Hotpoint WD420 > Reviews > A Very Useful Washer/Dryer

Author's product rating:   

Performance	Excellent
Ease of use	Very easy
Durability	Satisfactory
Noise	Very low
Value for money	Excellent

Advantages:	High efficiency ratings .  Relatively quiet .
Disadvantages:	Some programs take a long time .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Well just a couple of months ago I moved into a new house with my girlfriend and so the first task was to equip the kitchen with some new appliances. Firstly and most importantly to us was a washing machine and so due to a lack of available space we decided to buy a washer dryer. The Hotpoint WD420 Aquarius model is the one we went for.

As you all know Hotpoint are one of the most recognisable names in the field of washing machines, however they do receive their fair share of negative press. However, due to the size matching our requirements and the price being within budget we decided to go for this model.

The hotpoint WD420 comes in various forms either silver or white (which ours is) and there are other similar models WD420G and WD420P to name a couple. Our particular one is the WD420 Aquarius which has a 1200 rpm spin rating. Its other variations offer differing spin speeds up to 1600.

This washer/dryer was ordered from Comet online, but is readily available on other well known electrical websites and retailers. I found that a decent discount was available online and so that is why we did it that way. We paid £320 for this and £10 for delivery charges.

Installation was very straight forward really. Simply remove the associated packaging and polystyrene bits and follow the clear installation guide provided. The machine is a cold fill only machine, so only one pipe connection is needed, and despite not being much cop at DIY, I managed with the help of the guide to successfully install the appliance within an hour. A wash is then performed with the machine empty and no powder as a test, and then you are ready to start washing.

The machines technical stats are quite impressive if you are into that kind of thing. It has a 6kg load capacity. It is rated B for energy efficiency, A for washing efficiency and B for spin efficiency, which makes it one of the most highly rated machines on the market in terms of energy efficiency. In addition it is a front loaded machine which is freestanding. It also has unbalanced load detectors and lack of water detectors to prevent any damage occurring to the machine due to these factors.

The washing part of the machine is very versatile and has many different programs to choose from. Ranging from a 'full' wash at 95 degrees down to a fast wash and handwash option for delicate items. The most popular program we use is F which is the standard wash at 40 degrees however it is the most inefficient use of the washer. A time saver button is also added for speed if your machine is not fully loaded as well as the option of prewash. Special spin options are also available to remove excess water or help to remove creases from your washing.

Drying is equally versatile, with the choice of high or low heat and the drying duration up to you. This also includes a cool tumble at the end of the drying program and to increase the life span of the washer, you are advised not to interrupt the drying program at any point.

PERSONAL OPINIONS

I have to say that I have been impressed with this machine. We were slightly nervous having read and heard several indifferent reports of various Hotpoint appliances in the past, however this machine has impressed us at this early stage. It is very quiet during its cycle, both washing and drying, and we have had no problems with leaks or with the electrics or dryer. There is every type of program that we are ever going to need, and several more that we won't!!! Finally we have found that it cleans the clothes very well indeed and also dries them well in quick time aswell.

To summarise I would say that this is a very good washer/dryer and at the £300 or so mark that it is now available for, it is an excellent mid range product at a lowish price whilst not compromising on efficiency or performance.