Washday dreamer....... (Hotpoint WMA40)

Member Name: RPnecroranger

Product:	Hotpoint WMA40
Date:	05/05/07 (209 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: doesnt change cycles when the dial is turned during wash

Disadvantages: none really

When I went shopping about 4 years ago after my old machine gave up the ghost (hey 6 years isn't bad) I decided that I needed something that could cope with my family. Just for information purposes, I have 3 kids and a husband, one of which is in terry nappies (my kid, not my husband!) So a good reliable washer was and is a MUST.

When the machine was delivered I was surprised by the cleanness of the display (yes I had seen it in the store, but the display model was in grey, I had it in white). Its very concise, and easy to use.

OK let me explain. It has for buttons and a dial. The dial selects the wash program, the buttons the extras. What really impressed me was the range of programs. Not only does it have the regular washing programs, but in extra it has 2 different spin cycles, a rinse and spin cycle, and a quick wash cycle. I find the quick wash cycle ever so useful if I forget something like the kids uniforms.

The buttons are
'time saver' - cuts wash time between a 1/3 to a ½ (not in use with quick wash or rinse/spin)
'extra rinse' - extra good for those nappies
'Rinse hold' and 'mini wash' for those small washes.

The average time of a standard 40 degrees wash is about 70 minutes (give or take) so clicking the 'time-saver' function reduces that to just under a hour.

The most important feature I found (probably because my kids love buttons and dials) Is the fact once you hit the start button the program cant be changed! If someone moves the dial the little wash LED flashes, making it obvious little hands have been helping.

On the dial there is a exclamation mark (!) . This is basically your get out of jail card. Turning the dial to this and pressing the start button starts the end sequence. The machine empties of all water, waits 3 minutes and the door unlocks (the little door lock light goes off - another useful idea!) But this is also how long it takes to change the program if you make a mistake.

I guess I better explain the lights!!!!
There are 6 indicator lights that tell you what part of the cycle the washer is in. Door locked, pre wash, wash, rinse and spin, final spin and end.

When the wash has completed, the 'end' light stays on. To use the same cycle again on the next load, click start twice, or just select your next cycle.

The second biggest draw back (after the program changing time) is there isn't really a filter, so every now and again I have to crawl under the kitchen sink and empty the pipe adjoined filter for the dispose pipe.

I got mine from Curry's in Wednesbury. I paid about £300, but then again I bought the 5 year extra cover plan and delivery so the actual machine was £250. There was also a delivery charge of £11.95.

Its also useful to note that Hotpoint's tend to come with a free 5 years parts warranty anyway, but the extra cover makes sure lifes little 'accidents' are all covered.

Other wise an excellent roomy machine for any mid size family like my mucky lot!

So far its been 4 years and it has needed 2 new pumps and a motherboard, all under the extended warrantee (thank heavens) but is still going good and strong :)

the detaily bit:

Manufacturer: Hotpoint
Automatic: Full Automatic
Construction: Freestanding
Depth in cm: 59
Drying Function: without Drying Function
Energy Consumption in kWh (60° C): 1.04
Energy Efficiency: A
Energy Savings Trust Feature: No
Height in cm: 85 cm
Width in cm: 60
Maximum Loading Capacity in kg: 6
Revolutions per Minute: 1000
Spin Efficiency: B
Start Delay Option: No
Type of Loading: Front Loading
Wash Efficiency: A
Water Consumption in Litres (60° C): 64

I have used this machine with soapnuts, standard cheepie powders and liquids (does come with a liquid transformer for the soap dispenser tray) as well as with persil small & Mighty (see my review of that)

Summary: Need a cheap reliable washing machine? lets go for this..

Reliability:
Ease of use:
Design:
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