New front loading washing machine - Standouts or ones to avoid?

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CrazyM

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#303225 26-Jan-2023 06:55

My Panasonic NA-148VG3 front loading washing died in the middle of a load yesterday. Upon autopsy it looks like a diode (or similar sized component) has blown up on the PCB. A replacement PCB is not available online (and approximately $400 when it is in stock) so given that its 11 years old and I'm not that interested in trying to repair given the amount of epoxy potting on the circuit board I guess its time for replacement.

Anyone got any recommendations they would like to share on front loaders? The Panasonic was a 8kg model but I'd probably be interested in moving up a size with the kids getting bigger. I dont have any special requirements, reliability would be my number 1, budget I expect to be <$2000 but I dont mind going over it if there is added value.

Cheers for any information you can provide

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#3027208 26-Jan-2023 07:12

I've had a F&P front loader for a few years, it works well and it's been reliable so far. The main difference between the bottom and top of the range was minor, we got the top because it didn't cost much more and I think had programs we thought were more useful. My previous F&P top loader lasted 10+ years no issues, though they don't like being waterblasted.

scuwp

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#3027222 26-Jan-2023 08:07

Just did this exercise a few months back, I am fussy on big purchases, and take time to do due diligence.

It was pretty clear wherever we went to avoid F&P. They use to be good, but not now (made by a different factory in China from memory). High failure rates and reliability issues abound. We didn't come across a single retailer who recommended an F&P machine over others. I am sure there are many happy customers, otherwise they wouldn't keep making them, but we decided to give them a pass.

AEG are pushed heavily by HN, as the single NZ distributor (bigger markup?). Models are not all made equal, with reports over the ditch of performance or reliability issues. We gave them a pass too. The higher end models came at a more premium price point that didn't seem worth it.

Miele were consistently touted as the best of the best as far as reliability and longevity was concerned, but not so great on value for money, with some models being over twice the price of equivalent brands with same features. We gave them a pass, purely on value for money, the extra you got in performance and reliability, just wasn't worth the premium price. If money was no issue, then undoubtedly would have got a Miele.

Didn't look to much at Samsung. Hated the design, and retailers didn't seem fussed on them at all. Then there was all that exploding washing machine fiasco a while back.

We narrowed the search to Bosch or LG. We did prefer the Bosch but the models available at that time lacked some features we were keen on. Still on the fence, we ended up going for a direct-drive LG because it offered better value for money, particularly when it came up at a great sale price. Direct drive also meant no belt, better efficiency, and less noise. A warning with LG, not all their models are created equal, you really have to look at the model numbers and go onto their website to see what the features are, they look exactly the same externally (unless you look really hard and know what you are looking for) so if you see machines at vastly different price points, just make sure you are comparing apples with apples.

If you go with Bosh, we got quite a bit of advice to avoid models with their auto-dosing system, apparently known for dishing out to much and clogging stuff up.

And bigger is always better. You can always put less in a larger machine, but not the other way around :-)

Only a few months in, but so far happy with our choice. Transitioning from a top loader to a front loader has taken a bit though. Quite different in the way they are used, and figuring out how to keep the towels from turning into cardboard. Otherwise would not go back to a top loader. Looking forward to getting the matching LG condenser dryer soon.

That was our experience anyway.

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CokemonZ

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#3027223 26-Jan-2023 08:09

Miele with the autodos system.

Awesome washing machine, super quiet.
You use about 1/3rd the detergent as default setting so it goes a suprisingly long way.

We are a family of 6 so it gets beaten up a bit.

As we have free hour of power we also got the one that takes hot water for a bit of cost reduction.

Had for about two years now, must have done over 1000 cycles.

Edit:
When I looked at a few other brands for the same load size the drums were smaller (less effective tumbling so worse cleaning) and significantly lighter (lighter parts, less resiliency, less weight more knocking).

We had a 10kg Panasonic and now an 8kg Miele. The drum size is larger on the Miele.

100% get the value for money point above - we do so much washing the extra longevity is worth it. Depending on your usage the equation may be different.

Edit 2:

Miele also have an outlet centre: Steelfort Auckland

We got our washing machine from there - saved around $500 I think.

Nothing wrong with the machine at all - no dings, scrapes and was wrapped from the factory. No idea why it was in the outlet.

Stock is variable - they had no dishwashers when we were looking for example.

boosacnoodle

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#3027230 26-Jan-2023 08:30

Not F&P. Miele 100%.

kobiak

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#3027235 26-Jan-2023 08:49

I had indesit for 12+ yrs with no issues

I currently have Samsung 5+ yrs bubble wash 7.5kg with no issues (absolutely love quick wash cycles 15-30 mins). I don't use it's drying cycles, but 3 spin cycles would leave cloths damp, not wet. which would dry in garage in few hours or outside in no time.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

alasta

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#3027245 26-Jan-2023 09:26

I have had LG and Bosch and never had any problems with either.

I now have a Panasonic and I'm reasonably happy with it but I've only owned it for a year and a half so can't comment on the long term reliability.

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Kookoo

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#3027249 26-Jan-2023 09:28

Avoid like the plague - Beko. We've had ours for about 7 years now. Had to have the latch and the motor replaced (did both under CGI). The electronic controls are shoddy as heck as well, the machine tends to hop to adjacent cycles without anyone moving the dial. Quality of wash isn't great either.

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CrazyM

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#3027254 26-Jan-2023 09:36

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep them coming!

At the moment the options catching my eye...

this LG... https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/whiteware/laundry/front-loaders/lg-10kg-front-loading-washing-machine.html

this Bosch... https://www.heathcotes.co.nz/products/wga254u0au-bosch-10kg-front-load-washing-machine-series-6?taxon_id=1219

and this Samsung... https://www.heathcotes.co.nz/products/ww12tp04-samsung-12kg-bubblewash-smart-front-load-washer?taxon_id=1219

Anyone running one of the above?

scuwp

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#3027410 26-Jan-2023 11:01

CrazyM:

this LG... https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/whiteware/laundry/front-loaders/lg-10kg-front-loading-washing-machine.html

We have this one. The WV9 is the fully featured model. So far happy with it.

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billgates

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#3027433 26-Jan-2023 11:39

Another vote for Miele with twindos system. There twindos liquids last long time and clothes come out clean. We have the W1 model which is now 3 years old but still running solid.

Do whatever you want to do man.

Stu1

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#3027507 26-Jan-2023 13:35

Have you considered Electrolux , we looked at Bosch and Miele but ended up getting this one it’s been great for a family of 4 https://www.newbolds.co.nz/product/2070608

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CrazyM

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#3027513 26-Jan-2023 14:05

Stu1: Have you considered Electrolux , we looked at Bosch and Miele but ended up getting this one it’s been great for a family of 4 https://www.newbolds.co.nz/product/2070608

Just been to Harvey Norman and the sales guy was quite keen on the Electrolux. Apparently its claim to fame is can do a full size wash in 60min, whereas most others fast wash is at a reduced capacity.

The Samsung is considerably deeper than other machines, even more than the spec sheet suggests so thats out.

The Miele options didnt really do it for me. Really expensive for given features and price and recent reviews dont seem to be that positive.

The Bosch is looking to be the leader to me. Simple, nice UI, 1hr mode (5kg limit). If the wife approves and then i'll probably push the button.

Stu1

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#3027526 26-Jan-2023 14:38

CrazyM:
Stu1: Have you considered Electrolux , we looked at Bosch and Miele but ended up getting this one it’s been great for a family of 4 https://www.newbolds.co.nz/product/2070608

Just been to Harvey Norman and the sales guy was quite keen on the Electrolux. Apparently its claim to fame is can do a full size wash in 60min, whereas most others fast wash is at a reduced capacity.

The Samsung is considerably deeper than other machines, even more than the spec sheet suggests so thats out.

The Miele options didnt really do it for me. Really expensive for given features and price and recent reviews dont seem to be that positive.

The Bosch is looking to be the leader to me. Simple, nice UI, 1hr mode (5kg limit). If the wife approves and then i'll probably push the button.

The Bosch is good , definitely get the bosses approval :)

scuwp

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#3027528 26-Jan-2023 14:43

CrazyM:

Stu1: Have you considered Electrolux , we looked at Bosch and Miele but ended up getting this one it’s been great for a family of 4 https://www.newbolds.co.nz/product/2070608

Just been to Harvey Norman and the sales guy was quite keen on the Electrolux. Apparently its claim to fame is can do a full size wash in 60min, whereas most others fast wash is at a reduced capacity.

The Samsung is considerably deeper than other machines, even more than the spec sheet suggests so thats out.

The Miele options didnt really do it for me. Really expensive for given features and price and recent reviews dont seem to be that positive.

The Bosch is looking to be the leader to me. Simple, nice UI, 1hr mode (5kg limit). If the wife approves and then i'll probably push the button.

We would have gone Bosch, had the model we wanted been available. At that time there was something like an 8 - 10 week wait. Solid choice I think. Yes, get SWMBO on board!

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

nitro

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#3027529 26-Jan-2023 14:43

CrazyM:

Just been to Harvey Norman and the sales guy was quite keen on the Electrolux. Apparently its claim to fame is can do a full size wash in 60min, whereas most others fast wash is at a reduced capacity.

The Samsung is considerably deeper than other machines, even more than the spec sheet suggests so thats out.

The Miele options didnt really do it for me. Really expensive for given features and price and recent reviews dont seem to be that positive.

The Bosch is looking to be the leader to me. Simple, nice UI, 1hr mode (5kg limit). If the wife approves and then i'll probably push the button.

you won't regret going with the bosch. ours (9kg series 6) is coming up 3 years and has been running at least 5 cycles each week... more when changing beddings and tablecloths... much more when we used to get free power days. i put it through a drum clean cycle about 3x a year, and hasn't missed a beat.

we also looked at miele but it was twice the price, so value became a sticking point.

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