Beko WMA520

...my first impression of the Beko WMA 520 S machine. The dimensions of it are 60cm x 54cm x 85cm (width x depth x height) and it stands upright. It is a medium sized machine and it fit neatly under the kitchen worktop. Like most washing machines it is very heavy (a net weight of 67kg) and watching my husband trying to lift it into place was painful!

Once it had been installed (instructions for the installation process are included) ...
...addition to our kitchen. A fully automatic machine, it has a clear plastic front door, surrounded with silver plastic on which the handle is fitted. It is easy to open, you simply press your fingers behind the handle and it releases the catch. This door opens to the drum of the machine which can fit 5kg of dry fabric inside. A reasonable capacity used in most modern washing machines. It was then that I remembered the backlogue of soiled garments ... more

I am a newlywed and before I got married I lived at home, so never before did I have to think about things like washing machines and cookers. When my husband and I moved into our first place together it was a flat and washing machines were in the laundry, provided as a service by the landlord, and the cooker was there as part of the kitchen units. However, when we moved into our second place it was completely empty and we found we had to buy a new gas cooker AND a washing machine in the same week! Yikes!

I decided I wanted a silver one to match the contempory fridge-freezer we already bought previously; my husband was more concerned about the cost! However, he wanted to please me so while I was at work he went to Comet to choose our machine. As well as being silver I also requested it have a quick-wash function as this is more economical to wash with. I wasn't interested in computerised/technical machines, neither did I want a dryer as we can't afford the electicity it costs to run one, so I asked him to keep it simple.

I arrived home to find a lovely, simple-looking washing machine in my kitchen. Sparkly silver in colour I was delighted with my first impression of the Beko WMA 520 S machine. The dimensions of it are 60cm x 54cm x 85cm (width x depth x height) and it stands upright. It is a medium sized machine and it fit neatly under the kitchen worktop. Like most washing machines it is very heavy (a net weight of 67kg) and watching my husband trying to lift it into place was painful!

Once it had been installed (instructions for the installation process are included) I could really have a proper look at the newest addition to our kitchen. A fully automatic machine, it has a clear plastic front door, surrounded with silver plastic on which the handle is fitted. It is easy to open, you simply press your fingers behind the handle and it releases the catch. This door opens to the drum of the machine which can fit 5kg of dry fabric inside. A reasonable capacity used in most modern washing machines. It was then that I remembered the backlogue of soiled garments hidden in the laundry basket upstais...

The top panel of this model is simple by today's technology-mad standard, though this pleased me. I can not stand over-complicated machines and I always worry that more can go wrong with those types. On the left-hand side of the panel is the drawer where the detergent and fabric softener go. This drawer is divived into three compartments inside; two for powder and one for conditioner (all clearly marked). The second powder compartment is used depending upon the setting you have selected. It is white and pale blue plastic inside and is very easy to remove for cleaning purposes. The drawer pulls out as you push down on the pale blue syphon. On the outside of the drawer it has the 'AA' Classification and the maximum spin speed written underneath, which is 1200 rpm.

The rest of the top panel is made up of program selection dials and buttons. I'll continue describing from left to right. The next feature you come across is the programme selection knob. This is a fairly large, round plastic dial with a black line notched in to indicate the selection. On the surrounding plastic are seven categories to choose from: Synthetics: 60/40/30 degree options; Cottons: 90/60/40 degree options plus Intensive & Stain 60 and Intensive options; Delicates: 40/30 degree options; Woolens: 40 degree and cold options; Hand Wash; Rinse: Drain and Spin. You manually turn the dial to whatever service you require. The most time consuming, thus energy consuming washes are the 90 degree cotton and the intensive 60 degree options, which take about 90 minutes. The other wash times average between 45 - 75 miutes.

The next feature is the spin speed selector. This is a smaller plastic dial and gives 6 speed options: No Spin, 400 rpm, 600 rpm, 800 rpm, 1000 rpm and 1200 rpm (rpm means rotations per minute). The main wash categories include a spin as part of the cycle, but this is great for extra spin or if you use a delicate/synthetic programme for speed rather than gentleness. These programmes don't include a spin, so you can include one manually by waiting for the wash to stop, clicking the dial onto 'spin' and pressing start.

Next to this is the time delay selection button with three indicator lights to the left. This function allows you to set the machine for either 3,6 or 9 hours ahead. To make a selection you simply press the small square button until the desired setting illuminates, then press the 'start' button, which is next to it. This is a really simple yet useful function, especially if you're a busy person. I have found this to work for me without any problems or delays at all.

There is a row of five larger square buttons after this time delay button which are: Start/Pause/Cancel button: self explanatory really; Prewash: allows you to roughly wash your items before they go into a pre-programmed cycle. This is good for very soiled garments; Time saver; good if you're in a hurry; Extra Rinse (allows 4 rinses instead of the standard 3) and the On/Off button. All of the aforementioned auxillary function buttons have green lights above them to denote selection. Under these buttons is a row of three program indicator lights, with the words 'Ready', 'Wash' and 'Spin/End'. These illuminate green as the different cycles end/commence. There is a child lock safety function on this and all you do is simultaneously press the prewash and time saver buttons for three seconds. The prewash indicator light will flash continuosly to assure you it is workng. This is a must-have for people with small children and prevents them from operating the machine.

The bottom of the machine has a kick plate to protect the quality of the appearance and a pump filter cover. This filter is easy to clean and should be done every so often. You just press on the little raised clip and the plastic cover, which is hinged, lies down flat. You unscrew the cap and allow the water to flow, though this must be done when the machine has cooled down, otherwise you will scald your hands.

The machine stands on adjustable feet which enables you to adapt it to your kitchen/utility area.

This machine has a water-saving feature so that it only uses the amount of water it needs for washing, which is more economical. It also heats water as and when it needs it, rather than taking in hot water directly from the supply, which again makes it more economical. It is graded as A under the economy guidelines, and the spin is graded as B. It washes at 52 rpm. So how well does it wash...

After making all of the relevant selections, which was easy, we both stared as the water ran into the drum, paranoid that something was going to happen. Our eyes were glued to the clothes inside, staring at it as though something had to go wrong. It didn't! At least the installation was a sucess. The first program I used was the intensive 40 degree, but this took about 75 mnutes, which I feel is too long. After using all of the different functions I have settled for using the delicate 30 degree program with a spin. This only takes about 50 minutes and cleans the washing beautifully, as do all of the programs. It is also better for the environment to was at a lower temerature.

I have been really impressed with the results from this machine. It cleans really well and you are never left with powder residue on your clothes, which has been the case for me in the past. It distributes the powder and softener well and all of the laundry is left clean and fresh. It doesn't leave a residue in the drawer either, and hasn't blocked once.

It is very user friendly and great for people like me who hate unnecessary complications! If you are into hi-tech products, this will disappoint, but if you like simple this is an ideal choice.

I put it on a boil maintenance wash every 6 months as this cleans the pipes and helps prevent a detergent/grime build up in the system. You simply run the wash programme 'Cotton 90' without any laundry and using a little detergent. This is recommended in the manual that comes with the machine. This guide is simple and easy to follow, jargon free and has picture diagrams of the various parts being described.It has the model specification and all of the information you need, including a helpline number. There is a general maintenance section at the back of the manual and this includes diagrams for DIY maintenance, troubleshooting and who to call for further help.

The only disadvantage is that the pre-programmable options take so long. I have used the time saver button but found it only shaved off a few minutes. I think this is true of most modern washing machines, but how long can a garment be swished around in soapy water for before it's classed as clean? The washes are thorough and I wash towells/bed linen on the longer programmes, but I try to stick with my manual favourite.

The spin is violent and when we first saw it spin on full power we were concerned the thing might lift off! It doesn't vibrate much though it is quite noisy (sounds like an aeroplane engine warming up for about two minutes). I did expect this, though, as 1200 rotations per minute is fast! It's too loud to use on full at night if you live in terraced accomodation. However, it is very effective and the fabrics come out almost dry, which is great.

It cost us £199.99 from Comet and came with a years full guarantee and optional insurance as an extra.

So far I have been more than happy with my husbands choice. Nothing has gone wrong with it (yet!) and we have been enjoying fresh, clean clothes. I highly recommend this product.  

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