Household appliances in the check
Stiftung Warentest checks washing machines: cheap devices break down in the test
Many devices failed in the stress test.
© Kerkez / Getty Images
They can all be washed, but some devices run out of breath quickly. In the endurance test, the candidates collapsed in rows. Good and durable machines are only available from 500 euros.
Often, when testing goods testers, cheap products can outclass the expensive brand competition. But not with the washing machines. No model in the price range under 490 euros passed the long-term test. After all, 11 out of 48 machines failed.
So stay away from the absolute cheap offers. The test covers the entire price range, prices start at 320 and go up to 1010 euros. Only front loaders were tested. Due to the change in the EU energy label, there was some confusion in the test field. Some devices have already been awarded according to the new, strict regulation, others still advertised with an A seal according to the old, lax standard. In fact, only a few devices make it into the new A-Class.
It is also important to know that the official consumption figures refer exclusively to the Eco 40-60 economy program. They say nothing about other programs. The product testers provide an example. In the economy program, a device consumes around 17 cents of water and electricity. If you switch to the 60-degree normal program, it is 64 cents. A price premium of 400 percent. The product testers are so realistic that they use a mix of different washing programs as a basis for their evaluation.
The temperature problem
If you want to kill germs, you have to avoid the eco programs anyway, but use the 60-degree normal program. Because even if it says 60 degrees, the economy programs only wash at 30 to 60 degrees.
In addition to the failures in the endurance test, there were problems with protecting against water damage. Two Bauknecht machines, one Privileg and two Gorenje models were missing the floor pan that protects against water damage. Leak water should collect in the tub, a sensor reacts to water in the tub and stops the supply from the pipe.
If these machines leak without a tray, water will continue to run out. This can lead to the amount of water in an entire laundry being released at once, or to the fact that smaller amounts seep into the floor permanently and unnoticed.
Good and durable
The product testers recommend the Bosch WUU28T40 for 570 euros and the identical one Siemens WU14UT40 for 600 euros. In the endurance test they achieved very good (1.0) in the overall rating they achieved 1.6 – this corresponds to the grade good. The comes to the same conclusion Miele WWD320 WPS. However, it costs 1010 euros. The high price is put into perspective. Miele states that it designs its appliances for a much longer service life than the competition. For practical reasons, however, this long life cannot be verified in the simulated endurance test.
Trouble during assembly
In addition to the test, the report points out another problem. A fifth of those questioned stated that there were problems with the fitters when the new machine was delivered. Even if the installation and disposal of the old device were paid for, the service providers tried to shirk themselves with such or similar excuses: “The technician said the connection would be so easy, you could do it yourself (although the connection” installer pays!) “.
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