My frontloader died today ~ I need a new one, can you suggest what to get?

[*Beema*]

Our old machine was a 5kg Simpson Enviro 080, lasted over 10 years until today an it died, it was an ex rental so we got good use out of it So I need to buy a new one and quickly, looking for the following:
It works
Frontloader
Bigger than 5kg
Energy and Water Efficient
Runs a quick cycle as an option

Mid range pricewise, although I am happy to pay a bit more if it has a good reputation...

[ss_storm]

we got a whirlpool (I think) front loader a couple of years ago. I love it. I think ours is 7.5kg (or maybe only 7kg) and has quite a few different cycle options. Not quite so energy efficient (for a hot wash) but it's great on water. My memory is terrible but I think we only paid about $600 for it, which was at the time the government was giving money back for purchasing water saver machines, so we ended up (with the rebate) paying about $400, plus Whirlpool gave us a year's supply of washing powder!

do you have a Good Guys store near you? They usually have a pretty good range of machines at decent prices.

[Nettie]

I've got the LG 7.5kg frontloader - here - we got ours for $850 with a $200 rebate from the govt (making it $650 to us).

Does all those things and the only thing I've been disappointed with is that there's no 'child lock' while it's not in a cycle. In other words, you can lock it while the cycle's going, but when it finishes, kids can turn it on and set another cycle going. I just turn it off at the power point when it's finished!

[*Efjay*]

I got an 8kg Electrolux frontloader. It heats the water. I think it was a 4.5 star water rating & 4 for electricity...
I love it! I like I paid about 8 or 900 I think..

[onthefly]

We got the next electrolux up - more expensive, 8.5kg. very good ratings. It works well... until it breaks down. Then we have major dramas getting it fixed or replaced (twice in 3 years). That's partly because we're in Perth and they don't keep spare parts or anythign over here
So anyway, not that one...

[Eenee]

got the same one as Nettie. Is the first front loader we've had, haven't found any problems with it.

[*Beema*]

Thanks everyone, I'm looking through all the cattle dogs to see what I can find, I wish I didn't have to do it in a rush though, but we can't live without one either and I'm not going to keep handwashing!

We got the next electrolux up - more expensive, 8.5kg. very good ratings. It works well... until it breaks down. Then we have major dramas getting it fixed or replaced (twice in 3 years). That's partly because we're in Perth and they don't keep spare parts or anythign over here
So anyway, not that one...

Bugger about that, I found one on the GG website that looked good. Certainly something I need to keep in mind, 8 kg would be good.

[Boo Boo]

Got the same one as Nettie and Em...the LG one. really happy with it, had it since May. got it at the Good Guys, definitely go and have a chat with them, our Good Guy store is very helpful. Agree with Nettie about the childlock only when in cycle - my 23 month loves trying to start it up....other than that , all good. xxxx

[Olive]

we have a bosch, we had a bosch and it was going to cost too much to repair so we ditched it and got another bosch, no idea what we paid or what size it is but its a maxx classic good rating, we love it!

[WeeMansMummy]

I also have a bosch, have had it for 5 years. Im not exactly gentle with it, it has moved 3 times local and twice for big moves. It shows no sign of ever breaking, i think it may just live forever.

[onthefly]

I just realised mine's 8kg too, but I think there are 2 8kg models... It's possible we just have really bad luck. The next model down may be more reliable...? I have no idea. It's not like we're running a laundry store here.
anyway, my mum has an LG one (myabe 7.5kg, but not sure) and I reckon it's pretty crap. The rinse/spin cycles are no good. Do you use cloth nappies? I always have to rewash/rinse if mum washes for me out there.

[*Efjay*]

We got the next electrolux up - more expensive, 8.5kg. very good ratings. It works well... until it breaks down. Then we have major dramas getting it fixed or replaced (twice in 3 years). That's partly because we're in Perth and they don't keep spare parts or anythign over here
So anyway, not that one...

don't tell me that! We have had ours almost 2 years & its been fine...

[Jakabella]

We have an LG 8kg front loader and its awesome! I am in love with my machine! It has all the cool finctions and all the good cycles. I especially love the medic wash so when Bella is crook it basically boils the water and kills the germs.

We got ours from Harvey Norman for 200 less than good guys as we bragained them down and paid cash.

[onthefly]

Just for reference, the model number is EWF1495.

[*Efjay*]

I think mine is the 1282

[*Beema*]

I've found the 8kg Electrolux on an awesome special, different model LAEWF1083. All three stores I went to recommended it. I like the sound of the Bosch and a guy @ DH's work recommended them too - they are on the repair side. I checked the warranty info on Electrolux and they have their own repair company here.

All do extended warranty, delivery, install and take the old machine next day.

We get a $200 rebate too.

Pity Bosch only goes to 6.5kg

From my mobile sitting down eating lunch and BF'ing in my CCarrier

[*Beema*]

Thanks everyone for all their suggestions, I bought the new machine today

Ended up with a Bosch, 6.5kg, they had floor stock of one of the top of the range models which had an RRp of $1499 and I got it for $899 :O
I didn't know but DH's work also does repairs on washing machines and they are the repair agent for Bosch, so DH was able to ask him a heap of questions and he went through good and bad brands, how easy it is to get parts etc.

So hopefully it will be here Thursday as I am definitely going to be needed to do some washing by then!