Washing machine service life
When purchasing a washing machine, any consumer is interested in the reliability of the equipment, or rather the service life during which the machine will work without any breakdowns. Of course, any of us would like the purchased machine to work as long as possible, but nothing lasts forever. However, if we carefully study the household appliances market, consumer reviews, and service center statistics, we will see that some machines last longer, others less.
Service life depending on manufacturer
Everyone has a different opinion on whether service life depends on the manufacturer; it’s not for nothing that they say that there are so many people, so many opinions. Some believe that the manufacturer does not affect its reliability and think that LG, Bosch, Atlant machines work the same on average for about 7-10 years. Others, on the contrary, establish a direct dependence of the service life on the manufacturer.
We tend to adhere to the opinion of the craftsmen working in service centers, because they are the ones who can tell which machines, from which manufacturer, fall into their hands most often, and how long they have worked before. According to their reviews, you can make a small rating of washing machines based on service life.
- Washing machines from Miele. These washing machines can rightfully be considered the most reliable, German
The quality, proven over the years, speaks for itself. Such machines can last at least 20 years, and under proper operating conditions, up to 30. But we note that these durable automatic machines are also the most expensive, belonging to the premium class. Only a small part of Russians can afford them, so such washing machines should be out of the rating, since they are bought less often, which means that cases of contacting the service center will also be very rare (single). - The most reliable washing machines can be considered Asko, Electrolux, Aeg machines, assembled in Austria or Sweden. Their service life lasts from 14 to 20 years. Let's note this is quite good, such machines can easily compete with Miele, given that they are somewhat cheaper.
- In third place in this ranking are machines made by German and French manufacturers such as Bosch, Siemens, Hansa, Kaiser, Brandt. Such machines are designed for a service life of 10 to 16 years.
- Washing machines from Korean and Italian manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Indesit, Ardo, Ariston, Sital, Candy) have a service life of up to 8 years.
- Washing machines made in Turkey and China (Beko, LG, Samsung) operate uninterruptedly for 5-6 years.
- The most short-lived washing machines may be those assembled in Russia (Candy, Zanyssi, Vestel). This is the first time that such machines have been addressed to the service center for repairs after 3 years of operation. If high-quality original components are used in production, then it is possible that the machines will last 5 years.
The service life of a washing machine is determined by the number of hours it can operate. According to GOST, the average service life should be 700 hours. Compare with Miele, whose manufacturer claims 10,000 hours of automatic machine operation.
Factors affecting service life
The uninterrupted operation life of a washing machine depends on many factors. Even an expensive washing machine can unexpectedly break down, which will subsequently result in costly repairs. The service life of an automatic machine depends on the quality of components and the quality of assembly of the unit. Thus, Miele washing machines use only original parts assembled by hand, hence the high price of the products. But even Miele can break, and then repairs will be very expensive, because the broken part will have to be ordered from the manufacturer.
All parts of a washing machine have a different service life, so it is difficult to say exactly how long the machine will work. Electric motors are considered the most reliable in this type of technology. The manufacturers themselves provide a guarantee for them, as for example LG gives a 10-year guarantee for its engines. But such machine parts as heating elements, shock absorbers, and pumps generate their power faster. Therefore, during the development of the engine, any other part may fail.
The service life is calculated by testing washing machine models and conducting a series of experiments, and the average value is then indicated in the technical data sheet.
Operating conditions have a great influence on the service life. Very hard water leads to a reduction in the life of the heating element; small foreign objects entering the drum can damage the drain pump, pipes and the drum itself. In addition, without surge protection and grounding, the machine is much more susceptible to breakdowns. Some models of washing machines, for example Kandy machines, are very sensitive to this and can break if the voltage drops to 230 V.
The question arises, why then did old washing machines last longer than modern machines of the same brand? The answer lies in moving production from the brand's country of origin to other countries where it is cheaper to organize production for a number of reasons. For example, washing machines are assembled under the Bosch, Candy, Samsung, and LG brands in Russia, China, and Poland.
The quality of components and assembly of such machines leaves much to be desired. Not everyone uses original spare parts, as a result of which the cost of products is significantly reduced. When purchasing a Bosch machine for $250, you can forget about German quality. But nevertheless, most consumers are ready to purchase just such washing machines, because they are attracted by the price. As for the manufacturer, it is also beneficial for him to make his products less reliable so that they buy and update equipment more often.
Let's take an example: the Electrolux company, which opened production in St. Petersburg in 2005, produced high-quality washing machines. However, in 2008, the plant had to be closed with a loss of 8 million euros due to the lack of competitiveness of the product. The cost of the washing machines was 1.5-2 times higher than the average cost of washing machines of the Indesit, Zanussi and other brands. Russian consumers simply did not want to purchase expensive equipment, despite its quality.
Tips on how to extend service life
No matter how expensive or cheap a washing machine is, its service life can be extended or, conversely, shortened. And if your machine is of an inexpensive class with a service life of 5-8 years, then it can be extended for another 2-3 years. Here are the basic tips to help you do this:
- Unplug the machine after washing.
- Observe rules for using the washing machine.
- Wash and clean the machine regularly.
Important! The consumer will not be able to influence how long the machine will last if it has a manufacturing defect, as well as in the event of force majeure due to a sudden and strong surge in voltage during washing.
You need to take care of your “home assistant” after each wash; you must drain the remaining water through the drain filter, rinse, and then wipe the powder tray dry. Be sure to wipe the cuff as well, since water stagnates in it, emitting an unpleasant odor. Clean the machine from scale You can do it once every 2-3 months, and if you use hot water washing very often, then once a month.
So, what conclusion can be drawn from the above? And the conclusion is very simple: the service life of an automatic machine depends mainly on the quality of spare parts and assembly. It can range from 3 to 20 years. In practice, the average service life of such machines is from 7 to 10 years. Good luck with your choice and reliable equipment!
Interesting:
30 reader comments
I have Indesit, 8 programs with drying. Purchased in 1996.
Actively used, never broken! Today is summer 2017! Like this!!!
You bought a washing machine in 1998 (remember?). Then the assembly was native and real European quality. There is no such thing in our country now! By the way, the household appliances that were purchased in those days also still work!
Ariston Margarita 2000 – broke today)
I have a Bosch model wol1650pl that has been working since 2002. It worked for exactly 15 years without problems and today it stopped squeezing and draining the water. Probably the pump. I will watch.
What nonsense about Zanyssi, that it is the most short-lived. Ours served faithfully for 18 years. I ground nails, coins and bones from the bodice and no matter what! It would work, but there are no such spare parts in the service anymore!
good day, Elena! We have a ZANUSSI FLS 552C, purchased in January 1998. - but Italian assembly. Hence the quality. Relatives have now looked at the Ukrainian-assembled Zanussi ZWSH6100V, and the documents indicate “1 year warranty”! What can we talk about?
Elena, your Zanussi has nothing to do with modern Russian culture. Just one name has been preserved. And inside there is a disposable non-separable tank, a cheap motor and that’s it. If he lives for three years, he will be happy.
I have a used Zanusi from Norway, it’s been there for 5 years and we’ve been plowing for 13 years. Everything that is done for us and with us is rubbish.
I bought Beko in December 2002. I still use it.
I had a “grief” the other day. After 15 years of work on a Samsung machine (Korea, at that time I bought the cheapest one, even without a display and a section for air conditioning), the bearing flew. Repairs will cost 5 thousand. I think it’s worth repairing, maybe it will wash for another 5 years. And according to reviews, new machines don’t work as much.
I've had a Bosch since 2001 and it's still in use. The heating element was changed twice. It washes great, although it is bulky.
My Beko takes on water and doesn’t turn on. It worked uninterruptedly for 9 years, there was not a single repair. What should I do, throw it away or send it in for repair?
For repairs!
Check - change the heating element.
Electrolux – haven’t used it for a year!
Ariston as1047ctx has been in service for 19 years, I changed the shock absorbers and soldered the relay on the electrical unit myself.
BEKO since 2001. It broke down in June 2018. The drum fell off. Result: 17 years without breakdowns with one heating element replacement. Turkish assembly.
I have a Samsung machine, bought 11 years ago. I washed it very often. It's broken. The drum has stopped spinning, but it still collects and drains water. I don’t know if it makes sense to repair it or look at a new one...
Is it worth repairing a washing machine that is 15 years old - Ariston Margarita.
I have LG. The bearing has fallen apart. Worked for 11 years. After replacing the bearing, another 1 month. I went to buy a new LG.
I have a Siemens Siwamat plus 5433. Built in December 1995, it has been working for 23 years without problems, like new.
Zanussi 552c components – Italy. 1998 20 years of work. Only the capacitor was replaced. A very quiet, leisurely horse. And he doesn’t think of giving up. Outlived 2 girlfriends from the shop. Siemens and LG. They worked for five years and required replacement of the housings with drums, since they were not dismountable. Repair is more expensive than buying a new one.
Ardo WD 800l. We bought it in 1996, the pump recently broke, we replaced it and everything is ok!
Good afternoon. Please tell me, from what date does the warranty period for the motor of an LG washing machine begin? From the date of manufacture on the case or from the date of sale?
Zanusi has been operating for 15 years
I bought a new Atlant based on the price, my husband insisted. I wanted LG. Now the LG version has turned, but used, 13 years old.
I don't know if it's worth taking this one.
Ariston Aqxl-105, having been drumming uninterruptedly for 13 years, began to creak during the spin cycle. They opened it up, sawed the drum, replaced the bearings and oil seal, filled it with sealant, and assembled it. The old lady is resurrected :)
Indesit was taken in 2003, and it still works without problems. It seems like the belt was changed in 2009. We bought Ariston in 2014, it broke down today :)
Asko stopped heating water 2 years after purchase, which indicates high reliability :)
Bauknecht. Purchased in 2003. Has endured a lot of abuse and an uneven floor. And now it works, but the shock absorbers have been changed and a bearing is needed.