Washing machine recommendations

[Toria]

It looks like we're going to need to replace our washing machine - the control board has been completely fried & repair is going to cost lots.

So, has anyone bought a new washing machine lately & have any recommendations? We'd prefer a front loader, and I think at least a 7kg capacity.

We've looked at a few and they're all starting to look the same to me!

I liked most of the features on the F&P Aquasmart's, but they need to have both hot & cold water hooked up & the manual says it's best if the hot water is at 65 degC. Our hot water system gives us 50 degC max & is normally set at 38, so we're excluding those from consideration. And probably all other F&P models, didn't check the manuals for any of the others, but they all had the same tap setup at the back.

Our old one is a Bosch, and has only a cold water feed, it heated the water to the required temperature.

[twinmama]

Mum just bought a F & P and has no hot water in her laundry.

[Pobie]

I have an Asko and LOVE IT to bits Carolyn has a new top line Bosch (I think?) and loves hers too. They are both only 6kg's but you would be surprised what they can fit. The only think that I have found doesn't fit is a queen size comforter - I am not really sure they would fit in a 7kg either though.

I think that most washing machines only have a cold water intake now as its more efficient for the machine to heat its own water than it is to use the existing hot water in the house.

[Faeml]

I have a 7.5kg LG and I love it Since replacing our old water guzzling top loader our water consumption has still dropped by 20% even with two kids in near full time cloth.

A friend of mine has the same one, we got ours on her recommendation. She does a LOT of washing - towels for her clinic - so I knew if she liked it, then I would too

[mel2931]

Do all the front loaders take a really long time... like up to 3 hrs?

we have a top loader and it does a load in about 45 I think... so with the rinse and then full cycle for MCNs it might take a long time.

what do you think?

[Faeml]

Mine has a 30 minute quick cycle for small loads you need in a hurry.

I wash my nappies on a cycle that takes a bit over an hour, suits me fine. The nappies are usually sitting in there just as long afterwards as I try to make time to hang them out!!

The only thing that really bothers me about my machine is that it beeps so LOUD - it's like it's announcing to the neighbours that it's finished! Having said that though, it's never woken my kids or anything. It just seems loud - esp at night.

[lesley4]

We have an LG, and whilst we love that it saves water. We have found it hard on our nappies Normal clothing seems to be fine. But the bamboo velour in particular cops a beating. I have a friend with the same model and she says the same thing. But it could also be due to the fact that water quality has deterioated here in Brissy.

Nappy cycle takes just over an hour, with a pre-rinse, 40 deg wash.

[Faeml]

I haven't found that with mine, but I could be living in a different spot in Brissy. I also only wash nappies at 30 degrees. So far so good!

But then I've also only ever had a front loader since switching to MCN, so I've really got nothing to compare it to. My clothes are better for it though - no more lint problems!!

[Toria]

We eventually went with a 7.5kg LG front loader, one with a steam wash function. So far it's been working fabulously.

It does have a baby care cycle that seems to be intended for nappies, but I choose a different cycle for mine.

[Pobie]

Yup - I have issues with Bamboo Velour in this house. I actually thought I was the only one as I complained about it about 6-12 months ago and NOBODY knew what I was talking about. It looks nice and lush for about a month and then it starts to look like sherpa. Still feels soft but doesn't have a nice long pile anymore Doesn't matter where the BV comes from, it gets ruined. Cotton Velour on the other hand lasts much better.

So . . . to all nappy makers out there, when you get an order from me and I ask if you can do CV instead of BV you know why