Washing Machine? Thai Or Western ? Only Cold Or Also Hot Water ? Which Brand ? Electrolux Or Toshiba

[Fgis]

Hi,

Just wondering which washing machine you like more ? Thai/japanese (top loading) or western style ?

Technically a western style machine with clothes coming in and out of the water washes better than an Asian machine where the clothes always are in the water and never hit the water surface (this process is what cleans clothes the best).

I hate front loading machines because you cannot open to add something when they are full.

Western top loading machines are difficult to find here (found only one for 40k).

So if you buy a Thai/Jap machine which brand would you buy ? (Toshiba seems to be many fav ?)

If you buy a western machine which brand ? (Electrolux seems better for cheaper parts ?)

Thanks for your ideas.

[FunFon]

My maid scrubs up on the roof in a big tub by hand. But my whipped friend's had a Samsung top-loader for 8+ years now, needed one minor repair so far, says he's happy with it.

[pattayadingo]

I bought a Samsung top loader over 5 years ago. Never a problem.

You are talking of 40K Baht for a washing machine? Why buy western one when a different one will do? Your money though.

[lopburi3]

Technically a western washer rips cloths to shreds better would be my take. So paying extra for less life of clothing would not be my idea of a good value. Modern units use air insertion to aid in the cleaning. We have been using a Hitachi for the last seven years and it refuses to die. And this is for about 8-10 people using about three loads every day. Cold water only (which is at least warm 99% of the time and almost hot during sun as from SS tank).

[kennedy]

I have a samsung top loader.All I know is, I put dirty clothes in, and they come out clean. I could have spent 4-5 times as much with the same results.

[Kitsune]

Top loaders don't wash, the just gently whirl the clothes around.

The only thing that makes the laundry clean here, is the nasty no-regulation detergent provided by Unilever, for whom Thailand is a paradise that allows phtalates, phenols, napthas (linked to cancers and lung damage), phosphates and other nasty stuffs in quantities they would not dream of in the West.

Don't be cheap, invest in a real washer front-loader and get safer laundry detergent

[NanLaew]

Experiences with Siemens front loader in a rental property had the wife charmed and she still hints at getting one for our own house eventually. Was able to handle her Thai (light) stuff and my farang (heavy) stuff with ease.

Had a rental condo in KL a few years back that had a top-loading Hitachi (I think) which was OK for my casual stuff since office clothes went to the dry cleaners.

Made the mistake for buying a US-made Whirlpool top-loader that was on special reduction at PowerBuy. I forgot that US washing machines are only one-step up from commercial grade cement mixers. The family were always using too much soap powder or too little water (despite the clearly marked water level switch) and it needed frequent cleaning as well as tearing up some of Thailand's 'bespoke' rubbish. I ended up letting the out-laws keep it for washing fighting chooks or mixing their meal or whatever.

Samsung seem to have a very, very good rep for reliability, longevity and after sales support.

You can sometimes get bargain (refurbished) white goods from branches of Amorn. Comes with a limited warranty but usually virtually new and about half-price. For example, there's a 7kg front-loading Siemens at Amorn Udon for 10k baht right now.

Edited March 26, 2013 by NanLaew

[transam]

Samsung big top loader, 6 years now, the mrs even puts rugs in it .

PS. This type of machine can be repaired easily locally.

[rct99q]

We have a 14kg Samsung top loader and it is a workhorse. Cost 8,999 baht and paid with it on the aeon card over 6 months interest free.

However I must admit it is not as good as a front loader, in my opinion. Having one in Canada, loved it. Higher rpm's in the spin cycle, used less electricity and water in doing a slightly better cleaning job. It was also a Samsung and only cost about $2,200 there abouts.

If you have a larger family try to get as big of load factor as you can the 13 to 14 kg washers are wonderful. Bought it at Tesco but shopped around and they were in line with other shops.

[RabC]

Electrolux European front loader, 8+ years old and never a problem. Having a real western kitchen as opposed to an estate agents version of a western kitchen, all my electrical products are built in. The washing machine is cold water only but most of the year that equates to European warm .

[FunFon]

However I must admit it is not as good as a front loader, in my opinion. Having one in Canada, loved it. Higher rpm's in the spin cycle, used less electricity and water in doing a slightly better cleaning job. It was also a Samsung and only cost about $2,200 there abouts.

-

Only $2,200 for a washing machine?

Makes 9K THB sure seem a bargain doesn't it?

Personally I'll keep letting the maid scrub by hand, she's used to it and does a decent job.

[welsh1]

Samsung big top loader, 6 years now, the mrs even puts rugs in it .

PS. This type of machine can be repaired easily locally.

Just recently spoilt the misses, after about 2 years off washing clothes by hand, I asked her what do you want for your birthday? A washing machine came the reply. Checked out the prices and they had good deals with the Samsung top loader, comes with a 10 year warranty, the big boss is happy with it

[Ackybang]

Top loaders give inferior wash quality, and in a domestic machine - an 'X' kilo machine is far from it, in all reality - especially with a top loader. I wouldn't wash anything other than very small loads / items in one, as bigger loads / items don't get agitated enough to be called washed, or have the detergent rinsed out properly - which can cause sensitivity issues, as well as poor wash results. Just because clothes smell of washing powder, doesn't mean they're clean. Be careful going for gimmicks, deals and 'X' Year guarantees - if you check the small print, it only applies to the motor normally, and I've yet to meet anyone that hasn't had to pay something or another for repair on many brands - within the initial first Year of the warranty, if something does go wrong - sometimes on a brand new machine. Their engineers always find an excuse to get money, usually, or are quite handy at taking the machine away for weeks, only to bring it back with the same / more problems - in remote areas, sometimes a warranty, or all the promises under the Sun can mean next to bugger all.... In Thailand, you should go for the best after sales service you can find on a brand.

I would go for a front loader, by a bespoke company with experience in utilities, and not a jack of all trades - around 8 kilo, with the option of hot wash too - which will take upto a big duvet, and wash it properly.

Electrolux domestic machines are now made here - upto around 12 Years ago, they were imported, and better quality / finishing - but, more expensive. They are still okay, and aswell as some 'intelligence' - using just enough water (a lot less than a top loader) and electricity to wash, depending on the load, aswell as many choices of wash cycles / spin speeds, etc - they have good aftersales service, and a comprehensive two Year warranty - that covers everything without quibble, which is probably the most important thing. If it's important, most front loaders have an initial time limit, whereby after activation, you can still stop the machine, and still open the door - it's down to the water level, initially, and then water temperature. Most front loaders, even when they're 'full', will not have the water coming over the bottom level of the door, and so if it was really important, you can in all reality stop the cycle whenever with a power off, wait for a few minutes for the magnetic safety lock to give out, and open the door to add more stuff. Once you power on again, the machine usually 'remembers' where it left off, and would continue from that point. Clothes can suffer if they're of poor quality, or have been washed on the wrong cycle - and with a modern front loader - you get far more options and choice than a top. Having said that - perhaps try to choose one with more basic analogue controls, and avoid digital, and flashing screens / lights / leds. Try to find one with an inverter motor, if you can. Filter is easily accessable too. Delicates should be treated as so, and should be washed in laundry bags, with appropriate cycles / spin speeds. Some clothes are still too delicate or unfit to be washed by anything other than hand - or can't be spun / wrung. Without trying to sound too anal - I think a front loader is a lot safer than a top, in many respects - especially where children are concerned.

Siemens aren't too bad, quality wise - but not sure about service.

Avoid whirlpool like the plague, poor quality, expensive to fix, and terrible service.

Samsung - mediocre quality, and poor aftersales service usually, in my / my friend's experiences.

Toshiba - Hitachi - L.G. - etc, etc - same same, but different.

Maybe it's all dependent on the area you live in.

If you want really high end, European - Miele - cost, but superb quality and wash - tested into the high thousands of cycles, before experiencing problems, which in all reality means Years of trouble free, normal use. Same with an Electrolux - these guys are specialist, bespoke companies, with decades of experience producing washing machines. Having said that - most companies knock out consumable goods that rely on deliberate built in obsolescence.

As far as I know, Zannusi, Hotpoint, Indesit, Candy aren't here ?

If you want a good deal on any machine, whichever you may choose - cruise the homepros, etc, and speak with the dealers, they can earmark you a cheaper, slightly damaged, or show model / end of stock machines, which will still have a full guarantee - cheapest one I ever saw was a front loading Samsung for 5,000 - reduced from 20 odd, because it looked like someone had kicked the side panel on it - nothing that couldn't be straightened out. Last electrolux I bought - still going strong and looks like new after 5 Years without one single problem, I got it half price (16,000 baht), with a free vacuum cleaner, toaster oven and towel / quilt set thrown in, because it was a display model. Good wash quality. Make sure the dealer is quite specific about his level of responsibility pertaining to after sales service before you buy.

Washers aren't all that cheap here, if you compare what you can get for your money in a disposable culture, consumer Country, like the U.K. etc.

Many of these detergents have 'environmentally friendly' African rainfrogs and such on the packages, but in all reality - I don't think any of them, or their Companies are particularily environmentally sound. Most people use way too much detergent in the wash, which actually makes your clothes less clean and fresh / gums up your machine / harbours bacteria - and after the first wash water, the rinse cycle water can be used on your garden perfectly well, if you want to be greener. Try to go for liquid, rather than powder, and if you can, divert your waste water into a septic system / seepthrough, or holding tanks, so you can reuse your grey water.

I'm not a rep for any Company, but have experience fixing / servicing many types of domestic machinery. Make sure you find a decent earth point, and put it on a separate earth rod for the machine, even if it's earthed through the plug already, and has a plastic body - if it has a metal body, I would take an earth from the frame (usually a common screw point for the plug's earth, usually just under the lid, on a front loader), and put it together with an earth I took from the body, into a separate ground rod - water and electric, and all that. I've helped friends here receiving electric shocks through machinery, new and old - even though it's grounded through the neutral on its' two pin plug, or earthed on a more substantial 3 pin - both washers (top and front) and dryers - even when they're turned off, but still plugged in....

Happy washing.

[scorecard]

My family has bought 7 LG washers for various houses/ condo properties / rental properties here in Thailand.

Never ever a problem with any of the machines. Clothes are clean, machines not noisy, and not all that expensive compared to all brands.

[krisb]

I was sure Electrolux went out of business?. Anyhow front loaders best. I've got whirlpool and no problems.

I'd say whatever fits your budget mate.

[pattayadingo]

In reality, how dirty do your clothes get here? For many of us we walk around in them for a few hours and put them in the wash. In the main they are damp from sweat anhd have some dust on them. Not exactly filthy clothes that need deep cleaning.

All this talk of this and that machine, for many of us it does not really matter as we need a quick wash and then hang the clothes out to dry in the sun. So no need to spend a fortune on a machine in these cases.

[Fgis]

Front loader/western machines SHOULD wash better, hot water also, but after testing the result is the same with a standard Thai/Asian machine top loader. Even for white.

I know what people keep repeating, but if they would experience themselves instead of being brands robots they would know that they are wrong.

[candypants]

My maid scrubs up on the roof in a big tub by hand. But my whipped friend's had a Samsung top-loader for 8+ years now, needed one minor repair so far, says he's happy with it.

i have had a samsung for about 7 years now, and it is still going strong, never had a problem or required repair and it does about 8 loads a week

[ChiangMai101]

After my front loader gave birth to a sludgy slimy smelly black mouldy pudding monster around the inside of the rubber seal after just 18 months, I vowed never again. I always left the door open when not in use and dried the seal by hand as much as possible but it still happened. Given that this machine was resident in southern Aus where it is a lot less humid than Thailand, I don't think I would risk owning one here in Thailand. Also, the door latch started giving problems and the machine would literally stop mid-way through a cycle. This was 5 years ago so maybe things have improved. I have since had top loaders and have not noticed any difference in the quality of the wash.

[wayned]

I have a Panasonic 12 kg. Have replace the washer tub transmission 3 times in 10 years and many belts. The problem is not the machine, but my wife who overloads it every time she uses it no matter what I say. The machine will last forever if I replace the wife!

[Potosi]

I have a small 6.5 Kilo Samsung top lader. Cleans the laundry very unsatisfactory, and uses too much water. The front laders usually use 50 to 60 litres for washing and rinsing, mine about 200 litres. I don't get tap water for much of the year but have to buy from the water trucks at 200 Baht for 2,000 litres, so after a number of years the top lader becomes more expensive. Front lader next time.

[stoneyboy]

Top loader = Clothes swilled about in dirty water,stains remain,clothes smell nice but aren't clean.

Front loader = Clean fresh stain removed clothes.

Twin tubs,very popular in the UK during the industrial revolution.

[cooked]

Oh dear, I bought a Panasonic (top loader) yesterday. We will see. The first machine I bought, German, lasted 25 years. I don't expect more than 2 years service from this one.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[Fgis]

Top loader = Clothes swilled about in dirty water,stains remain,clothes smell nice but aren't clean.

Front loader = Clean fresh stain removed clothes.

Twin tubs,very popular in the UK during the industrial revolution.

Yes 60 millions people having dirty clothes here, right ? As most of them use top loader in this country !

[FunFon]

Top loader = Clothes swilled about in dirty water,stains remain,clothes smell nice but aren't clean.

Front loader = Clean fresh stain removed clothes.

Twin tubs,very popular in the UK during the industrial revolution.

Yes 60 millions people having dirty clothes here, right ? As most of them use top loader in this country !

-

Most have never used (possibly seen, a large number never heard of) such an appliance, as mentioned before my own maid scrubs by hand for a household of seven.

[David48]

I have a Panasonic 12 kg. Have replace the washer tub transmission 3 times in 10 years and many belts. The problem is not the machine, but my wife who overloads it every time she uses it no matter what I say. The machine will last forever if I replace the wife!

Hey wayned ... how on earth can you overload a 12kg washing machine.

Does she wash the grandkids in it ...

.

[krisb]

To fabric soften or not to fabric soften?

That is the question.

[transam]

The Rolls Royce of wash machines is........................Miele. ........ No question.

[saakura]

We have a Siemens front loader purchased in 2004 for 18000baht, good investment. In use almost everyday, never any trouble. Comes out clean, never any damages to clothes. Keep the door open after use and wipe the rubber seal dry.

[RabC]

I am no follower of fashion but do have sensitive skin and my old top loading machine never rinsed correctly and I was left with washing powder residue in my clothes and a rash. My hotpoint front loader does not give me the same problems so for me Front Loaders every time.