Reliable and easy to use washer dryer (Hotpoint Aquarius WDL520P)

Member Name: makeuprox

Product:	Hotpoint Aquarius WDL520P
Date:	17/10/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clear programmes on front, temperature dial

Disadvantages: Detergent compartment not as well designed as could be

Our landlady kindly replaced our washer /dryer earlier this Summer after our last one died - after only 18mths use.

This new machine is very good. It is very easy to use which is a bonus in our flat as my other flatmates are not ones for reading instruction manuals!

There is a decent capacity and a range of different washing programmes.

The front of the machine lists the programmes under three titles, essentials, specials and drying. We use the essentials programmes most often as it includes the usual cottons and coloureds washes. The specials has options like wool, silk and a baby cycle. The drying cycle offers you the chance to choose synthetics, cottons or wool.

There is a seperate dial for temperature so if you wish to lower the temperature of your washing you can do so (I often use a 30deg wash) You can't go higher though, so if you select option 3 which is coloureds at 40deg you can't then select a temperature of 60deg.

The dryer dial enables you to select either different times (from 40 to 180mins) or how dry the items are once they've dried . Iron (slightly damp), hanger (dry) or cupboard (very dry and suggested for towels).

You can set the machine to go straight from washing to drying but you need to remember that the max loads are different and so it can be better to wash. Remove some items and then dry them seperately.

There are also additional functions for slow spin, mini load, extra rinse and super wash. Although I've not tried these out yet.

The detergent drawer swings out and has three compartments although only two are used. I would prefer it if the fabric conditioner section had measurements as it leaves me guessing how much to add.

One of the problems I have with washing machines is figuring out how heavy my clothes are. They make all sorts of recommendations based on weight of clothes but I don't have scales at home and I've no idea how heavy my usual wash is. I don't know the best way round it but it does make me wonder if I'm using the machine correctly sometimes.

There is a very useful choice of ready to wear. Which enables you to wash and dry a small load of 1kg in 60mins. I haven't used it yet but it would be perfect for that emergency when your favourite outfit is dirty but you have nothing else to wear.

Overall I'm happy with the machine, my clothes come out clean and it is an efficient machine, I don't feel the programmes are overly long at all.

I also like the options to change the temperature and drying times.

Summary: Good machine for general usage

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