Unfortunately I need to buy a new one as the models are usually different here than the UK it is difficult to do research. Anyone particularly pleased with theirs?

I bought an... LG Direct Drive 7kg Model Number WD-10391TD
I can highly recommend this machine, works well, and being direct drive it doesn't make that unholy noise that most do when on spin.

When we had to equip our new house we bought mainly Balay products.

They are the major Spanish manufacturer of "electrodomesticos" and are now owned by the Bosch/Seimens group.

We have been very happy with all the products and getting service is very easy.

They have a very good online catalogue with full specs and prices.

http://www.balay.es/consultar-cat%C3...teractivo.html

I find the cal in the water in our area - despite three in-line filters - does for washing machines with unholy speed, and this was borne out by the chap in the ferreteria, our local electrodomestico supplier, who when I was buying the latest one, actually volunteered it wasn't worth spending out on the more expensive because they'd all give up the ghost at about the same time!

We have cal too as everyone does in Spain, but I have had my washer 7 years with no problems and no filters, but I do have a couple of cheap magnets on the water pipe leading into the washer and I also put a cup of vinegar in the wash occasionally.

I don't think the first would work, all plastic pipes & far too fiddly to be strapping a magnet in the space behind.... however why had I never thought of vinegar? I use it in the cisterns but never thought of the wash!

Or you could use the generic equivalent to Calgon.

One piece of advice I was once given was, for a given spec, buy a cheap appliance with a good guarantee.

That is great. I thought I had posted a new thread but when I went back I couldn´t find it and I literally have only just been notified this minute, so had to just go for it. I had looked at the Which report and decided on a Beko but then couldn´t find one. So in the end we decided on an LG Direct Drive 7kg model WD12702 MD, because of the 7kg drum and 1200 spin and that it allegedly had 90 euros off at MediaMarkt. I was therefore really pleased to hear your endorsement.

We bought a bog standard Corbero from Carrefour ten years ago and it still works, it just leaks a bit occasionally, which is soon mopped up and cleans the kitchen floor at the same time and makes it smell nice.

It's in all probability the exact same model as mine, if it's at all like in the UK all the retailers put different numbers behind the letters.....
It's a little dodge so that when they advertise money back if you can find the same one cheaper they can say it's not the same.

Anyway I'm sure you will like your purchase, I've been using mine now for three years, every few washes I put a Calgon tablet in the wash.
A little trick I learned from an engineer many years ago is once or twice a year put the empty washer on a boil wash....it gets rid of all the gunge in there!

Thanks for that. Tried to turn the water off this morning and disconnect the old one but all rusted up so will need a plumber. Good tip about the Calgon.

Can you not try tapping it with a hammer to try to loosen it ?

I bought a Bosh one dont ask me for number and details but I really now wish id bought a washer drier now as in the winter its difficult to dry heavy items even when the weathers fine

Just thought I would update. Washing machine arrived, first wash done. Excellent and it also sings to you!!!

I do like the idea of the singing, but I would prefer it if it could pour me a glass of cava