Getting hitched? Need a washer dryer? Read this thread…

Mrs Cee of hitched.co.uk has a washer dryer “on its last legs and [is] looking at getting a new one but just wondering what are the best makes to get”. It’s no doubt a common problem and one that the other members of the forum are quick to pitch in and help with.

“Zanussi, AEG, Bosch (as long as it says made in Germany) ,Siemens & Miele are good brands, it all depends what you want to spend at the end of the day. Miele are the best but cost the most.” Suggest DDiva, while Dooby confirms that “I’d say that the Miele we’ve got currently is definitely the best”.

Pop over to make your own assertion, or read the rest of the comments.

From spinning speeds to durability – washing machine advice!

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a washing machine, a point proven on The DVD Forums recently – when discussion about the speed of the spin turned into insight into exactly which brand of washing machine is most durable.

Splobber begins the debate, suggesting that “If you want longevity then look at a Miele, or a Siemens which is a bit lower down the scale, which may give you twice the lifespan. But expect to pay at least twice as much for it” – before a heated discussion about the relative merits of Hotpoint dominates the forum.

Jackal792 steps in to suggest “One of the things you also need to appreciate, a washer is designed to last about 5 years in most cases, if you want something to last longer go for a Miele, Siemens”. ROne clearly concurs, suggesting “Mine’s a Bosch. Next will be a Miele.”

Do you agree? Has your Miele kept spinning for a potentially record-breaking length of time? Comment here, or pop over to the DVD forum.

How good are induction hobs?

As something of an early Christmas present saltireblue has promised his other-half a new hob and as they’ve no gas supply to the house is looking at the alternatives including induction hobs. As a novice in these kinds of things, he’s turned to the fellow members of the Land Rover Forums for their thoughts on the subject.

As an induction hob owner and whitegoods supplier, sherpa87 explains the benefits of induction cooking including speed: “faster than gas, takes about half the time to heat the same amount of water”, safety: “a lot safer, because the hob itself doesn’t get hot” and ease of cleaning: “if something does boil over it’s unlikely to be burnt on”.

All of which prompts saltireblue to make use of his decent year-end bonus and splash out a little bit extra on a Miele: “was originally thinking of spending about £750″, although for the grand he spent he got “auto non-boil feature, boost on all 4 zones, timer on all 4 zones” and a “5 year guarantee”.

If you’ve got any experience of induction cooking why not pop across and share your thoughts.

“What does a £1000 Miele washing machine do that makes it so good?”

Over at Pistonheads, Wattsie_2004 is urgently looking for a new washer and has short-listed Bosch, Hoover, Hotpoint, Indesit and Zanussi as potential candidates. Even with this selection he’s still not convinced and wants recommendations for others as long as they’re “reliable”.

“Top notch gear” is bomb’s description accompanying his Miele recommendation, while Alfa_75_Steve recommends the entire Miele product range: “Dishwasher: Miele, Washing Machine: Miele, Tumble Dryer: Miele, Vacuum Cleaner: Miele, Oven: Miele, Hob: Miele”. Although Andrew[MG] asks “What does a £1000 Miele washing machine do that makes it so good?”, both Alfa_75_Steve and Neil_H list the benefits of Miele ownership: “Efficient on water use, Very energy efficient, A program to look after any kind of fabric you can imagine, Deathly quiet, Will last you a lifetime.”

All of which leads to the question of the false economy of buying a cheaper brand which will have to be replaced sooner rather than later or spending the extra on a Miele and seeing it last twenty years. As usual this provokes a lively debate so jump across and get involved.

“Follow your Miele instinct!”

Dishwashers are the order of the day over at Fool.co.uk and more specifically PrincessBouncy whose old Hotpoint machine “has proven to be totally useless” so is “going to consign it to the dump and buy a proper unit”. With a budget of £500, she’s “leaning towards a Miele”, but would consider another brand if it came with personal recommendations.

Fellow fool ahini tells PrincessBouncy to “follow your Miele instinct” and as a Miele owner herself is “very happy with mine after 4 years. It does a really good job, quietly, and I love the tray for cutlery”. Aquarius59 is other Miele advocate who points out that while “they can be more expensive but last for absolutely ages and are considered to be more cost effective than cheaper brands over time. I have been delighted with mine.”

Both Bosch and Siemens aren’t without their fans and are recommended as cheaper alternatives to Miele although Diziet points out that while Bosch and Siemens are roughly the same standard “Miele is several notches up again!”

If you’ve got a suggestion for PrincessBouncy pop over to the Fool.co.uk message board and have your say.