General Enquiries And Questions

I have read these forums with appreciation and interest for the past year, and thank all that have made it possible, founder, moderators and posters. This is my first post.

I am in a dilemma of sorts. My AEG Lavamat 2005 Turbo washer-dryer was bought in 1983 and for the past two years leaks when initially filling water for a wash. After the cycle has started, the leak stops. Upon inspectoon, the bottom is rusting and I guess the outer drum must have sprung a leak. No complaints. In all these years it has had to be repaired just once, in 1993, for a new pump. It still washes fine, but I have to mop up after every wash so guess I should buy a new energy efficient machine.

If it rains it pours. My 10 year old Bosch dishwasher SMS9022 is playing cat and mouse. After reading the dishwasher forum, I suspect there may be a blockage in the inlet hose. It works but I have to stop/start the float valve trigger every time the side tank fills to enable the machine to fill with water. I debated whether it was worthwhile getting it repaired or moving on and buying a new one.

So here is the dilemma. I have always believed that paying extra for quality generally leads to reliability. The two machines above are testament to that since they have served me well. I expect a machine to last at least ten years, any extra is a bonus. Given that - a £1000 washing machine works out to £100 a year, or less than £10 a month. For that I get quality and reliability and a amchine taht does the work without my chasing down after-sales service departments. Equally, a £500 top end dishwasher works out at less than £50 a year - I spend more for a meal out sometimes.

The biggest mistake I made 24 years ago was to go for a washer-dryer in order to save space. I never used the drying facility because it cost a huge amount in electricity and took forever and ever for half the wash load. The result was a rotary line in the garden and an airer all these years. So this time I am going to get rid of a hostess trolley and make space for a dedicated condenser dryer. People I know who use one wonder how I manage without. I feel the same way about washing machines, dishwasher, TVs, DVD players, cars and iPods, so I know what they must mean, and would like to experience instant dry clothes!

I have budgeted £1,500 to £1,800 for three machines. A washing machine, a condenser dryer and a dishwasher. I know that sounds like a lot, and it is! But these are machines I would use everyday. I don't believe in getting the top top most model in any range, but not far off. I have shortlisted three manufacturers who have ready parts and service engineers in the UK, Miele, Siemens and Bosch.

So here is the dilemma - Should I go for:

Washing machines - Budget around £700

MIELE 1716 - 1600 spin speed 6kg capacity - around £700
SIEMENS WM16S794GB - 1600 spin speed 7kg capacity - around £700
BOSCH WAS32466GB - 1600 spin speed 8kg capacity - around £500

Condenser Dryers - Budget around £500

SIEMENS WT46S598 - 7kg capacity - around £500
BOSCH WTS86516 - 7kg capacity - around £400

Dishwasher - Budget around £500

SIEMENS SE26T551 - around £500
BOSCH SGS65L28GB - around £400
BOSCH SGS69L18GB - around £400

It is very important to have at least a 5 year manufacturer's warranty, which only Miele and Siemens currently provide. But Bosch regularly have promotions and I can wait a month or two for this. All the machines do what I want them to do... wash clothes and dishes. So what makes one so much more expensive than the other in this price range? The build quality and features seem identical. Is the Miele a cut above the other washing machines at the same price? Is a £500 dishwasher better than a £300 Siemns/Bosch machine?

I have shopped around and have been offered over £200 discount for an all Siemens package including which I think is an excellent deal- All for £1600 including fitting and disposal of my two old machines:
SIEMENS washing machine WM16S794GB / SIEMENS tumble dryer WT46S598 / SIEMENS dishwasher SE26T551

But a similar Bosch deal works out saving me £400. And am I being foolish not going for a Miele similarly priced package?

I toyed with integrated and semi, but decided after reading the forums that one is paying hard earned money for cosmetics that is better spent on a good machine. The ISE 10 sounds good, but that will not be launched until later in the year and is priced similar to the range I have listed.

Any professional advice would be greatly appreciated.

~~ViShVa~~

I note that you say you are able to wait awhile to get the right machine - with this in mind I would suggest you wait for the ISE = the appliances (washer and dishwasher) are of Swedish manufacturer (quality) their components are rated for 15 years of use (with a average lifespan of 21.7 years) and we already have a service network in place to both look after the service and handle the spares. On the subject of the dryer, this is also on the blocks and will probably be available shortly. I would not recommend a condensor dryer, the standard vented dryer is much, much more efficient. As you have noted your washer dryer was found to be lacking in the drying area (washer dryers use a condensing dryer system)

Thanks for the prompt reply!

I can wait of course, but am getting to the stage where mopping the floor is getting painful. Plus, more importantly, the dishwasher either needs a repair or replacement ASAP. I understand that the new generation ISE machines won't come online at least until year end. Also, at that price, how do they compare with the off-the-shelf varieties I listed here? I have not heard of the Swedish maker, but that is perhaps because they never feature in John Lewis' line-up!

I would certainly wait, if they promise something extraordinary above the top-range machines from leading makers. Any idea of a time-table?

With regard to your advice regarding condenser dryers... that is a revelation for a layman like me. My old washer-dryer uses cold water for the drying process (though how that works is beyond me! I would have thought they needed a bonfire, not water!). I would have thought that a dedicated condenser would have used different technology since they do not need to be plumbed into a water supply to dry clothes. But your recommendation to get a vented dryer is well received and I'll do a bit of homework.

Anyone has any suggestions about the merits or otherwise of different machines from the same stables or similar pedigree?

The ISEpro washing machine will be available very soon.

You might like to consider an ASKO dishwasher - definitely up with the best.

Regards,
Penguin45.

As my friend Chris says the ISE Pro will be available soon, weeks not months. It'd be worth the mopping

In my experiance so far the ise machines seem to be very poor quality. i have only delt with the ise washing machines but they seem to be beko rebranded
personally would never touch an ise machine so far and recomend staying with your quality german makes. Ise may improve in time but yet to be won over

Hi Vishva, tell me more about the problems with your SMS9022 - I have the same model and it has just started playing up (see separate posting). I wonder whether mine has the same fault as yours.

Is there an easy way to test whether mine has the same fault as yours?

I'm almost at the point of sending it off to the tip and buying a Miele, but I'm prepared to give it one last chance - I just don't want to spend a fortune repairing a 10yo machine.

P.

Easy way to cure your leak for now is to disconnect the wirring from the dryer solenoid on the water valve. Your machine uses the dryer valve to do a wee prefill, but will be more than fine without it. get you by untill ise 10 arrives.