Washing machines

Mine is a Siemens and the programme that I use all of the time lasts 1 hour and 37 minutes.

I have never used the pre wash because that apparently takes 3 hours! I bought my machine in John Lewis about 13 months ago and I have been pleased with it. I cannot remember the cost, it was not cheap but I am sure that I received a couple or more years free insurance with it. It is also quiet to run and it informs me when it has finished the cycle by bleeping.

I have a Bosch but it wasn't an expensive one about £250 it goes on and on (not forever probably) AO give you the best prices and deliver free probably the next day. If you talk to one of their on line sales staff they are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Have you looked at Miele. We bought ours in a John Lewis sale, and have been very pleased with it. It does a quick wash, but even the usual full, 40 degree wash doesn't take too long. DH was impressed when we bought it, as he said it was the quickest purchase I ever decided on. It's almost 10 years old now, and still as quiet as when new.

I set mine overnight to finish just in time for breakfast. I too would recommend AO and, of course, JL.

My washing machine is fabby , fast and furious .( 45 mins at 40* and 1000 spin) I've had it 5 years and it's never gone wrong - Hotpoint Experience . My previous one was Hotpoint too and lasted 13 years .

I had a Zanussi last time round and it had a 30 minute 40 degree quick wash. I had it for eleven years before the bearings packed up. I now have a Bosch which is good but the quick wash is 15 minutes at 30 degrees. I mainly only use that and a 40 degree wash which takes 1hr 3mins and spins at 1000. You can use the 'speed perfect' button to shorten the time on some of the longer programmes, but it is not as economical. Max speed is 1200 but I don't think I've ever used it. Miele are brilliant but were outside our price range when we were buying ours. Problem is now, so many brands are owned by other brands that you don't know what you're getting these days.

I have an Indesit. It's a compact one as I haven't much room in my utility room. It does up to a six kg load. You can't get bulky things in eg a duvet, but for two of us it is perfect. It has an eco programme that washes at 40°c and is finished in less than an hour. I would recommend it highly.

I have an LG which has quick wash with choice of 30/40 degree and two spin speeds which takes about 40 mins. I use that setting most of the time, just occasional hotter white wash. Had it for about 3 yrs, had a Zanussi for 10 yrs before that but the new ones are not the same quality.

I agree with charliegirl a Siemens is a good choice. I would definitely buy another. Mine has been housed in our garage for around 10 years. It has a short wash that lasts just over an hour. Not cheap but not as expensive as a Miele. Being without a washing machine is real pain. Let us know what you decide.

I also have an LG which I think is really efficient. 30/40 degree quick wash (47 mins I think) Has quite a few settings. Apart from the quick wash, I use the cotton quick and hand wash/woollen settings the most. Temperature range 30-95 degrees. Spin speed 400-1,400.

I've had it about 4 years - so far with no problems (that's asking for trouble isn't it!).