wash at 40C and record the energy used in each cycle, with synthetics and full and smaller loads of cottons, to reflect real everyday use. Washers rarely get top marks for energy efficiency with both full and smaller loads, but the Whirlpool and Bosch (right) and the Siemens WI12S140GB (left) are three of the best weve tested.

Specification

h Whirlpool AWOE8558 (389) 71% This freestanding 8kg-capacity Whirlpool scores five stars for energy with a full cotton load and four stars with the recommended 3.5kg load of synthetics. Different fabrics are cleaned consistently well, and it has a 1,200rpm spin. Available at Next, online h Bosch WIS28440GB Logixx (662) 76% This built-in Bosch scores five stars for energy with a full load and four stars with smaller loads of cottons or synthetics. It could also save you money if youre on a water meter. It has a 1,400rpm top spin and a 7kg drum. Available at Boots, Comet, Dixons, John Lewis, M&S, Next

Which? Test Performance

Siemens WI12S140GB iQ300 618
Which? test score 71% Which? reliability rating Pros One of the larger built-in Best Buys, this 7kg-capacity Siemens is quick, particularly on the easy-care program. Its one of the quietest Best Buys and its rinse cycles are excellent, so it would suit anyone concerned about detergent being left in laundry. CONS The time remaining isnt displayed, and water consumption on the easy-care program is only average. Which.co.uk target price 589 Cheapest high street store John Lewis Also available Comet, Currys, Dixons, M&S, Next

Zanussi ZWI1125 466

Which? test score 71% Which? reliability rating Pros This is the cheapest built-in Best Buy. It has a 6kg capacity and an easy-care program that gets clothes spotless. Cottons are left very clean and well rinsed, and energy use is low with a full load. It has 21 programs, including a pre-wash option for very dirty clothes. CONS The spin is only average, so you may find your laundrys still quite wet when the wash finishes. Which.co.uk target price 466 Cheapest high street store Comet Also available Boots, John Lewis, M&S, Next

John Lewis JLWM1407 379

Which? test score 70% Which? reliability rating Pros This machine has a 30-minute quick wash thats useful if youve worn clothes only once. The easy-care program gets clothes spotless, and cottons are washed well. Water use is very low with full and smaller loads. CONS This is the noisiest Best Buy and is particularly loud on the wash cycle. However, spinning isnt as noisy, which is unusual as the spin tends to be the loudest part of a program. Which.co.uk target price 379 Cheapest high street store John Lewis Also available www.johnlewis.com
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FREESTANDING 1 LG F1w443KDS 2 miele WBosch WAS24460GB Logixx 4 LG F1443KD 5 Miele WHotpoint WMF760 P Aquarius+ 1,400 1,400 1,200 1,400 1,300 1,600 1,400 1,400 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,600 1,400 1,400 1,200 1,400 1,200 1,200 HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH 2:46 2:10 2:22 2:06 2:21 3:02 2:13 2:55 2:12 2:15 1:51 1:48 1:30 1:40 1:57 1:17 1:14 1:07 1:32 1:05 1:23 2:02 1:22 1:16 1:22 1:23 1:20 1:15 1:28 1:26 1:16 1:29 HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHH HHH HHHH HHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHH HHH HHH HHHH HHH HHH HHH HHH HHH HH HHH HH HHHH HHH HHHH HHH HHH HHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHH HHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH 71 HHHHH HHHHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHH HHHHH HHH HHHH HHHH HHHH HHHHH 79

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FAQs and problems you can fix yourself

Should I use powder Q or liquid detergent? Liquids dont contain bleach, which can mean colours stay bright but whites arent cleaned as effectively. Bleaching agents in powder help to stop the build-up of bacteria and mould that can cause bad odours. See our full article on laundry liquids and powders, on page 34. Should I always wash Q at low temperatures? If you wash at 40C or lower, its important to do a regular maintenance wash to get rid of any bacteria that isnt removed by hotter water. Every month, empty the drum and set your machine off at its highest temperature, using a biological detergent with bleaching agents. You can also get rid of odours by doing a laundry-free hot wash with soda crystals in the drum or white distilled vinegar in the detergent drawer.

38 | June 2011

HHHHH 74
Go to which.co.uk/washerrepairs for more help with minor faults
Why isnt it spinning? Q All modern machines have sensors to check the load is balanced. If youre washing a single item or a particularly large or small load, the sensors might stop the spin because they sense that the machine will be out of balance, which could cause damage. The doors locked how Q do I get my clothes out? If you cant open the door and theres no water inside, check the
manual to see whether theres an emergency door release. If not, try disconnecting the plug from the mains and waiting a few minutes. Why arent my clothes Q being rinsed properly? There could be a blockage. Check the pump filter first its usually on the front of the machine but consult the manual if youre not sure. If the filters OK, the waste pipe connecting the machine to your plumbing might be blocked. The conditioner stays in Q the drawer what can I do? If a build-up of slime in the drawer isnt causing the blockage and the powder is being drawn into the machine, the conditioner itself may be the problem. Storing conditioner in the wrong environment can change its consistency, so buying a new bottle and following the storage instructions may fix the problem.
Why is my machine Q so noisy? A loose coin or bra wire can cause rattling in the drum, but if your machine has removable paddles you should be able to find it. If your washing machine vibrates loudly on the spin cycle, its feet might not be level. The machines manual should contain advice about setting the feet to improve stability. Why doesnt the water drain Q from my machine? The pump filter may be blocked, so check this first. If its clear, have a look at the pump as a small item, such as a coin, might be stuck. How can I fix a leak? Q If water leaks out of the washing machine when its turned on, the waste hose at the back of the machine could be damaged or loose. Tightening the connections or replacing the hose could solve the problem.
7 Indesit PWE8148W Prime 8 Beko WME7247 Excellence 9 Indesit PWC8128W Prime 10 John Lewis JLWMLG F1480FD 12 Whirlpool AWOEHotpoint WML560 P Aquarius 14 John Lewis JLWM1407 BUILT IN 15 Bosch WIS28440GB Logixx 16 Zanussi ZWIBosch WIS24140GB Exxcel 18 AEG L62642VI 19 AEG L63742VI 20 Siemens WI12S140GB iQZanussi ZWI1125

1,200 HHHHH

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ratings for more than 230 previously tested washing machines can be found on our members website at www.which.co.uk/washingmachines

Using the table

Price For Best Buys we give the lowest widely available high street or online price. Capacity Full cotton load capacity. Max spin Maximum spin speed in rpm.

performance

The more stars the better. Cotton/synthetics wash Cleaning rating for 40C cotton and synthetic washes. Cotton/synthetics time According to our lab test, not the manufacturers manual.
Rinsing How well cotton and synthetic loads are rinsed. Spinning How dry the load is after the final spin. Energy and water Use per kg of washing at 40C. Noise Subjective expert judgement during wash and spin. Reliability Best Buys have at least average reliability in our survey.
Ignores price and is based on: Washing 55% Water/energy use20% Convenience10% Spin dry10% Noise5%

June 2011 | 39

Our range of washing machines and washer/dryers is as technologically advanced as it gets.They enable you to specify fabric type, spin cycle, hand wash, quick wash, delicates, minimum iron and more. Some machines can even tell you how heavy your load is and how much washing powder to use.

WASHER DRYERS

LAUNDRY
Multiple wash programmes Out of balance adjustment allows for different weight loads Delay timers Up to 6kg wash capacity available
A AEG L11842VIT Fully-intergrated washer dryer 6kg Wash 4kg Dry 1200rpm 19 Wash 5 Dry LCD Display Handwash/Wool programme Quick wash reduced time option CAA B AEG L12843VIT Fully-intergrated washer dryer 6kg Wash 4kg Dry 1400rpm 19 Wash 5 Drying LCD Display Handwash/Wool programme Quick wash reduced time option BAA C Candy CDB264-80 Fully integrated washer dryer 1200rpm 7kg large wash load 18 wash programmes 32 minute wash programme Fuzzy logic Start delay (up to 9 hours) Stain blaster button Allergy care button 3 dry programmes Cold fill only Energy rating B AB
D Electrolux EWX14450W Fully integrated washer dryer Time manager function you decide the time the wash takes 1400rpm 6kg wash load 4kg drying load Fluff filter above the plinth line Electronic controls Energy rating A/B E Hotpoint BHWD129/1 Built-in LED interface Spin speed 1200rpm Capacity 6.5kg 5kg wash and dry Platinum care wool cycle Sensor dryer 16 wash programmes + rinse, spin & pump out 3 drying programmes Eco cycle Energy rating A wash, B energy, B spin F Hotpoint BHWD149/1 Built-in LED interface Spin speed 1400 rpm Capacity 7kg 5kg wash & dry 16 wash programmes + rinse, spin & pump out Larger porthole Baby cycle Night cycle Platinum Woolmark Energy rating A wash, A spin Eco cycle
G NEFF V6540 6kg wash capacity 4kg drying capacity Reduced time option 2 drying levels 1400 spin Sensor dry and time options 49ltr water consumption Energy rating B H Siemens WK14D540GB Fully Integrated washer dryer 1400 rpm 6KG wash / 4KG dry 9 wash programmes hydroSafe Rapid 15 - a 15 minute wash, rinse and spin at 30 degrees Large LCD display Sensordry B Energy A Wash B Spin I Zanussi ZK1245 Built-in LED interface Spin speed 1200 rpm Capacity 6.5kg 5kg wash and dry 16 wash programmes and rinse, spin & pump out 3 drying programmes Energy rating A wash, B energy, B spin
Please check with branch for integration standard integration is subject to availability

WASHING MACHINES

A B C D
A AEG L63742VI Fully-intergrated washing machine 6kg wash capacity 1400rpm 20 Wash programmes LCD Display Handwash/Wool programme Quick wash reduced time option A-10%AB B Candy CWB714D-80 Fully integrated washing machine 1400rpm 7kg wash capacity 13 programmes 14, 30, 44 min rapid wash Fuzzy logic Start delay (23 hours) Allergy care Stain buster Cold fill only Easy iron Energy rating A+AA C Electrolux EWG12450W Fully integrated washing machine Time manager function - you decide the time the wash takes 1200rpm 6kg wash load Fluff filter above the plinth line Electronic controls Energy rating A+AB
D Hotpoint BHWM129/1 Built-in LED interface Spin speed 1200rpm Platinum care wool cycle Capacity 6.5kg 16 wash programmes + rinse, spin & pump out Energy rating A wash, A+ energy, B spin E Hotpoint BHWM149/1 Built-in LED interface Spin speed 1400 rpm Capacity 7kg 16 wash programmes + rinse, spin & pump out Larger porthole Baby cycle Night cycle Platinum woolmark Energy rating A wash, A+ energy, B spin F NEFF W5420 1200rpm Touch control 7kg wash capacity Circocare for improved performance 49ltr water consumption Wash energy rating A, spin energy rating B

G NEFF W5440 1400rpm 7kg wash capacity 15 programmes 3D wash system Less ironing LED display Intensive wash option Extra rinse Pre-wash Detergent overdosage detection Fully-integrated washing machine 49ltr water consumption Energy rating A+ H Siemens WI14S440GB 7kg wash capacity Fully Integrated washing machine 1400 rpm 11 wash programmes hydroSafe optiWave drum 40% faster programmes as standard Large LCD display with time remaining indicator Rapid 15 - a 15 minute wash, rinse and spin at 30 degrees A-10% Energy A wash B spin I Zanussi ZWi1125 1000rpm 24+ programmes 6kg Load Large porthole Energy rating A+AB J Zanussi ZWi2125 1200rpm 24 programmes 6kg load LED display and electronic controls Energy rating A+AB