Hotpoint BWD129 > Reviews > Washing for England!

Author's product rating:   

Performance	Excellent
Ease of use	Very easy
Durability	Long
Noise	Low
Value for money	Good

Advantages:	Quiet, energy efficient, reliable
Disadvantages:	Drum slightly on the small side

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I chose my Hotpoint washing machine a little while ago when I had my new kitchen fitted. It’s actually a washing machine and tumble dryer combined as I didn’t have room to have two separate machines, I decided my best option was to go for the combined version. Having never had a tumble dryer before, I couldn’t wait to use my appliance for the first time.

The model I chose is a BWD 129 and is built-under, front loading model. I bought it from an Internet site called www.appliance-world.co.uk, and it cost me £420.00, which saved me approximately £45.00 if I had decided to purchase it from a high street retailer. I’ve purchased appliances from this site before and am pleased to say that the machine turned up at the time indicated, and in excellent condition.

My husband devoted the whole weekend to plumbing it in. I’m sure it’s not meant to take this long, but he had some problems in levelling the two front feet. We originally thought it was placed in the right position, but when the machine was switched on and it went into fast spin, the noise was deafening and the machine started to bounce around and bang violently against the two kitchen units it was positioned against. We knew this wasn’t right, so after several more attempts, he finally got the feet in the right place and it was considerably quieter!

The machine itself is 59.5cm wide, 81.5cm high and 54cm deep. Basically, a standard sized washing machine that slotted into where our old washing machine had been removed. It has a spin speed of up to 1200rpm and a drum size of 1-5kg (for washing) and 1-4kg (if you are drying clothes in the dryer). It’s a front loading machine with an energy efficiency rating of ‘B’ and a washing efficiency rating of ‘A’ – this compares very well to my old machine, which was ‘C’ rated on both fronts!

As it’s an integrated machine, it seemed to take forever for my husband to get the kitchen unit door screwed to the front of the washing machine door. It just didn’t hang right and this was the cause of much swearing and shouting. Finally, once it was fitted, it looked lovely. The control panel of the machine is placed on the top front of the appliance. To the left there is a detergent and fabric conditioner dispenser, which pulls out easily. I have also removed this lots of times to clean and it’s very easy to remove and then put back together again. To the right of the dispenser drawer is the LEDS, which when in use, lights up to show which wash cycle is being used. To he right of this is the drying programme button, which allows you to set which drying cycle you require. Further to the right again is the on/off/start buttons and to the far right is the programme button, which allows you to select which wash cycle is required. The knob is retractable. The centre of the knob has to be pressed in for it to pop out and so you can make your selection, and it stays still during the process of the wash cycle.

The LEDS provides information which tells you which was cycle is underway, including whether or not it is spinning, washing, drying, rinsing or on a delayed start. During the wash cycle, the LEDS gradually illuminates on to indicate which part of the cycle it has reached. If the LED is on, this always indicates that the door is locked. This is so that the door cannot be opened by accident. The LED has to flash before you are able to open the machine’s door and remove the clean laundry.

There are simply loads of wash cycles to choose from, but basically I tend to use the same ones each time. For example, 90 degree was for my towels, 60 degree for bed sheets and duvets, and 40 degree was for normal every day lightly soiled whites and colours. I also make frequent use of the delicate cycle for my woollens and silks, but tend not to use this cycle as often as the others.

I also love (sad, I know) the ‘Daily 30’ programme for synthetic fibres. This wash is designed to clean only slightly soiled garments for a short amount of time. It only lasts for thirty minutes and allows me to save both time, money and energy. With this cycle, I am able to wash different fabrics together (apart from silk and woollen items) with a maximum of load of 3kg. For this cycle I always use a liquid detergent though, s when I’ve used powder in the past I find that it does not always dissolve properly and can leave residue on my clothes – not a good look!!

There is also a useful ‘anti-crease’ function. This interrupts the wash programme and the washing is left to soak in the machine before the machine drains the water away. In order to make the water drain, I have to manually press the button to do this and then it will go into its spin cycle. I find this is good for delicate fabrics and those which tends to crease easily and need more water left in the fabric before they are hung out to dry.

The fact that the machine is a combined washer and dryer is for me a godsend. There are only three of us in the house, but when my daughter inevitably asks for something to be washed (and then dried) the same evening, as she is won’t to do, I am usually able to do this for her (depending on what kind of fabric it is though, as not all fabrics are suitable for tumble drying, obviously). There is a variable temperature button, which allows you to select which temperature I can dry my clothes at. Based on how wet the clothes are and what type of fabric I am drying, I am able to select either ‘Iron Dry’, ‘Hanger Dry’ or ‘Extra Dry’. I usually use the ‘Extra Dry’ for when I’m drying either towels or fluffy dressing gowns. There is also a cooling stage at the end of each drying cycle.

The machine also has a Delay Start – this can be used to delay the wash cycle by up to nine hours, although I must admit, I’ve never personally used this option. There is a Super Wash function, which apparently is used for when you need an impeccable wash, which is meant to be visibly whiter than the standard wash. I’ve used this once or twice, but to be honest I don’t really see a difference so I tend not to use this function much. There is however, a very useful Quick Wash cycle, which is very energy efficient and cuts the wash cycle by 30%. This wash isn’t compatible with the Super Wash function but I do use the Quick Wash cycle fairly often, particularly when I’m in a hurry to get clothes clean and get them hung out on the line. I find that although the was cycle has been reduced, that the wash is not compromised in any way and the clothes still come out of the machine just as clean as if I’d used the regular wash cycle. There are two spin speeds, either 1200 or 600. I tend to use the 1200 speed for most of my washing needs and use only the 600 when using more delicate items such as woollens or silks.

The machine is extremely quiet, even when on its fastest spin. I was very surprised at just how quiet it was when I first used it. Although I don’t know if this was due to the fact that my last one was very old and I used to be able to hear it when I was in the back garden with the kitchen door shut! Keeping the machine clean has also proved to be very straightforward. I always like to leave the door slightly ajar after I’ve been using it for a while, just until it has dried out. I think this avoids any unpleasant smells building up or mould forming. Sometimes, I dry it down with a tea towel if I’ve got time! The machine also has a self-cleaning pump, which does not require any maintenance.

All in all, I’ve been very happy with my machine. It washes perfectly, dries perfectly and I’ve had no problems so far. It’s easy to use, efficient and economical and comes with a full one year parts and labour guarantee. If anyone is looking for a new washer/dryer I don’t think you can go past this one and I for one would certainly recommend this make and model.

For more information contact Hotpoint on 08709 066 066 or visit their website at www.hotpointservice.co.uk