Charismatic

I recommend a Samsung machine, mine plays what sounds like The Lincolnshire Poacher played from a cell phone and in the wrong key to announce it's finished doing it's job (I've subsequently learned however that it's actually supposed to be Schubert which is very disappointing). O yes, it might also burn your house down which is another feature few washing machines come with.

nero

'Fair Go' did an article on all home appliances this week - stating which ones are reliable etc. Check out there website. From what I can remember Bosch and Miele came high up on the list for customer satisfaction and reliability for washing machines.

sparkytoad

Miele or Bosch. Buy in England, cost a bomb here. Most here use a top loader & drag all the hot water from the cylinder, buggers you up when you want a shower.
Also bring solar panels, central heating system including combi boiler & upvc double glazing